Specially-abled woman e-rickshaw driver breaking stereotypes in Rajasthan's Bhilwara

Bhilwara (Rajasthan) [India], Nov 26 (ANI): Defying societal norms 37-year-old specially-abled Maya Rathore drives an e-rickshaw in Rajasthan's Bhilwara to support her family.

Rathore said, "I always wanted to change people's thinking towards the disabled. I never allowed anything to cause an impediment in my dreams. My willpower to achieve my goal became stronger, with growing challenges."

Coming from a middle-class family, Rathore was attacked by polio at the age of six. She had to take her mother's help at every step, but that never stopped her from following her dream.

Maya continued her study and attained a Masters Degree in Political Science. She got married in 2005 and has two children.

"Earlier I used to do a private job but my salary was very low. After I became an e-Rickshaw driver my income has doubled. Today I earn Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 every month," said Rathore.

Rathore came to know about the state government's Rickshaw scheme while preparing for the Rajasthan Administrative Service examination.

Maya's first day as an e-Rickshaw driver was full of challenges. People questioned and mocked at her for the decision, and yet she did not lose hope and carried her work with the belief that every good work faces criticism.

Maya says that although men look at her with doubt, women call her for late night drops.

"I started my career thinking if women can fly fighter jets, why I can't drive an e-Rickshaw. Today I am an inspiration for both men and women," she said.

Though she faced several ups and downs in her life, Maya Rathore reinvented her life and has become a source of inspiration for many in the city now.