Poverty eradication through livelihoods

Drive Dignity. Drive Change.

We empower women from marginalized communities to become professional auto-rickshaw drivers— unlocking income, independence, and dignity.

Earning Potential
00x
vs prior income
Training
3–4 mo
end-to-end support
Cities
Mysuru
Bengaluru
initial rollout

About Taliru Foundation

Taliru Foundation is a Bengaluru-based not for profit social enterprise committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through skill-building and sustainable livelihoods. Established in April 2024 and registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013, we equip marginalized communities with the skills and support needed to build dignified, independent livelihoods.

Our mission is to alleviate poverty and uplift marginalized communities by creating opportunities for sustainable employment, holistic development, and social empowerment, with a focus on women navigating limited education, early marriage, or difficult socioeconomic circumstances.

Registered Non-Profit: Section 8 License 155522

Our Vision

A society where every individual has access to dignified employment opportunities and the skills needed to transform their lives and communities.

Our Approach

  • • Market-relevant vocational training
  • • Comprehensive life skills development
  • • Community-centered implementation
  • • Sustainable livelihood creation

Core Objectives

  • • Poverty alleviation through skills
  • • Women and child empowerment
  • • Rural development initiatives
  • • Policy research and advocacy

Flagship: Swavalambi Stree Auto‑Rickshaw Driving

Our inaugural initiative equips underprivileged women with professional driving skills and livelihood preparedness to become self‑employed drivers. Flexible hours help balance caregiving and work while significantly boosting income.

  • Enrollment into reputed driving schools; learner’s and driving license assistance.
  • Simulator & theory, plus 10+ hours of hands‑on car practice.
  • Stepwise auto‑rickshaw training: grounds → quiet roads → city streets (CNG & electric).
  • Women trainers who’ve completed Train‑the‑Trainer programs.

Driving Skills

  • LL/DL assistance
  • Simulator + theory
  • 10 hrs car practice
  • Auto‑rickshaw (CNG & EV)

Essential Life Skills

  • Road safety
  • Financial literacy
  • Legal rights
  • Mental well‑being
  • Self-defense
  • ...and more.

Training duration: ~3–4 months with integrated curriculum.

What participants learn

Road & Safety

  • Traffic rules & safe driving
  • First aid & CPR basics
  • Self‑defense fundamentals

Livelihood & Finance

  • Financial literacy & budgeting
  • Legal rights & protections
  • Ride‑hailing platforms & independent work

People & Well‑being

  • Counseling & emotional health
  • Customer service & communication
  • Grooming, etiquette & fitness

Why this matters

Many women face early marriage, single parenting, or limited schooling—often locked into low‑paying work. Driving creates a new livelihood option with minimal capital and earnings 4–6× higher than current income, with flexible hours for caregiving.

0×

Income uplift

3–4

Months to job‑ready

2

Cities launched

100%

Women‑led trainers

How your partnership helps

  • You help a mother earn her own income - safely and confidently behind the wheel.
  • You make it possible for her children to stay in school.
  • You fund skill training that replaces dependency with dignity.
  • You help her own her vehicle, control her time, and inspire other women in her neighborhood.

Support as an Individual

You do not have to represent an organization to make a difference. Everyday supporters help our trainees stay connected, healthy, and financially secure.

  • Donate smartphones so trainees can access navigation, safety tools, and customer platforms.
  • Sponsor health or life insurance for women entering the auto trade, giving their families a safety net.
  • Provide general funding to bridge gaps in training, child care, or emergency support.

Ready to help? Head to Partner with Taliru for contact details and next steps.

See the program in action

Short highlights from training and community sessions.

Founders

Dr. Chitra A. R, Ph.D

Founder & Director

With 20+ years of corporate experience and a background in public policy she blends strategic insight with grass roots execution to uplift women below the poverty line. As a POSH enabler she champions gender equity and safer workplaces.

Dr. B. S. Satish Rao, MBBS, MS, MRCSEd

Founder & Director

Renowned surgeon and educator with 32+ years’ experience, known as the “Rescue Surgeon.” Brings medical excellence and a mission for dignity and social change.

Follow our journey

Connect with us on our social channels.