Truck Driver Jelaja Ratheesh Is Overcoming Prejudice On Women Behind The Wheel

In the past, women in India were always boxed into roles that men and society expected them to fulfil. Over time, the scenario started changing and many women are now pursuing what they want with courage and conviction. One such story is of Jelaja Ratheesh, a truck driver from Kerala, who proves that the road that’s less travelled is the most rewarding one. From steering through terrible terrains to managing a YouTube channel of adventures, inspiration, tips and techniques, knowledge and many more.
Let’s take a trip through her journey as Jelaja drives her truck through the country.

Jelaja’s beginnings, and a marriage on wheels

Jelaja was born in Koruthodu, Mundakayam and moved to Ettumanoor, Kottayam, after marrying Ratheesh in 2003. Ratheesh was a truck driver and the couple’s life was mostly centred around Ratheesh’s trucking business, which gradually expanded into a family venture called Puthettu Travels. For years, Jelaja watched her husband travel the country while she handled their home. Though she loved the idea of travel, she never imagined herself behind the wheel until… 2018.

In 2018, Jelaja Ratheesh passed a heavy vehicle license test but didn’t act on it until their wedding anniversary in 2022. She expressed her desire to accompany Ratheesh on a trip but only on one condition, that she would have to drive the truck herself. What began as a doubtful step turned into a never-ending journey. Today, she is comparable to any professional truck driver and can drive a fully loaded truck to Kashmir from Kerala. A single journey she decided to go on transformed her life and their families.

The actual and influencer roadmap

Jelaja’s truck vlogging journey officially began in February 2022. Since then, she’s covered over 22 states and travelled to neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Her vlogs offer a window into India’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. As she travels the country, transporting goods from plywood to onions, she shares her experiences with viewers. From sampling local delicacies to exploring ancient temples, she highlights the unique beauty of each region. Her goal is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for India’s diverse heritage.

Jelaja’s trips are anything but ordinary. Once, while traveling to Kashmir, her truck got stuck for six whole days because of landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Instead of getting frustrated, she decided to explore the local area. This meant walking two kilometers to find a hotel to freshen up and dealing with long lines of waiting trucks, all while being stared at by hundreds of male drivers. These experiences show just how adaptable and strong Jelaja is.

Trucks are a Puthettu family affair

The family’s trucking legacy inspired other members to follow Jalaja’s path. Her elder daughter, Devika, earned her heavy vehicle license at 20, while her sister-in-law, Soorya, is a licensed driver too! Together, these women want to reshape the narrative of trucking in India.
Jelaja is often accompanied by family on her journeys. Her 75-year-old mother, Leela, has accompanied her on multiple trips, including some visits to Mumbai and Haridwar. Leela enjoys the elevated view from the truck and prefers trucks over cars. For Jelaja, the truck is more than just a vehicle, it’s a home on wheels, equipped with a stove, folding chairs and a small table for preparing meals.

Challenges of road and life

Not just the thrill, Jalaja acknowledges the challenges too seriously. Clean toilets remain a rarity, forcing her to rely on petrol pump washrooms or people’s houses for short durations. Bathing is often limited to every two days and sleeping arrangements involve alternating between driving and resting in the truck’s cabin.

Security is another concern. During a trip to Meghalaya, thieves broke into her truck, but fortunately, nothing was stolen and nothing happened to her. Jelaja remains calm and is usually prepared for such situations. Unfortunately, almost every woman in our country is accustomed to being more cautious than a man ever need be.

Culinary adventures on the go

Food is an integral part of her travel experience. She ensures their truck is stocked with essentials like rice, curry, pickles and spices. While on the road, they usually prepare traditional Kerala dishes such as puttu, kappa, and kanthari chammanthi. Even though they are usually cooking in the truck’s setup, they say that it helps give a homely touch.

Breaking barriers, building bridges

Jelaja is part of a male-dominated profession, often arousing people’s curiosity and respect. Unlike a few, many fellow drivers and police officers often admire her capability and skills. Her journeys always inspire other women, and her motto is to prove that gender is no barrier to pursuing one’s dreams.

Ratheesh has encouraged and kept her emotionally stable through this journey. In fact, he even asked the drivers in his staff to bring their wives along, though none took up the offer.

From roads to reels

What began as casual video updates for friends has become a serious vlog for fans. The Puthettu Travel Vlog, managed by Jalaja and her family, has over 465K subscribers. The channel captures their adventures across India and beyond with stunning visuals and relatable commentary. Videos featuring Devika’s first drive and the family’s travels are viral, making the Puthettu Travel Vlog a household name among travel enthusiasts and businesses.

Jelaja dreams of driving a truck through every Indian state. Having already visited 22 states, she is eager to explore the northeastern regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. If successful, Jelaja will be the first woman to achieve this feat.
Beyond her personal goals, Jelaja hopes to inspire more women to consider unconventional careers if they really want to. All that she shares and conveys on her vlogs is to encourage more women to open up and step out of their comfort zone.

A long way to go…

No matter how far women go or how incredible their achievements are, society still finds ways to subject them to unnecessary criticism and outdated expectations. It’s frustrating, but also a reminder of why breaking barriers matters. Still, millions of women remain answerable to the men in their households. We all know change takes time, but this change must happen sooner. For those women who seek inspiration and adventure, Jelaja’s journey opens roads and holds endless possibilities to learn from and initiate.

Follow on Instagram / YouTube for A Free Trip Across India in a Truck.

Also Read: Gagan Srinivas a.k.a Dr Bro: Nomad From Kannada Nadu