Government of India
Esther Winnarasi
State : Tamil Nadu
District : Kanchipuram
Block: Uthiramerur
Village: Ravathanallur
Self-Help Group: Arokiya Annai Self Help Group
Producer Group: Paal Urpathiyalur Vivasaya Kuzhu (Milk Producer Group)
Livelihood Activities: Livestock Rearing (Dairy & Go atery) and Flour Mill
Lakhpati Didi Journey:
Esther Winnarasi was originally a member of the Arokiya Annai Self Help Group. During her early days in the group, she faced severe financial difficulties and struggling even to pay the interest on her existing group loans.
The turning point in her life arrived when the Producer Group (PG) scheme was introduced in her village. Esther joined the “Paal Urpathiyalur Vivasaya Kuzhu” (Milk PG), which opened up new avenues for financial support and growth. Through the PG, she successfully availed herself of a loan of Rs. 30,000 and purchased three goats. With careful rearing, her goat farming expanded and yielded a good profit. Reinvesting these earnings, she was able to purchase 2 cows, significantly boosting her daily income through dairy.
The collective strength of the Producer Group brought further opportunities. The PG received a machinery grant of Rs. 50,000, which the members strategically used to buy a dry flour mill. Esther, along with the other PG members, now uses this mill to make dry flour products that they sell to the local markets.
These diversified livelihood activities have completely transformed her financial situation. Esther is now able to repay all her loans easily and has even built a proper shed for her animals. Today, she lives happily, having transitioned from financial distress to complete stability and self-reliance.
