In Kurgal Village, Kolar District, lives Pillama, a 43-year-old woman whose life took a turn after discovering Buzz Women in February 2018. Pillamma has completed her education till class 7. She lives with her son and her daughter is married.Pillamma’s journey with Buzz Women started through an Anganwadi teacher. The Self Shakti program/ financial literacy program she joined in June 2018 was a stepping stone. She was selected as a Gelathi (Community Anchor), as other women believed she would play a vital role in making everyone aware of the various government schemes and opportunities available to them. "Taking on this role was significant for me, it made me feel valued and gave me a purpose," she reflected. In March 2024, after completing the Spoorthi Fellowship/Leadership program, and Green program training, Pillamma’s determination to uplift her community flourished.
In the Spoorthi program, she recognised her skills, one of which was being a good communicator. In January 2024, she saw the plight of a destitute mother and her daughter with a physical disability, abandoned by their family. Pillama took this as an opportunity to help, reaching out through the Dharmastala Self-Help Group (SHG) to initiate a project to build them a house. "I couldn’t just stand by; I needed to act, to give them the home they deserved," she stated passionately. While the paperwork was being processed, she provided them food and even offered her rented house as shelter, genuinely treating them as her family. By January 2025, the home was completed, and the emotional housewarming was not just a celebration of bricks and mortar, but a testament to compassion and community solidarity.
Pillama didn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of further community development, she arranged financing of Rs. 1,15,000 through Dharmasthala SHG for the renovation of a temple in her village in January 2025. She is now working towards securing funds for the renovation of another temple through the SHG.
With the knowledge she gained from the Green program, Pillama envisioned modern, sustainable agricultural practices that could benefit her community. Determined to make an impact, she collected seeds from her village and Buzz Field Associates to promote kitchen gardening. Although she did not own land herself, she identified 20 women who did and trained them in organic farming techniques. She encouraged them to use vegetable peels as manure and recycle water from household chores, such as mopping floors and washing clothes, to irrigate their gardens. Inspired by her guidance, these women successfully cultivated beans, brinjal, okra, coriander, and mint. As a result of her efforts, each woman in the group now saves an average of Rs. 200 per week.
Field Associate Ambika describes Pillamma as an “enthusiastic learner!” Ambika also shares that Pillamma’s son, a diploma holder working in a factory, wholeheartedly supports his mother’s efforts. He often drives her to training sessions and appreciates Buzz Women’s role in creating a stronger, more self-sufficient community.
Pillama's journey is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her community. "I’ve learned that true change starts within us, and it radiates outward. I want to continue identifying needs and facilitating help wherever I see it," she expressed with determination. Her dreams of creating a model village where needs are recognised and addressed reflect her hope for a better future. With the support of her son and her experiences with Buzz Women, Pillama embodies the spirit of community leadership, striving to enable not just herself, but everyone around her. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how one person's actions can lead to significant improvements in the lives of many, paving the way for a brighter, more supportive community.
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