From Fields to Freight Trains: Munni Tigga’s Inspiring Journey Showcased on Republic Day
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Republic Day tableau this year celebrated Nari Shakti with a powerful theme—“Women in the Transport Sector.” At the heart of the display was the remarkable story of Munni Tigga, a 41‑year‑old locomotive pilot from Sundargarh district, whose journey from farm fields to freight trains has become a symbol of resilience and empowerment.
Born into a farming family in Hatibari village, Tigga excelled in academics but was forced to discontinue her studies due to financial hardship.
She worked as a farm helper and later as a factory labourer, cycling long distances daily to support her family. In 2004, determined to change her life, she resumed education and pursued technical training at Government ITI College, Bargarh.
Her perseverance paid off when she cleared the railway recruitment exam in 2011, joining as an Assistant Loco Pilot.
By 2016, she was promoted to Loco Pilot, now operating goods trains on the Palasa–Khurda route.
Married in 2013 and a mother of two, Tigga balances her demanding career with family responsibilities, ensuring her children receive the education she once struggled to access.
Her story, highlighted on Republic Day, is not just about personal triumph but also about breaking barriers in a male‑dominated sector.
Tigga’s message to women is clear: pursue your dreams with confidence and never bow to societal pressures.
