The bank had just opened for the day. Among the waiting customers stood an elderly farmer, his head wrapped in a faded scarf. Approaching the counter, he spoke nervously, “Sir, I need to withdraw the government money… please help me.”
The employee barely looked up. “Fill out the form and submit it,” he said, turning back to his files.
The farmer looked helplessly at the pile of forms. Beside him, a woman clutched her passbook, equally unsure. Watching this quietly was Lion Madappa Tanappagol. He stepped forward, picked the right forms, and helped them complete the process. But as he walked away, one thought stayed with him — if two people needed help today, how many others faced the same challenge every day? The government deposits subsidies and pensions directly into villagers’ bank accounts. Yet many of them, unfamiliar with procedures, struggle to access what is rightfully theirs.
That reflection led to action. Lion Madappa Tanappagol spoke to his fellow members at the Jamkhandi Lions Club, District 317B and they decided to create a bridge between banks and villagers through an initiative aptly titled ‘Empowerment.’ The club trained college students in basic banking procedures so they could assist rural customers. After both theory and hands-on sessions, these students began accompanying Lions to local banks, guiding anyone who needed help.
The results spoke for themselves. Farmers like Basappa, who once lost his subsidy, now receive their dues with confidence. Elderly pensioners like Danamma, who earlier depended on others, now manage their own accounts with dignity.
For the students, too, it was an education in empathy. They saw how something as simple as filling a form could make such a difference.
What began as a small act of compassion has grown into a quiet movement of inclusion. Villagers now walk into banks with confidence, students walk out with purpose — and the Lions of Jamkhandi continue to show that true empowerment begins with guidance.
