Empowering rural women is the prime focus of RID 3212 DG Gandhi Krishnan. Earlier, as DGE, he had declared his intention of distributing over 1,000 sewing machines during PELS (presidents-elect learning seminar) for 120 incoming club leaders in Feb 2026.
All the 124 clubs across the seven revenue districts, right from Ramnad in the north to Kanyakumari down south are involved in executing the sewing machine project. “Rotarians collect the name of beneficiaries through field work, compile a list which is then forwarded to the governor,” says Biju Fidelis, district secretary, RID 3212.
As no vocational training is being given by the clubs, “we ensure that those selected are adept in tailoring, and can earn a livelihood by making good use of the sewing machine. Hence, Rotarians shoulder the responsibility of identifying the right beneficiaries after verifying their vocation, skills, economic status and family details,” he says. The first set of 360 machines were distributed at a TRF seminar in Tirunelveli, “and we will complete the remaining two phases by December-end,” assures DG Krishnan. “Financial independence and livelihood for women at the grassroots level will create a ripple effect; when a woman earns a regular income, her family finances stabilise, the education of children is secured, and self-reliance grows.” The project worth ₹60 lakh is funded by Rotarians.
DG Krishnan says it is all about “building resilient communities with the sewing machines as rural households are pitched on an upward growth trajectory, benefitting society as a whole.” Some of the beneficiaries reflect the social mobility view of the governor: A middle-aged divorcee, Muthulakshmi, along with her daughter, is living with her aged parents in Srivilliputhur (taluk) in south TN. As the sole breadwinner, “I found it very difficult to meet family expenses working as tailoring instructor in a company. Now with my own sewing machine I supplement my income to meet our monthly needs.”
Another heart-rending case is that of Mariammal (43) from Kattalai village in Tirunelveli district. Life is a daily struggle for her, after she lost her husband seven years ago, and with no children, “My 70-year-old mother and I were reduced to an impoverished state… though I know tailoring, lack of a sewing machine put me out of livelihood. Now that I got this brand new machine, I am looking up to earn a decent income.”
Pink autos
DG Krishnan has applied for a global grant (₹3 crore) for distribution of 124 pink autos in three phases. Rotary clubs will conduct driving classes for the beneficiaries who will be given auto licence after training. “While sewing machines are given to the underprivileged who know tailoring, for pink autos we will identify widows, destitute and dependent women and train them before delivering the vehicles to them,” adds Krishnan.