Seeing the dowry system as a means of exploiting women and inflicting violence towards women, Arputhammal set out to campaign against this old-age practice in her community. She is known as the champion in fighting against the dowry system by educating her community and was also successful in making her village and neighbouring village liqour-free. Her relentless campaign on women's rights inspired other women in three (3) other districts (Vellore, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur) to be leaders in their own communities. This empowerment made it possible for at least forty-two (42) women from Illuppur village to get and receive their pattas.

Nominated by:  Society for Rural Education and Development (SRED)
E-mail:  burnad@md3.vsni.net.in
Phone No.:  00 91 4177 - 224708, 226936