Women’s Empowerment program to build self reliant business opportunities for young women under the “Ramana Maharshi Livelihood Program” implemented by Saraswathy Illam – Ramanalayam was initiated today with the blessings and grace of Bhagavan.

The program supported by Pala Gnanodaya Sangam (United Kingdom and Switzerland), which includes a private donation from Canada, and Varuthalaivilan Global Forum was started with training sessions on Financial Management and Business development at the Varuthalaivilan Youth League premises. Young ladies from Kadduvan, Varuthalaivilan and Erlalai have registered to participate in the program. Most women are between the ages of 15 and 30, and largely school dropouts.

The training will continue for a period of about 12 weeks before business opportunities are identified and business plans are drawn. Trainees will be provided financial and technical support to kick start their business activities in the 3rd phase of the project.

This project is being implemented as a pilot program and will last for about 1 year. Loans provided for startups will be given out as interest free loans with flexible repayment options.