Madhya Pradesh, [India]: Embarking on her first motorcycle ride to Leh in 2003, Divya Sandhu, a 38-year-old inspiring figure, has carved an extraordinary path over the last 19 years, etching her name in the annals of motorcycle history. Walking on the path of her inspiration, Kalpana Chawla, Divya crafted her journey with promising determination and resilience.
In a society where family support was scarce, Divya, the first female child in her family, defied norms. Undeterred by challenges, she left college to pursue employment, fueled by the dream of owning a motorcycle to satiate her wanderlust.
Divya’s journey took her beyond borders after tying the knot at the age of thirty-eight, even leading to her arrest for a non-pass entry in 2007. Her gallantry shone in 2009 when she saved a rape victim’s life during a trip to Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir. A survivor of a 2015 road accident that landed her in a coma, Divya emerged stronger, becoming a national player, motorcycle trainer, and swim coach.
Divya Sandhu, a survivor of a life-altering accident in April 2015, shares the transformative experience that led her to advocate for motorcycle safety. The incident left her with multiple fractures, compelling her to reevaluate the importance of proper safety gear, especially helmets.
Determined to make a difference, Divya Sandhu has launched a mission to promote motorcycle safety and encourage female riders nationwide. As the founder of the Divya International Women’s Academy (D.I.W.A.), a motorcycle training school exclusively for females, she has successfully trained over 150 women since its inception in 2017.
Divya, a motorcycle trainer and ride coordinator, has collaborated with multiple motorcycle brands such as Suzuki, KTM, Royal Enfiled, Triumph, T.V.S, Honda, and many more. She has an impressive track record of covering over 8,00,000 kilometres and riding around 40 motorcycles up to 2,500. She holds an L3 certification from the Apex Academy.
Besides her prowess on two wheels, Divya Sandhu brings over 12 years of experience in marketing and public relations, having worked with esteemed brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ritu Kumar, Lladro, and Rolex. Her diverse skill set includes expertise in off-roading, street riding, and tracks, making her a well-rounded professional in the motorcycle community.
Beyond her achievements in motorcycling, Divya Sandhu is a multi-faceted individual, engaging in activities such as painting, classical dance, state-level sports, yoga, and motivational speaking. Her commitment to social responsibility is evident through her role as an influencer for Monster Drink India and Motul India.
An adventurer at heart, Divya Sandhu’s zeal for exploration extends beyond her motorcycle exploits. She has traversed India’s scenic landscapes five times, all alone. Through thrilling journeys to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the captivating region of Sikkim, she has shared tales of experiences. From a 7-day trip featuring fly days to rides spanning 112 kilometres to Pelling, 100 kilometres to Gangtok, and a memorable 333-kilometre Royal Enfield Himalayan expedition, Divya Sandhu’s adventures weave a rich tapestry of discovery and resilience on the open road.
Divya Sandhu’s impressive records include several feats recognised by the India Book of Records, such as completing a 5Lac km motorcycle expedition, covering 25,000 km in 45 days for the cause of education and against child labour, and accomplishing round-trip expeditions in record time.
As Divya Sandhu continues to break barriers and inspire others, her journey stands as proof of the indomitable spirit of women in the world of motorcycling.