Meet Jayakumari: Munnar’s jeep driver, karate teacher and cable TV operator all in one

Munnar, Kerala: In the hill village of Muthumudi near Munnar, Jayakumari is known as a woman who effortlessly balances multiple responsibilities, earning admiration across the region.

For nearly two decades, she has been driving a jeep along the rugged road leading to her home, a route dotted with loose stones, steep climbs and uneven terrain. In an area where difficult roads make transportation challenging, jeep driving became a necessity, and Jayakumari mastered it with confidence.

Also watch: An all-women-operated train flagged off from Ranchi on International Women’s Day  

But driving is only one part of her story. Jayakumari is also a karate instructor and is widely respected for teaching the martial art to students in the locality. Her discipline and determination have made her a familiar and inspiring figure in the community.

Life, however, brought an unexpected challenge when her younger brother, who operated a local cable television service, passed away. Determined to continue his work, Jayakumari stepped forward to take over the responsibility.

Today, she runs the Kerala Vision cable TV network in the area, successfully managing the business while continuing her other roles.