A Life Worth Living

Discover the inspiring story of Chitra V. and Kutumb Jyothi, a faith-based initiative transforming urban poor families in India through generosity, education, counseling, and community empowerment.

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We seem to be constantly searching for joy and fulfillment in life, yet often we look for it in the wrong places.

We believe that if we save enough for our children’s future and earn enough to provide every comfort for our family, they—and in turn we—will find peace and contentment. But these are shifting goalposts, like a bag with holes. No matter how much we put in, it never feels full. Instead, this pursuit often leaves us stressed, unhappy, unhealthy, and in constant conflict with our loved ones.

True joy and meaning in life come from relationships where love, laughter, and sharing are beautifully woven together—where both giving and receiving form the bedrock of life. Living sustainably, without hoarding or cluttering, and intentionally investing time in people are key to rediscovering joy and contentment. Challenges will remain, but they will not overcome us if we are rooted in loving relationships and meaningful lives.

A Life Shaped by Generosity

Chitra discovered the joy of giving and receiving even in the midst of lack and poverty. Her family gave even when they were in dire need, and in turn, their needs were met providentially. Today, generosity has become her vocation and passion, and she hopes this cycle of blessing will continue through many others.

Here, we present her life story and the cause into which she is passionately investing her life.

Generosity, Relationships, and Meaning

“My life has been a story of receiving and extending generosity.”

Growing up, I learned what it truly meant to give when you have nothing. My mother was married at a very young age and became the mother of six children. My father was a government employee who earned a decent salary, but most of it was spent on alcohol and friends. He would return home a week after receiving his salary with only ₹5 left.

Nearly 29 years ago, my mother began working in a convent school for ₹175 a month, doing whatever the management asked—cleaning classrooms and toilets, caring for children, and never questioning her superiors. Even in difficult circumstances, her virtues stood tall. We received free education at the school, and her earnings were just enough to provide us with one meal a day. There were days we starved and days she somehow managed to cook something. Yet, whenever a stranger or beggar came asking for food, she would serve them—even if it meant she slept hungry herself.

We survived largely on drumstick leaves from a tree near our home. Though our life was one of borrowing and scarcity, it was also a life of giving—and we found richness in it.

Growing Up in Hardship, Growing in Grace

We rarely participated in school functions because we did not have proper clothes or footwear. Ours was the only house in the locality without electricity, so my sister and I studied under streetlights or at a nearby temple where the caretaker allowed us to sit and read. Despite these struggles, I experienced God’s grace everywhere I went. I was friendly, bright, and well-liked both in school and in my neighborhood.

Even in our single-room home, where eight of us lived together, my mother welcomed people with food and shelter. Neighbors still remember the taste of the meals she served. However, my brother, influenced by my father, began drinking heavily, making life extremely difficult. Trauma and hardship became a daily reality.

Eventually, someone referred me to a hostel. There, life was structured—early morning devotions, studies, meals, and school. Everything was taken care of, and once again, I experienced the abundant grace of God and favor with people.

I stayed in the hostel until I completed my 10th standard and then returned home, where life continued to be very difficult. Over time, circumstances pushed me to a point where I considered ending my life. In that dark moment, scriptures I had read from the Bible came alive. I felt Jesus say, “Don’t worry. I will take care of you. Nothing is impossible for Me.” From that day onward, I chose to trust God completely.

God’s Restoration and a Call to Serve

Gradually, our family circumstances began to change. My mother was healed from a prolonged illness. A property that had been illegally occupied by local thugs was restored to us after 28 years of struggle. Though we regained ownership, we had no money to build on it, and every door seemed closed.

During this time, I began working with the urban poor in the slums under Kutumb Jyothi, the Compassion Department of Urban India Ministries. I found deep fulfillment in teaching, mentoring, and meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of children and families. Working with like-minded people to bring transformation to slum communities was deeply rewarding.

Around the same time, I received an appointment letter for a central government job—a rare opportunity with excellent pay. I faced a difficult choice: accept the job to support my struggling family or continue serving the poor through Kutumb Jyothi. Despite strong pressure to take the government position, I chose to serve the poor and empower women. Looking back, it remains the best decision I have ever made.

Reaping the Harvest of Giving

I believe that when you help others, God helps you. In 2008, I invested my salary and Christmas bonus as seed money to build our house. When I shared the need with the organization’s director, an engineer was sent immediately to plan the house. God brought people who supported us with interest-free loans, and within a year, we cleared all our debts.

Our housewarming was held in November 2012 with prayers and thanksgiving. Soon after, my sister got married in 2013 and my brother in 2014. Many people entered our lives at different moments, strengthening us and helping us soar.

Today, I serve as the Associate Head of Kutumb Jyothi. My life has become a living testimony to the people I work with in the slums and to my neighbors. I have learned to give both in scarcity and in abundance. I connect those in need with people who can help.

You too can make someone’s life beautiful by giving your time, talent, and resources. One day, you will look back and say—it was worth investing.

Invest in an Initiative of Generosity

Kutumb Jyothi – Bringing Light to Families

Kutumb Jyothi (KJ) envisions transformed urban poor families across India by bringing emergency relief to families in crisis and empowering children, youth, and parents to fulfill their dreams for themselves and their communities.

KJ strategically invests in formal education and leadership development among the urban poor.

Our Journey

Kutumb Jyothi began on March 27, 2007, in the home of a slum dweller who opened their doors to bring light to neighboring families. What started as English tuition classes soon grew into a movement transforming families—one home at a time.

Fighting Poverty and Neglect Through Education & Healthcare

Every day, Kutumb Jyothi tuition centers bring hope to hundreds of children through:

Academic support
Counseling and mentoring
House visits
Nutrition support
Community-based programs

KJ addresses needs through four core areas:

1. Emotional

Family counseling, pre-marital counseling, group therapy, youth and women’s meetings, and workshops addressing spiritual, emotional, and financial crises.

2. Educational

With nearly 85% of the urban poor being illiterate and 39% of slum children dropping out of school, KJ provides free tuition for children and adult literacy programs for women.