From Domestic Violence Victim to Transport Pioneer: Santoshi Deo's Inspiring Journey
A remarkable woman from Odisha has transformed her life from one of suffering to success. Santoshi Deo, a 35-year-old resident of Keonjhar district, has become a celebrated transport entrepreneur after surviving child marriage and severe domestic violence.
Early Struggles and Determination
Santoshi faced immense challenges from a young age. She entered into marriage at just sixteen years old while living in Haryana. The marriage brought years of torment through dowry harassment and physical abuse. Eventually abandoned by her husband, she returned to her native Keonjhar as a single mother.
"I refused to surrender to adversities," Santoshi declared. She made a firm decision to build a better life for herself and her daughter, who now studies in Class VIII in Bhubaneswar.
Breaking Barriers in Transportation
Her transformation began with a simple inspiration. While observing a woman auto-rickshaw driver in Chennai, Santoshi decided to learn driving herself. In 2015, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming Keonjhar's first woman auto-rickshaw driver.
Her pioneering spirit continued to push boundaries. The year 2021 saw her make history again as Odisha's first woman driver for the Mo Bus service, now called Ama Bus, in Bhubaneswar. Not content with these achievements, she pursued training to operate heavy machinery.
Santoshi soon found herself driving a massive 40-tonne truck at the Guali mining site in Keonjhar. This role had traditionally been dominated entirely by men, making her accomplishment even more noteworthy.
Long-Distance Drives for Justice and Faith
Her driving skills took her across the country for important personal missions. Santoshi once drove her auto-rickshaw approximately 1,600 kilometers to New Delhi. She made this arduous journey to pursue legal remedies for her domestic violence case and seek support from national leaders.
In another demonstration of her determination, she drove from Keonjhar to Ayodhya to attend the historic Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony. These long-distance drives showcased both her technical skill and personal resilience.
Recognition and Government Support
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently praised Santoshi as the "daughter of Keonjhar" and a shining symbol of Odia pride, courage, and perseverance. The state government has highlighted her journey as an inspiration for women pursuing non-traditional livelihoods.
"Santoshi Deo stands as a powerful emblem of courage, choice and women's empowerment," stated Usha Padhee, Commerce and Transport Secretary. "She exhibited how determination, and government support can transform adversity into leadership."
Ama Su Vahak Scheme: Enabling Women Entrepreneurs
Santoshi represents one of the first beneficiaries of Odisha's flagship Ama Su Vahak scheme. This innovative program specifically empowers women entrepreneurs in the transport sector through comprehensive support.
The scheme offers several key benefits:
- Interest-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh
- Subsidies for electric vehicles
- Complete institutional support
These provisions help women achieve financial independence through sustainable livelihood opportunities in transportation.
"With the support of Ama Su Vahak, Santoshi today owns a four-wheeler and is emerging as a successful woman entrepreneur," Padhee added.
Santoshi Deo's journey from victim to entrepreneur demonstrates how personal determination combined with supportive government policies can create transformative change. Her story continues to inspire women across Odisha to break traditional barriers and pursue their dreams.
