The Sarathi Helpline for Drivers, initiated by Carmelite nuns in Kerala, offers mutual support and financial assistance to auto-rickshaw drivers facing economic challenges and personal hardships.
Kozhikode, India — August 17, 2026. In the southwestern Indian state of Kerala, a unique initiative spearheaded by three Catholic nuns is making a significant impact on the lives of auto-rickshaw drivers. The Sarathi Helpline for Drivers, founded by Sister Rose Maria of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel, provides a support network for taxi drivers, uniting individuals from diverse religious backgrounds.
Background of Sarathi Helpline
The Sarathi project began in 2016 in Thiruvambady, Kozhikode district, when Sister Maria, motivated by a local event honoring taxi drivers, recognized the need for a support framework for these often-overlooked workers. With an estimated 1.5 million auto-rickshaw drivers in Kerala, the challenges faced by this community are numerous, including long work hours, irregular income, and a lack of social security. Sister Maria’s vision was to create a cooperative environment where drivers could support one another during times of crisis.
Today, Sarathi comprises over 100 members organized into eight units across the northern districts of Kerala, including Kozhikode and Malappuram. Fr. Sebastian Thekkanath, the national director of Sarathi, noted that the organization has expanded beyond Kerala, with units now established in Delhi, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, all managed by various religious congregations.
Support and Services Offered
Members of Sarathi benefit from interest-free loans, savings programs, and community support. Sudheesh V. Sreeram, a 52-year-old Hindu driver, recounted how the organization came to his aid when he required a pacemaker. With no savings after 25 years of driving, he received crucial financial assistance from Sarathi members. Today, Sreeram serves as the treasurer of one of Sarathi’s units, illustrating the program’s potential for personal and communal transformation.
According to Fr. Thekkanath, Sarathi has approximately 80,000 members spread across 1,000 units, with Kozhikode alone housing about 6,000 auto-rickshaw drivers as of 2023. The organization’s growth reflects a pressing need for support systems among drivers, who often face economic instability and personal crises.
Community Building and Social Impact
Through weekly meetings, members share concerns and contribute to a collective fund that enables them to manage emergencies and expenses collaboratively. Jolly Ponnamvarikayil, secretary of a unit in Koodaranji, emphasized how the savings habits instilled by Sarathi have transformed the financial outlook for many families, with members accumulating savings of approximately 50,000 rupees each.
Sister Maria recognizes that while financial support is critical, the emotional and social aspects of community building are equally vital. Members like T.K. Riyas, who faces physical challenges, expressed how the emotional backing from Sarathi has been invaluable, stating, “More than economic security, emotional support matters to me the most.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its successes, Sarathi faces challenges in membership recruitment, as potential members may be deterred by the organization’s requirements for discipline, which include abstaining from alcohol and smoking. Sister Maria noted that not all members of the convent are willing or able to reach out to potential new members, and funding remains a constant concern, as each congregation must source its own financing.
Nevertheless, the organization continues to thrive through shared responsibility and communal engagement. Sister Gracelyn Mathew, another coordinator, highlighted the importance of each member taking ownership of their responsibilities within the unit. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and collective action, particularly in times of crisis.
Unity Beyond Religious Boundaries
Sarathi’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its diverse membership, which includes individuals from Christian, Hindu, and Muslim backgrounds. Members emphasize that the organization transcends religious and political divides, focusing solely on the welfare of drivers and their families. V.K. Salim, a Muslim member, remarked, “We allow nothing that divides us; our only policy is to help one another.”
Sarathi’s outreach extends beyond financial assistance, with members engaging in community service activities such as cleaning public spaces and participating in environmental initiatives. These efforts reinforce the organization’s ethos of responsibility and collective welfare.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Fr. Thomas Nagaparambil, the parish priest of Thiruvambady, commended Sarathi as a unique ministry that addresses the needs of an often-overlooked workforce. The organization’s impact on the community and its role in fostering a supportive environment for taxi drivers has drawn recognition and respect.
For many like Sudheesh Sreeram, the true gift of Sarathi lies not just in financial aid, but in the sense of community and solidarity it has fostered. He stated, “As long as my heart permits, I will do good to others. The Sarathi people stood by me when I had nowhere else to go.” This sentiment encapsulates the transformative power of mutual support and shared responsibility that defines the Sarathi Helpline for Drivers.
