In the bustling streets of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, where many e-rickshaw drivers navigate the daily hustle and bustle, there’s one remarkable woman who stands out – Najma. Her story of determination and resilience is inspiring, as she steers her e-rickshaw through the city’s lanes, not just to make a living but with a dream in her heart – to perform Hajj and Umrah.
Najma’s journey into the world of e-rickshaw driving is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. After losing her husband in 2010, Najma found herself in a precarious financial situation. Her husband had been the primary breadwinner, and the responsibility of managing the household expenses fell on her shoulders. With her son working as a welder, the family’s income was limited.
It was during these challenging times that Najma made the courageous decision to become an e-rickshaw driver. Her driving venture was not just a means to an end but a step towards fulfilling her lifelong dream of undertaking the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj and Umrah. To realize this dream, she knew she needed to save money diligently.
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Najma operates her e-rickshaw tirelessly, day and night, with unwavering determination. She is undeterred by the darkness of the night, thanks to her trust in the Uttar Pradesh police and the Yogi government’s commitment to ensuring safety. Wrapped in her burqa, Najma navigates the city’s streets with confidence, firmly believing that her faith in her government and law enforcement will keep her secure.
When asked about her aspirations, Najma’s eyes light up with hope. She dreams of performing Hajj and Umrah, journeys that hold profound spiritual significance for Muslims. However, she knows that these pilgrimages require substantial funds. Her income from sewing work was insufficient to meet these expenses, which led her to venture into e-rickshaw driving.
For the past four months, Najma has been diligently earning through her e-rickshaw. With a daily income of around Rs 400, she manages to make ends meet by combining her earnings with her son’s income. Every day, she adds a little more to her savings fund, inching closer to her dream. Najma’s unwavering determination shines through as she remains hopeful that her cherished wish will come true.
Performing Umrah typically costs around Rs 82,000, while the Hajj pilgrimage can amount to Rs 2.5 lakh. Najma’s goal is to accumulate the required funds within a year, starting with Umrah, and then, if granted a long life, to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the unwavering spirit of individuals who strive to fulfill their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.