Logammal is a positive change maker in the world – an inspiring personality that enables children to take charge of their destiny and realise their dreams. She is a social entrepreneur who works to alleviate social problems through democratic participation of Children of the area.
Logammal belongs to Aranvoyal village, about 40km from Chennai in Tiruvallur district. She started a chapter of the Children’s Parliament in 2006 to create awareness and inculcate social responsibility among the children of her village. She was, at that time, working with Pasumai Trust – an NGO that provided education to child workers at brick kilns.
The Children’s Parliament meets periodically where the children discuss the problems and issues in their area and come up with solutions for those on their own. Logammal acts as their guide and makes sure that the solution is realistic and achievable quickly.
Logammal’s objective in creating Children’s Parliament was to mould every child into a change maker. “They should be conscious about the welfare of the community and should be problem solvers when they grow up”, she says. She wants to ensure that each child sets realistic goals for themselves and complete at least a vocational course, if their parents are unable to send them to college. She acts as a life coach, motivator and a mentor for the kids she works with through the Children’s Parliament. The Parliament has brought a lot of changes in their village like regulating water supply, installing water pumps and street lights. The children have made the health department to spray mosquito repellents periodically. They insisted the local liquor shop to be shut down and made sure that garbage is not piled up. They have collected funds to start a Childrens Library and replaced a faulty water tap by collecting Rs.1 from the local residents.
These kids come from economically backward families and have transformed as pubic speakers and leaders. This has helped the kids to increase their self confidence and motivated them to chase their dreams. Logammal also helps other villages to set up a Children’s Parliament and has trained over 20 such chapters, till date.
Logammal was invited recently to participate in the National Children’s Parliament Conference held in New Delhi. She addressed the audience consisting of various chapters of the Children’s Parliament from all over India, and shared her experiences of working with and training children. She has a sweet disposition that draws children to her and makes them feel like they could share all their worries with her.
Logammal’s story is one of selfless dedication and hardwork that continues to inspire both children and adults.
