“A land of resolute women and inspiring tales”, the enterprising women of Kerala who run their businesses and take care of house hold responsibilities simultaneously have left our team inspired.

Many of our borrowers are into the business of cattle rearing. The milk from a cow, the goats for their meat are the most profitable animals. But one can also see dogs and chickens in every house. A few of the animals that we met during the trip.

Each house has a unique living arrangement for the animals. While the cows generally have a shed, the goats and chickens have their barns and pens.

Some of our borrowers also have their own businesses. While some of them own petty shops selling vegetables, spices and snacks, others go house to house and sell plastic and aluminum items. Each of them goes to great lengths to make each "sale" happen!

Most of the businesses are run from the borrower's homes. The differences in the styles depend on their economic and geographical location.

Almost all of our borrowers send their children to school. Some of them even take loans to give their children an education. A very encouraging sign indeed!

Paulo Coelho once said “No one can lie, no one can hide anything, when he looks directly into someone's eyes.” A few encounters that made an impression.

Deities and Temples in the different villages.

Members of our field partner Hope Foundation with Aravind and Sushmita during the trip. The group visited 7 villages and interacted with around 35 borrowers in two days.

Glimpses of Kerala. God's own country indeed!