D.r Sr. Lourthu Mary a religious sister belonging to the congregation of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary; is an academician, researcher, trainer, entrepreneur and a passionate social worker.

 

She began her social service in the year 1988 among tribal at Thalavadi and Athikadavu forest area and was instrumental in promoting education to children, and formation of women Self Help Group.

 

Since 2002 she has served in various capacities at Stella Maris College, namely NSS coordinator, Director Research- International Federation of Catholic Universities-Paris, Dean of Academic Affairs, Head department of and SocialWork and Human Resource Management.

 

Prior to joining Stella Maris College as academician she was Secretary to Collector and Executive Director, National Child Labour Project at Coimbatore to combat child labour, between 1996 and 2002. She operated as Project Director; ILO-IPEC- Area Specific Project to combat child labour at Tirupur three years from 1999. During her tenure she ensured over 12000 children rescued and helped to continue their school education.

 

500 women SHG formed and micro credit and micro enterprise promoted with bank support. Sr. Lourthu Mary was part of National and International Agencies like UNICEF, ILO, Clean Cloth Campaign Netherlands, Ministry of Labour Department- New Delhi, Tamil Nadu Labour and Education Department to Combat Child Labour and promote Women’s Development in Combatore District which includes Tirupur district, Tamilnadu.

 

She has facilitated 120 first time entrepreneurs to receive one Crore subsidized loan (25%) through NEEDS Programm to set up enterprises in Tamil Nadu during 2011 and 2013

She has visited Germany, Columbia, seven states in United States of America, Philippines: Netherlands: South Africa, Cape

Town, Johannesburg and shared her expertise on research and innovation.

 

She is passionate about promoting Sustainable Community Development, Social Enterprise and Social Research. She has authored twelve books on social work related subjects. She has written several articles in various National and Internal Journals and organised numerous Regional, National and International programmes and seminars and conferences.

 

“Social Innovation” by Crescent Universitv on March 20.2022

• Best Social Service Award by Great Chennai Police, on 8 March 2019

Women for Equity by CRDS, Chengalpattu on March 8, 2018

• Mentor- BYST-CII, Center for Entrepreneurship Promotion, Chennai2015

• Best Research PaperAward by SNMV College, Kinathukadavu, January 9, 2015

• Best Social Entrepreneur in Women Empowerment” on March 8, 2011 by Madurai Kamaraj University StaffClub Association

“Best Social Worker for Combating Child Labour” in Coimbatore and Tirupur Districts on December 16, 2003 by Sri. Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore

• Best Social Worker for Combating Child Labour”, by Department of Social Work, Stella Maris College in 2002.

“Proficiency Award” in Social Work Stella Maris College 1995

“Proficiency Award” in Community Development Stella Maris College, 1096

“Best Field Worker” Stella Maris College 1995-96

 

The award is given in recognition of her tireless contribution of time, talent and knowledge shared to celebrate diversity, practice inclusion, and promote equality and equity to advance the cause of social, economic and cultural development among the poor and needy by Hon’ble Mr. Justice D.Hariparanthaman, Former Judge, High Court of Madras on 04′ March, 2023 at Madurai