In a vibrant home in Chennai adorned with the intricate colors of Thanjavur art, 70-year-old Revathi Ganesan dedicates herself to a unique mission that transcends mere creativity. For nearly three decades, she has been handcrafting rakhis—traditional Indian wrist threads—specifically for the soldiers defending the country’s borders. Each rakhi is accompanied by small tokens of blessings and sweets, reflecting her deep gratitude towards the armed forces.
Revathi’s heartfelt initiative began in 1998, a direct response to the Coimbatore bomb blasts. During this tumultuous time, she observed soldiers stationed in her city for peacekeeping duties and felt compelled to express her appreciation. As a Rotarian leading a community project, she decided to create rakhis for the jawans, stating, “They were protecting us so we could sleep peacefully. This was the only way I could show my gratitude.”
Her first attempt involved personally tying rakhis on soldiers’ wrists, an experience that left a lasting impression on her. She recalls one soldier who was overcome with emotion during the gesture, highlighting the profound impact her small act of kindness had on those serving the nation.
As her project grew, the rakhis began to reach farther locations, including the iconic Wagah border. In a remarkable twist, an unscheduled army chopper once transported her rakhi packets directly to the soldiers stationed there. Despite initial concerns about whether soldiers from diverse religious backgrounds would accept the rakhis, a supportive Navy friend reassured her, emphasizing that the Indian Army transcends religious affiliations.
Over the years, Revathi’s annual production of rakhis blossomed from 500 to an astonishing 5,000 in the current year. She starts her preparation in March, enlisting help from local school children, teenagers, her 87-year-old aunt, and even a child with special needs. Each rakhi packet is thoughtfully curated, containing not only the handcrafted thread but also items like kungumam, vibhoothi, and Cadbury Eclairs—her preferred chocolate, known for its melting resistance.
Revathi’s husband supports her mission as the logistics coordinator, managing the packing and shipping of the rakhis to various army locations across India. While the Rotary Club provides some backing, the majority of costs are borne by the couple, supplemented by generous contributions from friends and well-wishers.
More than simple threads, Revathi envisions her rakhis as enduring symbols of unity, respect, and affection for the armed forces. “One day, I hope to send a rakhi to every jawan so that each of them knows how much they are valued,” she asserts, driven by the hope that her gestures will foster a sense of connection and appreciation for those who serve.
For those inspired by her mission or wishing to contribute, Revathi can be reached at the contact number 9042944171.
