Ahmedabad First Differently Abled Auto Driver – Ankita Shah Inspirational Journey

Speaking of her tumultuous journey, she says: “I was only one year old when I lost my right leg to polio. She must have been amputated. She was fortunate that her family encouraged her to complete a bachelor's degree in economics and do something for herself. The world, in general, was not so encouraging. "

The following years proved to be extremely difficult for the new graduate. In 2009, she moved from her hometown of Palitana, Gujarat, to Ahmedabad in search of a job.

"I have been rejected in many job interviews. And it wasn't just because I came from a small town or because I didn't speak English. It was because of my prosthesis. Some have even said that when they see people with disabilities working in their company, it damages" their reputation - says Ankita.

However, as the eldest child of a family of seven, she had responsibilities. When the offer arrived, she accepted the job she got - whether it was in a call center or a real estate company, or even as a hotel housekeeper.

But none of this work matched his potential or qualifications. She knew that she deserved more, and after nearly a decade of working multiple jobs to survive, she decided to take control of her own life.

“In 2019, my father was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which forced me to reconsider my life and career. I needed to be financially independent, but not at the mercy of anyone. I also needed the flexibility to find a balance between work and my dad's salary, and that wouldn't provide me with a full-time job. So I decided to start something myself, ”says Ankita, who started driving auto rickshaws the same year.

With the help of her friend and co-driver Lalji Barot, who also qualified, she began to learn to drive. She also helped Ankita get an auto-rickshaw suitable for hand brakes, which turned out to be the wind under his wings.

"Every morning I leave at 10:30 am and travel by ferry until 8:30 pm in the area between Chandkheda and Kalupur station." On the days when I take care of my dad at home, I can adjust my timing accordingly. Running a rickshaw allows me to be flexible that way, ”she says, adding,“ With my rickshaw, I earn double the amount I earned in my previous jobs. To increase my income, I also joined the booth aggregation platform. “Driving a rickshaw has saved Ankita 25,000 rupees a month.

Today, she is not only the main breadwinner of his family but also an ideal hope and positivity for society. "My father's health has improved and thanks to his support I am stronger than ever."We hope her story inspires women and people with different abilities, and we hope it reminds them of their potential. A strong support system will always help, but we also need to realize that we are our greatest strength. All we need is to believe in ourselves, “ - she concludes.

Shell India recently launched the “Great things happen when we move” campaign as part of its ongoing efforts to become a trusted partner in the country's progress. Through this campaign, Shell aims to celebrate the unwavering spirit of Indians, their dreams and desires, as well as their inspiring journeys. The campaign encourages Indian women to step forward, move forward, and pursue their dreams by highlighting the exciting stories of women like Ankita. At the heart of their stories is the discovery that mobility is a key factor in people's progress.