This woman is catalysing young green advocates

In the village of V. Battarahalli in Chikballapur District, Lakshmidevi, a 38-year-old graduate, lives with her mother and three daughters. She is a widow and works as a Kannada teacher. She and her mother jointly run a flour mill, care for three cattle, and engage in agriculture.

She learned about Buzz in June 2024 through an Anganwadi teacher. Passionate about learning, she participated in the Self-Shakti/financial literacy program."When I learned about maintaining books of accounts, I realized I had never tracked my income properly. After keeping track, I discovered that I was earning a monthly income of Rs. 30,000," she recalled.

In June 2024, immediately after the training, she began saving a minimum of Rs. 200 daily in her hundi (A cash box or money box kept at home.). By February 2025, she realized that the amount had grown to Rs. 55,000. In March 2025, she used this amount to retrieve her gold jewellery, which she had mortgaged to run the household and provide for her daughters' education when she was unable to work for a year."I didn’t realize how savings could change my financial situation until I started this practice," Lakshmi admitted.

In September 2024 she enrolled in the Green Program, focusing on ecological initiatives. She sought to improve her knowledge further, saying, "I wanted to quench my thirst for knowledge and share it with my students." Lakshmi's interest in sustainability, particularly in agriculture, blossomed through the Green Program. She learned about critical topics such as water usage, soil types, and local produce cultivation. Inspired by these lessons, she implemented a kitchen garden at home in December 2024, planting chilies, okra, brinjal, and greens for her family’s consumption. This initiative allowed her to save about Rs. Rs.500 rupees weekly, significantly easing her household budget. "I used to spend a lot on vegetables, but now I grow them myself," she explained proudly. Utilising household waste water—like the water used from washing rice and vegetables, water for mopping the house—and cow dung as manure has made her garden thriving and sustainable.

She also learned about the benefits of mixed cropping during the training. As part of the curriculum, the 'Seeds Exchange Program' was conducted in January 2025, where women exchanged seeds among themselves. Through this program, she received seeds for ridge gourd, bitter gourd, and various greens, which she then planted in her kitchen garden.

Lakshimi also coaches children in the village learning center (Kalike Kendra) earning Rs.200 per month. Lakshmi’s teaching role in her school and also at a local NGO allows her to promote eco-friendly practices among her students. She has integrated lessons on soil types, water conservation, and sustainable gardening into her curriculum. "I want to teach my students the importance of these practices at an early age so they cultivate a habit of caring for our planet," she stated passionately.

Buzz Field Associate noted, "Whenever there’s a training program, Lakshmi makes it a point to attend, always eager to learn and apply what she can to her teachings."She continues to encourage her students and fellow villagers to adopt similar habits for a better future. In the coming years, she plans to widen her impact by instilling sustainable practices within her community, ensuring that the lessons of today sow the seeds for a greener tomorrow.

Taking inspiration from her, the parents of school children have started kitchen gardens. The Buzz Field Associate shares that during her visits to the village, she now sees no waste littering the grounds or public spaces. Both children and their parents are actively working to keep their surroundings clean. Lakshmidevi is not just a teacher; she is a beacon of hope, teaching her children the importance of sustainability and the value of knowledge for a better life.