Solidarity Reaches the Thurumbar and Irula in Rural Tamil Nadu
In Acharapakkam, Tamil Nadu, Christmas has become a symbol of hope, dignity, and social inclusion for some of the state’s most marginalised communities — the Thurumbar caste and the Irula tribal group.
Often referred to as the “unseen among the poor,” the Thurumbar face deep-rooted discrimination, even from communities that have historically experienced exclusion themselves. Despite this, the spirit of Christmas is reaching these families through education, care, and community support.
Who Are the Thurumbar? The Last in the Social Order
The Thurumbar are a scheduled caste traditionally engaged in laundry and related services for Dalit households. Their name comes from their historical role as washer communities, similar to dhobis in other parts of India.
Within India’s rigid caste system, the Thurumbar are often denied fair wages and dignity. Many are paid in leftover food instead of money, and their work extends beyond washing clothes to tasks such as hairdressing and ceremonial duties during births and deaths in Dalit families.
This cycle of poverty, social exclusion, and limited access to education has continued for generations.
Life Empowerment Center: Education as a Path to Change
A ray of change comes through the Life Empowerment Center (LEC) in Acharapakkam. The center provides free education, English learning, life skills, and general knowledge to children from Thurumbar families.
On weekends, the LEC becomes a safe space where children can study, dream, and build confidence — something rarely available in their daily lives.
Juliyes: From Marginalisation to Leadership
The driving force behind the initiative is Juliyes, a woman from the Thurumbar community herself. Raised in a Catholic washer family, she grew up helping her parents wash clothes and beg for food at night to survive.
Despite facing severe hardship, Juliyes pursued education and later founded the Life Empowerment Center to ensure children from her community would not face the same fate.
Today, she lives with her mother, has adopted a child, and runs the center with support from friends and volunteers.
Support Extends to the Irula Tribal Community
Juliyes’ work goes beyond one caste. She has also extended help to the Irula, one of Tamil Nadu’s most disadvantaged tribal groups.
The Irula often live without land ownership or permanent housing, sheltering under temporary tarpaulin sheets. Their livelihood depends on field work, hunting permitted animals, and catching rats, while most Irula children drop out of school after Grade 8.
Sharing the True Spirit of Christmas
During Christmas, Juliyes and her team distribute essential supplies to families living in extreme poverty near Acharapakkam. These include:
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Rice and food parcels
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Saris and blankets
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Children’s clothing
This year, 25 tribal families received assistance, helping them celebrate Christmas with dignity and warmth.
Community and Church Support Make the Mission Possible
The Life Empowerment Center is sustained through support from individual donors, Christian institutions, and local businesses. Contributors include:
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Father Benjamin Chinnappan
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Heralds of Good News
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Sisters of Cluny
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Marian Shrine of Acharapakkam
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Local merchants and restaurant owners offering goods at discounted prices
Their combined efforts ensure that both Thurumbar and Irula families can access education, food, and emotional support.
Why This Story Matters
This Christmas story from Tamil Nadu highlights how education, compassion, and grassroots leadership can break cycles of discrimination. Through the Life Empowerment Center, Juliyes is helping children and families experience equality, hope, and the true meaning of Christmas.
