19 year old Vijayalakshmi originally hails from Vallanur, in District Villupuram, Pondicherry. She is one of the three children of Iyyanar, a construction worker; her mother is a housewife. Few years ago, her family underwent some problems. And hence, just after Vijayalakshmi completed her 12th Standard, they moved to Vaithikuppam.
Vijayalakshami continued with her studies and acquired a diploma in Medical. She was married off at the age of eighteen, soon after she finished her studies. However, marriage was not bliss. Her husband turned out to be unfaithful and abandoned her and their 5 month old baby. Her misery further aggravated when she often found herself stuck in middle of the constant friction between her brothers and her estranged husband. All she longed for was a peaceful life, which made her decide to move out live alone with her baby. As she struggled to make ends meet, her educational qualifications were long forgotten.
During one of the community meetings, the workers at CIRC Vaithikuppam (supported by Indus Towers) came to know about Vijayalakshmi. They decided to help her. When approached, Vijayalakshmi showed great interest in learning the computers. However, she hesitated because of financial constraints. Team CIRC convinced her to join the computer classes and not worry about the fee. Finding a sincere and dedicated student in her, the team thought of an idea. They knew that she held a diploma in medical. They didn’t want her qualifications to go in vain. Holding her hand, the team provided her with career guidance and helped her find a suitable job. Leaving her dark days behind, Vijayalakshmi today works at a pharmacy. With her salary, she is capable to support her family, making them feel very proud of her.
This incidence has given team CIRC Vaithikuppam great inspiration. Now they have started to conduct regular career guidance sessions for the youth of the community. After all, it is the youth that drives change and shapes a bright future for a community and the nation.