In a heartwarming recognition of grit and determination, two women from Tamil Nadu have received a prestigious invitation to attend the Republic Day parade in New Delhi and a tea party at Rashtrapati Bhavan with President Droupadi Murmu.
Meet the Honoured Women
N Sangeetha, a 40-year-old autorickshaw driver from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore city, and R Indrani, a 45-year-old tea plantation worker from Gudalur in the Nilgiris district, are the recipients of this special honour. Their applications were among 15 submitted by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Housing for All (PMAY-HFA) scheme to the central government.
Recognition for Empowerment and Scheme Utilisation
An official clarified that the duo was shortlisted by the Centre primarily for their exemplary utilisation of the PMAY-HFA benefits and as symbols of women's empowerment. Both women had each received a subsidy of Rs 2.10 lakh under the housing scheme, which they used effectively to transform their lives.
On Monday, Sangeetha was felicitated in Coimbatore by District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappavar upon receiving the coveted invitation.
Stories of Resilience and Success
Sangeetha's journey is one of resilience. She has been driving an auto for the past seven years to support her family. "My husband is a construction worker. His income was insufficient to provide education to our two children and manage household expenses," Sangeetha told TOI. This necessity pushed her to take up auto driving. Although they owned ancestral land, the family lived in a rental house for years. With their savings and the PMAY-HFA subsidy, they finally built their own home on their land.
Indrani's story is equally inspiring. As a single parent, she managed to educate her son through his undergraduate studies while also investing in constructing a home, showcasing remarkable financial planning and dedication.
During the functions in the national capital, each woman will be accompanied by one family member and two officials, making it a memorable national recognition for their local achievements.
