As a single mother at very young age, Savita Chindarkar had to struggle hard to take care of her two small children, and also look after her parents. But she did not lose hope… and RC Deonar, RID 3141, came to her rescue with its Pink Angels programme.
She underwent intense training in autorickhsaw driving, was tutored on road safety and after completing the programme, she got her licence to drive her pink auto. Already 60 women have hit the roads with their pink autos, “while 200 are being trained by instructors. The programme involves a four-day classroom session, followed by 20-day on road driving session,” said club president Alka Murli. Turning adversity into an opportunity, “Savita now stands tall with confidence that comes from self-assurance, financial independence and dignity,” said Alka. At the heart of her transformation is Rotary’s unwavering support.
Women who once hesitated to step forward, begin to lead, inspire others and become role models within their communities, thanks to the club’s Pink Auto project. Rotary is not merely facilitating livelihoods; “it is leading the way for real empowerment through the Pink Auto initiative that demonstrates how thoughtful intervention and sustained support can create lasting change,” said Alka.