To give wings to dreams, you need courage and determination, not wings. This is proven by Anu, a simple but determined young woman from Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, who is now known as “Scooty Didi.” Despite a lack of resources, social pressure, and limited opportunities, Anu not only took steps toward self-reliance but also played a key role in empowering rural women.
Anu was born into a modest rural family with a poor financial situation. Their income was limited, and a hesitant and narrow-minded mindset regarding girls’ education still prevailed. However, Anu’s thinking was completely different. She always aspired to do something new and stand on her own two feet. Despite difficulties and adversity, she continued her studies and earned a Master’s degree in Economics. This achievement itself was a testament to her struggle and perseverance.
Anu’s goal wasn’t simply to earn a degree. She knew that education alone wouldn’t lead to employment unless she possessed skills. With this in mind, she joined the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) and received training in sewing and embroidery. This training gave her the opportunity to take the first strong step towards self-reliance. But her dream wasn’t limited to just that.
Anu’s next step was mobility. She wanted to be able to ride a scooter herself, so she could travel from village to village, meet women, train them, and contribute to changing their lives. However, for a rural girl, riding a two-wheeler was considered unusual in society. To achieve this, she had to battle not only self-doubt but also the conservative mindset of society. It was there that the Pratham Foundation trained her to ride a scooter. When she first took the scooter’s keys in her hand, people taunted her, “How can a girl drive a car?” or “Why wander around?” But Anu remained steadfast. With her confidence, she ignored these comments, continued practicing, and soon became proficient at riding.
Gradually, both her confidence and skills grew. She began to travel freely through villages, connecting with women, motivating them, and inspiring them to become self-reliant by sharing her journey. This was the turning point when she decided to start her own driving school to teach other women how to drive. This initiative was a revolutionary step towards women’s independence and self-reliance in rural areas.
In 2023, Anu, with limited resources, started the “Women’s Two-Wheeler Training Center.” Initially, only 2-3 women received training, but that number soon grew. Today, she has become known as “Scooty Didi” throughout the block and district. She has trained over 30 rural women to ride two-wheelers, many of whom are now able to commute independently to work, such as schools, Anganwadis, health centers, or banks.
Anu’s initiative has not only brought confidence and independence to women, but has also changed social perceptions. Now, people in villages send their daughters and daughters-in-law to Anu to learn how they too can “ride their dreams.” She has been honored by various government and non-government organizations for her achievements. Recently, she was awarded a certificate by the district administration for her outstanding work in the field of women’s empowerment. Anu dreams of teaching 1,000 women how to drive in the coming years, and to this end, she plans to soon open a four-wheeler driving school.
Anu’s life is proof that if one’s resolve is strong, no obstacle is insurmountable. Her story is an inspiration to every woman who wants to break free from the shackles of society and move forward. Scooty Didi Anu demonstrated that true strength lies not in external means, but in inner strength and determination.
