This photo essay is an accompaniment to an article written about Gramalaya's water and sanitation interventions in one village in rural South India. This article is entitled “Empowerment through Action: The Story of Anna Lakshmi.” For more information, please contact abigail at gmail dot com.

1. A photo essay on Gandhigram's sanitation efforts for women and all people in the rural village of Muthampatti, Tamil Nadu. Through a project funded by Arghyam in Bangalore, India.

3. A field of flowers near the village. Flowers are a main crop in the area. Such flowers are often used for pujas or ceremonies.

4. These are temporary settlements used by landless individuals. After they are finished living here, they will burn the structure.

5. Near the canal area – the main area of open defecation – in the village.

6. This area of the village used to flood with water filled with human sewage during heavy rains.

7. A section of the village located near the canal.

8. A toilet built by the government in disrepair because it was not built correctly and, therefore, not used.

9. A toilet built in the community after outreach and awareness efforts.

10. One of the few – if not the only – Western-style toilets in the community. A free-standing latrine built with a loan from Gandhigram.

11. Address : Gandhigram, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India, 624302 Phone : 0451-2452326 Website : www.gandhigram.org E-mail : ggmtrust at sify.com For more information: