AN IDYLLIC OASIS FOR THE DISPOSSESSED

IX years ago, a 75-year-old man arrived at the gates of the Duraisamy Generous Social Education Association (DGSEA), carrying a heavy heart and his six-year-old granddaughter, Priya (name changed). Having lost both her parents, and with no relatives willing to take her in, Priya's future looked bleak. The grandfather sought refuge for her at DGSEA, a non-profit organisation in Vilvarayanallur village, 85 km off Chennai.

- S GURUVANMIKANATHAN @Chennai

"After completing the legal procedures and obtaining approval from the child line, we admitted her into our home," said Kumar Krishnamoorthy, DGSEA Chairman and a retired senior audit officer. Today, Priya is not just surviving—she is thriving, along with nearly 100 other children at DGSEA, including 40 girls, who call this institution their sanctuary.

At the heart of DGSEA is its commitment to transforming the lives of children from marginalized communities. Some of these children, like Priya, have lost both parents, while others come from families struggling to make ends meet. Priya, now a 12-year-old Class 7 student at Duraisamy High School, reflects on her time at the home with deep gratitude. "My day starts at 4 am," she said. "After prayers, I begin my routine. I am determined to become an IPS officer one day because education is the most powerful weapon for students like me."