Yogi Government’s “Driving My Dreams” Initiative Gives New Wings of Self-Reliance to Daughters

• From rural villages to college campuses, young women take the wheel, stepping towards independence.
• Target to train 7,500 girls; over 3,000 registered on the very first day.
• International Girl Child Week launched across the state; events to continue until October 11.
• From women’s safety to self-respect, Yogi Government’s initiative becomes a model of empowerment.
• Progress of daughters is paving the way for family prosperity and the state’s development.

Lucknow, Oct 2025 : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, International Girl Child Week began across Uttar Pradesh under Mission Shakti 5.0 with the launch of the “Driving My Dreams” program. Held on Friday across the state, this innovative initiative added a new dimension to women’s safety, dignity, and self-reliance.

Launched by the Department of Women and Child Development, the program saw enthusiastic participation on its very first day, with more than 3,000 girls registering from both rural and urban areas. The department has set a target of training 7,500 girls in driving free of cost this month and helping them obtain driving licenses, empwering them to become independent and integrated into the mainstream of society.

“Driving My Dreams” – A Platform to Give Wings to Aspirations

The initiative is not just about teaching driving but also about giving wings to the dreams of daughters. In every district, 100 selected girls and women from remote areas will undergo a minimum one-month driving course. The training includes road safety, traffic signals, vehicle handling in emergencies, and women’s safety measures. Beyond personal mobility, the initiative also opens doors to employment and self-employment opportunities, enabling greater freedom in daily life.

Rural Daughters Hold the Steering Wheel for the First Time

Inspiring glimpses emerged from districts across the state where rural girls experienced the thrill of holding the steering wheel for the first time, boosting their confidence. College students described the program as a potential game-changer for their careers. Trainers noted the eagerness and enthusiasm of the participants, predicting that the initiative would bring significant changes to their lives.

Voices from the Initiative

Leena Johri, Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, described “Driving My Dreams” as a revolutionary step under Mission Shakti 5.0, saying, “This program is not just about teaching driving but about enabling daughters to pursue their dreams with independence.”
Director of the department, Sandeep Kaur, added that the overwhelming response from girls across the state sends a strong message that daughters in Uttar Pradesh are ready to move forward with confidence on every path.

Mission Shakti’s Wider Impact

Since September 22, Mission Shakti 5.0 has reached 13.5 lakh people through initiatives like Kanya Pujan (honouring girls), street plays, and now driving training. These efforts have created new pathways of respect and self-reliance for daughters. The initiative is not only empowering girls individually but also driving social and economic progress in Uttar Pradesh.

“Driving My Dreams” stands as a symbol of the new flight of Uttar Pradesh’s daughters, embodying the vision of Mission Shakti.