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Journalism of Courage
Adverse situations become life’s best teacher and Archana Patil’s story is a testament to it. Patil, who hails from Ahmedabad, chose to stand up for her family when her husband fell sick. She had never ridden even a bicycle before becoming a cab driver.
Patil’s inspiring story was shared by a Facebook user Ojas Desai, who had his first encounter with a woman Ola driver. Desai’s long post about Patil and her struggles is now viral. According to the post, Patil’s husband was an Ola driver but ill health forced him to stop working. The cab was loaned and Patil decided to take her husband’s job. It took her six months to learn to drive and earn a license.
“Today in Ahmedabad, I booked an Ola Cab to reach the railway station. The confirmation message mentioned the name of the driver as Archna Patil. She is Archna. A remarkable lady. Driving an Ola Cab perhaps isn’t so remarkable, but I was happy to see her driving so effortlessly and so well,” Desai wrote.
“After all, this was my first instance of encountering a female driver in Ola or Uber. In my city Surat, I have seen female auto drivers but, I never had used services of a female driver in Ola or Uber. Nothing so remarkable you may say,” he added.
Take a look at the viral post here:
The post has drawn many reactions as social media users lauded Patil’s grit. A Facebook user wrote, “Brave lady. Had problems but see her infectious smile. Will encourage other ladies to take up challenges. And so much thoughtful of you to bring her into some limelight.” Another user commented, “Someone who is not making excuses and seeing opportunity even in adversaries is truly inspiring! Thanks for sharing this story.”
“Hands off to you, lady! Your spirit and resilience are truly remarkable,” a third user reacted.
Last month, a video of a struggling artist from the Northeast living in a Rs 500-per-month room in a Mumbai slum caught the internet’s attention. The young man, who had reportedly moved to the city to make a career in singing, works as a Zomato delivery agent to make ends meet.
