Gauri Tripathi, a remarkable woman from Bihar’s Bhojpur district, defies gender expectations by driving a passenger vehicle daily. For 10 kilometers each day, she ensures school children are safely transported to school and back home. Beyond just transporting students, she also serves other passengers on her route, challenging traditional norms in a field dominated by men. Gauri’s bold actions stand as a symbol of women’s empowerment, demonstrating resilience and equality in the face of societal expectations.
Since 2016, Gauri has been running RR Shiksha Niketan, a private school in Kasap village, Bihar, which caters to underprivileged children, many of whom come from distant areas. Initially, she had arranged for a driver to transport the children. However, after an incident in which the driver, intoxicated, crashed the vehicle into a pole—thankfully without injuring any children—Gauri took matters into her own hands. This accident served as a wake-up call, leading her to decide that she would learn to drive herself to ensure the safety of the children.
With determination, Gauri began driving the school vehicle, despite the stares she received from onlookers. Over time, her driving became an accepted part of the community, and today, she confidently drives students every day. Gauri’s journey serves as an inspiration to women, proving that no task is too small or too large when approached with commitment and self-belief. She continues to show that with determination, anyone can break barriers and make a meaningful impact.
