Thane: Kareena Aade Becomes Maharashtra's First Transgender Woman Rickshaw Driver

In a Joint Initiative by Rotary Club, Samarth Bharat Platform, and Atos India, widows, abandoned women, transgender individuals, and female waste collectors have been provided with free e-rickshaws. This initiative, launched under the slogan of "Samarth Rickshaw – An Ideal Rickshaw," is expected to send a strong social message in Thane, focusing on women's empowerment. Kareena Aade has made history by becoming Maharashtra’s first transgender woman rickshaw driver.

In the age of electric vehicles for environmental protection, the rickshaw segment had yet to see a significant shift towards electric models in Maharashtra. Through the efforts of Samarth Bharat Platform, Rotary Club of Lake City, and Atos India, 15 women from marginalised backgrounds—widows, abandoned women, transgender individuals, and female waste pickers—are being provided with free e-rickshaws. As part of this initiative, five women received their e-rickshaws. In addition to the vehicles, they are being given free training, driving licenses, badges, and full support to start their livelihood—serving as a tool of empowerment for these economically weaker and often overlooked sections of society.

The rickshaw distribution ceremony was held at the Rotary Center in Naupada, in the esteemed presence of District Judge Sonal Shah, Traffic Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Shirsat, Rotary District Governor Dinesh Mehta, Assistant Manas Singh Khade, TMC Education Deputy Commissioner Sachin Sangle, Club President Jagdish Chelaramani, Samarth Bharat Platform Director Ulhas Karle, Nikhil Sule, retired RTO officer Kamlesh Chavan, Prasad Tendulkar, Aniruddha Vairagkar, Prafull Ruiwale, and Anuradha Rode.

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In the past few months, nearly 20 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in the Thane region. Traffic Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Shirsat expressed his belief that if all drivers follow traffic rules, many such tragedies could be prevented. He further hoped that women e-rickshaw drivers would set a positive example in adhering to traffic norms, thus making the Samarth Rickshaws truly ideal vehicles.

The next phase of e-rickshaw distribution is scheduled for June 5, in celebration of World Environment Day, where the remaining 11 women will be given their rickshaws. On May 17, Kareena Aade (transgender), Savita Ranpise, Ratnavali Jadhav, Sangita Manjrekar, and Ujjwala Shinde were given free e-rickshaws.