From Hardship to Hope: A Woman's Remarkable Transformation
A thirty-five-year-old woman from Keonjhar district has become a powerful symbol of resilience and empowerment. Santoshi Deo's life story moves from the shadows of child marriage and domestic violence into the light of entrepreneurial success. The Odisha government recently highlighted her extraordinary journey, celebrating her as a leader who motivates other women to pursue non-traditional livelihoods.
A Childhood Cut Short and a Struggle for Survival
Santoshi faced early adversity when she married at just sixteen years old in Haryana. She endured years of painful dowry harassment and domestic violence within that marriage. Eventually abandoned by her husband, she returned to her home district of Keonjhar as a single mother. She carried a fierce determination to raise her daughter independently. Her daughter now studies in Class VIII in Bhubaneswar.
"I refused to surrender to adversities," Santoshi stated firmly. Her turning point came from an unexpected source. Inspired by seeing a woman auto-rickshaw driver working in Chennai, she decided to learn driving herself. This decision led to a historic achievement in 2015 when she became Keonjhar's very first woman auto-rickshaw driver.
Breaking Barriers and Setting New Records
Santoshi's pioneering spirit did not stop there. She continued to shatter stereotypes in the male-dominated transport sector. In 2021, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman to drive a Mo Bus, now known as Ama Bus, in Bhubaneswar.
Her ambition grew even larger. She trained to operate heavy machinery and successfully drove a massive forty-tonne truck at the Guali mining site in Keonjhar. This role is traditionally held almost exclusively by men, making her accomplishment particularly significant.
Driving for Justice and Faith Across the Nation
Santoshi's journeys have taken her far beyond the boundaries of Odisha. She once undertook an incredible drive of nearly sixteen hundred kilometers from Keonjhar to New Delhi in her auto-rickshaw. She made this arduous trip to pursue legal remedies for her domestic violence case and to seek support from national leaders.
In another demonstration of her driving prowess and devotion, she drove from Keonjhar to Ayodhya to attend the historic Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony. These long-distance travels showcase both her mechanical skill and her unwavering personal resolve.
Government Recognition and Supportive Schemes
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently honored Santoshi at a public event. He praised her as the "daughter of Keonjhar" and a brilliant symbol of Odia pride, courage, and perseverance.
Commerce and Transport Secretary Usha Padhee also commended her achievements. "Santoshi Deo stands as a powerful emblem of courage, choice and women's empowerment," Padhee said. "She exhibited how determination, and government support can transform adversity into leadership."
Santoshi is among the pioneering beneficiaries of the state's flagship Ama Su Vahak scheme. This program actively empowers women entrepreneurs within the transport sector. It provides comprehensive support through:
- Interest-free loans up to ten lakh rupees
- Subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles
- Strong institutional backing and guidance
The scheme aims to help women achieve financial independence by building sustainable livelihoods. "With the support of Ama Su Vahak, Santoshi today owns a four-wheeler and is emerging as a successful woman entrepreneur," Padhee added with pride.
Santoshi Deo's story is not just about personal triumph. It is a testament to how individual courage, combined with supportive government policies, can create lasting change and inspire an entire generation of women to dream bigger and drive forward.
