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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

Driving Change

Once trapped by poverty and abuse, Sufina found freedom behind the wheel — and now helps women travel safely across Delhi. The woman who once felt unsafe is now ensuring women travellers get home securely from Delhi’s airport, day or night. Among those providing this round-the-clock service is Sufina, a cab driver with the “Driven by Women for Women and Families” initiative. Sufina, who now offers peace of mind and safe journeys to female passengers, was once deeply troubled herself. But she...

Driving Change

Once trapped by poverty and abuse, Sufina found freedom behind the wheel — and now helps women travel safely across Delhi. The woman who once felt unsafe is now ensuring women travellers get home securely from Delhi’s airport, day or night. Among those providing this round-the-clock service is Sufina, a cab driver with the “Driven by Women for Women and Families” initiative. Sufina, who now offers peace of mind and safe journeys to female passengers, was once deeply troubled herself. But she refused to give up. Pulling herself out of hardship, she not only became self-reliant but also an inspiration for marginalised women in society. Partnering with the Sakha-Azaad Foundation, Sufina has scripted an extraordinary story. Sakha Consulting Wings launched this women-driven cab service for female passengers under the brand  Women with Wheels . All drivers, including Sufina, received training in driving and self-defence through the Azaad Foundation. Born Into Hardship Living in East Delhi’s Anand Vihar, Sufina was married to a daily wage labourer at just 16. By 18, she was a mother. Poverty was crushing; meals were often scarce. Desperate to escape this misery, she began searching for a way out. That was when she met a Sakha volunteer who suggested driver training. It became the turning point in her life. The road ahead, however, was anything but easy. Breaking Free Sufina was stepping into a male-dominated world, and it frightened her at first. Yet her hunger for financial independence gave her courage. In the early days, she faced strong opposition from both her husband and parents. Before leaving for work, her husband would beat her and lock her inside the room to stop her from attending training. But Sufina refused to surrender. Teaming up with her mother, she found a way out. After her husband left for work, her mother would unlock the door. Before he returned, Sufina would quietly slip back home to avoid more conflict. After completing her training, she worked as a private driver for nearly two years, continuing the same routine. As her earnings, confidence and independence grew, so did her assertiveness — and with it, her husband’s suspicion. One day, when he raised his hand again, Sufina fought back. She told him she would not tolerate it anymore. Shocked, he stopped. He never hit her again. Driving Change Sufina believes the turning point in her marriage came when her husband fell seriously ill. She admitted him to a private nursing home and paid for his treatment from her own savings. From then on, he began trusting her and valuing her work. Though the struggle had been painful, Sufina emerged stronger. She now asks a powerful question:  Why must a woman endure so much just to prove herself? Today, she is determined that her daughters should grow up with freedom and choice. In her community, she is respected and admired. Local girls and women see in her a path to self-reliance and dignity. The woman who once lived in fear now helps other women travel without it — and in doing so, she is driving change far beyond Delhi’s roads.

Domestic Turbulence: A Direct Impact on National Security

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

National Security

The strength of our armed forces depends on personnel's mental well-being, supported by healthy family relationships. Weak familial ties can jeopardise operational effectiveness and national security.

Lieutenant Commander Mohan (all names changed to protect identities) faced marital problems and a separation that left him in emotional and mental distress. This turmoil led to his being declared unfit for a sea exercise—a role he had trained for his entire life. The decision, tied to his personal struggles, deepened his descent into clinical depression. Though the matter is still in court, the slow judicial process has offered no quick resolution, leaving him contemplating resignation from the service.


Mohan's situation reflects a troubling trend within the armed forces. Major Rohit is also experiencing marital turbulence, which has intensified his stress, especially with no one to care for his 2-year-old daughter. This strain has significantly impacted his ability to serve, prompting him to consider quitting as well. Conversely, Commander Arvind has displayed abusive behaviour toward his wife and child before deserting them. His case, too, remains under court review, with no signs of resolution.


These personal struggles are not isolated incidents; they highlight a growing concern within the armed forces. Marital and family issues increasingly compromise the emotional stability of military personnel, ultimately affecting their ability to serve. These cases reflect a broader trend that poses significant challenges to the operational readiness of our defence forces.


Multiple instances of defence families facing severe difficulties are emerging, often resulting in broken homes. Many of these cases are either in court or undergoing consultation and counselling, with attempts at reconciliation. Regardless of the outcome, the personnel involved often find themselves emotionally and mentally unfit for duty.


This issue is particularly concerning when trained individuals are unable to perform at their best in critical operations. In Cdr. Arvind’s case, whose violent behaviour is unbecoming of an officer, raises questions about the reliability of such personnel within the national security establishment.


A larger question arises: if these officers are relieved of their duties, how will it impact the efficiency and workload of their respective units? Would this create a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, especially in critical roles? Given the overall demographics and the number of personnel facing domestic issues, the challenge of managing unstable individuals could escalate into a significant human resources problem within the defence ecosystem. As adversaries outnumber our forces, losing personnel due to non-performance or failure to complete their service would amount to a substantial strategic setback for national security.


The personnel tasked with safeguarding our nation must maintain optimal emotional and mental well-being, supported uniquely by their families. A strong family backing fosters personal peace, enabling individuals to perform at their best.


The character of our unique social fabric is a direct reflection of the strength of our family units. Indian traditional family units have been the source of strength of our cultural construct, which is thus the basis of every problem and solution that we refer to as 'Uniquely Indian'. The family is an important institution that plays a central role in the lives of us Indians. As a collectivistic society, Indians often emphasise loyalty and interdependence. The interests of the family usually take priority over those of the individual, and the decisions affecting one’s personal life, such as marriage and career paths, are generally made in consultation with one’s family. People tend to act in the best interest of their family’s reputation, as the act of an individual may impact the perception of the entire family by their community.


Social constructs, values, and the concept of family have evolved, and Indian society is undergoing a significant transformation. The traditional structure is shifting towards a more westernised, global working culture with smaller, nuclear family units. Divorce, once considered taboo, is now more accepted, but it brings financial, emotional, and societal challenges. As dysfunctional marriages rise, the pressure on both the family system and society grows.


Research should be conducted to identify the specific challenges faced by serving individuals, their counterparts, extended families, and their respective service institutions. The goal of this study is to develop realistic and implementable recommendations for all stakeholders involved.

Ultimately, the national security apparatus comprises the men and women serving; its strength is determined by its weakest element. Unfortunately, the human element is both the strongest and weakest part of this apparatus, necessitating urgent measures to insulate serving personnel from changing family dynamics.


(The Writer is a lawyer based in Pune. Views personal.)

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