PORVORIM: Coming from a small, economically disadvantaged family, Sandhya faced financial challenges from a young age. Despite this, she completed her SSC through an open school. Instead of pursuing further studies, she wanted to explore practical skills. “I’ve always had a curious mind,” she says. “I noticed that when bikes break down, I could learn to fix them. That’s how my journey into bike engineering began.”
Sandhya’s interest in bike mechanics was met with scepticism from others, but her family stood by her. “It wasn’t easy,” she admits. “But I persevered.” A year ago, she approached a garage in Porvorim to learn the trade. The owner, Dinesh Bhandari, was initially hesitant, as he didn’t believe a girl could do the job and be an asset. He eventually took her on, convinced by her enthusiasm, persistence, and relentless begging. “I don’t see myself as just an employee; I’m here to learn,” she says. “Every day is a learning experience, not just a job.”
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Sandhya candidly admits that she attends only to scooters, but she enjoys her work and feels this is her calling. In a job dominated by men, she is not at all ashamed to take on the work as the only girl in a job which involves grease and oil and physical work outdoors, leaving her face and arms black and scruffy. “No work should bring shame,” she asserts. “It’s all about dignity in labour.”
Originally from Karwar, Sandhya now considers herself Goan. She believes hard work and shedding societal stereotypes are crucial for the younger generation’s success. “I had no background in mechanics, but my employer supported me,” she says. “I am capable of doing most of the job by myself but prefer working as a team as I get to share views and learn more. I aspire to have my own garage one day.”
There are very few women who own a garage in Goa, or are mechanics – maybe from the older generation, but today, young Goan boys and girls hardly take up a mechanic’s job, she says.
In addition to her work, Sandhya is also learning karate, and has earned a brown belt. She dreams of opening her own karate studio someday. “The future holds endless possibilities,” she says with determination. “I’m ready to face any challenge head-on.”
With her dedication and resolve, Sandhya Harikant is not just fixing bikes; she’s breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender.
