doTERRA International LLC’s Post

I spent the past week in Bihar, an annual break for a festival that we hold dear - Chhat Pooja. As development professionals my husband and I slow down every year amidst the festivities and look deeper at the village and families around us - fewer migrants returning, increasing prices for basic chhat harvest groceries- fewer elders and yes, fewer children. Most of all, we were moved by the tractor and shared auto loads of families returning from the river, tired and unsmiling - faith perhaps keeping them going despite all odds. The togetherness and momentary respite warming all our hearts but many bellies and homes seemed empty and not on the brink of sustaining beyond winter, let alone thriving. As I look at the Hurun list today and reflect on the bounties and celebration of the past week, I cannot help but think about what poverty looks like at the end of a festive season in 2024. It is bleak- and we don't have the data we need for decision making and we no longer talk about sad, gnawing hunger, death by suicide, debt, inequity and disempowerment because poverty is ugly, dark, anguished and triggering. Instead we have begun to steer the conversation towards the building of dignity and what next but actually 'what is happening' whilst we move forward onto the next intersection for social impact and investment - we easily trigger-warning-wash in favour of the succinct, the powerful, the engaging and the equitable. Words fill data gaps, illustrations replace photographs and we deceive ourselves into believing the world is getting better. We aren't there yet. It will take some time and many, many, many reality checks- let's get off our laptops and phones back to the grassroots, meet and build communities instead of counting them on excel sheets.

💔 When ₹30 Can Make a Difference Between Life and Death A heartbreaking story from Mysuru, Karnataka, reminds us of the fragility of human life. A man, unable to pay ₹30 for a dormitory bed, tragically lost his life to the cold while staying in the hospital courtyard. He stayed there to be close to his wife, who had just delivered their baby via C-section, fearing he might miss any emergency. This isn’t just a story about ₹30—it’s a stark reminder of the socio-economic challenges millions face daily. It’s about: A system where access to basic shelter is out of reach for many. The silent sacrifices people make for their loved ones. The urgent need for empathy, reform, and actionable solutions to support vulnerable lives. Let this be a wake-up call for all of us—individuals, organizations, and policymakers—to work toward a world where such tragedies are not the reality. No one should have to choose between survival and care for their loved ones. Your thoughts? Let’s start a conversation about how we can contribute toward change. #SocialImpact #Empathy #HumanityFirst #SocioEconomicChallenges

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫 The Alkem Foundation, in collaboration with Project Potential, is on a mission to combat healthcare-related poverty. We're aiming to ensure that 100% of eligible beneficiaries in a targeted panchayat in Bihar are equipped with their Ayushman Bharat cards. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality healthcare for underprivileged communities, helping reduce the financial barriers that often prevent them from seeking necessary medical care. Together, we're making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it the most. #HealthcareForAll #AyushmanBharat Alkem Foundation #SocialImpact @ProjectPotential #AccessToHealthcare

Uttar Pradesh is on a mission to make history as the first Indian state to achieve Zero Poverty within a year. This ambitious initiative will focus on supporting the most vulnerable families with resources, education, healthcare, and skill development, driving real socio-economic transformation. A shining example of leadership for the rest of the nation! #InclusiveDevelopment #NayeBharatKaNayaUP #UPTransformation

In Salem, Tamil Nadu, a woman sold her hair for just Rs. 150 to feed her three children, While selling hair isn't uncommon, the low price she received underscores her dire financial situation. Many people in India live below the poverty line, lacking access to adequate food, shelter, and other basic necessities. It's imperative that governments and NGOs step up their efforts to support vulnerable populations and ensure no one has to resort to such measures to feed their family. It's a stark reminder of the urgent need for more effective poverty alleviation strategies. #Poverty #SocialJustice #zac #SupportCommunities #India

In a country brimming with potential, it's #heartbreaking to witness countless families struggling to put food on the table. The root causes are multifaceted, from systemic #inequalities to limited access to resources. At Bal Bharti Academy, we refuse to turn a blind eye. Instead, we're #fostering a community-driven approach to tackle #hunger and #poverty head-on. Through #education, #empowerment, and #collaboration, we're breaking down #barriers and #uplifting those in need. From providing #nutritiousmeals to implementing #skilldevelopment programs, every action counts. Together, as a united front, we're creating lasting change and sowing the seeds for a #brighterfuture. Join us in our mission to combat hunger and poverty in India. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time. #EndHunger #EmpowerCommunities #BalBhartiAcademyImpact 🌱💪

Kottayam, a district in Kerala, India, has emerged as the country’s first to achieve zero multidimensional poverty. Take a moment to watch this short video about this remarkable midland district, known for its lush rubber plantations and expansive paddy fields

🛑 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞? 🛑 Imagine this—A community so marginalized, even the marginalized look down on them. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚. A community where the daily struggle for survival is not just a phrase—it’s a fight against hunger, disease, and an entire system that has all but forgotten them. ❓ What would you do if rats were your only option for a meal? ❗ For 2.5 million Musahars, it’s the reality. As one of India’s most marginalized, they’re even looked down upon by other castes. ❓ Can you imagine a life with no access to education or healthcare? ❗ Musahar children grow up without basics, facing malnutrition, poverty, and often a bleak future. ❓ What happens when society shuts its doors to you? ❗ For the Musahars, support is rare, and government schemes are largely out of reach. ❓ How many lives will be lost before we pay attention? ❗ Preventable diseases like leprosy still take lives in Musahar communities, fueled by poverty and neglect. ❓ When will society finally see them? ❗ The Musahars don’t need pity; they need visibility, respect, and a fair chance to live with dignity. 📢 CTA: These are not just statistics; they are lives, families, futures at stake. Share this story. Let’s make sure the Musahars are no longer invisible, and let’s start asking ourselves how we can create a society that sees every one of its members. 𝗣𝗦: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘀’ 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀. #MusaharCommunity #InvisibleIndia #PovertyAwareness #SocialJustice #EveryLifeMatters #EndPoverty #EmpowerTheMarginalized #BiharStories