In Bengaluru, auto driving—a traditionally male-dominated profession—has seen a transformative shift as women increasingly embrace it to support their families. This change echoes the legacy of Shankar Nag’s iconic portrayal in the film Auto Raja, but with real-life stories of resilience and empowerment.
Jancy BV, who grew up in Bannerghatta with a single mother, always dreamed of driving, inspired by her late father’s profession. Despite financial struggles and societal resistance, Jancy pursued her goal after marrying Vinod Babu, who supported her decision to drive their auto. With initial challenges and a customer complaint leading to a change in vehicle registration, Jancy now proudly drives her auto, dreaming of adventures like a trip to Ladakh.
There are over 2,000 women auto drivers in Bengaluru, supported by organizations like Peace Auto Union, led by Raghu Gowda. He trains women extensively, helping them secure loans to own their vehicles. Prathima Rajappa, a seasoned driver with Jai Karnataka Sarathi Seva Trust, emphasizes self-sufficiency and independence, training others and challenging societal stereotypes.
Daily earnings for these drivers range between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,800, though they face challenges like societal prejudice and lack of proper facilities. Manjula Ganesh, for example, struggles with inadequate hygiene facilities, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.
These pioneering women are not only changing their own lives but also paving the way for future generations, proving that with determination, barriers can be broken and new paths forged.