I come from a very economically poor family. Especially after my father’s death we somehow just managed to survive with my mother’s income of a part time domestic worker. My mother supported my decision to join Azad Foundation.
Though I was initially afraid since I had never left my immediate neighbourhood, once I started training, I never looked back. Now I can drive around everywhere, catch the local transport and travel to different parts of the city at all times of night and day. I don’t fear the roads anymore.

One of the biggest things I have learnt in Azad is about respecting myself. Coming from a poor tribal family with no father, my mother and I have faced a lot of insults and disrespect. The influential people in my area had never even spoken to us. All of that has changed. Once my photograph and story got published in a leading newspaper, people started talking to us. They would point at me and say – ‘she is the one who has become a driver!’ After I got my job at the Medica Superspecialty Hospital as a valet, I have become quite famous in my area. Now my dream is to build a house for my mother and take care of her. She has gone through a lot in life and deserves some rest and care. I will not marry unless the man is willing to respect my job and my mother. Azad has not only helped me get trained for a job and double our income—it has taught me to walk with my head held high.