Preethi’s journey from homelessness to entrepreneurship symbolizes the transformative impact of non-profits and clean energy initiatives in India. Cast out by her family and trapped in a cycle of street begging, her life took a transformative turn when she was handed the keys to her own electric rickshaw. In a landscape where opportunities seemed scarce, this gift not only liberated her from the streets but propelled her into the vanguard of India’s burgeoning electric vehicle market. Her story illustrates the convergence of environmental sustainability and social, underscoring the need for inclusive programs that uplift marginalized communities. Through organizations like Shishu Mandir, which provided Preethi and others with electric vehicles, opportunities for economic stability and societal respect are being realized, setting a precedent for a more equitable and sustainable future. As India strives for a “just transition” towards clean energy, initiatives like these are vital for ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of prosperity.
