An 18-year-old rickshaw driver from a village in India met King Charles at Buckingham Palace after receiving a prestigious women's empowerment award in London this week.
Arti, from Bahraich district in India's Uttar Pradesh state, was awarded the Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award at the Prince's Trust Awards in London. She then met the 75-year-old monarch on Wednesday.
She was recognised for inspiring other young girls through her work with the government's Pink E-rickshaw initiative, which aims to provide safe transport for women and drive change.
“I take pride in being able to inspire other girls who face similar challenges. This newfound independence has allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfil not only my dreams but also those of my daughter," said Arti.
She has a five-year-old daughter and bought her a cake and shoes during her first visit to London.
“It has been an unbelievably amazing experience, meeting the King who was so nice and sent his namaste to my family back home too. He also listened carefully as I spoke about how much I love driving my e-rickshaw, which does not run on polluting diesel or petrol but one that I charge at home every night,” she added, speaking in Hindi.
Founded by King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales, the Prince's Trust International will now become the King's Trust International, continuing its support for young people across 20 countries through employment, education, and enterprise programmes. The Prince's Trust women's empowerment award recognises the global work of young women who have succeeded against the odds and made a lasting difference to those around them.
“This year's winner, Arti, is an inspirational example of someone whose trailblazing work in a typically male arena makes women in her community safer. Arti is determined to create a world where her daughter will not face the obstacles that she has faced, and she is already making a difference through her example,” said Amal Clooney.
At the Buckingham Palace reception, Arti arrived in a pink rickshaw, showcasing it as a sustainable mode of transport and a movement.
In July 2023, Project Lehar, delivered in partnership with Prince's Trust International and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), introduced Arti to the Indian government's Pink E-Rickshaw scheme, an initiative aimed at empowering women and expanding their income-earning opportunities. The Bahraich district administration provided pink e-rickshaws with a subsidy for women drivers.
The scheme aims to increase employment opportunities for vulnerable women, especially widows and single mothers like Arti, while improving women's access to safe transport, increasing their mobility and independence.
“Arti truly embodies the courage, perseverance and determination to succeed against all odds, emerging as a role model for women in her village. We are immensely grateful for our partnership with the Prince's Trust International that has enabled us to support young women to realise their dreams and aspirations. Here's to many more Arti's – believe in yourself, and never let anything dim the light of your ambitions,” said Tinni Sawhney, CEO of AKF (India), who accompanied Arti to the award ceremony and helped interpret for her.
Will Straw, CEO of the Prince's Trust International, added: “I am so proud of Arti for winning this year's women's empowerment award. She is breaking societal barriers and setting an example through her strength and determination. Our work in India gives young people the opportunity to build valuable life skills and find meaningful work. Through Project Lehar and our partnerships with the Aga Khan Foundation, we will continue supporting young women to achieve their ambitions.”
(PTI)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)