At 65, why this woman started driving an auto rickshaw: “I used to stay at home, but I realized …” – The Times of India

In conversations about ageing in India, life after sixty is often imagined as a time of withdrawal, slower routines, dependence on family, and a quiet step away from public life. But on the busy roads connecting Karad and Undale in Maharashtra, Mangala Awale is gently rewriting that narrative every single day. At 65, fondly known as Mangala Aaji, she takes the driver’s seat of her auto-rickshaw each morning, choosing movement over limitation and independence over expectation.Her decision is not simply about earning a livelihood; it reflects a deeper commitment to dignity and self-respect. Widowed early and shaped by years of hard work raising her children, Mangala refused to let age define the boundaries of her life. Instead, she embraced a role rarely associated with elderly women in rural India, turning an ordinary auto-rickshaw into a symbol of resilience, purpose and quiet courage. Scroll down to read more.

Choosing independence after a lifetime of responsibility

Mangala Awale’s life has been shaped by resilience long before she ever sat behind the wheel. Widowed while her children were still young, she raised four children single-handedly, working as a labourer to ensure they received education and stability. Years of physical work helped her build a family that could stand on its own feet; her son now works as a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) driver, while her daughters are married.For many, this stage of life would signal a well-earned pause. But Mangala saw things differently.As reported by BBC, she did not want to depend financially on her children despite advancing age and health challenges, including diabetes. Instead, she searched for a way to continue contributing, both to her own medical expenses and to her son’s household. The answer came unexpectedly: driving an auto-rickshaw.

Learning to drive at 65

With guidance from her son, Mangala learned to operate a rickshaw in just fifteen days. What might seem daunting even for younger learners became, for her, an empowering step toward independence. Soon after, she began driving passengers daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. along the Karad–Undale route.Her earnings, typically between ₹500 and ₹700 a day, may appear modest in economic terms. Yet for Mangala, the value lies elsewhere, in self-respect.

As mentioned in coverage by Punepulse, she explained her motivation in simple but powerful words:“I used to stay at home, but I realized sitting idle wasn’t helping anyone. So, I learned to drive a rickshaw, with my son’s guidance. It turned out to be a wonderful decision. Everyone should try to show this kind of courage… I drive the rickshaw to help with my son’s household and my own medical needs… Driving doesn’t scare me at all, and the other drivers are very understanding, they even say, ‘Let the Aaji go first.’”Her statement captures something deeper than financial need, the emotional satisfaction of earning through one’s own effort.

Challenging stereotypes on the road

In many rural and semi-urban parts of India, elderly women are rarely seen in public professions, especially in roles traditionally dominated by men such as commercial driving. Mangala’s presence on the road quietly disrupts these assumptions.Passengers recognise her instantly. Fellow drivers offer encouragement and respect. What began as a personal decision has gradually turned into a symbol of possibility for other women and senior citizens who hesitate to step beyond social expectations.Her story also reflects a broader shift: ageing no longer necessarily means withdrawal from public life. Instead, it can become a phase of renewed agency.

Following the rules, setting an example

Mangala’s journey has not been without challenges. When transport authorities learned she was driving, she was asked to comply fully with licensing regulations. Rather than feeling discouraged, she chose to complete the official process and obtain her government driving licence properly, overcoming barriers such as limited formal education and rural background.This step reinforced her belief that independence must go hand in hand with responsibility. By respecting regulations, she demonstrated that empowerment also means accountability.

A story larger than one individual

Mangala Awale’s story resonates because it speaks to universal themes, dignity in work, intergenerational support and the desire to remain purposeful regardless of age. Her daily rides are not just commutes for passengers; they are moving reminders that courage often appears in ordinary forms.At 65, she has not set out to become a symbol. Yet through persistence and quiet determination, she has become exactly that proof that independence is not defined by youth and that sometimes the most powerful revolutions begin with a simple decision: to keep moving forward.