M. grew up in a humble tribal family. Both of his parents worked in wedding venues cleaning halls, clearing tables after meals and washing utensils. Watching them perform such physically demanding labor left a deep impression on him and motivated him to study hard, determined to build a better future for him and his family.
While he was still in school, M. learned about Malar Trust through Kuppan and Mani, who told him that the Trust supports students wishing to continue their education. Their words gave him hope, as his family’s financial difficulties made higher studies seem almost impossible.
Even before meeting Kuppan and Mani, M. had already started working at a photo studio to help support his family. He was learning photography while also assisting with daily tasks. After about a month, the studio owner’s brother, heard about M’s background. He encouraged him to return to his studies and helped him begin the admission process for an engineering program.
The biggest hurdle, however, was money. Despite trying to raise funds from relatives, M. couldn’t gather the necessary amount. That’s when Malar Trust stepped in. The Association not only covered his entire four-year engineering course financially but also provided emotional support, constantly motivating him to stay focused. M. was also able to access certain government benefits due to his community background.
After graduating in 2016, he began working in a private company with a monthly salary of ₹12,000. Later, he enrolled in a technical course in software testing, which allowed him to transition into the IT sector. For the past four years, he has been working at Hogarth Worldwide (WPP) in DLF, Porur, earning a CTC of ₹6 lakhs per annum.
He recently bought a car—a proud milestone for him and his family. His parents are now resting at home, as M. has asked them not to work anymore.
In 2019, he married A., a B.Com graduate, in a love marriage. Though they came from different communities, both families were supportive. Mani even attended the wedding, which was held in the very same marriage hall where M.’s parents had once worked—a powerful and emotional full-circle moment.
Today, M. and A. have a beautiful 3.5-year-old daughter who attends a private school. Life has changed in many ways, but M. never forgets where he came from —or the people who helped him rise – and regularly helps MTI with a monthly donation.
