Keonjhar: No job is too small or too big when it comes to survival—it only requires determination. With this mindset, Radhe Maa, who once drove an auto-rickshaw in Keonjhar, is now driving a ‘Mo Bus’ in the capital. She has now taken up the challenge of driving a larger vehicle, bringing her back into the spotlight.
Santoshini Deo, popularly known as Radhe Maa, hails from Pentakap village in Keonjhar Sadar block. She has led a life full of struggles since childhood. She was married off at a young age in Rajasthan, but the marriage did not last long. Unable to bear the torture at her in-laws’ house, Santoshini fled back to her village while she was pregnant. Soon after, she gave birth to a baby girl, whom she named Radha. Over time, people began calling her Radhe Maa out of respect.
A Story of Struggle and Determination
Determined not to be a burden on her parents, Santoshini started working to earn her livelihood. Her parents ran a small snack shop in their village, where she initially helped. However, financial struggles persisted, prompting her to learn how to drive an auto-rickshaw. After taking a loan to buy an auto, she began driving it in Keonjhar town to support herself and her daughter.
Her story gained public attention, and after hearing about her perseverance, Subrata Bagchi, Chairman of Skill Development, and then Keonjhar District Collector Tirumala Naik took a ride in her auto to encourage her. They also provided financial assistance.
As her daughter grew older, the financial burden increased, prompting Radhe Maa to move to Bhubaneswar. There, she secured a job as a driver for ‘Mo Bus’, a public transport service. It is said that she is the first female driver to operate a bus in Odisha.
Regarding her journey, Santoshini Deo, a.k.a. Radhe Maa, says, “No profession is small or big. I used to drive an auto-rickshaw before; now, I drive a bus. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”