Patna: A remarkable story of courage and determination is unfolding in Bihar, where six young women from poor families are ready to take the driver’s seat – quite literally. These girls, who live and study at Nari Gunjan’s Prerna hostel, have successfully completed training to drive heavy vehicles and have received their licences. Soon, they may be seen driving the state’s Pink Bus service, a transport system designed especially for women passengers.
This success did not come overnight. The journey began two years ago when Nari Gunjan, an organisation working for the education and empowerment of Dalit girls, decided to train them as professional drivers. With the support of Maruti and the Transport Department, the girls were selected and sent to Aurangabad for a month-long Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) training programme. The training ran from 18 August to 16 September 2025 and focused on teaching the girls not just driving skills, but also road safety and vehicle care.
On Friday, the girls returned from training full of confidence and joy. Social Welfare Department Secretary Vandana Preyasi visited the Prerna hostel at Lalkothi to congratulate them personally. She said that the hard work of the girls and the efforts of Nari Gunjan had finally borne fruit. “Driving a bus is not just about operating a vehicle,” she reminded them. “It is also about taking care of the passengers and ensuring everyone’s safety.”
Padma Shri awardee Sudha Varghese, who leads Nari Gunjan, said that she was proud of these girls and the journey they had made. She explained that Nari Gunjan has supported them since childhood by providing education, food, and shelter, and now this training has given them a chance to be truly independent. “These girls are proof that with the right support, underprivileged children can achieve anything,” she said.
Each of the six girls has her own inspiring story. Ragini Kumari said that her family’s financial condition was very poor, but with the hostel’s help she was able to study and now become a driver. Baby Kumari said that she never thought she would be self-reliant, but now she feels proud that she will soon drive a bus. Gayatri Kumari said she was very happy to receive this opportunity and hoped to get a job soon to support her family. Anita, Aarti, and Saraswati also shared how this training gave them new hope, confidence, and a chance to inspire other girls to chase their dreams.
If these girls are hired as Pink Bus drivers, it will not only give them jobs but also send a powerful message to society – that women can take on roles traditionally reserved for men. Their courage and success will encourage many other girls from villages and small towns to step out, learn new skills, and become self-reliant.
