Once a school principal, now a car expert. Meet 73-year-old Jammu woman breaking age stereotypes with her excellent driving skills and proving that ‘dreams do not expire’

People say that age is just a number. But sometimes when individuals express their desire to try or experience something new, their wishes are often met with skepticism and doubt. At such times, one has 2 options: either listen to everyone around them and give up their dream, or turn a deaf ear to the negativity and criticism to follow what their heart truly wants. 73-year-old Vidya Kaur from Kathua District, Jammu and Kashmir, opted for the latter and guess what? Her one brave decision changed her life forever.

73-year-old woman’s dream of driving was met with doubt

If you happen to meet Vidya Kaur, you would not be able to help but admire her remarkable driving skills, given her age. But she is here to break stereotypes, and she does so effortlessly. According to a report by The Better India, the elderly woman got married at 19 and spent over 40 years teaching students at a school before becoming a principal. But all this while, she held onto the secret dream of driving.



After retirement, when most people think of resting, Vidya Kaur chose the road less travelled. She decided to learn to drive at 59, but her determination ran the risk of faltering when her dream was met with resistance by a local driving school, which told Vidya Kaur that she was too old to drive a car through the busy roads. However, instead of getting disheartened by the rejection, the elderly woman purchased her own car and convinced a neighbour to teach her.

Elderly woman can now drive like an expert

With an unwavering commitment, courage and resilience, Vidya Kaur practiced her clutch control, how to change gears, applying brakes and the art of steering with immense patience and precision. Just a month into her training, she had already mastered the fundamentals of driving and embarked on the roads with confidence. Now, at 73, Vidya Kaur can drive with ease through the bustling streets of Jammu like a true-blue expert, without any fear or insecurity.

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As per The Better India and the numerous videos circulating online, Vidya Kaur seamlessly manoeuvres through crowded markets, picks up friends, navigates through intersections, and can even parallel park like a seasoned driver with controlled speed and precision, capable of reaching speeds of 120 kilometres per hour when the road allows. In a video posted by Himachal-based podcaster Updesh on Instagram, revealed that Vidya Kaur has driven a wide range of cars, including BMWs, Audis, trucks and tractors.