Driving Hope: The Inspiring Journey of Laxmi Paul, a Woman of Courage from Kanchanpur
Satyajit Bandyopadhyay
April 17, 2026
In the quiet sub-divisional town of Kanchanpur in North Tripura, an extraordinary story of courage, resilience, and dignity unfolds every day on the roads. At the heart of this story is Laxmi Paul, a woman who has chosen determination over despair, and action over adversity.
Laxmi Paul is not just an e-rickshaw driver, she is a symbol of strength for countless women who silently battle life’s hardships. In a society where challenges often overpower dreams, she stands tall as a living example of what unwavering willpower can achieve.
Laxmi’s journey into driving a 'Tuk Tuk' was not born out of choice, but necessity. Her husband is a kidney patient, requiring constant care and medical attention. With no steady source of income in the family, the burden of survival fell squarely on her shoulders.
Refusing to surrender to circumstances, Laxmi took a bold step. She took a loan from private agency and purchased an e-rickshaw, a decision that would change her life and define her identity.
For the past three to four years, Laxmi has been driving her e-rickshaw across the streets of Kanchanpur. Her day begins early in the morning, as she steps out with determination, ready to earn a living.
She drives tirelessly till evening, often up to 7 PM, and sometimes even later. In between her work, she returns home to manage household responsibilities and care for her ailing husband. Her life is a continuous cycle of work, care, and sacrifice, yet she carries it all with quiet strength.
Laxmi earns around Rs.500 to Rs.600 a day, though the income fluctuates. From this modest earning, she manages not only daily household expenses but also her husband’s medical treatment and vehicle maintenance.
What is remarkable is that despite financial constraints, she has successfully repaid the loan she took to purchase the e-rickshaw, a testament to her discipline and perseverance.
Breaking stereotypes is never easy. As a woman driving an e-rickshaw, Laxmi has often faced criticism and judgment. But instead of letting negativity break her spirit, she has embraced her work with pride.
“I am happy with what I do,” she says, a simple statement that carries immense strength.
Laxmi’s story is not just about survival, it is about empowerment. She hopes that more women will step forward and become self-reliant. She has even expressed her willingness to train other women interested in driving e-rickshaws.
Though no one has come forward yet, her message is clear, opportunities exist, but courage is needed to seize them.
Today, Laxmi Paul stands as a powerful example of resilience in Tripura. She proves that no work is small when it is done with honesty and determination. Her journey reminds us that true strength lies not in comfort, but in the ability to rise above challenges.
Her story is a call to society, to respect dignity of labor, to support women’s empowerment, and to recognize the silent warriors who keep moving forward despite all odds.
(Tripurainfo)
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