Pune: Green Auto Driver Spreads Positivity One Ride at a Time
Khadki, 19th April 2025: In the bustling lanes of Khadki, where the daily grind often overshadows moments of calm, one man is quietly making a difference—Shriram Anwakar, an autorickshaw driver whose vehicle has become a symbol of peace, positivity, and environmental consciousness.
Parked outside MM Restaurant, Anwakar’s rickshaw instantly draws attention—not with loud music or flashy designs, but with something far more soothing: a mini garden thriving inside the auto. Passersby are often taken by surprise when they notice a variety of living plants—money plants, tulsi, snake plants, and more—gently swaying with the city’s movement.
“I was touched by the simplicity and beauty of his idea,” said Anne Anish, Vice President of the AAP Women’s Wing, who witnessed the green auto firsthand. “Shriram told me, ‘Passengers should feel fresh and positive, and if they are having any negative thoughts, the plants might help lighten their mood.’ That really stayed with me.”
For the last six years, Shriram Anwakar has been nurturing this mobile garden, not just for aesthetics, but as a conscious act of compassion and sustainability. His aim is to offer more than a ride—he offers a moment of serenity.
“More than just a mode of transport, his rickshaw is a moving message of kindness and care,” Anne added. “He’s not just ferrying passengers; he’s transporting smiles and positive energy across Pune.”
Amid growing concerns over air pollution and urban stress, Anwakar’s initiative serves as a refreshing reminder of how small acts can have a large impact. His green auto also plays a practical role, with many of the plants known for their air-purifying properties.
In a city that rarely slows down, Shriram Anwakar’s green rickshaw offers a brief, welcome pause—a ride not just through roads, but through nature, thoughtfulness, and hope.
