A rickshaw driver from a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich region, who is eighteen years old, was ecstatic to meet King Charles III at Buckingham Palace last week after winning a coveted award for women’s empowerment in London.
At the Prince’s Trust Awards in London, Arti was presented with the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award, which bears the name of the internationally recognized human rights lawyer. On May 22, the 75-year-old king and Arti met.

She got recognition for motivating other young girls through her work with the government’s Pink e-rickshaw initiative, which offers safe transportation for other women on a mission to drive change.

“I’m proud of my ability to motivate other females who encounter comparable difficulties. I am able to view the world differently now that I am independent. On her first trip to London, Arti bought a pair of shoes and some cake for her five-year-old daughter. “Now, I am able to fulfill not only my dreams but also those of my daughter,” Arti remarked.

“Meeting the King has been an incredible experience. He was very kind and extended his best wishes to my family back home. He also paid close attention when I talked about how much I like operating my e-rickshaw, which I charge at home every night instead of using dirty diesel or gasoline,” she stated.

The Prince’s Trust International, founded by King Charles as the Prince of Wales, will now be known as the King’s Trust International, supporting young people in 20 countries through employment, education, and enterprise programs. The award recognizes the global work of young women who have overcome obstacles and made a lasting difference.

Arti, a woman from India, participated in the Pink E-Rickshaw scheme, a sustainable mode of transport, at Buckingham Palace, showcasing the initiative’s potential to empower women and expand their income opportunities.

The scheme aims to boost employment opportunities for vulnerable women, particularly widows and single mothers, and improve their access to safe transport. AKF (India) has partnered with Prince’s Trust International to support young women, highlighting Arti’s courage and determination as a role model.

Prince’s Trust International CEO Will Straw praises Arti for winning the Women’s Empowerment Award, highlighting her strength and determination. The organization supports young women in India through Project Lehar and Aga Khan Foundation partnerships.