Ola’s #MyIndependenceDay initiative celebrates inclusion and diversity
The social media initiative reinforces Ola’s commitment towards strengthening its equal opportunity mobility platform
Bengaluru, August 14th, 2018: Ola, India’s leading and one of the world’s largest ride-sharing platforms, today launched #MyIndependenceDay, a campaign that celebrates individuality, inclusivity and diversity.
On the occasion of India’s 72nd Independence Day, the company released a short video that gives us a glimpse into the life of Meghna Sahoo, Ola’s first transgender driver-partner. The video shows the first few hours of the day before Meghna heads off to work in her Ola cab.
Empowering both driver partners and customers to express themselves, this campaign showcases Ola’s commitment to commemorate the inclusivity on Ola’s platform and our country at large. Since the beginning, inclusion and diversity have always been embedded in Ola’s ethos. As a brand that is constantly evolving, in conjunction with this campaign, the video reinforces Ola’s long-term commitment to maintain this culture.
Speaking on this initiative, Pallav Singh, Senior Vice President, Ola said “We are proud to have Meghna Sahoo on Ola’s platform, who has been a source of inspiration for many through her grit & determination. Ola, as an inclusive platform welcomes people from varied backgrounds and embraces the diversity of our 1 million driver-partners, many of whom have braved the world to lead a respectable life. With this video, we not only seek to highlight real-world examples of people overcoming social stigmas, but also hope to inspire others to do the same. We applaud Meghna’s efforts and encourage people from all walks of life to join our cause in building an equitable mobility platform for all.”
“It is an honour to be a role-model for others while encouraging them to be themselves. Thanks to Ola, I am able to set an example to others struggling in the community. Not only has the platform given me respect and dignity but has also made me financially independent. What’s more is that the flexible hours allow me to manage both work and home life easily.” Meghna Sahoo said. “I hope this video inspires others to go the extra step and never give up.” She added.
Kartik Iyer, CEO Happy mcgarrybowen said, “The story of Meghna Sahoo had to be told. It is a story of hope, inclusion and a sign that we can truly be an inclusive society if we choose to. Ola has always done things to improve the emotional status quo of society. Meghna Sahoo is a living example of it. Here’s to many more Meghnas and a far more open and independent thinking society.”
The video, which will run on social media, was conceptualized and developed by Happy mcgarrybowen. As a part of the initiative, Ola encourages all viewers to join the conversation and tell us their #MyIndependenceDay stories.
About Ola
Founded in 2011 by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, Ola is one of the world’s largest ride-hailing companies. Ola integrates city transportation for customers and driver-partners onto a mobile technology platform ensuring convenient, transparent, and quick service fulfilment. Ola is focused on leveraging the best of technology and building innovative solutions ground-up that are relevant at global scale. Notably, in 2016, Ola Play the world’s first connected car platform for ride-sharing was launched, transforming commuting experiences and setting the tone for global innovation in this space. Using the Ola mobile app, users across 110+ cities, can connect with over 1 million drivers across cabs, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Driven by a hyperlocal approach, Ola is committed to its mission of building mobility for a billion people.
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