Rekha Karthikeyan, a fisherwoman from Kerala, is the only Indian woman to obtain a deep-sea fishing license. A native of Eathai Beach in Thrissur’s Chakkavad, she has been navigating some of the most unpredictable sea routes over the past few years. She has turned into a role model for women in an industry largely dominated by men.
Early Life Rooted in the Sea
Born and raised in Kerala, a state famous for its long coastline and a flourishing fishing business, Rekha was influenced by the sea from an early age. It shaped her aspirations and motivated her to take a leap from sea fishing to the more challenging environment of deep-sea fishing.
Rekha’s day begins at dawn. While her four daughters are still asleep, she and her husband, Karattu Karthikeyan, head out into the waters off Chavakkad, guiding their boat through rough seas in search of a good catch.
It was not an easy task for Rekha to get into deep-sea fishing. She had to battle through many challenges, such as financial limitations, societal judgment, and the lack of formal opportunities. However, the biggest challenge Rekha had to face was the social challenges of getting into a field dominated by men.
Deep-sea fishing demands a variety of skills that include the operation of fishing vessels as well as navigating the unpredictable waters of the sea. It also demands managing long voyages away from the shore, which are often in difficult situations. Rekha was committed to mastering these by acquiring practical knowledge in the management of vessels, sailing through the waters of the sea and mastering the challenging situations of the sea.
A Landmark Achievement
Obtaining a deep-sea fishing license demands not only expertise but also approval at various levels. Rekha not only proved her own skills by obtaining her deep-sea fishing license but also displayed resilience and the ambition to create a new benchmark for women in India.
Rekha’s success story is not only about her own success; it is also about inspiring a whole generation of women from the coastal regions of India. Her success story shows that women can achieve anything they want if they have the guts and determination to do so.
