Mysuru: Celebrating Kannada pride and promoting women’s empowerment, around 35 women auto-rickshaw drivers took out a unique procession in Mysuru on Sunday as part of Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.
Driving through JLB Road and other parts of the city, the women, operating under the banner of ‘Auto Sakhiyaru’, waved Kannada flags and highlighted the growing participation of women in the transport sector. The procession showcased their professional achievements while conveying a message of gender equality and financial independence.
The initiative also carried a strong social message, with the participants pledging to provide free autorickshaw rides to visually impaired children, pregnant women and economically disadvantaged senior citizens.
Auto Sakhiyaru promote women’s empowerment
Nearly 35 women auto-rickshaw drivers participated in the procession, which aimed to celebrate their contribution to society and encourage more women to enter the traditionally male-dominated transport sector.
Lakshmi of Taliru Foundation said the initiative was organised to recognise the achievements of women drivers and create greater awareness about the opportunities available to women in driving-related professions.
She said the foundation was extending all possible support to women auto drivers, including life-skills training, to help them become financially independent and develop self-confidence.
“Our objective is to encourage more women to choose driving as a profession,” she said.
The procession provided an opportunity for the participants to demonstrate their solidarity and share their experiences as women working in the transport industry.
By taking to the streets with Kannada flags, the drivers combined the spirit of Kannada Rajyotsava with a broader message about women’s participation in economic and social activities.
Free driving training and licence assistance for women
The programme was led by master trainers Lakshmi and Manasa, who addressed the participants and announced additional initiatives to support women interested in taking up driving professionally.
They offered free autorickshaw and car driving training for women who wished to learn driving and explore it as a career option.
The trainers also assured assistance in obtaining driving licences, an important step for women seeking to enter commercial driving and become self-employed.
The initiative is expected to help women overcome some of the practical challenges associated with entering the transport sector, particularly those who may lack access to formal training or guidance.
The organisers emphasised that driving could provide women with an opportunity to earn independently, support their families and build confidence through financial self-reliance.
Free rides pledged for vulnerable sections
Adding a humanitarian dimension to the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations, the women drivers pledged to offer free autorickshaw services to three groups: visually impaired children, pregnant women and economically disadvantaged senior citizens.
The participants presented the commitment as their contribution to society on the occasion of Karnataka’s state formation celebrations.
The initiative seeks to make local transport more accessible to people who may face difficulties arranging affordable and convenient travel.
For pregnant women, access to transportation can be particularly important when attending medical appointments. Similarly, free rides could help visually impaired children and financially disadvantaged elderly people with their mobility requirements.
The pledge also demonstrated how professional groups can use public celebrations as an opportunity to promote community service and social responsibility.
Encouraging more women to enter the transport sector
The Auto Sakhiyaru initiative highlights the changing role of women in urban transport and the growing opportunities for them to pursue professions traditionally dominated by men.
Women auto drivers not only contribute to the city’s transport network but also serve as examples for others considering self-employment and independent livelihoods.
Through driving lessons, life-skills training and licence-related assistance, the organisers hope to create a supportive environment for women entering the profession.
The Kannada Rajyotsava procession thus went beyond a conventional celebration of linguistic and cultural identity. It brought together Kannada pride, professional solidarity, women’s empowerment and a commitment to social service.
With around 35 women drivers participating, the initiative sent a message that women can take the lead in public life, build independent careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.