Chinna Pillai

Chinna Pillai is an Indian businessperson from Pulliseri,[1] a small village near Madurai. She started a very successful banking system in the villages in Tamil Nadu and is a champion trying to reduce poverty and debt grievances by empowering women.[2] Her intent efforts in leading a savings unit among women in the debt stricken village of Pullucheri became so successful that soon many groups sprung in the region with equal effectiveness. The Kalanjiam, microcredit movement received a huge boost from her dedication and contributions, reaching out to many women living under poverty.[3]

Chinna Pillai is illiterate and can just sign her name. She was recognised as a leader because of her skills as a negotiator. She bargained on behalf of workers and eventually the employers realised that there may be some benefit in paying higher wages. Although one objected when she did not know her place and she led a bid to take the contract for fishing the local pond. This had traditionally been the reserve of local rich landowners so they hit back when they won the contract. They refused to employ them for other work - so they went to work outside the village. The group now farm their own fish.[1]

Recognition

Chinna Pillai was one of five women to receive the Stree Shakti Puraskar in 1999. In a picture perfect moment for the press, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee bowed down in respect and touched her feet while presenting her with the award.[4] She received Padma Shri for her service in 2019.[5]

References
  1. Menon, Rasmesh (15 January 2001). "The Negotiator". Rediff. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  2. Dharmaraj, Vidyashree (23 March 2002). "Woman Achiever". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  3. Doraisamy, Vani (24 January 2007). "Chinna Pillai to embark on a major mission". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  4. Rajachandrasekaran, Anitha (5 March 2005). "On an EQUAL footing". The Hindu. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  5. "Padma Awards 2019 Announced: Full list of awardees". The NEWS Minute. 25 January 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
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