From Setbacks to Self-Reliance — The Vaapsi Way
In the quiet villages of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, resilience doesn’t make headlines — but it shapes lives every day. Through Goonj’s Vaapsi rural livelihood initiative, community members who had lost their means of earning have found new pathways to rebuild — not through aid, but through dignity-centered development.
Here are the journeys of three individuals who turned hardship into hope.
Susaiyammal – From Dependency to Daily Income Through a Grocery Store
In Kovaipakam village, Susaiyammal lived with her husband and son, relying solely on her son’s earnings as an agricultural daily wager. Her husband, bedridden due to a health condition, required constant care.
Determined to contribute, Susaiyammal dreamed of stepping out and earning for her family.
Under Vaapsi, she was reached out with material assistance to set up a small grocery shop in her locality. Today, she single-handedly manages her household, pays for her husband’s medical care, and runs her store with pride.
Susaiyammal Managing Her Grocery Shop in Kovaipakam
Sudha Elumalai – Sewing Her Way to Strength in Panaiyur
In Panaiyur village, Sudha Elumalai faced the dual burden of single motherhood and crushing debt after her husband passed away from cancer. Selling her house to pay medical bills, she struggled to meet her daughter’s requirements.
“I knew how to sew — I just needed a chance,” she told the Goonj team.
Through Vaapsi, Sudha was assisted with two sewing machines and a fabric cutting machine. Soon, she saved enough to buy a third machine herself. Today, she earns consistently and has become a mentor — teaching sewing to other women in her village.
Sudha Teaching Sewing Skills to Local Women
Anthoni Swami – Rebuilding a Carpentry Livelihood After Injury
In Palliagram village, Anthoni Swami’s life took a drastic turn when a freak accident left him bedridden — unable to work, and with his carpentry tools and machinery damaged.
When he shared his situation, Goonj responded with carpentry tools and machines under the Vaapsi initiative. Anthoni restarted his carpentry shop and now earns around ₹10,000 per month, enough to pay for his children’s school fees and manage household expenses.
“With my tools restored, my self-worth returned,” he shared.
Anthoni Swami Working in His Reopened Carpentry Shop
Vaapsi: A Model for Beyond-Relief Livelihood Recovery
These stories from rural Tamil Nadu are a testament to how livelihood restoration can be rooted in dignity and agency — not just relief. Goonj’s Vaapsi doesn’t just assist with material — it restores purpose, ownership, and the power to rebuild.
From groceries to garments, from woodwork to willpower — the road back to stability begins with a small but thoughtful step. That’s what Vaapsi stands for.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
