Earn with Dignity

Imagine a familiar face at your doorstep—not with an outstretched hand to beg, but with a smile and a bundle of eco-friendly cotton bags, ready to earn with pride. This is the transformation Snehan envisions.

In Pondicherry, where tourism fuels the local economy, unemployment remains widespread. Many homeless individuals—especially from neighboring states—arrive hoping to survive by begging. But Snehan believes that every person deserves more than survival. They deserve dignity, purpose, and a chance to rebuild.

To make this vision real, Snehan launched a livelihood initiative in collaboration with a South Indian organization that produces high-quality, environmentally friendly cotton bags stitched by unemployed rural women. These women earn by crafting the bags; Snehan’s homeless beneficiaries earn by selling them.

Each seller works in a team of two, reaching out to marketplaces, worship centers, and beaches. For every bag sold, 50% of the profit goes directly to the seller—empowering them to meet their needs with pride. The remaining 50% sustains Snehan’s mission.

This initiative not only provides income but also challenges the stigma of begging. It aligns with the spirit of The Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, which seeks to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals into society through meaningful employment.

Snehan’s livelihood project is more than a job—it’s a journey from rejection to recognition. Every bag sold carries a story of resilience. Every seller is a testament to the power of second chances.

We invite you to support this movement. When you buy a Snehan cotton bag, you’re not just choosing sustainability—you’re choosing humanity.