None can forget the surprising incident in 2001, when the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, during an event conducted by Social and women's welfare department, fell in the feet of Chinnapillai and got her blessings. Born in Kallandhiri village in Azhagar Kovil road, Madurai, Chinnapillai is currently residing in Pillucheri village, 12 kilometers from Madurai. She was married to Perumal at the age of 12, and she gave birth to two sons.
However, Perumal's health issues meant that he could not work, and Chinnapillai had to work for daily wages, and protect and raise her kids and family. Though she did not have education, she made awareness among her villagers, and made them understand the concept of small savings, and formed women's self help group named Kalanjiyam to help them stabilize their economy.
Following this, Chinnapillai became
popular throughout the nation, and in 2001, she was awarded Stree Shakthi
Puraskar award. While awarding Chinnapillai, Vajpayee gave a shock by falling
in her feet. This act of the legendary leader made the whole crowd applaud, and
later, Vajpayee said that he saw Shakthi in the form of Chinnapillai, making
her a phenomenon nationwide.
