Staff Meeting at Haritachala

Written by Tanvi Pothireddy and Geetika Kullampalle

During our summer camp at Haritachala, we were given the opportunity to gain insights into the lives of two of our beloved staff members, Karthika Akka and Jeeva Akka. Karthika Akka shared about her family life, explaining the financial challenges and major family issues she continually navigates, while Jeeva Akka talked about her experience working at Haritachala, highlighting the joy she finds in her everyday duties. She also told us about her childhood. As they began to share their stories, a profound sense of sadness washed over us all. Both Karthika and Jeeva akka had endured unimaginable hardships, suffering abuse from their husbands who saw them as mere "money machines." Despite working on a farm that paid slightly better than others, their wages remained insufficient to break free from the cycle of hardship and violence

After our conversations with both of the Akkas, we had a touching discussion with Manmohan Uncle. He shared how Haritachala has been a true sanctuary, providing safety and support for women who have been enduring such unimaginable hardships. These women, the sole breadwinners for their families, found refuge here without openly defying societal norms, which could have led to backlash from surrounding villages. Manmohan Uncle, who dedicatedly takes care of Haritachala, has found compassionate ways to support these brave women. Haritcahala started pension funds for all the staff, funds like Sukanya Yogajana for our staff's younger girl-children, accident insurance, life insurance, and even health insurance for their husbands! This crucial safety net ensures that the women and their families are protected and have financial security in case of unexpected events, offering them peace of mind amidst their struggles.

During the COVID pandemic, Manmohan Uncle took a significant step to support the education of our staff's children. Uncle started to hold classes at Haritachala to teach kids subjects such as English, Math, and Science. The kids would eagerly come to class every day with hopes of earning the delicious chocolate bar hanging from the ceiling, ready to be devoured by the most hard-working kid for the day. Beyond these fun sessions, Manmohan Uncle and Sruti Akka also supported a few of our staff members in enrolling their children in a private school, where they can gain enhanced education opportunities and a brighter path to success.

Additionally, the plant nursery has become a beacon of hope. The revenue generated from the sale of plants directly goes to the women who work tirelessly in the nursery. This not only provides them with a steady income but also instils a sense of pride and purpose. Through these thoughtful measures, Manmohan Uncle has created a supportive and empowering environment at Haritachala, helping these women rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Listening to the Akkas’ stories was a poignant and humbling experience for all of us. Hearing about Karthika and Jeeva Akka's hardships was heartbreaking, but seeing the support and care from Haritachala was very inspiring. Despite the physical and emotional scars they carried, they arrived at work each day with smiles on their faces, their determination shining through. It showed how compassion and community can bring hope for a better life, where their smiles would be filled with real happiness instead of pain, and how Haritachala had truly made a difference in the lives of many.