New Delhi: Selvi, South India's first woman taxi driver received the 'First Lady' award from President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi.
The Bengaluru-based professional driver was one of the 112 women who were conferred with the WCD First Ladies Achievement Award for being the first to set a milestone in their respective fields. Selvi hopes the honour will inspire millions of other girls and women to make a mark for themselves in the society. "A single lamp might seem small and insignificant In the beginning. That's what my taxi company seemed like in the beginning. Yet that same lamp can also bring light millions, in the same way, the small things I learnt, and the small steps I took years ago, with hard work and honesty, is being honoured by the President of India today," she said in a statement.
President Kovind said the recognition is important as progress of women is a barometer for the development in any society. "We are witnessing positive change in participation of women in our country. Yet, due to prejudiced mindsets, women are still victims of violence. They need to feel secure in public places, and this should be a matter of concern for all of us. Along with the government, it is the responsibility of every section of society," he said.
