Arti was presented with the Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award at the Prince's Trust Awards in London. Following the ceremony, she had the opportunity to meet the 75-year-old monarch on Wednesday (May 22).
She was recognised for her role in inspiring other young girls through her involvement in the government's Pink E-rickshaw initiative, which is an attempt to provide safe transportation for women, contributing to tangible social change.
"I take pride in being able to inspire other girls who face similar challenges. This newfound independence has allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfil not only my dreams but also those of my daughter," said Arti told PTI.
"It has been an unbelievably amazing experience, meeting the King who was so nice and sent his namaste to my family back home too. He also listened carefully as I spoke about how much I love driving my e-rickshaw, which does not run on polluting diesel or petrol but one that I charge at home every night," she shared, speaking in Hindi.
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Significance of the award
Established by King Charles during his tenure as the Prince of Wales, the Prince's Trust International is set to be renamed the King's Trust International. This organisation will persist in its mission to help young people in 20 countries through programmes focused on employment, education, and enterprise.
Additionally, the Prince's Trust Women's Empowerment Award honours young women worldwide who have overcome obstacles and positively impacted their communities.
"This year's winner, Arti, is an inspirational example of someone whose trailblazing work in a typically male arena makes women in her community safer. Arti is determined to create a world where her daughter will not face the obstacles that she has faced, and she is already making a difference through her example," said Amal Clooney, the British activist-barrister after whom the award is named.
For the reception at Buckingham Palace, Arti came in a pink rickshaw, showing it as both an eco-friendly way to travel and a symbol of a larger idea and movement.
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In July 2023, Project Lehar, in collaboration with Prince's Trust International and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), introduced Arti to the Indian government's Pink E-Rickshaw scheme.
This initiative tries to empower women and broaden their income opportunities across the country. The Bahraich district administration provided pink e-rickshaws to women drivers with a subsidy under this scheme.
(With inputs from agencies)
