Where Women Rise, Communities Thrive

Selvarani Yoganathan's story

Selvarani’s journey is more than a success story. It is a testament to resilience, the power of collective support, and the transformational impact of inclusive livelihood programmes.

When women rise, entire communities thrive.

Beneficiary Name: Selvarani Yoganathan

Age: 43Location: Valluvarpuram, Theravil Cluster

Programme: Village2Markets (V2M) – supported by SLCDF

Children: 3 (One in university, two in higher secondary school)

Focus Areas: Cattle Rearing, Groundnut Cultivation, Home Gardening, Poultry, SHG Leadership

From Silent Struggles to Self-Reliance

In the tranquil village of Valluvarpuram, Selvarani Yoganathan’s life was defined by quiet endurance. A mother of three and the sole breadwinner of her family, Selvarani carried immense responsibility alone. Her husband’s struggle with alcoholism left him unable to work, and she was left to support the family by working as a daily wage labourer in local plantations.

Money was tight. Her children’s dreams of education seemed out of reach. And emotionally, she bore the crushing weight of isolation, with no access to government aid or support networks.

But Selvarani never let go of one powerful thing—hope.

A New Beginning with Village2Markets (V2M)

Everything began to shift when the Village2Markets (V2M) programme, supported by SLCDF, came to her village. More than financial support, it offered community, learning, and opportunity.

Selvarani joined a Self-Help Group (SHG)—a circle of women who shared not just savings and loans, but strength, empathy, and collective purpose. This community became the foundation of her transformation.

Empowered Through Knowledge and Enterprise

With training and ongoing support, Selvarani:

• Learned cattle rearing and began producing and selling fresh milk, earning over Rs. 1,200 daily

• Produced organic compost from cow dung to enrich her soil

• Cultivated groundnuts on her own land, transforming barren earth into income

• Started a home garden, providing food and an extra income stream

• Launched poultry farming, adding further diversity to her livelihood

Through regular SHG savings and low-interest loans, she reinvested wisely—slowly building a stable and thriving livelihood.

A Mother’s Dream Realized

Today, Selvarani’s life is transformed:

• Earns Rs. 1,200+ daily from milk sales

• Runs a flourishing home garden and groundnut farm

• Provides healthy food and education for her children

• Supports her eldest at university—a dream once out of reach

• Recently gifted a 4g gold ornament to her child as a symbol of love and achievement

“I never believed I could change my life, but with support, I found my strength.” – Selvarani

A Leader, A Light for Others

Selvarani is now a respected leader in her SHG. She motivates other women to believe in their strength and take bold steps toward change. Her life stands as a beacon for others walking the same difficult road she once did.