On the auspicious festival of Rakshabandhan, celebrated with enthusiasm across India to honor the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, a deeply moving humanitarian gesture has emerged from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. While the state government traditionally provides free travel for women in roadways buses on this holiday, an auto-rickshaw driver in Jodhpur has established a unique private initiative. Driven by the memory of his late sister, Dhanraj Dadhich, associated with the New Jodhana Auto Rickshaw Samiti, is providing completely free auto-rickshaw transportation to women across the city. Operating from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, this dedicated service ensures that women traveling to tie threads of love on their brothers' wrists pay zero fare. Beyond offering public assistance, the project serves as a heartfelt personal tribute from a grieving brother to his departed sister.
Transforming Personal Loss Into Public Service
For Dhanraj Dadhich, Rakshabandhan brings a complex mixture of joy and poignant memories. Years ago, his sister tragically passed away on the exact day of Rakshabandhan. While such a heartbreaking loss left a permanent void in his life, Dadhich chose to channel his sorrow into selfless social work. To keep his sister's memory alive, he has devoted every Rakshabandhan over the past several years to helping women in various ways. He strongly believes that although his own sister is no longer physically present, supporting and serving other women in the city allows him to feel her spiritual presence and keep her memory vibrant.
This year, Dadhich decided to expand the scope of his mission by joining hands with the New Jodhana Auto Rickshaw Samiti. Rather than working individually, he organized a collective fleet to reach a much larger audience. More than 25 auto-rickshaw drivers volunteered to join the campaign, committing their time and vehicles without expecting financial compensation. Throughout the operational window from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, these drivers are actively shuttling sisters across different neighborhoods of Jodhpur. The primary objective of the committee is to ensure that women experience seamless and stress-free transit on a day when public transport is often overcrowded.
Organized Execution by New Jodhana Auto Rickshaw Samiti
The execution of this commendable initiative is being managed directly by key officials of the New Jodhana Auto Rickshaw Samiti. Committee President Babulal Rao, Treasurer BS Rathore, Secretary Shantilal Chandel, and Media In-charge Dhanraj Dadhich are actively coordinating the entire logistical setup. They are supported on the ground by dedicated committee members including Gopal Singh, Shantilal Pawar, Achal Singh, Gopal Singh Bhati, and Gajendra Singh Inda. Together, this team is ensuring that drivers remain dispatched efficiently to areas where passenger demand is highest.
The committee operates out of its main office located in Street No. 18, opposite Galaxy School, near the RTO Office in Jodhpur. From this central hub, vehicle assignments and route supervisions are handled smoothly. Leadership and participating drivers voiced shared gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, stating that assisting women on such a revered holiday is a matter of immense privilege and pride. By setting aside daily earnings, the drivers have chosen to prioritize community welfare and fraternal respect over commercial gain.
Helpline Access and Broader Social Impact
To ensure that the free travel facility is easily accessible to women across Jodhpur, the committee has released four dedicated phone lines. Residents can request a free ride or inquire about service availability by dialing 9413870008, 9783925135, 7062726111, or 9799726768. Dispatchers at the office immediately connect callers with the nearest available auto driver, offering vital relief to passengers who might otherwise struggle with crowded state buses or expensive private transport options during the festive rush.
Dhanraj Dadhich's initiative stands out as an inspiring model of turning personal grief into meaningful community empowerment. As thousands of women travel across Jodhpur to celebrate Rakshabandhan, Dadhich and his fellow drivers are ensuring they reach their destinations safely, comfortably, and without financial burden. What began as an individual's emotional remembrance has now evolved into a citywide symbol of brotherly devotion, community solidarity, and selfless service.
