Meet Jilumol Mariet Thomas, the first woman in Asia to get a driver’s license to drive without hands – know her inspiring story
Jilumol Mariet Thomas made history when she became the first woman without arms to obtain a driver’s license.
Passions and determination know no bounds and Jilumol Mariet Thomas is an example of that. The 32-year-old, who hails from Kerala, has now become the first Asian woman without arms to obtain a driver’s license. Thomas deftly uses her feet to drive and accelerate through her life.
After waiting for six long years, she finally got her driving license and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself was handed over to her in Palakkad.
Watch Jilumol Mariet Thomas Driving
The inspiring journey of Jilumol Mariet Thomas
Due to a congenital condition, Thomas was born without arms. However, her determination and determination to be able to drive spurred the direction to do so. With the help of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and a private company in Kochi that modified her car with disability-friendly modifications.
According to reports, Jilumol Mariet Thomas always dreamed of driving a car, especially after losing her parents, so she could be independent. She learned to drive at Mariya Driving School in Vaduthala and approached the Thodupuzha RTO in Idukki district to apply for a driving licence. The RTO officials rejected her plea following which she firmly approached the Kerala High Court.
After the court intervened, Thomas took part in a test and drove a modified car for the MVD officials. However, officials again refused to issue her permit. She then finally approached the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. The Commission cited the example of Vikram Agnihotri from Indore, the first gunless man in India to get a driver’s license.
After this, she was finally able to receive the license this year. “Mobility was my biggest handicap and now I am excited because I got the license and overcame my biggest hurdle,” Thomas told news agency IANS. Thomas’ determination to apply for the license at all costs and not to give up after so many years. is an inspiration to many.