‘Scooty Didi’ Becomes a Symbol of Self-Reliant India: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Applauds Enu’s Spirit

Chhattisgarh’s Daughters Are Now Agents of Social Change, Not Just Beneficiaries, Says Chief Minister

Raipur : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai praised the inspiring journey of Enu, popularly known as “Scooty Didi,” from the small village of Umarda in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district. He called her a true symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and commended her dedication, resilience, and contribution to empowering rural women.

“Enu represents the real spirit of a self-reliant India,” said CM Sai. “Her determination and courage are transforming the face of our villages. Daughters like Enu are no longer mere beneficiaries—they are leading social change.”

Enu’s remarkable journey proves that a strong will can overcome any challenge—be it a lack of resources, social pressures, or traditional mindsets. Born into a modest rural family, Enu pursued her education diligently and completed a postgraduate degree in Economics. Later, she joined the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) and received training in tailoring and embroidery. With a loan of ₹1 lakh, she started her enterprise and repaid the loan in time, setting an example of financial discipline.

Recognizing that mobility is crucial for women’s empowerment, Enu learned to ride a scooter through support from the Pratham Foundation. Despite initial ridicule and resistance from the community, she remained confident and undeterred. As she began connecting with women across villages on her scooter, she earned the affectionate title “Scooty Didi.”

In 2023, Enu established a Women’s Two-Wheeler Training Centre in her village. What began with just 2–3 trainees has now grown into a transformative movement. To date, she has trained over 30 women who now independently travel to Anganwadi centers, schools, banks, and health facilities—empowering them to navigate public spaces with confidence.

This initiative has not only eased women’s daily mobility but also shifted societal attitudes. Parents now willingly send their daughters and daughters-in-law to train with Enu. Her dream is to empower 1,000 women and eventually start a four-wheeler driving school as well.

CM Sai stated, “Enu is the new face of Chhattisgarh. The government is committed to supporting such grassroots innovations through schemes like Bihan, which are creating real change on the ground.”

Enu’s contributions extend beyond driving. She has trained women in tailoring, LED assembly, MGNREGA work, and household management. In recognition of her work, Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Rural Development (GoI), and Dhamtari Collector Avinash Mishra personally visited Umarda to commend her efforts.

The Ministry of Rural Development also highlighted Enu’s story on its official Facebook page, saying: “She may have lacked resources, but nothing could shake her determination. She completed her M.A., took training from Bihan and Pratham Foundation, and not only became self-reliant but an inspiration to others.”

CM Vishnu Deo Sai concluded, “Today, the daughters of Chhattisgarh are not just recipients of aid—they are drivers of change. The state government will support every initiative that furthers women’s empowerment.”