A Dream of becoming a teacher
Ms. R. Sampoornam Senior Kalanjiam Associate
My name is Sampoornam. I was born on June 26, 1972, in R. Kallupatti village, Rajakalpatti Panchayat, Sanarpatti Union, Dindigul District. My father Vairavaperumal worked as a carpenter and blacksmith, and my mother is Chinnammal. I have two brothers and three sisters. We did not own any land or property.
Since childhood, I have had one strong dream to become a teacher. I was good at studies and won prizes in essay writing and speech competitions. But when I reached 11th standard, my father stopped my education because he believed girls should not study. I could study up to 10th standard only because I stayed at my uncle’s house. Otherwise, I would not have been allowed to study even that much. I was married at the age of 17 to my cousin. My husband had a drinking problem, and soon his health became very poor. We have three children - a daughter Abirami and two sons Anbu Selvan and Nandakumar. Because of family difficulties, I had to start working. I took tuition for students and sometimes did agricultural work to support my family.
A New Beginning with Kalanjiam
In 2001, I became a member of the Muppilian Kalanjiam under the Gangai Vattara Kalanjiam in the Madurai Rural Region. I helped with small accounting tasks for the group.
Thirty days after my husband’s death, I was offered a position as a Kalanjiam Associate. That opportunity came at the most difficult moment of my life and gave me the strength to stand on my own feet. It was the turning point that brought stability and hope back into my life.
Joining Kalanjiam
In the year 2000, I heard that Union Bank through DHAN Foundation was recruiting women to form groups.Because of my financial situation, I desperately needed this job and applied. Five people were selected by Mr. Singarayar and Ms. Sumathi, but I was not selected because I had a three-month-old baby.
After three months, they recruited again — this time, I was selected. I was sent for training at Kalanjiyam Training Centre (Now, DHAN People Academy - DPA).At first they hesitated because of my small child, but when I said my in-laws would take care of the baby, they allowed me to attend the training. I was extremely happy. This job changed my life.
My Work as a Field Worker
My first posting was Boothipuram in Periyakulam block, Theni district. There I received training in rural assessment. We learned to draw village maps, social maps, and prepare details of poor families. This work deeply inspired me.
Later we went to Kumanathozhuvam village in Kadmalai block and formed new groups. Our staff member Malar taught us how to speak with people, form groups, choose leaders, conduct meetings, and build clusters.
One incident I will never forget: Project Executive Ajay Nair sat on the ground with villagers and ate food with them in the dust. That moment changed me. I felt, “If educated people can work like this for society, I too must work for my people.” With that motivation, I helped form 5 clusters and more than 100 self-help groups.
In Bodinayakanur, Mr. Lakshmanan sir taught us accounting and financial management. Mrs. Shanthi madam taught us about unity and the purpose of savings. I studied with more interest than I ever did in school. Many nights I worked till midnight, preparing charts and assignments without sleep. Later we observed successful work in Viruveedu village, Vathalakundu block, especially in housing projects. I decided to implement the same in our area.
When we returned, we expanded groups across villages — holding meetings in the day and visiting families at night. We identified poor families through surveys and included them in the movement. Our Federation coordinator Parvathi Balaji guided us to the most underdeveloped villages. Training from DPA gave me great confidence. Once we entered a village, we knew how to organize people.
Trials and Strength
My mother-in-law supported me, but my sister-in-law and relatives insulted me, saying I came home late and talked badly about me. Still, the training and support of DHAN gave me courage. I strongly believed that the benefits of the collective would change everything. For 24 years, I have seen our community grow through many stages — from basic groups to mother federation, mutual federation, SUHAM federation, Jeevidam livelihood federation, and now 7th-generation groups. Today, when I look back, I feel proud that I too have contributed something meaningful to this journey of development.
An 18-Year Journey of Self-Discovery
Mr. Ramesha M, Senior Programme Associate, Kolar, Kolar region, Karnataka
Myself Introduction
It's my pleasure to introduce myself. Well, I'm Ramesha.M working as a Senior Programme Associate in Kolar location of Kolar region, location comes under Palar river basin. I was born and raised in a small and beautiful village Vajranagehalli which comes under Mulbagal Taluk, Kolar district of Karnataka. I have completed my basic education and Middle school i.e. up to 7th standard in my village and completed High School at Siddartha High School, Kolar. I have completed my Graduation in Govt. Boys College at kolar, University of Bengaluru. I joined DHAN Foundation in 2007 and completed 18 years.
Family Background: I got married during 2009 to Miss Arathi and I have blessed with two children, one son Gokul of 13 years and second daughter Thanivka age of 6 years. I have two elder sisters and younger brother. They are all well settled. My strengths are my attitude that I like to take challenges that I can do it, my way of thinking that I take both success and failure in a balanced manner. I don’t like to say weakness, but I like to say scope for improvement that is I won’t leave any task in completely believe in myself and my hard work and I want perfection in everything.
Professional Journey and Experience Summary
I joined DHAN Foundation in 2007 as an Accountant in the Kolar region. At that time, the organization was implementing the Karnataka Community Based Tank Management Project (KCBTMP) under the JSYS scheme, funded by World Bank and the Government of Karnataka. The project aimed to develop and rejuvenate Tanks across Karnataka, with NGOs selected for district-level implementation. DHAN Foundation was selected for Kolar district, and I was appointed as Project Accountant.
My responsibilities included forming village-level Tank users associations, registering them under the Society Act, opening bank accounts, providing capacity-building training, maintaining books of accounts, and auditing expenditures related to Tank development. Through this project, I gained a deep understanding of Tank ecosystems, their importance to farmers, and effective community engagement. After completion of the project, I was transferred to Andhra Pradesh.
Experience in Andhra Pradesh
In 2009, I was posted to Punganur location of Chittoor region, to work on the Andhra Pradesh Community Based Tank Management (APCBTM) project. Initially, adapting to a new language and environment was challenging. However, with guidance from senior staff and organizational support, I gradually adapted. My role involved mobilizing farmers, creating awareness about the project, organizing trainings, strengthening farmer participation, and attending district-level meetings. Despite initial language barriers in Telugu, I successfully completed all assigned responsibilities on time. This phase strengthened my communication skills, confidence, and commitment to farmer-centered development.
I was deeply inspired by DHAN Foundation’s values and its dedicated service to farming communities. I learned Vayalagam formation, SHG promotion, Interaction with government departments, linkage with banks for credit to SHGs, and FAST and Dhanam Software.
Personal Milestones and Challenges
In 2009, I began a new chapter in my personal life through marriage to my wife, Aarti. Initially, balancing work commitments and family life was challenging, but with open communication and her support, I continued my work with confidence. Her cooperation and encouragement have been vital to my professional journey, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to her.
The year 2011 was the most difficult period of my life. While welcoming my daughter, I also faced the loss of my grandmother, followed by the tragic passing of my daughter and later my father, who raised me. During this time of deep grief, I considered resigning from my job. However, with strong emotional support from my wife and family, I regained strength and continued my professional responsibilities. I remain deeply grateful to my family for standing by me during this phase.
Leadership Role in Watershed Development
In 2013, I was transferred back to Kolar region, where DHAN Foundation was selected to implement the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) across all taluks of Kolar district for a period of 30 months.I was assigned to lead the team in Bangarpet Taluk. The project covered 5,000 hectares across 24 villages and 2 Gram Panchayats. My responsibilities included forming user groups, SHGs, executive committees, organizing training and awareness programs, and coordinating with the Watershed Department. This role enhanced my leadership abilities, departmental coordination skills, and capacity to guide and manage team members effectively.
Accountant and CSR Project Management
In 2015, I was transferred from Bangarpet Taluk to Kolar location and assigned the responsibility of Regional Accountant for Kolar region and its projects. During this period, several CSR projects were implemented, including BPCL, Texas Instruments India, Concern India Foundation and Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, so far with support of various CSR projects, works I have been implemented covering 98 Tanks, 151 Form ponds, 24 MPT and 55 Village ponds. The total expenditure for all these works is Rs. 401.494 lakhs.
Working with my team, I strengthened financial systems, improved compliance, enhanced coordination with departments, and built strong relationships with communities and CSR partners. These experiences significantly increased my technical, financial, and managerial capacity.
Leadership and Location Management
In 2019, with the appointment of a new Regional Coordinator, Mr. M. Shankaraiah, I supported him as a senior staff member by guiding him in coordination with Federation Collective Directors, government departments, CSR partners, and communities.
I have served as a Block Integrator and Regional accountant, organizing Federation meetings, conducting training to farmers, facilitating bank loans to the AFG members, and mentoring new staff, insurance coverage for members and livestock through Mutual Federations, so far I have mobilized Bank linkage of Rs. 682 laksh for 162 AFGs all these amounts were utilized for improving their Livelihoods. the Major livelihood dairy, Sericulture, Agriculture, Tailoring, Petti shop ete. and supporting Fast Entry and Dhanam Entry, auditing of Federations, Mutual Federations, Vayalagams and AFGs in all the locations of Kolar region.
In addition, I am working as the CEO of Kolaramma Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPO) Supported by NABARD. With team-colleague efforts, the company has grown to 501 shareholders, achieved a business turnover of over â‚ą1 crore, and successfully completed all legal compliances and audits on time. This role has further strengthened my business management, compliance, and audit capabilities.
Gratitude
I sincerely thank DHAN Foundation for trusting me with diverse responsibilities and supporting my professional growth. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues, community leaders, farmers, and government departments who have supported me throughout this journey. I respectfully bow to the organization and the programme team for shaping my career and values.
My Symphony with DHAN: Connecting the Dots
Mr. N Janakiraman , Programme Leader
The Overture: Roots and Realization
Steve Jobs once famously said that you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. As I stand here today, looking back at over two decades of my life with DHAN, the picture that emerges is not just a career path, but a grand, intricate drawing of destiny.
My story begins in Tiruttani, a small town near Chennai. I was raised in a family where trust was the currency and responsibility were the law. My grandfather was my first guru; he taught me that while money is a necessity, the true richness of life is found in serving others. My father, a banker in a cooperative society, reinforced this. He didn't just dispense loans; he spoke with pride about how credit services transformed the lives of farmers.
However, my path to this realization was not a straight line. I began as a Pharmacy graduate, eager to heal people. But the healthcare sector I entered was riddled with corruption and malpractice. I felt suffocated. I walked away, chasing a childhood dream of community service. I spent three years battling the rigorous Civil Services Examinations. I didn't clear them, and to the outside world, I was "unemployed." But internally, those years were a trial. They widened my perspective on social issues and prepared my spirit for what was to come. That preparation led me to the DHAN Academy (now TDA) in 2002. The Academy days are most cherishing days, which I have remembered for my whole life. The pedagogy, practitioners as faculties, residential campus, my batch friends and experiential learning all are unique packages that were never found in any part of this country, even today. I’m a Government School studied, Tamil Medium student, I had difficulty in speaking two lines in English till my graduation same as with my written skills. But the PDM course transformed me significantly and largely built my confidence. Now I believe I have a decent level of functional English communication, which is the result of the academy days.
First Movement: The Ground Realities (2003 – 2007)
My true learning began not in a classroom, but in the dust and heat of Batlagundu in September 2003. Fresh out of the PDM course, I was thrown into the "Working with Panchayats" theme. It was a time of pure self-discovery. Under the mentorship of Mr. Singarayar, we weren't just implementing projects; we were passionately designing a Programme.
We experimented boldly in those days. Some are successful and some result in failures. But the learning is so intense. I remember working on the first multi-year micro-planning document for Sandhiyur Panchayat. It wasn't just paperwork; it was a roadmap for a village's future, a document still remembered fondly by the local leader, Ms. Jothi, and her community. We pushed the boundaries of democracy by attempting the "Panchayat Parliament" at Sekkapatti. Seeing the excitement in the eyes of the villagers as they engaged in governance was electrifying; it linked people’s institutions directly with governance. Similarly, we experimented with various democratic tools such as Social Audit, Referendum, Real Gram Sabha meetings, etc., Even when the Tsunami devastated the coast, we found ways to build resilience, promoting C-PAD (Center for Panchayat Affairs and Democracy) to help save funds for lean seasons. These early years taught me that development is a "salt-sweet" journey; a package deal of hardships in handling government system and profound pride of working with community.
Second Movement: Widening the Lens (2008 – 2009)
In 2008, I moved to the Panchayat programme team at Central Office, a shift that expanded my canvas from the block level to the programme coordination level. Working alongside Mr. Singarayar, and regular interaction with our beloved ED, Mr Vasi, I learned the power of documentation and research. I had the privilege of writing the competitive proposal for the EU-supported M-GRIP project and working with 660 women-led village Panchayats.
It was a period of intense intellectual growth. I collaborated on state-level research studies with RGNIYD regarding Youth and PRI and undertook studies on NREGS supported by NIRD. We trained hundreds of panchayat leaders, facilitating exposure visits that opened their minds to new possibilities. Simultaneously, Institution has given me opportunity to work on the District Human Development Reports (DHDR) for Sivaganga and Tiruvannamalai, which deepened my understanding of the systemic challenges our districts face.
Third Movement: The Homecoming (2009 – 2013)
The years between 2009 and 2013 remain the most emotionally satisfying period of my career. The institution granted my request to transfer to my native region, Kanchipuram to coordinate Kalanjiam and Vayalagam locations. I think that was the first integrated region in DHAN where we attempted to bring learning from both Kalanjiam and Vayalagam to grow strength to strength.
This was my homecoming. Although I initially only had theoretical knowledge of these programs, the support of the field teams helped me adapt. Seeing the impact of our work directly on the ground was transformative. Hundreds of selfless community leaders became my inspiration, driving me to work with a sincerity I had never known. We achieved significant milestones together: securing funding from Rabo Bank, reviving the Poondi Tank federation, and promoting new Kalanjiam locations in Tiruttani and Poondi. Today, seeing those locations standing self-sufficient is the greatest reward I could ask for. During this time, DHAN also received R-NGO status for the PTSLP project, where I was part of the DHAN’s resource team to facilitate micro-planning for over 100 coastal Village Panchayats.
Fourth Movement: The Corporate Dilemma (2013 – 2017)
In 2013, I was entrusted with the role of Chief Executive at KDFS. This was a heavy mantle to wear. Leading a company requires a different mindset, one that balanced the cold hard numbers of business viability with the warm, beating heart of our social purpose. This dilemma was my constant companion.
Yet, with the guidance of mentors like Mr. Joseph Raj and Mr. Vasi, and the support of a highly focused team, we achieved the extraordinary. We raised Rs. 26 Crores from BMB, a record-breaking single credit support for KDFS. We utilized these funds with integrity, repaying them fully. Even while navigating the high-pressure environment of finance, During the same time I got opportunity to write proposals for the Panchayat theme under UNDEF and the RBI-CFL project. Both got selected & the RBI-CFL proposal was a moment of pure joy, a testament to the sharpness of our collective ideas.
Fifth Movement: Resilience and Renewal (2017 – 2020)
The subsequent years tested our resilience. Returning to coordinate the Panchayat theme and DPA, I faced frustrations when several proposals didn't click. But failure is just another teacher. We pivoted, registering the DPDF as a subsidiary and conducting a rigorous third-party review for UNDEF. Managing that review was tough, but the positive report positioned DHAN favourably at the UN level. We revitalized training for movement workers and FPO leaders, conducting dozens of batches at DPA. It is the time DHAN faced a major betrayal and that braked the ongoing of DHAN. But our fundamental values and community strength has made us to revert back and grow high like Phoenix. That showed one message very clear that when our intentions are good then the institution will survive any turbulence.
Sixth Movement: Being part of Nested structure (2020 – 2023)
Then came 2020. I joined the DHAN’s central coordination team under Mr. Vasi’s direct mentorship just before the world came to a halt due to COVID-19. But where others saw a challenge, DHAN saw an opportunity. We adapted instantly. We moved our coordination to digital platforms, and I took on the task of documenting over 500 pages of minutes and reports, a process that gave me profound insight into our institution's thought processes. We turned the crisis into an opportunity for resource mobilization, building a positive partnership with HDFC Parivartan.
By that time, I think I found my Ikigai, my purpose of existence. My understanding of "Ikigai" came not from philosophy books, but from walking the dusty paths with selfless community leaders, development leaders in DHAN who lived their work as a sacred mission rather than a mere job. I have been profoundly humbled by the unwavering duty of hundreds of community leaders, selfless people functionaries and several DHANites reminded me that development is ultimately about human connection; their lives, driven by a purpose larger than fear or personal comfort, have transformed my professional outlook into a spiritual journey.
Seventh Movement: Policies from Practices (2023 to present)
Due to my personal commitments I need to come back near to my native. Institution positively responded to it, and I got transferred to Chennai and coordinated the centre for Policy and planning. This is completely a different role, in which integration with regions, programmes, SPICE and the sector is demanded. Theorizing our practices into polices, responding to the legal compliances and setting systems for consolidation of strategic plan and tracking it, connecting macro perspectives such as SDGs, ESGs with DHAN system needs high level of thinking and coordination. It’s a slow-burn yet going steady.
Being a faculty with life-long learning attitude
Amidst these various roles, I have found a quiet joy in teaching. Almost for 18 batches, I have served as a faculty member at TDA, teaching the Basics of Development and Legal Environment. Passing on my knowledge to the next generation of development warriors gives me a sense of continuity and deep satisfaction. It also makes me learn about life-long and being relevant to the current context.
The Symphony Continues
Ilayaraja, the maestro, asks in one of his albums, "How to Name It?" Music cannot be named; it can only be felt. It is a collective emergence of instruments, artists, and soul.
My life at DHAN is my music. It is not a solo performance. The "I" in my story is actually a "We." Like music is harmonized with several instruments in a rhythmic pattern, I was made up of mentors like Mr Singarayar, Mr Vallinayagam, Mr Joseph Raj, Mr Karuppusamy, Ms Umarani A, and most importantly, Mr Vasi, my friends and colleagues, and the young energy of teammates, next generation colleagues. It is composed of the smiles of community leaders and the trust of my family.
Satisfaction in life comes by simply connecting these dots for the common good. As I look back at these 23 years, I don't just see a career. I see a spiritual orientation, a journey of self-realization, and a symphony of service that I am blessed to be a part of. The music continues, and I am ready for the next verse.