Woman drives Toto to stand on her own

SNS, Raiganj, 7 October Setting an exemplary example of womenen empowerment, Manju Das Mandal alias Mana (32), resident of Rabindrapally in Raiganj has been running her livelihood by driving e-rickshaw commonly called `Toto'. 

As learnt, Mana is a divorcee and has a son Suman Mandal, a class X student. She earns rupees 300- 400 everyday In addition, she has been appreciated by many from all quarters of life for her effort to stand out against social norms and restrictions.She is being encouraged to continue her profession and has been an encouraging example for other women who want to join this profession but is off late in embracing new choices.

Speaking to the media persons, Manju Das Mandal said,' My father died when I was six months old. We are two daughters and my mother brought us up with proper nursing. I got married in the year 2001 but it could not last long. My husband left me after few years and since then I have been upbringing my son all by myself. My son is now 14 years old and he is studying in class X. Thus, I need money for his education to continue. Having found no job. I am compelled yet happy enough and satisfied to drive e-rickshaw." 

Manju Das used to run a paan shop in front of the office of the District Magistrate of North Dinajpur at Karanjora, Raiganj in past. After the business started losing pace, she started making the roundsat different private offices for securing a job but turned futile. Later, upon suggestion of her close friend, she decided to drive e-rickshaw. Thus she rented a Toto from Sibu Agarwal and started the same. 

Manju Das added, "Though it is not a kind of profession that women usually adopt, people are encouraging me to continue...I now earn Rs 300 to Rs 400 everyday I believe more women should embrace this profession for earning their