From ‘Trainer Didi’ to Lakhpati: How Mansha Devi is Driving Women’s Prosperity in UP
Gorakhpur’s Mansha Devi transforms the lives of 60+ women through e-rickshaw training; earns an invitation to meet PM Modi on Republic Day.
A Journey of Transformation
Once struggling to make ends meet with a limited income, Mansha Devi’s life took a turn when she joined a Self-Help Group (SHG). Today, she is widely known as "Trainer Didi," a successful entrepreneur who has shattered stereotypes by becoming a professional e-rickshaw trainer.
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her journey from a village SHG member to a "Lakhpati" entrepreneur, she has been invited to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26, 2026.
Economic Independence by the Numbers
Mansha Devi’s financial growth is a testament to the power of skill development:
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Daily Earnings: ₹800 to ₹1,000 per day.
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Monthly Income: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.
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Annual Prosperity: She now earns approximately ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh per year.
The ‘Safe Mobility’ Initiative
This transformation was made possible through the Safe Mobility program, a collaborative effort under the State Rural Livelihoods Mission, led by Mission Director Deepa Ranjan and Development Alternatives.
Mansha Devi has fearlessly taken to the roads, driving day and night, and has already trained over 60 women across various blocks in Gorakhpur, including Brahmapur. Her training covers everything from:
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Professional Driving Skills
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Licensing Procedures
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Entrepreneurial Mindset
Government Support as a Catalyst
Financial hurdles were overcome through strategic government schemes. Mansha Devi utilized:
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Mudra Yojana: Received financial assistance of ₹1.25 lakh.
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Block-Level Support: Secured an additional ₹1 lakh to scale her initiative.
Impacting the Community
The 60 women trained by Mansha are now independent drivers, supporting their families and moving freely in a secure transport ecosystem. This network of women drivers is a shining example of how focused policies and local leadership can uplift rural society. Mansha Devi’s story proves that when a woman is given the right tools—be it an e-rickshaw or a loan—she doesn't just drive a vehicle; she drives a revolution.
