Bagging a livelihood: Thoorigai

Its number in the catalogue is AR120. Its specs are also nondescript: it’s a single zipper bag with a width of 13.5” and a height of 14” with a strap length of 11”. A mathematical calculation may tell you its volume is nearly 444 cubic inches, but it holds much more within. It holds the hopes of the woman after whom it is named. Arayee, one of the 12 artisans at Thoorigai (meaning ‘quill’ in Tamil), has been with the livelihood project in Perambalur in Tamil Nadu for over 12 years, and has grown with the organization.