Bengaluru, Karnataka, 9th of July, 2026 : Shishu Mandir, in collaboration with Aon, a leading global professional services firm, donated 12 electric autorickshaws to women from vulnerable communities at the Shishu Nagar campus in Hella Nagar today. The donation marks a milestone for Shishu Mandir’s ‘Eco-Wheels’ initiative with 254 vehicles now part of the Aon-sponsored fleet.
The 12 beneficiaries, predominantly single mothers and widows from KR Puram and East Bengaluru, have completed driving and safety training, equipping them to start this new chapter of their lives and lay the foundation for greater financial security.
Greener roads, stronger communities
The Eco-Wheels initiative addresses two key challenges: creating sustainable livelihoods for women from vulnerable communities and championing green mobility. It aims to transform the lives of women by providing them with more stable, higher-earning opportunities helping them become self-sufficient micro-entrepreneurs. At the same time, these women-run transport services support cleaner, quieter and safer travel within the community.
Eco-Wheels goes beyond providing vehicles by focusing on long-term financial education and security. Shishu Mandir also helps each participant in opening a bank account, encouraging regular savings habit and access to the formal financial system. Each driver contributes Rs. 3,000 per month towards personal savings to build financial security for their families.
Kanwarpriya Khanna, people leader of India for Aon stated, “At Aon, we believe that true empowerment begins when individuals have access to the right support and resources to build a more secure and independent future. Through the Eco-Wheels initiative, we are helping women with self-employment and financial independence. It is inspiring to witness these women shift from the unorganized sector and become empowered entrepreneurs contributing to their families and a greener Bengaluru.”
Wing Commander (Retd.) D. P. Sabharwal, vice president of Shishu Mandir said, “We at Shishu Mandir have always believed that empowerment means nothing less than providing the opportunity for financial security and hence peace of mind for the families we support. It is a moment of immense pride to reach the milestone of 254 autos today with the support of Aon. These women are now ‘Climate Champions’, showing us that sustainable and social change go hand in hand.”
Leaders from Aon, including Kanwarpriya Khanna and Symon Francis, joined Shishu Mandir’s management in marking the occasion.
About Shishu Mandir
Founded by Dr. Hella Mundhra in the early 1970s, Shishu Mandir began as a shelter for children with long-standing illnesses whose parents couldn’t afford medical care. Initially offering medical services to slum dwellers while running a nursing home in Bengaluru, Hella soon recognized the need for quality education tailored to first-generation learners. This led her to establish a school that addressed their unique needs, attracting others who shared her commitment. As Shishu Mandir grew, it expanded its focus to tackle broader social and economic challenges faced by the families of the children, aiming to empower entire communities through comprehensive support. Today, Shishu Mandir is a registered society in India, guided by a seven-member executive committee that meets bi-monthly. Additionally, a sister society in Germany spearheads fundraising efforts and advises on major projects, ensuring sustainable development and continuous support for the school and children’s home.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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