The driving force: Thulasi Sai

Thulasi Sai, in order to be financially independent, drives an auto-rickshaw in Srikakulam city. A Class IX drop out; Thulasi learned driving the three-wheeler at the training camps conducted by Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) in 2016.

After the training, she bought an auto-rickshaw by taking a loan from the bank, which was recommended by BC Corporation officials.

“My husband works in a shop and the income was barely enough to provide for our four children. I wanted to help my husband in running the house and give good upbringing and education to our children,” Thulasi shares.

“Of Rs two lakh loan, which I took from the bank, till now I have paid five premiums of the total 24,” the 36-year-old adds.

Thulasi drives the auto-rickshaw from 8 am to 9 pm. “I am against the usage of loudspeakers in the auto-rickshaws as they create noise pollution, which is discomforting for people,” she signs off.

By: Chowdari Lakshmana Rao