During an ordinary commute in Delhi, a social media user had an unexpected and inspiring encounter. She found herself in an auto-rickshaw driven by a woman, a rarity in the city. Initially unsure about boarding, the passenger was quickly struck by the driver’s warmth and confidence, leading her to take the ride. What followed was a conversation that the passenger described as unforgettable. In a Reddit post, she shared how Neelam, the driver, opened up about her decision to enter a male-dominated field and the struggles she faced along the way. Neelam revealed that she had to stand up to her unsupportive husband and in-laws to achieve her independence. Motivated by the desire to provide a better life for her child, Neelam said she chose to become an auto-rickshaw driver. “Now every ride she takes isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about proving a point, reclaiming her life, and building a better future for her daughter, one where fear has no place,” the caption of the post reads. The user concluded the caption with, “Neelam isn’t just driving an auto. She’s driving change.” See the post: She drives, She rules! byu/FeatureAnnual9088 indelhi The Reddit post by a user named ‘FeatureAnnual9088’ took off, quickly gaining more than 2,600 upvotes. The post sparked widespread admiration for Neelam's bravery and strength, with many praising her for defying stereotypes and challenging traditional gender expectations. One user wrote, “This is the real feminism where motivation thrives a lot of energy with true agitation to bring a positive and equal change in the society. Keep working hard ladies and take your stand whenever it seems so.” Another user added, “Neelam is a pathbreaker and inspiration for everyone. All the best to her.” A third person shared, “I had a similar experience but while ordering food. Saw a delivery lady via Zomato. Though it isn’t a big deal but in India there’s still so much stereotype around these jobs being taken only by men. This is true women empowerment.” A fourth Reddit wrote, “The kind of posts why I use reddit.” The overwhelming response online highlighted how much people respected her resilience, with users expressing their admiration for her courage in breaking the mould.
