Post the 2004 tsunami, which had a devastating affect the on villagers in Vadak Poigainallur, Nagapattinam District in Tamil Nadu. Most of the relief that came for the tsunami victims were focused on the men: getting them back onto the sea to earn a living and were donated boats and nets.

There was an urgent need to empower women to be self-sufficient and provide an alternate source of income. In May 2004 Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar Rural Development Project (SSRDP) partnered with the Youth Leaders, teaching the women, Incense Stick Manufacturing.

To date 50 women have been trained and earn a regular income from manufacturing incense sticks. Part of the vocational and empowerment training the women completed the Breath Water Sound Workshop. This workshop allowed then to come to terms with the trauma, increasing self worth. These women are now valuable contributors to their homes and society.