'The lantern offers a sense of security

Annalakshmi’s is home in Pudukalpatti is surrounded by beautiful green paddy fields. There is a fresh, earthy smell in the air that is hard to find in the cities. The walk to her home was tiring but the quiet beauty made it worth the while. Annalakshmi has two teenage children and her husband is a farmer. Annalakshmi helps him and tends to cattle as well, to complement the household income. She took a loan from Gramalya Microfin Foundation (GMF) to purchase the solar lantern as it is cost effective and puts to use Tamil Nadu’s abundant sunlight and heat. Annalakshmi’s husband regularly uses the lantern in the fields, especially when he needs to check on the crops or switch on the motor in the evenings. "The fields are crawling with insects and the lantern offers a sense of security", said Annalakshmi. When the power fails at home, her children also study by the lantern. Annalakshmi is very happy with the investment she made, as she is getting exponential returns from it.