By Shimona Chadha | Project Manager
In rural Maharashtra, long distances to school and lack of affordable transportation remain major reasons why girls drop out of school, especially at the secondary level. According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) 2024–25, around 10.3% of girls dropped out in grades IX–X across Maharashtra (Times of India, 2024). The situation is often worse in rural areas, where access to nearby secondary schools is limited, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2011 found that 5.4% of rural girls aged 15–16 were not in school. Many girls walk several kilometers daily to attend school, leading to fatigue, absenteeism, and eventual dropout. Studies show that when schools are located more than 2–3 km away, girls’ likelihood of continuing education drops sharply (Das & Das, SAGE Journals, 2023). The lack of safe, affordable transport continues to restrict girls’ educational opportunities in rural Maharashtra.
The Freedom on Wheels project helps remove these barriers by providing girls with a simple yet powerful tool - a bicycle. With it, they can reach school on time, conserve energy for learning, and continue their education with dignity and hope. Below are three case studies highlighting how providing girls with a bicycle helps them cycle their way to success.
Divya’s story
Divya is a hardworking and determined girl from the Mann Deshi Kickstart Program. Her father works on daily wages in a tailoring shop, while her mother supports the family through stitching work. Divya is the eldest among three siblings—her younger brothers study in 9th and 7th grade.
With the help of Mann Deshi, Divya received a bicycle, which she now uses to travel to her College. The college is about five kilometers away from her home. Earlier, walking this distance every day was very difficult, but the bicycle saves her precious time and helps her reach college on time. This ensures that her studies are not interrupted. Riding the bicycle also gives her good physical exercise.
Divya has big dreams—she wants to complete her graduation and prepare for the civil service exams. Her goal is to become a Talathi (village revenue officer) and help her parents overcome their financial struggles. Her family is proud of her dedication and hard work.
The bicycle given by Mann Deshi Foundation has given new wings to Divya’s educational journey. She says, “If I didn’t have the cycle, I would have had to walk five kilometers daily. That would have affected my studies. But with the cycle, I can easily cover the distance and continue chasing my dream.”
Today, Divya confidently says, “I will become a Talathi and fulfill my parents’ dream.” Her story clearly shows that with the right opportunities and support, every girl can shape her own future.
Kalyani’s Story
My name is Kalyani and my father drives an auto-rickshaw and my mother works in farming. I have a younger brother who is in 6th grade, and I am studying in 8th grade.
Under the Mann Deshi Kickstart Program, I received a bicycle. I use this bicycle to go to school, as my school is 3 to 4 kilometers away from my home. Thanks to this bicycle, I can reach school on time.
The bicycle is not just a means of transportation; it is also a way to exercise. Riding it keeps my body healthy and strong.
My dream is to study well and fulfill my parents’ dreams. I want to become a police officer in the future, which is my parents’ dream as well, and I am determined to achieve it.
I am very grateful to Mann Deshi for giving me this bicycle. They have made my journey toward education and my dreams much easier.
Pragati’s Story
My name is Pragati and I am currently pursuing a diploma in fashion designing.
Through the Kickstart program by Mann Deshi Foundation, I received a bicycle, which has been extremely helpful for my education. I used this bicycle in my previous school and college and now I use it to travel from my hostel to college.
My mother does tailoring work at home, and my father works in a grocery shop, so our family’s financial situation has always been challenging. I have a younger brother, and I want to help my family become financially stable.
My dream is to become a fashion designer and to make my parents happy. I am very grateful to Mann Deshi Foundation because they have helped me stay on the path of education. I am determined that with hard work, perseverance, and courage, I will definitely achieve my dream.
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