I am Arokiyamary from Ilaiyankanni, a small village in the Tiruvannamalai district. I was born into a humble family, and due to financial struggles, my parents got me married,soon after I finished schooling. Like many women in my situation, I thought my life would revolve only around household responsibilities. But deep inside, I had a desire to do something more—to learn, grow, and contribute to my family.
One day, I heard about the tailoring classes conducted by the Salesian Sisters at the Michaelpuram Convent. These classes were designed to help young women and housewives gain skills for a better future. Without hesitation, I joined the program. It was a life-changing decision. I didn’t just learn tailoring; I also gained valuable life skills and spiritual education that strengthened my confidence. With my newfound skills, I started stitching clothes for the women in my neighborhood. This not only gave me financial independence but also allowed me to support my children’s needs and contribute to my family’s income. I also became actively involved in a women’s self-help group, where I met and inspired many other women like me.
Today, I am proud to work as a tailoring teacher at the Michaelpuram Auxilium Home. Instead of thinking that my life ended with marriage, I pursued my dreams, and that decision changed everything. Now, I stand strong and independent, helping other women achieve their goals just as I did. I am deeply grateful to my husband, my children, and the Salesian Sisters who guided me on this journey. Their support gave me the courage to transform my life, and I hope my story encourages other women to believe in themselves and take the first step toward their dreams.
