Madurai, 17 October 2024 – DHAN Foundation commemorated the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) with a focus on empowering the poor through community-driven initiatives. The event saw participation from community members and field staff across Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, and Ramnad districts. The theme for this year’s IDEP, "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies," resonated deeply with the Foundation's ongoing work.

Executive Director, DHAN Foundation M.P. Vasimalai delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the need for the poor to organize themselves into community institutions to access formal development linkages. He urged families to confront social challenges like addiction, curtail unnecessary social expenses, and break free from exploitative moneylenders, noting that such issues often exacerbate poverty. "To overcome poverty, we must address these deep-rooted issues within families," he remarked.

A. Umarani, CEO of Kalanjiam Foundation, highlighted how Kalanjiam Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been instrumental in poverty eradication and women’s empowerment. She noted that thousands and thousands of women leaders have emerged through these groups, driving social change in their communities. She also appreciated the "Self-Growth Initiatives," where established federations are using their own community funds to reach unreached poor households by promoting new federations, promoting a culture of giving forward.

V. Venkatesan, CEO of Vayalagam Foundation, focused on the water conservation efforts of Vayalagam farmers, which contribute to the Movement Out of Poverty (MOP). These efforts ensure food and livelihood security while promoting agro-biodiversity and sustainable development. He quoted a Central Water Commission (CWC) report showing India’s average annual per capita water availability in 2021 was 1,486 cubic meters, while in Vayalagam-impacted villages, availability had more than doubled due to their conservation initiatives.

K. Rajalakshmi, CFO of Kalanjiam Foundation, spoke about this year’s IDEP theme and how DHAN Foundation's development programs, through social capital and stakeholder collaboration, are already addressing social and institutional maltreatment.

The event featured a community interaction facilitated by N. Karthikeyan, faculty at The DHAN Academy. Kalanjiam and Vayalagam members shared moving stories about how their association with these institutions helped address poverty, provided access to financial inclusion, credit, health services, education, sustainable agriculture, and non-farm livelihoods. Many members expressed a sense of solidarity, inspiring others still grappling with poverty to join the community organizations for a dignified life.

N. Janakiraman, Programme Leader at the Centre for Policy and Planning, synthesized the community sharings, highlighting the importance of self-reliance in finance, health, and leadership, as well as institutional collaboration and natural resource management.

To mark the occasion, a book documenting the MOP case stories of Kalanjiam members was released, followed by a collective pledge to continue facilitating pathways out of poverty.

Naguveer Prakash, Senior Team Leader, ACEWE, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the event on a note of hope and determination to reach those still in need.