IMPACT STORIES
A Grandmother’s Hope for Her Granddaughter’s Future
“My name is Chirigamma, and I belong to the Devadasi community. My granddaughter Priya studies in a government school. Like many children in our community, she struggled to keep up in class due to lack of support and guidance at home.
When I heard about Samruddhi Shikshana offering free tuition classes for children, I didn’t think twice—I immediately enrolled Priya. Since then, I’ve seen such a beautiful transformation in her. She studies with more interest, understands her lessons better, and most of all, she has become more confident.
She used to be shy and quiet, never raising her voice in class. But now, she speaks up, participates actively, and is proud of what she learns. Today, she is in 5th standard and doing well in her studies.
As a grandmother, it brings me so much joy and relief to see her growing and thriving. I am deeply thankful to the center and the teachers for their love, support, and care. They are helping children like Priya believe in a brighter future.”**
— Chirigamma, Beneficiary Grandparent
Finding Strength in the Midst of Crisis
“My name is Yamunamma, and I belong to the Devadasi community. Life has always been full of struggles, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, everything became even more difficult. There were days when I didn’t know how I would survive or take care of my basic needs.
At that time, the Belaku Women Empowerment Program by Rays of Peace Charitable Trust came into my life like a ray of hope. They offered me financial support and stood by me when I had no one else to turn to.
Because of their timely help, I was able to meet my essential needs and rebuild my life with a sense of dignity and hope. Their support reminded me that I was not alone—that someone cared.
I am deeply grateful to the Belaku program for walking alongside women like me and empowering us to face life with renewed strength.”**
— Yamunamma, Program Beneficiary
A Mother’s Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow
“My name is Huligamma. I work in the fields to support my family and raise my three children. Life has never been easy, and for a long time, my children didn’t attend school regularly. But everything changed when two of them joined the Samruddhi Shikshana Tuition Center.
Since then, I’ve seen a remarkable difference. Now, they go to school every day—eager and excited. The center has become like a second home for them. They’ve improved so much—they read better, finish their homework neatly, and have become more disciplined.
I’m truly grateful to the teachers who guide them with so much patience and care. It gives me hope. I dream that my children will study well, find good jobs, and live a better life than I ever could. This center is helping make that dream possible.”**
— Huligamma, Mother & Daily Wage Worker
Relief in a Season of Struggle
“I am a Devadasi woman from Kurugodu, Bellary. Life here is deeply tied to the seasons. During summer, when the rains don’t come, there’s no work in the fields—and no income. These dry months are some of the hardest for us. It becomes difficult even to buy food and meet our basic needs.
This past summer was especially painful. With no work and empty kitchens, we didn’t know how we would survive. That’s when the Belaku Women Empowerment Program stepped in. They provided food kits when we had absolutely nothing at home.
It was a huge relief for me and my family. Their timely help gave us hope and strength to carry on. I am truly grateful to the people behind this program for remembering women like us during our most desperate times.”**
— A Devadasi Woman, Kurugodu, Bellary
Chitra's Journey from Struggles to Success
Chitra, a bright young girl studying in Class 6, lives in a rural village in Karnataka. Like many children in her community, she attends the local government school. Though eager to learn, Chitra struggled to cope with her studies. With no one at home to guide or help her with homework, she began falling behind. Her exam scores reflected her struggle, and she started losing confidence in her ability to succeed.
Everything began to change when Chitra was enrolled in the After-School Tuition Program supported by our initiative. Here, trained and caring teachers stepped in to support not just Chitra but many children like her. They provided dedicated help with homework, clarified doubts, and introduced engaging teaching methods to make learning easier and more enjoyable.
One of the program’s highlights was the Spoken English sessions and activity-based learning, which helped children understand concepts more clearly and express themselves with confidence. For Chitra, these sessions were eye-opening. With consistent support, her performance improved, and she began scoring better in her exams.
Today, Chitra is not only catching up with her classmates but also enjoying her studies. Her joy is visible—she walks into the tuition center each day with a smile and eagerness to learn.
“I understand my lessons better now and I can speak more English too!” she says happily.
Chitra’s story is just one example of how the After-School Tuition Program is transforming lives, one child at a time.
From Stigma to Strength – Kavya's Journey
Kavya, a young girl born into a Devadasi family, grew up in an environment clouded by uncertainty and social stigma. With no clear path for her future and very few opportunities, her life seemed destined to follow the same cycle of limitations her family had endured for generations.
That changed the day she met a representative from our Belaku Devadasi Empowerment Program. The program’s mission—to bring light and hope to young girls trapped in the Devadasi system—resonated deeply. Kavya was introduced to the idea that education and skill development could offer her a life of dignity and independence.
Though her family was initially hesitant due to societal pressure and fear of change, they eventually chose to give her a chance at a better life.
Kavya joined the program with curiosity and enthusiasm. She quickly embraced the learning environment, gaining not only practical skills but also confidence and self-worth. Through tailoring classes, basic education, and life skills training, she blossomed into a capable young woman. Her social skills improved, and she found joy in learning each day.
Today, Kavya is proud to call herself a skilled tailor. She earns her own income and supports her family. Once looked down upon as “just a Devadasi’s daughter,” she now stands tall—a role model in her community and a symbol of what empowerment can achieve.
“People used to mock me, but now they respect me. I have something to call my own.” – Kavya
Her journey is a shining example of how a little light—Belaku—can change the course of a life.