“Learning to Drive is a Path to Self-Reliance”: Chhaya Gangan Empowers Women Through Atharva Motor Training School

“Learning to drive is not just a skill, it is a path to self-reliance.” With this guiding principle, Chhaya Gangan from Lanja has successfully built a unique initiative that promotes independence and empowerment. Through her ‘Atharva Motor Training School,’ she has trained numerous women and men in driving two-wheelers and four-wheelers, helping them become truly self-sufficient.

A Journey that Began in 2019

Chhaya Gangan established Atharva Motor Training School in 2019. At a time when women’s participation in this field was extremely limited, she took a bold step forward with the encouragement and support of her husband, Mandar Gangan. Despite having no prior background in driving before marriage, she carved her own path through determination and hard work. A commerce graduate, she pursued her passion to “do something different,” and today her journey stands as an inspiration for many women in Lanja.

Training Over 250 Women

So far, around 250 women have received driving training through her school. This includes not only young women but also those above the age of 60. Many of these women had never even ridden a bicycle before, yet under her guidance, they gained the confidence to drive vehicles independently. Her trainees include working professionals, teachers, anganwadi workers, small savings agents, and homemakers. According to Gangan, her primary aim is to ensure that women do not remain confined to household roles but become financially and socially independent.

From Training to Driving Buses

One remarkable example of her impact is a woman working in a State Transport workshop who enrolled for training just six months before her retirement. After completing the course, she was not only able to drive two-wheelers and four-wheelers but also confidently maneuver State Transport buses within the workshop premises. Several women trained by Gangan have also gone on to start small businesses, adhering to road safety rules and using their driving skills as a source of livelihood.

Road Safety Awareness and Recognition

Beyond vehicle training, Chhaya Gangan has actively contributed to road safety awareness. Under various road safety campaigns, she has conducted awareness programs in schools and colleges. Her efforts have been recognized and appreciated by the Regional Transport Office, which honored her for her social contributions.

Chhaya Gangan’s story is a powerful example of how a woman who manages her household responsibilities can also successfully steer a professional venture. Her journey continues to inspire many, proving that with determination and vision, women can take charge of both their lives and their futures.