– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
She is just 13 and has flown a jet plane, driven a train, lorry, bus, tractor, JCB, crane and all other surface vehicles. Spread over a decade’s time Rifah Taskeen’s exceptionally brave stunts and record performance in driving various vehicles is talk of the town in Mysore. As is the father so is the kid.
Rifah’s father Tajuddin was a good racer of his times. After marrying a school teacher Bibi Fatima, he was very ambitious to make his son a stunt master. But he was blessed with a girl child. The daughter did not show much interest in pursuing his dream. However, the second daughter Rifa turned to be more than a boy. Unbelievably she started moving vehicles as early as 3rd year. This delighted the ambitious father and who is her best guide and mentor.
Tajuddin is a small-time businessman, his income was insufficient to meet the challenges, Rifah’s mother stepped in to push her daughter ahead. Her salary’s major portion was dedicated to train Rifah in driving various light and heavy vehicles.
At the age of 8 she had already driven 14 types of multi wheeler vehicles. Rifah drove a lorry, Mahindra Bolero, Tata Ace, Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Fortuner, Maruti 800, Maruti van, Maruti Esteem, Maruti Zen, Santro, Ford, an ambulance, a Hyundai Verna, a Tata Indica and a Quad bike among others.
In the Daserah festival she was made the chief guest though she was just six years old. It was all due to her outstanding stunts. She registered her name in Golden Book of World Records and the certificate was awarded by Sonia Gandhi. With her influence Rifah was able to fly Jet plane in Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore.
She is good in studies and is engaged in social service too. During Covid times, out of her pocket money she planted 3000 saplings in the city. The Mysore Urban Development Authority MUDA was quick enough to make her its brand ambassador of Swachita Abhyan.
The little girl was quite influential in getting oxygen cylinders and admission in hospitals to the ailing patients during the tough times of Corona. A devout Muslim, and a Karate player, young Rifah is aiming to enter into Guinness Book, Limca Records and other such prestigious records. Above all she intends to be a fighter pilot in Indian Air Force and serve the nation. A favourable luck, all encouraging parents and the brave girl is likely to set more wonderful landmarks in future.
