Discovering a passion for operating order picking trucks, Pinky Bag took a bold step to train and excel in the role. Now handling up to 6,000 orders daily, Pinky not only breaks barriers but also inspires other women in the warehouse. Read on to know how Pinky balances her passion and her role as the breadwinner of her family
I am Pinky Bag. I am from Dankuni, an industrial town in the Hogghly distract, located in the outskirts of Kolkata, West Bengal. My life at home is simple but challenging. My father has a hearing disability and is unemployed, and my mother is a homemaker. With my older sister married, the responsibility of running our household falls on me. It’s not always easy, but it’s what drives me to keep pushing forward.
Three years ago, I heard about a job opening at Flipkart through a friend. I joined the organization as a Senior Assistant in the Inventory Management Team. At that time, I had no idea that this job would open doors to a role that would enable growth in surprising ways. I was working behind the scenes to keep the inventory running smoothly.
But then, something caught my eye – the order picking forklifts moving effortlessly through the warehouse. As I watched them being operated, I couldn’t help but think, “Why can’t I do that too?”
So, I decided to take a leap. I approached my superiors, expressing my interest in becoming an Order Picker Forklift Operator. The idea of mastering a machine that big, of doing something no other woman here had done, thrilled me. There was also the practical side – being an OP Operator came with better pay, which was important since I’m the sole breadwinner in my family.
With the help of my seniors, I was soon enrolled in the training program organized by a vendor. The training period was intense, with 15 days of hands-on sessions. I remember those days vividly – learning the ropes, making mistakes, and gradually gaining the confidence to operate the vehicle on my own. It was nerve-wracking at first, knowing that everyone was watching, but I pushed through. And when I finally got my certification, it was a moment of pride, not just for me but for all the women who work here.
Today, I handle up to 6000 orders per day.
Every day, when I drive the OP forklift, I see the other women in the warehouse looking at me with admiration. I hope that I’m opening doors to new possibilities for them.
But my journey doesn’t end here. I’m already setting my sights on the next challenge – learning to operate the AFL, or Articulated Forklift. It’s a more complex machine, but I’m ready for it. The more I learn, the more I can grow, and the better I can support my family.
I’m geared up for the Big Billion Days. This will be my first BBD as an OP Operator, but I’m confident that I’ll manage it.
When I’m not at work, I find solace in painting. It’s been a passion of mine since childhood, a way to express myself and unwind after a long day. I proudly display my creations at home. It makes me happy.
