E-Rickshaw Driver’s Daughter Payal’s London Journey Will Leave You in Tears

Payal Kumari, a 19-year-old from Khagaria, Bihar, has captured hearts with her inspiring journey from her father’s rickshaw to a prestigious scholarship in London. The daughter of Munna Poddar, an e-rickshaw driver, Payal’s resilience shone through after surviving the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Her emotional meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 13 revealed a story of grit and determination that resonates deeply.

A Father’s Sacrifice

Munna Poddar, Payal’s father, drove his e-rickshaw through the dusty streets of Khagaria, often working 14-hour days to fund his daughter’s education. With a modest income, he prioritized Payal’s studies, teaching her perseverance and the value of dreams. “He told me to aim high, no matter our circumstances,” Payal shared during her hospital conversation with Modi. Her father’s unwavering support helped her secure third rank in the 2023 Bihar Class 12 Board exams with 94.4%, earning her a scholarship to study economics at a London university.

#WATCH | Visuals from AI-171 crash site in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Air India has confirmed the loss of 241 lives of the 242 passengers on board the aircraft, which crashed soon after takeoff yesterday pic.twitter.com/1alznlNj40

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2025

Miracle Survivor

Payal was aboard Air India Flight AI171, bound for London, when it crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar, killing 241 passengers. Seated in row 11A near an emergency exit, Payal was miraculously thrown clear of the wreckage, sustaining fractures and burns. “I thought I’d never see my father again,” she told Modi, tears in her eyes. Her survival, one of the few bright spots in the tragedy, has made her a symbol of hope, with her story spreading across social media.

A Dream Deferred but Alive

Despite the trauma, Payal remains determined to pursue her London education. Modi assured her of full medical support and praised her courage, promising government assistance for her journey. Munna, who rushed to Ahmedabad, called her survival a “second chance” to fulfill her dreams.
In conclusion, Payal’s journey from a rickshaw driver’s daughter to a London-bound scholar, coupled with her miraculous survival, is a testament to resilience. Her story, marked by a father’s sacrifice and a daughter’s ambition, continues to inspire and move hearts across India.