Each morning at 6:30 am, the streets of Kalyan see a unique sight: a woman driving an auto-rickshaw with her young daughter, Teju, seated beside her. Komal Gaikwad, a resident of Thane, has turned this daily routine into a means of survival for her small family. A recent video showcasing her story has garnered significant attention on social media platforms.

Background of Challenges Faced

Komal hails from Parbhani, where she aspired to pursue her education. However, financial constraints hindered her academic ambitions, forcing her to drop out after completing Class 10. In 2018, following her marriage, she relocated to Kalyan. Her husband initially worked as an auto-rickshaw driver but left for their hometown when Teju was just a toddler and did not return, leaving Komal to shoulder the responsibilities of raising their daughter alone.

Job Shifts Amidst Adversity

In the absence of a support system, Komal began working as a security guard. However, the extensive hours and the lack of childcare options made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain that job. Realizing the need for work that would allow her to be with her daughter, she decided to become an auto-rickshaw driver.

The Journey Begins

Starting with a rented auto, Komal honed her driving skills while keeping Teju safe and close to her side. Early attempts to create a sleeping area for her daughter in the back did not yield positive results; Teju felt distressed by the separation. Consequently, Komal ingeniously fashioned a small wooden seat beside her driver’s seat to ensure Teju could stay nearby throughout the day.

Financial Progress and Future Aspirations

Today, Komal earns a daily income ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 500. Her determination has also led her to purchase her own auto-rickshaw on an EMI plan, signifying a significant step towards financial independence. Komal’s primary objective is straightforward: she aims to provide her daughter with a quality education, specifically seeking to enroll her in an English medium school, thereby offering her opportunities that she herself could not access.

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