Rani
“My husband doesn’t have a driving licence, but I have,” smiles Rani, who is the proud owner of an e-rickshaw. Recalling the pandemic period, she says: “It was a tough period for all, but more so for those, who didn’t have anything or very little. For me and my husband, it was just extremely challenging. We were both daily wage labourers, and it became impossible to support the family.” With the help of the Family Strengthening Programme, Rani was able to receive support to buy an e-rickshaw, which she and her husband drive. Says Rani’s husband: “When I don’t go out to put mehndi, I drive the rickshaw. Otherwise, it’s Rani at the wheel.” The pride in his voice is unmistakable. Rani’s children go to school, and she dreams of them becoming contributing members of society, someday. “The support I received extends beyond a single instance. I was inculcated in a self help group comprising of 16 members and we each managed to save INR 100 every month. I learnt the nuances of finances, accounting and child safeguarding, besides the importance of health and nutrition, hygiene and education.” Today, Rani and her family look forward to a bright future, one filled with dreams and aspirations.
