In the heart of Kerala, where tradition often intertwines with modernity, a young woman from Perambra, Kozhikode, is on the brink of making history. Salva Marjan , a 25-year-old motorsports enthusiast, is set to become the first woman from Kerala to participate in the prestigious Formula 1 Academy in January 2025. The academy is organised by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) .
She moved to the United Arab Emirates recently for better training and opportunities and is now preparing for the F1 Academy. A Dream Ignited in Rural Kerala Salva’s passion for racing was sparked at a young age, inspired by legends like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Despite coming from a small town, her dreams were anything but small.
Born on July 24, 1999, into a supportive family, Salva’s path was not without challenges. Financial constraints and societal expectations were constant hurdles. Yet, her parents, who never imposed gender-based limits, stood firmly by her side, allowing her to chase her dreams.
“They were lectured on how to bring up girls, how girls were not supposed to take up such risks or be so independent. But my parents never differentiated between us based on our gender. Neither did they set any limits for me,” Salva told media.
In a candid reflection on her journey, Salva Marjan shared the emotional and physical toll that chasing her dreams has taken on her. "You have to know yourself," she expressed, acknowledging the challenges that come with s.