Tribal Women Becoming Taxpayers Such Efforts Will Lead to Viksit Bharat

July 5, 2025, Coimbatore: “I am happy that, with the support of Isha Foundation, tribal women have become lakhpatis and are now paying income tax. Initiatives like these will pave the way for a Viksit Bharat and fulfil the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sadhguru,” said Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, after interacting with local tribal villagers during his visit to the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore yesterday.

The Minister was referring to the remarkable journey of tribal women from Thanikandi village who, under Isha’s guidance, came together to form the Chellamariyammann Self-Help Group in 2018. With an initial working capital of just ?200, they began running small shops near Adiyogi, then an emerging tourist destination. Over the years, these humble ventures have grown into flourishing enterprises with turnovers running into crores. Today, these women proudly pay taxes and contribute to the nation’s development.

Taking a keen interest in Isha’s rural outreach efforts, particularly in tribal welfare, he expressed a strong desire to visit a nearby tribal village to further interact with the villagers. “The work done by Isha, including rural development, education, health, spirituality and preserving the culture, is commendable. Isha has been instrumental in the development of the village that I visited today, and they are very happy with Isha,” observed the Minister during his visit to the village.

For years, Isha Foundation has actively supported nearby tribal and rural villages by improving access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities. Beyond economic empowerment, Isha offers a wide range of support, including educational scholarships, 24×7 health services, waste management, nutritional supplements, and skill-building workshops and training sessions in surrounding villages.

During his visit, the Minister explored the consecrated spaces of the Isha Yoga Center, including the iconic 112-ft Adiyogi; Suryakund, an energised water body; Dhyanalinga, a profound meditative space; and Linga Bhairavi Devi, a fierce yet compassionate manifestation of the Divine Feminine. He also visited Sadhguru Gurukulam Samskriti, a traditional residential school rooted in the Bhartiya Gurukulam system, and Isha Home School, known for its holistic, child-centric approach to education.