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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.

Komal Dyandew Gaikwad receives a R1 lakh cheque from Shiv Sena corporator Mahesh Gaikwad as part of financial assistance extended after her story was highlighted by mid-day. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Komal Gaikwad with her daughter, Tejaswi. Pic/Tarun Verma

Life-changing impact

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.

After Midday highlighted her story, Komal Gaikwad, a struggling single mother from Kalyan, gained attention for working under harsh conditions while caring for her 3 year old child.

Support soon followed, with help from Shiv Sena`s Mahesh Gunjai Dashrath Gaikwad and Matoshree… https://t.co/oqWCEcUZ7w pic.twitter.com/phFRQATSPO

— Mid Day (@mid_day) April 29, 2026

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.

Corporator hands over Rs 1-lakh cheque 

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. 

“Will reduce my autorickshaw`s pending loan amount”

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.

At a glance

• Age: 25
• Occupation: Autorickshaw driver
• Residence: Kalyan
• Child: Tejaswi (3 years old)
• Monthly EMI: Rs 6500

Financial aid and local intervention

• Rs 1 lakh cheque handed over
• Support extended through Shiv Sena
• Loan on an autorickshaw cleared
• Commitment to assist in future difficulties

What triggered the response

• Story published in mid-day on April 28
• Highlighted Gaikwad’s financial distress and the responsibility of raising her child alone
• Drew attention from public representatives