SAM INFO
2012 – 2013
GST Road, Mamandur 603 111, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And
when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and
exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals. -Deepak Chopra
“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and
behold, service was joy.”
Rabindranath Tagore
SAM INFO
2012-2013
2
SAM Info 2012-2013
I Programmes for Children
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Preschools for tribal and washermen children ……………………………………………………
Augment education among school going children ………………………………………………
Empowerment through Children’s Parliament
………………………………………………
Eradication of child labour
………………………………………………………………………..
Career guidance for 10th & 12th grade students
………………………………………………
Vocational Training Programme ………………………………………………………………………..
4
9
11
14
16
19
II Peoples’ Empowerment
2.1 Women’s union
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2.2 Washermen Union ………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2.3 Tribals Union
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
21
27
32
III Programmes for Protecting River Palar
3
3.1 Programmes
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
39
IV Peoples’ Bank
………………………………………………………………………………………..
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SAM Info 2012-2013
1. Programmes for Children
"The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind." - Maria Montessori
Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it. ~Harold Hulbert
1.1
Preschools for tribal and washermen children
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning." As true for preschool as it is for adults!
S.
No.
4
Place of School
1
Rettamangalam
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Nelveli
Manampathi
Kammalampoondi
Unamalai
Meyyur
Anbu Nagar
Valarpuram
Total
SAM Info 2012-2013
Category
Washermen and
Tribal kids
Tribal kids
Tribal kids
Washermen kids
Tribal kids
Tribal kids
Tribal kids
Tribal kids
No. of
Children
in
2011-12
No. of
children
admitted
to govt.
schools
20
6
No. of
children
newly
admitted
to pre
schools
4
17
20
11
12
13
17
10
120
4
2
3
5
4
24
2
3
2
4
5
3
2
25
Total No.
of
children
in
2012-13
18
15
21
13
13
13
16
12
121
The schools

Aims at exposing children to early childhood education.

Encouraging
education
among
the tribal
washermen children to enhance their social
economical status in the society.
and
and

Creating awareness among
importance of education,
the

Generating social, economic and political edification to
improve their quality of life.
the
parents
on
The overall aim of the program is to give the child the basic
literacy and numeric skills and also the information and
knowledge that is relevant to his/her social situation. The
ultimate objective is to prepare the children for entering the
mainstream of education.
Teachers’ training
Teachers’ training was conducted on 24th and 25th May 2012
and all the teachers participated in it. The trainer for the
programme was Mrs.Geetha, the Project Officer of SAM. They
were told about the five different developmental spheres of
influence of children which all relate to each other. They can
be referred to as the SPICE of life.
Social refers mostly to the ability to form attachments, play
with others, cooperate, share, and create lasting relationships.
Physical relates to the development of their physical
structure while playing indoors or outdoors, walking, running
etc. Since these developments occur during their childhood,
teachers are also are to a larger extent, involved in their
growth.
Intellectual is teaching them to learn to make sense of the
world around them.
Creative is development of talents in areas such as singing,
drawing, colouring,
identifying alphabets and numbers,
learning to write them, and
Emotional was explained as the development of selfawareness, self-confidence and the ability to cope with and
understand feelings.
The above were explained in detail so that teachers
concentrate on SPICE for the overall development and
performance of the children in schools, at home and in the
society at large. That which is practiced at very young age
remains life time with them. The teachers’ were very happy
to take home with them indispensable knowledge to be
disseminated to the children for their great future.
Another training was conducted on 11th December 2012. The
resource persons, Ms. Shakira Banu and Ms.Shreeja from
J.S.S. (Jana Shiksha Sansthan), Walajabad, taught methods
of attracting the attention of the children with colourful
drawings, paintings using cardboards and OHP (Over Head
Projector) sheets. They drew fruits, vegetables and coloured
them with bright and appealing colours.
Numbers were
represented on chart sheets to make learning fun and at the
same time, memorable. This training paved the way for
practical and easy learning.
Parents’ Meeting
Meetings are conducted every month for the parents to
always remind them to send their wards regularly to school.
It also gives us a chance to interact with them about their
family, work and remind them to send their children regularly
to school, brush, bathe, oil their hair and dress them up with
clean and tidy clothes. Parents have to be reminded until the
above becomes a habit and realize that education is important
for their children. Women are also motivated to join together
as self help groups and adopt thrift habits.
Hence, parents meetings are inevitable and are conducted
every month in all the centres. They are also encouraged to
adopt thrift habits. As the saying goes, ‘practice makes a man
perfect’, so also keeping in touch with parents, motivating and
encouraging them, will help in educating their children. This
meeting also helps in knowing whether they have procured
community certificates, ration cards, lands from the
government for housing and help them to submit applications
for the same to the District Collector office, Kanchipuram.
Parents’ also expressed their happiness over children singing
songs, reciting poems, alphabets, numbers and whatever they
could remember.
They promised to cooperate with the
teacher and follow the teachers’ instructions.
Teachers’ Meeting
Meetings are conducted for all the 8 teachers in the first week
of every month. They share the experiences with the children
and parents during the previous month.
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SAM Info 2012-2013
The teachers take the responsibility to prepare the time table
conducive to the children
They take good care of the children in their care.
Ensure that the preschool programmes are followed on a dayto-day basis
The teachers ensure that the environment is child friendly and
child focused.
They teach the children good habits, and help the parents too
in solving their social problems with the help of the
coordinator.
They help the tribal people approach government offices for
their basic needs.
The teachers were advised to attend workshops for their
development.
The teachers are always encouraged to continue with their
good work among the tribals and always work with an
optimistic attitude.
Annual Day Celebration
4th February 2012 was allotted as a day of celebration for 114
Irular / washermen children learning in public schools from 1 st
to 8th grade in our area of operation. 95 parents, all the
preschool teachers and matrons, the Director of SAM, all the
staff members of SAM, participated in the programme. The
chief guests for the programme were Mr.G.Ravichandran,
Bukkathurai Panchayat President, Mr. Veeraraghavan, Taluk
Supply Officer, Madurantakam and Mr.Ramasubramanian,
Deputy Tahsildar. It was a day of festivity for the children.
They played games like filling the bottle with water, running
race and filling the circle with stones. The parents also played
games like musical chair and bombing the city.
All the
winners were given prizes. After a sumptuous afternoon
meal, the children participated in cultural programmes like
singing and dancing, the tribal people danced their traditional
dance, the Madras Christian College students enacted a skit
on health and hygiene.
The chief guests praised the tribals for their talents in various
fields and promised to help them to get ration cards,
community certificates and land titles.
Holiday Camp for school going
washermen and tribal community
Children
from
Summer Camp was conducted from 6th to 10th May 2012 at
Udayam Centre, Palliagaram and 58 children (31 Irular and 27
washermen) varying from classes 6 to 9 participated in the
camp. On 6th evening, the children enrolled themselves and
the camp was inaugurated on 7 th morning by Mr.Karunakaran,
Mr.Dayalan, President and Vice President of SAM, Sr.
Preethika from Udayam Centre, Mrs.Geetha, Project Officer of
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SAM Info 2012-2013
SAM, Mr. Durai, Mrs.Andal, staff members of SAM and the
camp in-charge, Mr.Aruldoss, Mr.Thangavel and all the
preschool teachers, the Masters for English and Mathematics,
Mr.Jayamani and Mr.Manoj Kumar.
The aim of conducting this camp was to encourage the children
to study like children from other communities and continue
with their higher studies and raise their status in the society.
The children actively involved themselves in exercise, singing,
dancing, games, drawing, painting, learning basic English
grammar, Mathematics, getting to know leaders like Dr.
Ambedkar and Rettamalai Srinivasan and learning the
importance of time management, decision making and positive
thinking.
Fr. P.B. Martin, the Director of SAM, and all the above
mentioned persons were present for the valedictory function
conducted on 10th May 2012.
All the children received
essential stationery items like note books, instrument box, pen,
pencil, ruler and eraser sponsored by the local leader. The
children enjoyed their stay at Udayam centre and all of them
promised to study well and score good marks. They thanked
everyone for the wonderful opportunity given to them.
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SAM Info 2012-2013
1.2 Augment education among school going children
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
Aristotle
Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere.
Education beats the beauty and the youth. Chanakya
He who opens a school door, closes a prison.
Victor Hugo
Tuition Centres
S.NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9
NAME OF VILLAGE
KUMARAVADI
MOOSIVAKKAM
VELLAPUTHUR
KALLANGKOLLAI
PUDUPET I
PUDUPET II
SATHUMAI
EDAMICHI
PALUR
TOTAL
SAM Info 2012-2013
BOYS
GIRLS
14
15
19
18
7
6
6
20
9
114
13
8
16
16
8
10
8
15
8
102
TOTAL
STRENGTH
27
23
35
34
15
16
14
35
17
216
Tuition centres are sustained in Kumaravadi, Moosivakkam,
Vellaputhur, Kallangkollai, Pudupet I & II (one in dalit area
and another in the washermen area), Sathumai, Edamichi and
Palur (Irular area). It is being conducted for children studying
in the 8th, 9th and 10th grades. The students very eagerly
attend the classes because the teachers clear their doubts,
teach them whatever is complicated and also allot time for
play.
The parents are also happy to see their children
spending the evening time profitably rather than loitering
around the village. The teachers concentrate on subjects,
current events and life skills which are very essential for
students of the present generation. Tuition centres have to a
great extent, helped children inculcate the habit of studying
and also ensured better performance in schools as well as
improved character/attitude. Attending tuition class every
evening has become a ritual among the students in the above
mentioned villages. Remarkable changes could be observed
in their attitude and studies.
Games materials, books and stationeries
The students studying in the tuition centres were provided
with books containing question and answers which made study
easy. Even though the students were appearing for the public
examination for the first time, all study and no play makes
them dull. Hence, they were provided with games materials
to refresh themselves before settling down for tedious work.
Meetings for Teachers
Meetings are conducted every month for the teachers of all
the 9 tuition centres at SAM centre, Mamandur. During the
meetings, the teachers and SAM staff discuss the students’
academic performance in the school, regularity, punctuality to
the school and tuition class, their attitude towards education
and life skills which help mould their character and parents’
response to tuition classes. The teachers also expressed their
gratitude for conducting these classes for the better
performance of the students.
Competitions in schools
Competitions were conducted twice in all the above tuition
centres, one was based on their subjects and another on
general knowledge. Students were divided into 3 groups and
questioned, and all the students in the groups were given
prizes.
The concerned village president and the ward
members were invited and they during their oration
encouraged the children to study and utilize the facility
extended by SAM. The goal is education to all and education
beyond school, a degree which will facilitate better jobs,
enhanced income and improved life style.
1.3 Empowerment through Children’s Parliament
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
11
SAM Info 2012-2013
New members training
A children’s parliament training was conducted on 23.06.2012
at SAM office, Kanchipuram and 55 children from
Narasamangalam,
Oli
Mohammedpettai,
Erivakkam,
Ammankulam and Vellaikulam participated.
The resource
persons were Mr. Anbazhagan, a teacher from Anderson
School, Kanchipuram, Mr.Kasi from an NGO (non-government
organization) and Mr. Devaraj, Treasurer of SAM.
The meaning of children’s parliament and it’s necessity for
children, the role of the ministers and what could be achieved
by children at their level was explained in detail. The children
were also briefed about other parliaments and their
achievements.
The objectives of children parliament, its
functioning, method of conducting meetings, roles and
responsibilities of ministers and their election, code of conduct
and proper etiquette during the meeting was informed. So,
the children learnt to understand the process of conducting a
meeting and their responsibilities.
3 trainings of 2 days duration each were conducted for the
children from 5 villages on 4th and 5th February, 7th and 8th
March and 6th and 7th April 2013. The resource person was
Mr. Joseph Rathinam, the editor of the Tamil magazine,
‘Children’s Parliament’.
Through interactive method he
explained the concept and hierarchy of the Indian Parliament
and the portfolio of the ministers. The reasons for appointing
ministers and allotting responsibilities to the ministers were
also explained.
While initiating a children’s parliament, he said:

The coordinator should meet their village leader,
introduce themselves and find out the history of their
village

Maintain cordial relationship with the village elders,
teachers, women and children

Inform the people about SAM and its activities so that
everyone benefit from its services.

The coordinator should inform the villagers that one of
its services is organizing a children’s parliament in the
village and conducting elections among the children to
elect ministers.
The coordinator should also be aware of the individual
person’s rights and duties and to begin with, the individuals
should be aware of themselves, their emotions and physical
sensations in order to comprehend others emotions. Each
person should have knowledge about his birth, his whole self
– mind and body, talents, strengths and weaknesses and
control over one’s emotions. The other topics essential were
stress management, overcoming shyness, fear, failure,
criticism, anger, conflict, building relationships and self
respect, setting goals, leadership, group work and maintaining
decorum.
He explained in detail humaneness, the activities of the
children’s parliament, mode of elections in today’s context and
methods to be followed by children in the parliament.
The election of ministers, their job descriptions were explained
to the children and elections were also conducted in all the
centres.
The coordinator invited the local panchayat
presidents for the swearing-in ceremony.
Each parliament also had to maintain records of meetings
conducted, resolutions passed, accounts note book, letters
sent and received, receipt books, letter pad, rubber stamp
and identity cards.
"No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born
a democracy. Rather, both are processes that
continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people
must be included from birth. A society that cuts
off from its youth severs its lifeline."
-- Kofi Annan
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SAM Info 2012-2013
1.4
Eradication of child labour
Motivation camp for newly identified bonded child workers
Motivation camp was conducted for 28 children from 4 villages on 30 th June 2012 who
were identified in the previous year. The resource persons for the training were Mr. Nirmal,
the coordinator at SAM, Kanchipuram and Mr. Bhaskar, a teacher from Municipal Primary
School at Kanchipuram.
Mr. Bhaskar explained to the children the benefits of going to school and continuing with
higher education, make use of the free and compulsory education offered by the Tamil Nadu
government who also provided each student with four sets of uniforms, a pair of footwear,
school bag, geometry box, atlas and colour pencils.
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SAM Info 2012-2013
He also explained in detail the process of easy learning of
subjects like Science, Mathematics and English. Learning with
joy and without burden is what the government wants each and
every child to experience.
Mr. Nirmal explained the harms of child labour and the
advantages of going to school. The animators taught the
children awareness songs, games, told stories. The children
were very happy because the training included both serious and
important session and entertainment through songs, stories
and songs. The entertainment also included drawing on chart
which was very interesting for them.
The children were very happy to attend the camp which they
felt was very useful for them. They promised to go to school
regularly, study well and also continue with higher studies.
Summer Camp
31 dropouts identified by the animators attended the summer
Camp.
The dropouts were from the Irular and Muslim
community. The camp was conducted from 28th May to 1st June
2012 at SAM office, Kanchipuram.
Mr. Karunakaran the
President and Mr. Devaraj the Treasurer of SAM, inaugurated
the camp. The children were motivated to continue with their
education by realizing the values of education. They were
taught alphabets of both English and Tamil, basics in Maths,
songs and moral stories were told. The children enjoyed these
sessions, they danced, drew pictures, coloured them, made
animal models with colourful clay and also involved themselves
in serious learning.
Agarwal’s Eye Hospital conducted a free eye camp for the
children, animators and students learning computer, typing and
tailoring at SAM, Kanchipuram.
The children also enjoyed nourishing and appetizing food on all
the 5 days. All the children were eager to go to school once
again and continue with their studies. In the end, prizes were
distributed to all the children who participated in the camp.
Assistance to Children
The Tamil Nadu government has this year provided the
students studying from I to X with free books, uniforms and
fees waiver. Some of the students studying in the XI and XII,
unable to pay their fees and continue their education were
assisted with school fees to continue their education without
dropping out. SAM identified 15 students who were very keen
on continuing their education and helped them continue for
better opportunities.
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SAM Info 2012-2013
1.5 Career guidance for 10th grade students
This programme aims at




guiding them to choose appropriate subjects, according to their strengths, in
relevance to their impending higher studies
scoring excellent marks in the line of their interest
management of time not only during their academic period of 2 years but throughout
their lives
Basic knowledge about bank loans for higher studies
Edward Sayegh says “everyone has a fire within which has to be kindled for self
empowerment”. A few instances from the life of Dr. Ambedkar was enumerated so that
students are encouraged to study and adhere to time management for better results.
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SAM Info 2012-2013
Mr. Rama Prabu, a social activist and teacher conducted the
programme on 30.05.2012 at SAM training centre, Mamandur
and 33 students participated.
To become successful in life, certain hurdles have to be
overcome
 Having too many friends
 Spending most of the time playing cricket during
holidays
 Watching serial plays on television
 Women’s obsession to cosmetics and makeup
Girls have to study whatever the obstacle may be and parents
have to take the initiative to educate them.
The courses in XI grade were then elaborated and students
were asked to choose the one they preferred most and that
which was available in their surroundings.
One who
perseveres will succeed.
Life coping skills
The Indian society in general tends to over protect children.
The degree of protection decides the character of the child.
His/her teenage behavior and attitude also has a lot to do with
the nurturing of the child and the teenage happens to be a
very important phase in everyone’s life. Associating with the
right set of students in school also plays an important role in
character moulding and studies. But once students complete
their basic education, i.e. X grade, there arises a question as
to whether to continue with studies or work. Their family
status forces them to opt for work rather than studies. But by
stating few examples of students who opted for work and their
dismal future, students preferred to continue with their
studies. Certain disciplines like waking up early, studying for
2 hours, recalling what they studied, were suggested to
students who desired to excel in their studies.
Students have to learn to dream, dream big about their future
and to realize their dreams, the first step is to study hard, at
the same time, work out a strategy to achieve their dreams.
In the process, one may have to face failures but failures are
the stepping stones to success. To quote an example, Sir
Winston Churchill had an impediment of speech – stuttering or
a lisp, but in spite of his impediment he became a great and
famous orator. So, students were encouraged to work hard
and become great and inspiring personalities
17
SAM Info 2012-2013
Career guidance for 12th grade students
This programme was conducted to inform them about:



The various courses available in colleges and the
necessary qualification to avail jobs in multinational
companies in and around the area
Time management and life skills
Tips on procuring education loans from nationalized
banks.
This programme was conducted on 18.05.2012 at SAM
training centre, Mamandur. 29 students participated in this
programme. The resource persons were Mr.Abraham Lincoln
from
Chennai,
Mr.
Rama
Prabu
from
Ambur,
Mr.G.Karunakaran, President of SAM, Mrs.Geetha, Project
Officer of SAM, Mr.Durai, Mr.Thangavel and Mr.Aruldoss,
Coordinators of SAM.
Since the students were all expecting their 12th grade results
and waiting to enter into the portals of colleges, they were
asked to examine themselves – marks expected by them, the
course that would be selected by them in the college and the
economic capability of parents to educate them in the course
of their choice.
The students also spoke to the professors from Loyola College
and Ramachandra Medical College, who guided them
according to the stream chosen by them in the 12th grade and
the kind of jobs they could procure on completion of their
studies.
The administrators from Lord Venkateswara Engineering
College, Pazhaiyaseevaram, encouraged students to join their
college by paying very negligible fees. Colleges have students
from diverse areas which creates opportunities for interaction
and growth. Students who grow in self confidence have
brighter prospects. Students with goals and dreams reach
great heights. So also, everyone should learn to fix goals and
plan meticulously to attain the goal.
“We speak whatever we think
We do whatever we think
Thoughts, words and deeds with perseverance, are the path
to success”.
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SAM Info 2012-2013
1.6 Vocational Training Programme
S.
No.
1
2
3
i.
ii.
iii.
4
19
Particulars
Driving
Typing
Computer
DTP (Desk Top Publishing)
Tally (accounts package)
DCA (Diploma in Computer
Applications)
Tailoring
SAM Info 2012-2013
Duration
21 days
12 months
No. of students
Boys
Girls
30
10
15
Total
30
25
12 months
3 months
6 months
02
02
10
03
02
06
05
04
16
3 months
-
16
16
1.
Driving
30 Youth (6 from Washermen community + 9 from the
Irular community + 15 from the dalit community) who were
keen on undertaking driving as their occupation, enrolled
for the training for a period of 21 days after which a
practical test is conducted. On passing the test, they are
given the license.
2.
Typing
The rigorous training given to the students undergoing the
technical examination resulted in 15 of the 18 students
passing.
They were continually assessed until August
2012. 16 students are undergoing training in typing.
3.
Computer
Students enroll for DTP, Tally and DCA in our centre and we
have a competent instructor takes care to see that each and
every person undergoing the training, understand what is
taught and is able to work practically on the computer. At
the end of the term, both practical and theoretical tests are
conducted and based on their performance, certificates are
given. The students are employed immediately because
there are many vacancies in computer centres in
Kanchipuram as data entry operators.
4.
Tailoring
Tailoring is being conducted at 2 centres, that is, in
Mamandur-SAM Centre and at Moosivakkam due to the
demand from the women. Tailoring is a lucrative job and
many of them get free machines from the government and
work from home which fetches them income and also allows
them to carry on with their household chores.
5.
Vocational Training Programme
Training was conducted for 27 women on saree designing at
SAM, Mamandur. Ms. A. Shakira Banu, a resource person
of Jana Shiksha Sansthan, a central government vocational
training centre, taught the women stone work, chamki work
which would fetch a good income working from home. The
women were given pieces of cloth to stick the stones and
chamki in various designs.
22 young Irular women from Vellaikulam, Ammankulam,
Dusi, Narasamangalam and 40 students learning typing,
computer and tailoring at SAM, Kanchipuram, participated
in the training. She taught them to make candles, incense
sticks and decorative works on saris using stones and
chamki.
This training was very useful for the women
because they were looking forward to trainings like this to
enhance their income.
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SAM Info 2012-2013
II PeoPles’ emPowerment
II.1. Programmes for Women’s Union
“It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you came from. The ability to triumph begins with
you. Always.”
~Oprah Winfrey
- “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”
~Diane Mariechild
S.
No.
Date of
Training
Training Topic
No. of participants
Resource persons
31 young women from
Vellaputhur,
Vedanthangal
Mr.Ambrose, LRSA,
Chengalpattu
Mr. S. Dayalan, Vice
President of SAM
Mrs.Ranganayagi, Mr.Durai,
coordinators of SAM
Women’s Union - Human Rights Training
a. Training for young women
i
07.04.2012
Women’s rights and
problems faced by them
from birth to death
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SAM Info 2012-2013
22
ii
21.04.2012
Women’s rights and
problems faced by them in
every period of life
iii
18.05.2012
Women’s rights and
problems faced by them in
different circumstances
iv
26.05.2012
Women and laws
25 young women from
Anambakkam and
Arunkundram
v
16.06.2012
Women and laws
28 young women from
Chithiraikoodam and
Vedanthangal
vi.
30.06.2012
Women and education
vii
28.07.2012
Women’s rights and
problems faced by them in
different circumstances
viii
25.08.2012
Women’s rights and
problems faced by them in
different circumstances
(includes both dalit and
washerwomen)
ix
26.08.2012
Women’s rights, personality
development, enhancing
thought process
x
xi
xii
xiii
xiv
06.10.2012
10.11.2012
15.12.2012
25.01.2013
16.02.2013
xv
23.03.2013
New members training
“
“
“
“
Preparation of young women for
marriage with live examples of
2 or 3 women who have
encountered problems after
marriage with no proper
guidance
SAM Info 2012-2013
35 young women from
Thiruvanthavar and
Edamichi villages
27 young women from
Thuraiyur and
Valaiyaputhur
31 women from
Kunnankulathur and
Puzhuthivakkam
28 young women from
Moosivakkam,
Kumaravadi,
Irungkundrapalli,
Palliagaram and Vaiyavur
36 women from
Puzhuthivakkam,
Alancheri, Bukkathurai,
Pudhupattu, Sathumai
and Keezhavalam
34 young girls from
Vellaputhur
36
33
37
29
30
participants
participants
participants
participants
participants
26 participants
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mr. P. Durai, Mr.L.Aruldoss
and Mrs.Andal, Coordinators
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mrs.Ranganayagi, Mr.Durai,
Mrs.Glory and
Mrs.Anbumani President
and Vice President of
Magalir Shakthi
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mrs.Ranganayagi, Mr.Durai,
Mrs.Indira, member of
Magalir Shakthi
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mrs.Ranganayagi, Mr.Durai,
Mrs.Glory, Mrs.Anbumani,
Magalir Shakthi
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mr. P. Durai, Mr.L.Aruldoss
and Mrs.Andal
Mrs. Meena from
Jananayaga Madhar
Sangam, Chengalpattu,
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mr. L.Aruldoss and
Mrs.Andal, Coordinators
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mr. P. Durai, Mr.L.Aruldoss
and Mrs.Andal,
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mr. P. Durai, Coordinator,
SAM, Ms. N. Glory,
President, Magalir Shakthi
Ms. A. Anbumani
Treasurer, Magalir Shakthi
& Mr. P. Vijayakumar,
President of Vellaputhur
village
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mrs. Geetha, Project Officer,
Mrs. Andal, Mr. Durai,
Mr.Aruldoss, Coordinators
Ms. Premila All India
Jananayaga Madhar
Sangam
Mr. S. Dayalan,
Mrs. Andal, Mr. Durai,
Mr.Aruldoss, Coordinators
Women’s Union
Goals
 Impart knowledge on Women’s rights
 Education and Personality development
 Enhancing mental ability
Rights of food, clothing, shelter, education, health, water,
writing rights, speech, equality among men and women,
voting, rights of joining groups, employment rights, political
rights, rights of questioning, rights to eradicate bonded
labour, rights to hold meetings, right to relax, right to faith,
land rights, right to information and imparting knowledge,
livelihood, decision making and problem solving techniques
were briefed.
An educated woman has the right to choose her career and
plan her future.
But the teenagers in our area of operation drop out from
schools for lucrative income from several companies which
have cropped up in the region as work seems to be much
profitable and interesting than studies. Although studies seem
to be bitter for the rural students, they are being encouraged
to continue with their studies at least up to graduation. The
government of Tamil Nadu has also been striving to educate
the young by awarding scholarships at high school and under
graduate level and grow to be teachers, doctors, nurses,
engineers, scientists, various sectors of the government
including the army, navy, air force and politicians.
The women face troubles right from birth which continues up
to death. She is unwanted as soon as she is born, educated
only up to minimum qualification, embarrassed by conducting
a function as soon as she attains puberty – publicizing it, sent
to work in companies for lucrative income by parents,
harassed by husband, in-law after marriage, then the sons
until death.
The other problems faced by women like female child abuse,
female infanticide were also discussed. Widows remarriage
laws, dowry abuse laws, family violence laws were
communicated to the women.
The young women were encouraged to read newspapers,
listen to the local, national and international NEWS to update
on events taking place throughout the world. This can be
shared with their younger siblings.
Training for New Members
Young women in the age group of 18 to 35 attended the
trainings conducted. They were given a brief introduction
23
SAM Info 2012-2013
about SAM.
Games were conducted to introduce the
participants to relieve them of their timidity and also befriend
participants from other villages.
The trainings were lively
because interactive method was followed. Group discussions
were also conducted to discuss the problems faced by women
in their work place and at home. The girls were quite hesitant
to share all the problems fearing knowledge about company’s
heinous activities to the outside world, jobless if found guilty of
sharing company’s confidential matters.
Though cautious in sharing their woes encountered in the work
place, some of the problems were discussed and clarified and
simple methods of solving problems, elucidated.
The young girls were also briefed on time management,
decision making, problem solving, goal setting and attitude to
success.
Preparation of Young Women for Marriage
Nowadays, the trend among young girls and boys has
changed. In the past girls used to stay at home once they
attain puberty.
But now, due to the mushrooming of
companies in and around Kanchipuram district, many of the
young have found jobs and company vehicles pick them up
from their door step. Girls and boys don’t even bother to
complete their basic studies while the lure from the companies
is immense. Earning money is definitely a better option than
studying which is not quite interesting. The children even at
the young age of 12 start their career not knowing what is in
store for them.
Lust and infatuation plays a greater role in the lives of the
young and they end up getting married with or without the
consent of their parents or aborting the child. The adolescent
is unaware of family life and social perceptive.
They are
ignorant of the consequences that may arise later in life.
The pros and cons of early marriage, the problems that would
occur, whom they should approach was explained in detail.
Young women with such problems were also invited for the
training so that the spinsters understand situations and act
accordingly.
Case study:
1. A young woman from Anthoniyar Nagar said she had
been married less than a year ago. Lack of proper
enquiry about the groom led to the trouble. Now she is
a divorcee, working and staying once again with her
parents.
24
SAM Info 2012-2013
2. Another woman from Moosivakkam hardly lived a week
with her husband. In spite of being a relative and
giving all the dowry requested by the in-laws, she was
sent back to her house saying that she was mentally
challenged.
3. Though 10 years have gone since this woman from
Puzhuthivakkam got married, she lived with her
husband only for 1 month. He used to beat her,
listening to others complaints. She went home to
attend her father’s funeral and from then on, has been
staying in her house. Both her mother-in-law and
brother-in–law ill-treated her and separated her from
her husband. Her husband also passed away and now
she’s residing in her brother’s house.
Benefits
 The girls’ felt this was a very useful training for them.
 They promised to share all the events with their
mothers
 Acquainted to laws relating to Violence against women
 Through the case studies and inputs from the resource
persons, learnt the procedure for choosing grooms.
Achievements







25
Three acres of land sold by a higher caste person to a
beer company in Moosivakkam was retrieved by the
efforts of the women from the same village. The vice
president of SAM, Mr. Dhayalan, along with the women
representatives approached the police officials in
Padalam Police station, submitted a petition held talks
with them and regained the land for them on
06.03.2013.
The women from Moosivakkam, Malaivaiyavur and
Periyavaiyavur conducted a demonstration near the
Revenue Development Office at Madurantakam for
shifting the wine shop from their area and they
achieved their end.
786 young women from 21 villages joined as members
in Magalir Shakthi and also started saving.
26 women with tailoring certificates availed free sewing
machines worth Rs.130,000/- under the government
scheme.
150 women joined as members in the unorganized
labourers welfare union
19 students together received Rs.23,500 as education
assistance, 2 women received Rs.4,000 each as
marriage assistance and 4 women together received
Rs.68,000 as death relief from the unorganized
labourers welfare union.
65
women
from
Vaiyavur,
Kumaravadi
and
Moosivakkam joined as members in the Welfare Union
SAM Info 2012-2013
Human Rights Conference
The enormous number of child sexual abuse cases during the
previous year (2012) and this year (2013), provoked SAM to
conduct a conference on the same topic on 16 th March 2013 at
Mamandur. The month of the World Women’s’ Day was
selected on purpose to highlight the atrocities against women.
Three women, namely, Mrs.M.Shanthi Saraswathi, Protection
Officer, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act
2005, Chennai district, Mrs.A.Premavathi, Chennai district
leader of domestic workers sangam and Ms.K.Umadevi,
Professor, Sir Theagarayar College, Chennai, were invited to
speak on laws related to child abuse, sexual crimes against
women and women and society respectively. The meeting
started at 11.00 a.m. in a community hall at Mamandur with
around 300 women partakers.
The programme highlighted the huge number of crimes
against women, why such crimes are on the increase in the
recent past in our State and in the country, whom they should
contact, the preventive measures, the notion of patriarchy and
nurturing of male children in the Indian context, inequality
among the male and female children within the family circle
and in the society. Preventive measures such as keeping track
of the child’s routine work, conversing, having good rapport
with the child, observant on the kind of programmes watched
on television, the CD’s shared among friends, the books that
they read, the change in behavior / activities of their
adolescent child, was also mentioned to caution the family
members and also prevent such crimes happening in their
own house/surroundings.
The importance of education with reference to the life of
Dr.Ambedkar was enumerated. Though very highly educated
he was subjected to socio-economic discrimination in many
circumstances which he was able to overcome. Everyone
should educate their children and encourage reading habit by
making use of the public libraries in their own surroundings.
Every panchayat has a library and children should be
motivated as reading expands our thoughts and enlarges our
world.
We were born to make and manifest the glory of god that is
within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we
let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own
fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Marianne
Williamson
26
SAM Info 2012-2013
II.2. Programmes for Washermen Union
S.
No.
27
Date of Training
Training Topic
No. of participants
Resource person
Mr. S. Dayalan, Vice
President of SAM,
Mr. P. Durai, Mrs.Andal,
Coordinators, SAM
Mr.Thirumalai, Advocate
Mr. S. Dayalan, Vice
President of SAM,
Mr. P. Durai, Mrs.Andal,
Coordinators, SAM,
Mr. Barathianna, M.A.,B.L.,
Tamilnadu Front for
Eradication of
Untouchability
Mr.Anthony Paul,
Uthiramerur
Mr. S. Dayalan, Vice
President of SAM
Mr. S. Dayalan, Vice
President of SAM,
Mr. P. Durai, Coordinator,
SAM
Ms.Anbumani & Ms.Glory,
Executive members of
Magalir Shakthi
Mr. E. Mahalingam, Mr. H.
Michael, Mr.R. Varadhan,
Mr. Louruddoss, all leaders
of the Washermen union,
Mr. S. Dayalan, vice
president of SAM, Mr.P.
Durai, Mr.L.Aruldoss,
Coordinators of SAM
Mr. M. James, District leader
of Farmers Union
Mr. Ambrose, LRSA
Mr.G. Karunakaran,
President of SAM,
Mr.S.Dayalan, Vice
President of SAM,
Mrs. Andal, Mr.L.Aruldoss,
Mr.G.Thangavel,
coordinators of SAM
HUMANRIGHTS TRAINING
1
23.04.2012
Awareness training
40 young women from
Pudupet
2
24.07.2012
Awareness training
41 youth from Sathumai
3
03.08.2012
Awareness training to
washermen youth
4
25.08.2012
Awareness training to
washer and dalit women
5
29.11.2012
Awareness training
6
16.12.2012
Human rights training
7
27.03.2013
Training for youth on
personality
development
SAM Info 2012-2013
40 youth participated
36 women (13
washermen + 23 dalits
women) participated in
the training
31 participants
35 participants from the
women, washermen and
tribal unions
27 participants
Mr. Ambrose, LRSA
Mr.S.Dayalan, Vice
President of SAM,
Mrs. Andal, Mr.L.Aruldoss,
coordinators of SAM
Human Rights Training
Generally, all the new groups are given an introduction about
SAM’s involvement with the washermen community, changes
in their way of life, seeking alternate jobs and educating their
children which has enhanced their status in their hamlets.
The importance of the sense organs was stressed. Both eyes
and ears help in learning, listening and questioning skills.
Critical thinking and questioning are parts of learning process.
To achieve great heights, learning questioning and
perseverance are mandatory. The youth should adopt the
above three to become extraordinary citizens. Thomas Alva
Edison’s perseverance which lead to the discovery of the
incandescent bulb was quoted as an example.
Every one leads a private life, family life, professional life and
community life. One who coordinates and integrates these
four lives harmoniously are said to be successful people. A
flute transforms air into music, so also the youth should use
their resources / talents, to transform the lives of the people
in the villages.
All the resources available from the
government should be tapped for the welfare of the people.
All the rights of people were also briefed so that they also put
them into practice as and when necessary. Learning from the
outside world and educated persons should be a continuous
process. So, associating with people other than washermen is
an important aspect.
This helps in widening knowledge,
socializing which in turn relieves them from introversion.
The washermen were glad they attended the above training
because of the inputs that they received and they were willing
to follow whatever was said for the good of their community.
The Hindu washermen now called as Puthirai Vannars were
encouraged to get community certificates mentioning their
community as ‘Puthirai Vannar’ and enroll themselves in the
welfare board exclusively for them. The Puthirai Vannars are
one among the 76 Scheduled Castes. The name, ‘Puthirai
Vannar’, is listed 60th in the Tamil Nadu list of Scheduled
Castes, as laid out by the Scheduled Castes (Amendment) Act,
1976, which came into force from July 27, 1977.
Benefits:
 1 intercaste marriage was conducted
 6 persons received free iron boxes
government scheme
under
the
Human Rights Conference
On September 16, 2012 a conference was conducted at Hotel
Babupriya, Kanchipuram demanding their rights.
The chief
28
SAM Info 2012-2013
guests were Mr.K. Ramalingam, Editor of ‘Makkam Nenjam’, a
monthly magazine, Mr. C.R. Kolappa, President of the
Tamilnadu
Washermen
Welfare
Sangam,
Mr.
T.M.
Kuppusamy, Senior Advocate, Thirupathur, MR. T.S.
Singarayan, Additional Secretary of Labourers Welfare
Unionand other leaders. Around 200 people participated in
the conference.
Awareness training
Aim: -
To register themselves in the puthirai vannai
board
To inform about educational assistance to college
going students.
To gain knowledge on labouers welfare scheme
During the previous governing period, the then ruling D.M.K.
party established the Puthirai Vannar Welfare Board. All the
washermen with S.C. Adidravida community cards could
procure community certificates from the concerned officials as
puthirai vannar and register themselves in the puthirai vannai
welfare board. The initiating of this board created better
access since all the schemes were operated exclusively for
them. This registration would help students procure
education assistance from 10th grade onwards. They could
also obtain assistance for marriage, child birth and accidents.
All the washermen were requested to register themselves in
the board set up exclusively for them and tap the resources
from the government.
Some of the resolutions passed during the
meeting:






29
The washermen inhabitants could change their
communities from Adidravidar to Puthirai vannar
The puthirai vannar labourers welfare board could be
named as puthirai vannar community welfare board
The catholic washermen could also be included as
members in the board
All the washermen belonging to the puthirai vannar
community could be given free land for housing and
free houses by the government within a stipulated
period
All the expenses could be incurred by the government
for their higher studies
The funds allotted for the old, widows, destitute could
be converted as pension scheme
SAM Info 2012-2013
Benefits:
o
o
o
The washermen promised to procure community
certificates and register themselves in the puthirai
vannai welfare board
Five of them have submitted petitions for old age
pension.
Two engineering students procured the fees exemption
for their studies.
Training for Youth
Aim:
-
To gain political awareness
To create rapport with the representatives from the
Dr.Ambedkar Movement functioning in their
villages.
To actively participate in the grama sabha meetings
conducted by the panchayat presidents
In Tamilnadu
The youth got to understand how movements throughout
India converted into political parties. In Tamil Nadu too,
many years ago, self respectable movements were in
operation.
One among them was started by E.V.
Ramaswamy, popularly known as Periyar.
From that
movement, many political parties evolved which are actively
functioning today. So, the washermen were encouraged to
join any of the political parties of their choice, participate in
meetings conducted by them.
On observing their active
participation, the leaders will confer on them additional
responsibilities and thereby, act as a catalyst among the
communities. So, they can grow in strength and also name
and fame, automatically, they can earn self respect in the
society.
Growing in confidence will also enhance their
personality.
Creating rapport with Dr.Ambedkar movements
The washermen were also encouraged to join the
Dr.Ambedkar movement which is prevalent in all the villages
or else 25 youth (if available) from a village can organize a
group, visit government offices and obtain schemes for them
and for the people in their village.
If they create good
rapport with the youth/movements in their own villages, then
in course of time, an optimistic growth within themselves will
take place.
They were also encouraged to read the
constitution of India, work courageously for the welfare of
their community and attain great heights.
30
SAM Info 2012-2013
Participating in Gram Sabha meetings
During Rajiv Gandhi’s regime, he introduced the third kind of
government, that is the panchayat raj.
The Indian
government works in 3 steps – the Parliament, the Legislative
Assembly and the Panchayat Raj so that the laws and
schemes reach the people.
Panchayat meetings are
conducted in a common place where people gather, voice
their views and the president passes the resolution. These
meetings are conducted on every year on January 26 th, May
1st, August 15th and October 2nd. 2 representatives from the
washermen community could attend the meeting, voice the
necessities of their area and procure those benefits for their
people. If the above are followed, they can become self
reliant and attain self respect.
A man not only needs to know how to fish, he needs
to have the freedom to do it and a place to do it.
That's where community comes in. We have to help
each other, and we feel government has a very
important role therein.
-- Bill Ayres
The man who makes a success of an important venture never wails
for the crowd. He strikes out for himself. It takes nerve, it takes a
great lot of grit; but the man that succeeds has both. Anyone can
fail. The public admires the man who has enough confidence in
himself to take a chance. These chances are the main things after
all. The man who tries to succeed must expect to be criticized.
Nothing important was ever done but the greater number consulted
previously doubted the possibility. Success is the accomplishment
of that which most people think can't be done.
C. V. White
31
SAM Info 2012-2013
II.3. Programmes for Irular Union
S.
No.
Date of
Training
Training Topic
Human Rights Training
a. Training for young men
i
27.04.2012
New members training
No. of partici-pants
Resource person
35 Irulars from
Kidangkarai and
Kayapakkam
Mr.Dayalan, vice
President, SAM,
Mr. Durai, Mr.Thangavel,
both coordinators at SAM
Mr.Dayalan, vice
President, SAM, Mr. Durai
& Mr.Thangavel
Mr. Kural Amudhan and
Ms.Rachel from
International Justice
Mission, Chennai
Mr.Ambrose (LRSA)
Mr.G.Karunakaran,
President, SAM
Mr.Subramani,
Headmaster of local
school,
Mr.Selvaraj, Mr.Sekar and
Mr.Thangavel from the
Irular Union
ii
21.06.2012
New members training
25 youth from
Pazhaiyanur and Vedal
iii
30.07.2012
Introduction and indicators
to Bonded Labour Act
51 youngsters from the
tribal community
iv
28.08.2012
Leadership training
v
29.08.2012
New members
training
37
Irular Union office
bearers
38 Irular people from
Arkadu village
b. Training for Medical Practitioners
i
32
22.05.2012
SAM Info 2012-2013
Training for medical
practitioners
15 medical
practitioners
participated
Mr.Sekhar, a renowned
medical practitioner from
the area
New members Training
In the new members training, the Irular people are asked to
share their problems, common and personal. The problems
are then discussed in detail and it is made clear to them that
by joining in the union, they have the benefit of solving their
problems, thrift education and inculcating the habit, loans
from their savings, fight for their rights from the government.
Only groups can achieve success, hence, they were
encouraged to join the union not only to solve problems but
also to be aware of world issues.
Introduction and indicators to Bonded Labour Act
Training on bonded labour Act was conducted by Mr.Kural
Amudhan and Ms.Rachael from International Justice Mission
(IJM), an NGO involved in rescuing people from slavery and
oppression.
They explained the meaning of bonded labour – one who gets
advance from the owner, cannot participate in auspicious
occasions, work in a place of their liking, no access to healthy
food and don’t receive even the minimum wages for the hard
work extracted from them.
A game was conducted to teach them problem solving
method.
Bonded labourers are predominantly found working in stone
quarries, brick kilns, rice mills, domestic work, wood cutters,
marriage halls and farms. If they realize their situation, they
can approach the district officials and submit petitions to
release them with the help of NGO’s. Education is denied to
the young because parents are bonded labourers.
To release a bonded labourer,



One should submit a petition to the Revenue Divisional
Officer
On grievance day, the petition could be submitted
directly to the District Collector.
Bonded labourers working together in a sector should
decide their release and submit petitions to the
concerned official.
Release of bonded labourers
Three Irular families of 17 members from Manampathi,
Perunagar and Nayaganpettai villages and one Dalit boy from
Kanchipuram were released on 06.08.2012, working in T.K.S.
Rice Mill at Thimmarajapettai village, Walajabad Block.
Mr.Babu, one of the bonded labourers is also associated with
SAM. While talking to one of the pre-school teachers, he
33
SAM Info 2012-2013
described the hardships he faced in the rice mill and it came
to light that the owner had deceived them by maintaining
illegal accounts and also ill-treated them.
The ill treatment
was so severe that he was prepared to end his life. Mr.
Thangavel and Ms. Shanthi from SAM intervened and helped
Mr. Babu meet Mr. Veerappan, the Revenue Divisional Officer
(RDO) at Kanchipuram. A contingent of officials immediately
visited the rice mill, met the owner who agreed to the
accusations. Along with Babu and family, the other bonded
labourers working the rice mill were also freed and sent to
their own villages on 06.08.2012. The District Collector, Mr.
Hanish Chabra, handed over the release deed and Rs.1000 to
each of the released families. The remaining amount would
soon be given to them. Among the 3 families, only Babu’s
family was bereft of ration card, community certificate and
legal ownership land document.
The RDO accepted the
petition for the above benefits and promised to provide him
the same soon.
Training for traditional medical practitioners
On 22.05.2012, training was conducted at the tribal herbal
farm, Mamandur for 15 medical practitioners. A medical
practitioner from Porpandhal village, namely, Mr.S.Sekar was
the resource person.
During the meeting preparation of drugs for diabetes, blood
pressure, anemia and tuberculosis was discussed as they are
life style diseases and herbal preparations may help to
completely cure the ailment. They also discussed the
symptoms of the diseases.
Demonstration in front of Labour Office
A demonstration was conducted on 21.08.2012 in
collaboration with CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions) in
front of the Labour Office at Kanchipuram condemning the
government for not implementing the schemes as scheduled
and the time taken to get the schemes operated. More than
300 people participated in the protest.
Health Training for Irular Youth
A health and awareness training was conducted on
09.04.2012 for 23 Irular youth (both men and women) from
Narasamangalam.
Mrs. Amudha, a health nurse from
Padalam, briefed them on health and hygiene, cleanliness, the
problems of early marriage, child birth and anemia and
remedies. She also explained to the women about cleanliness
during their monthly periods, the immunizations during
pregnancy and after child birth, safe hospital births instead of
home births. Cleanliness was stressed for men too – shaving
34
SAM Info 2012-2013
in saloons may cause skin rashes, diseases and cleanliness of
their private parts.
She explained how people were affected by Thyroid and
nutrients to avoid being affected by thyroid. Pregnant women
affected by thyroid are prone to beget mentally challenged
children. HIV/AIDS transmission was explained in detail.
They were also alerted to dial 108 for the ambulance in case
of accidents or in any kind of emergency.
They were also briefed to get certificates at the time of birth
and death immediately after the occurrence.
Fr. P.B. Martin, Director of SAM, emphasized that SAM office,
Kanchipuram, will help them procure community certificate,
ration card, voter’s Identity Card, land acquisition records. He
also stressed education for all children. The children could
also join the evening study centres to fare better in studies.
Health Camp
The health camp was conducted on 4th June 2012 at
Madurantakam town. It was conducted by the traditional
herbal medical practitioners, Mr. Mani and Mr.Sekar, to create
awareness among the people on safe medication and
emphasizing its use in disease prevention and treatment.
Many were onlookers and apprehensive over the
herbs/chemicals used to prepare them. They were trying to
authenticate the preparations. People who were aware of
herbal medicines were glad it was made available in
Madurantakam. Mr. Mani and Mr.Sekar have planned to
conduct more such camps in towns so that more and more
people are conscious of herbal medicines and start using them
instead of allopathic medicines.
Participating in meetings conducted by the government


35
On 14.06.2012 and 22.06.2012, meetings were
conducted at Secretariat, Chennai under the direction
of Mr.Christudas Gandhi, Additional Chief Secretary.
Mr.G.Karunakaran, Mr.G.Selvaraj, Mr. G. Thangavel
and Mr.S.Sekar participated in the meeting regarding
implementation of the sub plan for the welfare of the
Irular people.
On 01.07.2012 SAM team visited Irular hamlets in
Anbu Nagar, Paranur, Pulipakkam and Palur along with
the officials from the revenue department and
Mr.Christudoss Gandhi, to observe the state of affairs
in the villages. Mr.Christudoss Gandhi accepted all the
petitions submitted by the people and also directed the
officials to do the needful for the Irular people at the
earliest.
On 04.07.2012 another meeting was
convened
at
the
Revenue
Divisional
Office,
Chengalpattu, relating to the visit to the villages on
01.07.2012 and implementation of government
programmes.
SAM Info 2012-2013
“For a community to be
whole and healthy, it must
be based on people's love
and concern for each other.”
-- Millard Fuller
Develop a passion for learning. If
you do, you will never cease to
grow.
Benefits
Education
The children from the Irular community are proud to say that
they are also improving in their social status by education.
1. J. Ranjith from Chettipuniyam village joined the 4 years
Mechanical Engineering course in August 2012.
2. V. Shakila from Melapattu joined B.Sc. Computer Science at
Government Arts College, Chengalpattu in July 2012.
Three students from Abiramipuram, Thandalam and
Kayapakkam joined the Indian Technical Institute at
Chengalpattu this academic year (2012-2013)
Community certificates

On 4th April 2012, 155 Irular people from Porpandhal,
Gidangkarai, Alapakkam, Annathur, Seethavaram,
Kurumpirai, Thirumukkudal, Melapattu and
Chettipuniyam received community certificates from
Mr.Ganesan, Uthiramerur MLA (Member of the
Legislative Assembly), Tamil Nadu.

Another 190 certificates from (Samathuvapuram,
Puzhuthivakkam, Arkadu villages) Madurantakam
Revenue Divisional Office and 100 from (Manampathi,
Thiruvanaikoil, Rettamangalam) Kanchipuram Revenue
Divisional Office are pending, but will soon be
dispatched to the respective offices.

198 youth from Sirupinayur, Anbu Nagar, Kidangarai,
Kayapakkam, Nelvoy, Vedal, Kallangkollai, Mocheri and
Mukambakkam joined as members in the Irular Union
and also started saving

Eleven persons belonging to the Irular community from
Ammankulam received their ration cards in March
2012. The dalit people of the area and tribals have
submitted applications for community certificates.

Met the RDO of Cheyyar Taluk on 4th May 2012 and
procured 100 community certificates for the people of
the tribal community from Narasamangalam,
Mamandur and Ukkamperubakkam villages.
.
Rice for families below poverty line

36
Around 150 Irular families were included in below
poverty line (BPL) list based on the following norms by
the Taluk Supply Officer:
SAM Info 2012-2013





Families earning a maximum income of
Rs.15,000 per year.
Landless agricultural labourers.
Small and marginal farmers
Self-employed rural artisans
Old age pensioners and destitute widows,
physically handicapped persons
Milch animals given to enhance their economic status.

55 families from Meyyur, Puzhuthivakkam,
Rettamangalam, Elapakam, Araiyapakkam and
Ramapuram will benefit from the Milch animals scheme
of the Kanchipuram District Adidravidar and Tribal
Welfare Department which will be distributed by to the
Irular families to enhance their economic status. Each
family will receive Rs.25,000/- to procure the animal at
absolute subsidy rate.
Houses for tribal families
The government has constructed solar powered green houses
for 46 families from Gidangarai, Sirupinayur, Rettamangalam
and Uthamanallur. Each 300 sq. ft. house was constructed at
the cost of Rs.1,80,000/-. It was fitted with solar lights.
Approved plots

Government approved plots were sanctioned for 10
families from Sirupinayur and 18 families from
Rettamangalam villages.
Job placements
Ms. I.S. Chithra, a student of our pre-school conducted at
Karunguzhi, is now working in the Sub Post Office at Kinar.
Mr. L.E. Venkatesan of Puriyambakkam village is working in
the Atomic Power Station at Kalpakkam.
Road Facility
After 15 years of struggle and continuous objections from the
villagers, the Irulars of Kidangkarai were sanctioned cement
road on 11.09.2012 and also constructed with the strong
recommendations of the panchayat president
37
SAM Info 2012-2013
Tribals Herbal Farm
No. of people cured from various problems/diseases during this period:
38
S.No.
Complaint/Disease
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Snake bite
Scorpion bite
Diabetes
Poisonous insect bite
Skin rashes, blisters
Gastric problem
Asthma
Rat bite
Excessive white discharge
for women
SAM Info 2012-2013
No. of
Patients
No. cured
33
18
1
51
8
6
1
1
6
32
17
1
48
8
6
1
1
6
III. PROTECTING THE RIVER PALAR
Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where
there is no river. ~Nikita Khrushchev
39
SAM Info 2012-2013
Competitions for school students to create awareness
among them on environment protection
Off the 150 students present, 14 participated in the
oratorical and 51 participated in the drawing competition
held
at
Government
Higher
Secondary
School,
Pudhupattinam on 28.07.2012 and the others were
spectators. The title for the oratorical contest was ‘Life
cannot exist without water’ and ‘Rivers – yesterday, today
and tomorrow’ for the drawing competition.
The guests for the occasion were Mr. K. Kaliyaperumal,
Panchayat President of Pudhupattinam. Mr.P.Asokan,
Panchayat President of Vayalur, Mr. A. Krishnan, retired
headmaster, Chengalpattu, Mr. N. Veeramani, Drawing
Master, Chengalpattu,
Mr.M.Krishnan, past Panchayat
President of Vayalur and Mr.S. Dayalan, Vice President of
SAM and teachers from Pudhupattinam, Ms. S. Vijaya,
drawing teacher, Ms. P. Sujatha Physical trainer and Ms. M.
Ophelia, High School teacher.
A short introduction on why this competition was
conducted and the importance of protecting water was
emphasized after which the competitions began.
The
students took part in the competitions with enthusiasm. In
their oratory, they pointed out the stark realities of
nothingness without water, hence, water resources should
be protected and sand mafia should be curbed to secure
underground water.
Environment and other living
creatures should be protected from pollutants emitted from
factories. The politicians ought to work for the well being
of the people of the state. If everyone realize water is
essential for life then, water resources will be protected
automatically.
As the future lies in the hands of the young, it is proper to
enlighten them on this issue. The students should also
create awareness among the people in their villages so that
each and everyone strive to save every drop of water as
well as create the perfect ambience for protecting water.
This opportunity was created among the students to spread
the imperative necessity of water for life to exist on this
earth. The guests also gave them guidance on good
conduct for a bright future.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the contest. This
programme was conducted by Mr. P. Durai, Coordinator of
Water Rights Protection Movement.
40
SAM Info 2012-2013
Consultation meeting demanding the government to
construct check dam at Vayalur
A consultation meeting was conducted at Vayalur on
25.03.2012 in the presence of Mr. N. Dayalan, Director of
HRDF, Mr. Barathi Anna, Advocate and coordinator of
Untouchability Eradication Front, Mr. K. Ramalingam, Head of
Department of Atomic Energy, SC/ST Commission, Mr. G.
Karunakaran, President, SAM, Mr.S. Dayalan, Vice President,
SAM, Mr. K. Husain, past member of Tamil Nadu legislative
assembly, Mr. Ravi and Mr. Dayalan from Dalit Panthers of
India (DPI). The necessity of constructing a dam across the
river Palar at Vayalur was stressed by all the above
participants. Thousands of acres of land cannot be cultivated
because of the exorbitant salt content in the ground water in
the area. Drinking water scarcity is felt strongly because of
the enormous consumption of water by the atomic power
plant in Kalpakkam and other nearby towns. If steps are not
taken soon, a situation may arise wherein a third world war
might break up for the cause of water. Labour Unions and
other like-minded NGO’s should coordinate and reach out to
each and every villager through campaigns on the necessity of
constructing check dams to accumulate ground water.
Some of the resolutions passed during the meeting were:
 The demand for constructing a check dam across the
river Palar has to be vehemently presented during the
legislative assembly session in May 2012.
 The labour unions and like-minded NGO’s should
conduct a public meeting or an attention grabber
meeting soon.
 Pamphlets should be distributed to the villagers to
create awareness among them.
 The panchayat presidents on the banks of the river
should be involved in the fight for construction of check
dam at Vayalur.
 If the government fails in its duty to construct the
dam, the people themselves should take up the task
and try to construct the dam by freely supplying sand,
stone and water.
 A public meeting should be convened by all like minded
leaders and the purpose of the meeting should be
explained in detail.
Motorcycle rally from Vayalur to Pudhupattinam to
demand the government to construct a check dam at
Vayalur across the River Palar on 15.04.2012
The motorcycle rally was conducted prior to the conclusion
of the legislative assembly meeting, so that construction of
the check dam could be included as topic for discussion on
the last day of the assembly session. Mr. P. Ashokan,
41
SAM Info 2012-2013
Panchayat president of Vayalur village, Mr.K.Sagadevan,
President of Ayapakkam village, Mr. Bhaskar, Councillor,
Mr.M. Babu, lead from the front, while Mr. M. Krishnan
Past Panchayat President welcomed the participants. The
President and Vice President of SAM, namely, Mr. G.
Karunakaran and Mr.S.Dayalan, Mr.Barathianna from
Untouchability Eradication Front, youth and ward members
which numbered to more than 100 participated in the
rally. The rally started at Vayalur through Ayapakkam,
Nallathur,
Nerumbur,
Sooradimangalam,
Lattur,
Vittilapuram villages to Pudhupattinam. All through the
rally, the leaders stressed the necessity of constructing a
check dam at Vayalur and also focused on the river bed
turning into a desert in the near future. Hence, it is the
duty of the public as well as the political leaders to protect
the river and demand the same from the government.
The public and the local leaders should order the
government to construct the check dam. The public were
very enthusiastic and willing to claim their rights for water
from the government. It was also announced during the
rally that a public meeting would be convened at
Pudhupattinam on 18th April 2012. This programme was
arranged and coordinated by the coordinator of Water
Rights Movement< Mr.P.Durai.
Conducting a public meeting on 18.04.2012 at
Pudhupattinam demanding the government to
construct a check dam at Vayalur
The public meeting was conducted at Pudhupattinam on
18.04.2012 in the presence of more than 300 people. All
the panchayat presidents of the surrounding villages
participated in the meeting. Mr.G. Mohan, the District
Secretary of the Communist Party (Marxist), Mr. K.
Ramadoss the District Secretary of Communist Party of
India (CPI), Mr. N. Dayalan, Director of District Federation
for Dalit Liberation (DFDL) were the guests and the chief
guests were Mr. R. Nallakannu is an Indian politician and
also Senior Communist Party of India (CPI) leader. He was
the former State Secretary of the Communist Party of
India of Tamil Nadu and Mr. Mallai C.E. Sathya, Deputy
General Secretary of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam (MDMK), a political party in Tamil Nadu. All the
guests stressed on the need to revive the river by
pressurizing the government to construct the check dam
soon at Vayalur.
Among rivers in Tamil Nadu, people depend on the Kaveri,
Thenpannai, Vaigai South Pennar, Thamirparani and Palar
for water for irrigation and drinking purposes. The water
resources from all the rivers were protected in the past
but in the recent years agriculture has been relegated due
to water scarcity which has occurred because of exorbitant
42
SAM Info 2012-2013
sand mining from the river beds. The excessive sand
mining from the river Palar has parched the river but the
considerable groundwater potential helps in supplying
water to Thiruvannamalai, Vellore, Kanchipuram and
Chennai districts.
The politicians at the helm seem to use the resource of the
river for their own benefits. The political party in power in
Tamilnadu has failed to solve this problem even after
various demands laid before the government by the people
and NGO’s.
The people of Vayalur along with the
panchayat presidents of the area are stressing the
government to implement the project at Vayalur. Though
the project had been sanctioned, finance has not been
allotted still which is painful. Hence, Mr. Nallakannu
pointed out that the CPI MLA’s would raise questions
during the legislative assembly meeting on the
construction of the dam at Vayalur. If the government
failed to announce the construction of the dam during the
legislative meeting, a demonstration across the East Coast
Road will be conducted and Mr. Mallai C.E. Sathya said his
party would stand by them for this cause.
Poster
campaign was part of this programme.
Meeting Mr. V.S. Raji, Member of the Legislative
Assembly of Cheyyur constituency on 13.05.2012
regarding the meeting with the Public Works
Department Minister, Mr. Ramalingam
A team consisting of Mr.P.Ashokan, Panchayat President,
Vayalur village, Mr.P.S.Bhaskar, Panchayat President,
Ayapakkam village, Mr.K.Sagadevan, Panchayat President
of Vittilapuram village, Mrs. Saraswathi Velayudham,
Councillor of Vayalur, Mr. M. Babu, Councillor of
Ayapakkam, Mr.M.Krishnan, Past Panchayat President of
Vayalur, Mr.G. Karunakaran, President of SAM, Mr.S.
Dayalan, Vice President of SAM and Mr. P.Durai,
coordinator of the water rights movement.
A petition was given to Mr. V.S. Raji on 13.05.2012 asking
him to recommend the construction of the check dam at
Vayalur at the earliest to the Public Works Department
Minister, Mr. Ramalingam. All the panchayat presidents
were resolute on the construction of the check dam at
Vayalur. They also insisted that the saline ground water
was unfit for agriculture and drinking purpose and hence,
the construction of the dam at Vayalur is inevitable. Mr.
V.S. Raji said that this subject was spoken consistently
during the assembly sessions and he himself had raised
questions regarding the check dam at Vayalur. He was
also prepared to assist them in meeting the concerned
minister regarding the construction of the dam.
43
SAM Info 2012-2013
Meeting the Chief Engineer of the Public Works
Department, Mr. Selvin Soundarajan on 16.05.2012
at the Secretariat, Chennai
All the above panchayat presidents met the Chief Engineer
of the Public Works Department, Chennai region, Mr.Selvin
Soundarajan and made clear the current situation
regarding the construction of the Vayalur check dam. He
said that a proposal was prepared and sent to the Centre
and the work would start as soon as finance is allotted for
the project. The panchayat presidents were quite happy
that papers were moving and soon the work of
constructing the dam would begin.
Screening of the film ‘En Peyar Palar’ in the villages
The documentary film, ‘En Peyar Palar’ was screened in 8
villages in Uthiramerur block.
The film rouses their
feelings for protecting water bodies and also fights against
miscreants mining sand illegally from the river bed.
Wherever the film was screened, the people of those
villages promised to cooperate with the Water Rights
Movement and participate in agitations or protests for the
cause of water.
44
SAM Info 2012-2013
4.
45
PeoPles’ BANK
SAM Info 2012-2013
upto March 2013
Total No.
S.
no
Union
Total
Members
1
Magalir
2
of
villages
Total
Savings
Bank
Interest
3343
53
4,176,928
340,273
Irular
931
69
271,907
54,544
3
Washermen
Total
349
4623
24
146
267,653
4,716,488
75,349
470,166
No. of
village
s Loan
Issued
247
12
40
299
Loan
amount
Loan
recovered
Loan
Interest
collected
Loan
Balance
Bank
Balance
19,090,870
17,250,339
1,274,590
1,840,531
4,251,260
213,000
127,554
5,658
85,446
346,663
950,000
20,253,870
633,270
18,211,163
79,415
1,359,663
116,730
2,042,707
605,714
5,203,637
Women started saving from 2004 onwards in the peoples’ bank and they were not allowed to use the savings for loans
purposes for a certain period of time until a substantial amount was accumulated. Until now all the 3 unions together have
saved Rs.4,716,488. It also provides facilities for women to save and access loans in order to create employment and
generate income. They provide loans for business purposes as well as loans for emergencies. Their repayment is over 98%.
Peoples’ bank encourages savings among members, improves household welfare through increased incomes and ensures the
empowerment of women. Women contribute a subscription fee to become a member and also continue subscriptions yearly for
unforeseen expenses. The bank has been growing steadily and it is expected that it will have the capacity to become financially
sustainable.
We have been focusing on environmental sustainability during the recent past years realizing the fact that nature and natural
resources are being destructed by human activities which lack commitment to humanitarian values resulted from ignorance,
greed and lack of respect for the earth’s living things. It is essential that we re-examine what we have inherited, what we are
responsible for, and what we will pass on to coming generations.
We thank the almighty God, the well wishers, the staffs, the community workers, the partners and to all who extended their
valuable support and guidance to make this efforts realistic one. May all of us work to make this world a better place to live.
46
SAM Info 2012-2013