30 April,2026 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Tarun Verma
Komal Gaikwad, the 25-year-old auto driver, with daughter Tejaswi and Shiv Sena corporator Mahesh Gaikwad, after receiving support following the mid-day report. Pic/By Special Arrangement
What began as a story of severe hardship has now turned into one of hope, dignity, and renewed dreams. A day after mid-day highlighted the struggles of 25-year-old autorickshaw driver Komal Dyandew Gaikwad in its April 28 edition, help has poured in - changing the course of her life and that of her toddler.
This newspaper had reported how Gaikwad, left alone by her husband and forced to fend for her three-year-old daughter, Tejaswi, battled extreme hardship - often going without food while trying to make ends meet. Her story, however, did not go unnoticed.
Moved by Gaikwad's sheer resilience and grit, Shiv Sena Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Kalyan, Shrikant Shinde, who is currently in the United States on an official visit, took cognisance of her plight and reached out to her. In a gesture that brought major relief to Gaikwad, he assured her that her daughter Tejaswi's entire school education would be taken care of.
For Gaikwad, who had spent sleepless nights worrying if she would ever be able to educate her child, the assurance felt nothing short of life-changing.
Meanwhile, Kalyan Shiv Sena Corporator Mahesh Gaikwad, following the senior leader's initiative, stepped in with immediate financial relief and handed over a cheque of Rs 1 lakh to Komal.
Speaking exclusively, Mahesh Gaikwad said, "Through mid-day, we came across the story of Komal Gaikwad, an autorickshaw driver. Dr Shrikant Shinde, who is currently in the United States, immediately instructed us to extend all possible assistance to her."
"As a result, the Shiv Sena has helped clear the loan on her rickshaw and has taken responsibility for her daughter's entire education. We have also assured her that we will always stand by her whenever she faces any difficulties in life," Mahesh Gaikwad added.
For Komal Gaikwad, who once feared her child's future would be cut short by poverty, this support has brought a sense of relief and renewed hope. What once seemed like an uncertain road ahead has now become more secure for little Tejaswi.
Holding back her tears, Komal Gaikwad told mid-day that the assistance had lifted a massive burden off her shoulders.
"After receiving this Rs 1-lakh help, the first thing I want to do is reduce the long-pending dues on my autorickshaw. Right now, I pay Rs 6,500 every month as EMI, and it has been a constant burden on me. If I can lower this liability, it will bring me so much relief. More than anything, it will help me focus better on my daughter and give her a more secure and comfortable life," Komal Gaikwad said.
As she continues to navigate life behind the wheel of her autorickshaw, Komal Gaikwad now does so with a lighter heart, knowing that her daughter's education and future are secure.
