Story of Sivaraman
Sivaraman is a farmer and agricultural laborer from a small village near Karur, Tamil Nadu, where he works intermittently throughout the year to support his family of eight. His daily wage is Rs 160, but this income is limited to just five to six months annually. His wife, Sasikala, also seeks work but often earns less than he does. Their financial burden is compounded by caring for Sivaraman's elderly mother and the educational needs of their four children, none of whom can attend school due to economic constraints.
Their situation exemplifies the broader picture of poverty in rural India, characterized by insufficient income, inadequate healthcare, lack of educational opportunities, and the pressures of family obligations. Studies show that families like Sivaraman's face a cycle of poverty where they struggle to make ends meet, and such economic hardships lead them to prioritize survival over the education of their children, particularly girls.
Moreover, cultural pressures, inadequate resources, and systematic issues contribute to a sense of helplessness, where families like Sivaraman’s feel trapped in their situation. This story is reflective of the challenges posed by poverty on a wider scale and serves as a call to action to address these critical social issues.