"Amma Gave me a New Life"

1 September 2005 — Azhikkal, Alappad Panchayat, Kollam District, Kerala

Over the past few months, hundreds of ladies from Azhikkal have been learning how to sew by attending classes provided by the Ashram.

On 20 August, 300 of these ladies received a brand-new sewing machine. They have formed a cooperative production team, in that they will all be coming to sew together everyday, and will have a guaranteed income. Their first two customers will be the ashram and the government, who have both placed orders with the ladies to provide uniforms for their respective institutions.

Like many of the recipients, this is the first job for Shagundala [39 years old, in the back row wearing a green sari]. “I am happy because Amma is giving me a new life, not just a job.  As Amma’s devotee, I knew that she would help us after the tsunami.”

—Tulasi