Bharat Ki Laxmi: Shila Dawre - India’s 1st woman auto-rickshaw driver

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 29 launched a campaign titled #BharatKiLaxmi aimed at creating a social media dialogue to honour women. To give a boost to the initiative, Government of India's citizen engagement platform on Twitter shared the story of Shila Dawre, India’s first woman auto-rickshaw driver. The post mentioned Shila Dawre defied stereotypes and fought through the obstacles and boasts of having driven for over 13 years. Here is the tweet shared by MyGovIndia:

An inspirational story

In the year 1988, Dawre came to Pune from Parbhani district to become the country’s first female auto-rickshaw driver – in what is still considered a male-dominated profession. She started driving autos when regular drivers went on leave and soon saved enough money to buy her own. She has been recognised in the Limca Book of Records and conferred with 'First Ladies' award. "I never took up the profession to make a record, In fact, I was unaware of the Limca Book Records bestowing the title upon me until I was approached by people," she says in a video interview with a Pune based website. She also dreams to start an academy for women interested in becoming trained auto drivers.

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PM Modi's appeal to honour the daughters of India

Addressing the citizen of the country during 57th episode of 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi had said, "There must be numerous daughters amongst us who, through their perseverance, diligence and talent have brought glory to their families, society and the country. This Diwali, can we arrange programmes to honour the Laxmi of India?" He added, "This time, let us do campaign #Bharatkilaxmi. Encouraging the Laxmi of Bharat amounts to strengthening the paths of prosperity for the country and her citizens." Soon after, #BharatkiLaxmi began trending on social media with people tweeting stories of women who have excelled in their fields. Here are a few examples:

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