Meet 18-Year-Old Arti, UP’s First Female Pink-E Rickshaw Driver, Honored with Prestigious Award in London

Arti, an 18-year-old rickshaw driver from a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, received the prestigious Amal Clooney Woman Empowerment’s Award in London. The award is named after renowned English Barrister Amal Clooney and is sponsored by the British charity, Prince Trust’s national. She has been recognised for inspiring other young girls through her work with the government’s Pink E-rickshaw initiative.

What is Pink Rickshaw Initiative?

The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Mission Shakti scheme in 2020, which aims to empower women through protection, training and self-reliance. Under this scheme, the Pink E-Rickshaw initiative was launched, which provides training to women to drive e-rickshaws and information about traffic rules. It also aims to increase employment opportunities for women, especially widows and single mothers.

Arti was introduced to the Indian government’s pink e-rickshaw scheme in July last year. Her great contribution at a very young age earned her the Prince’s Trust Award. The award recognises, “the global work of young women who have succeeded against the odds and made a lasting difference to those around them,” according to the official website.

Arti Becomes UP’s First Pink E-Rickshaw Driver

After winning this prestigious award, Arti spoke to PTI and said, “I take pride in being able to inspire other girls who face similar challenges. This newfound independence has allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfill not only my dreams but also those of my daughter.”

Further, she also had the opportunity to meet King Charles in Buckingham Palace. She called it an “amazing experience” and also revealed that he listened carefully to her speaking about her love for driving e-rickshaw, which, she claimed, “does not run on polluting diesel or petrol but one that I charge at home every night.”

Arti who has a 5-year-old daughter, expressed her desire to “inspire other girls who face similar challenges.” She added that her newfound independence has “allowed me to see the world in a different light.” She also expressed, “Now, I am able to fulfil not only my dreams but also those of my daughter,