Youth play for peace

After noticing an announcement inviting registrations for the Youth Play for Peace activity, initiated by Swantana and its partner organizations, I applied to participate. I later realized that the program was intended only for younger participants and attempted to withdraw my application. However, when I contacted Lakkaraju Pragnan Kumar garu, he warmly welcomed my participation in Araku, near Visakhapatnam. I was subsequently included in a mentor-play activity. The entire event took place from 8th October to 10th October as a three-day program. The United Religions Initiative, a global community active in almost 113 countries and continuing to expand its work in interfaith cooperation, has Swantana as its CC member. Without question, the gathering will be a blessing to everyone involved.

I would like to briefly describe my experience in the company of the members who attended the event in Araku. First, I should offer a few words about this picturesque small town situated in the heart of the Eastern Ghats. The surrounding natural grandeur and vibrant atmosphere are truly remarkable. Araku is a highly sought-after destination for those who wish to experience nature’s incomparable beauty. This hill station is located approximately 110 km from Visakhapatnam. Our venue was also situated at Nature, an NGO founded by Balaraju garu. When I entered the premises, Lakkaraju Pragnan Kumar garu, Visalakshi Vadrevu garu, and David Raj garu were present, and we exchanged pleasantries.

On the first day, attendees completed the registration process. Participants came from Odisha, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, while URI dignitaries traveled from Kerala. The inaugural program began with prayers representing all religions and was attended by the chief guest and other dignitaries. Young people from several colleges also participated. The resource persons were highly skilled and well prepared. Through interactive activities and the sharing of knowledge, they demonstrated excellence in their work. Rvi Kumar garu explained the concept of Structural Peace. The distinctive teaching approach engaged all participants with the subject.

Young people conducted a circle of prayers, balloon activities, and thread- and ball-making plays. Each activity was intended to communicate the principles of mutual cooperation, peacebuilding, and the creation of fraternity. On the second day, several significant and important programs were held. Hatred is the principal evil among people and undermines peaceful environments. This session examined the underlying causes of hatred and offered meaningful ways to counter it. The EPIC method was particularly engaging.

The campfire featured dances, folk songs, and other cultural activities, including the Thimsa dance and tribal songs. Everyone enjoyed these cultural presentations as well as the mainstream plays. On the third day, the Brahma Kumaris arrived and delivered their message. URI Secretary-General Dr. Abraham Karickam outlined URI’s activities. Dr. Reni Jacob garu stressed the importance of making Araku free of plastic, while Dr. Mathai Kutty garu described the activities conducted here. A concluding recap reviewed the events of the three-day program. New friendships developed, and fresh hopes for world peace emerged.

Extending services

 In the local Saraswati Shishu Mandir, expert retired teachers and other experts were consulted to make education more scientific and value-based. In this program under the chairmanship of retired IAS officer Chakrapani, many expert teachers interacted with the students in the school and understood their needs. They also gave suggestions to the teaching staff and expressed their willingness to provide their support. The ins and outs of each subject and the methods of preparation have been explained.

 Local Sub Treasurer officer  Tellam Subhadra congratulated all those who participated in the program. School Principal Geetha thanked all those who came forward to render their invaluable services to the students and teaching staff in their spare time. G. Bhushana Rao, G. Tulsi Das, G. V. Satyanarayana, Vijayalakshmi, Anasuya, Raghuram Prasad, G. Ramana, Bandu Venkateswara Rao, Subbaiah Chaudhary, Balaji Raju, KVVS Murthy, Jhansi Rani and others participated.

Awareness programme on heart health for students

Bhadrachalam: On the occasion of World Heart Day, a heart health and awareness program was organized at Government Degree College (Autonomous) under the auspices of NSS, Bhagya Cell. Bhadrachalam district DMHO Dr. Tukaram Rathod participated as the chief guest in this program and made the students aware about heart health.

On this occasion, Dr. Tukaram Rathod explained the precautions to be taken to maintain heart health, healthy eating habits, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Everyone is advised to be alert for heart related diseases.

College Principal Professor K. John Milton said that problems like BP, sugar and cholesterol are increasing due to changing food habits and lifestyle these days. Students are advised to adopt healthy eating habits and exercise as these may affect heart health.

Additional DMHO Dr. Saidulu, Bhadrachalam Leprosy doctor Dr. Mohan, Academic Coordinator Himaja, NSS POs Dr. M. Kiran Kumar, Sudhakar Rao, Bhagya Cell Convener Dr. Naga Sameera, other faculty and students participated in the programme.

Bekkanti's services as the Mandal Education Officer are commendable

Many officials concerned to education department, headmasters and leaders of teachers' unions praised Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao for his services as a mandal education officer. On the occasion of his retirement on 30th of this month, a grand honoring program was held at Bhadrachalam Mandal Education Resource Center on Monday.

The program was presided over by G. Johnson, HM of the Government High School Complex. Speaking on this occasion, he said that Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao has provided good administration as an officer of Mandal Education Department and his efforts for the development of education sector are commendable. It is said that he has left his mark by working with dedication and being available to teachers and students.

Former mandal education officer T. Rama said that Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao's services are memorable. Especially his efforts in successfully implementing FLN programs in the mandal in just two months were appreciated. He said that his initiative in the implementation of programs to improve students' basic literacy and numeracy is commendable.

On this occasion, Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao was felicitated with a shawl and flowers. He wished him a happy and healthy life after his retirement.

SNM ZP High School Head Master P. Lakshminarayana, HM of Zilla Parishad Girls' High School T. Rama, UPS Jagadish Colony HM Raja Srinivas, chief leaders of various teachers unions, representatives of private schools, teachers and others participated.

Pledged to honour the elderly

 An awareness program was organized to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons at the  Bhadrachalam T.S.G.R.E.A. office. 

on this occasion, DHEW DMC . Santosh Roopa said that the elderly in the family should be treated with respect and treated with love and care without disrespecting them under any circumstances. She said that everyone should act responsibly towards the elderly.

Elderly people are advised to call the toll free number 14567 if they face any problems. She urged the elderly to take advantage of the senior citizen services provided by the government.

It was suggested on this occasion that everyone in the family and society should be aware of the rights, welfare and safety of the elderly. A pledge was made regarding the care of the elderly. After that Food packs were donated to the poor people in the office. The local Habitat for Humanity organization supported it. President G. Bhushana Rao, Joint Secretary G. V. Satyanarayana, Vice Presidents Y. Ramachandra Rao, Rajeswara Rao and others participated.

It is the responsibility of all of us to develop sports spirit in students

Bhadrachalam ITDA Project Officer Rahul said that teachers and society have a lot of responsibility to develop sports spirit in students along with education at the school level.

Keeping in mind that students will have a bright future if they excel in sports as well as in education, Rahul called upon everyone to cooperate collectively. Attending the opening ceremony of the games held at the mandal level, he lit the torch and gave guidance and advice to the students. On this occasion, Project Officer Rahul said that we should also change according to the conditions, and we all should participate in a better society by properly using the new technology coming into the current society.

Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Poonem Krishna, who graced the occasion as a special guest of the program, said that every child learns and excels in sports, and the Agency Bhadrachal has become a specialty in all fields, and we all have the responsibility to protect it, and he called upon the future citizens of India.

Mandal Education Officer Bekkanti Srinivas Rao said that for a good foundation at the school level, the FLN program has been started since last year from the primary level, and every teacher is working continuously for this. In this context, he expressed his opinion that it is admirable to organize sports at the school level, mandal level, and zonal level to develop the spirit of sports among the students.

Under the auspices of the School Games Federation of India, the 70th mandal level school sports competition was held on Friday at the Gurukulam Junior College sports hall in Bhadrachalam.

ITDA Project Officer B. Rahul was the chief guest for the event, and the sports competitions were inaugurated. Mandal Education Officer Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao presided over the event as Bhadrachalam Sarpanch Punem. Krishna, HMs R. Venkateshwarlu, Ramachandra Rao, Raja Srinivasa Rao, Hemalatha, and Organizing Secretary P.V. Ramana, along with PD and PET teachers, participated.

Hindi Diwas celebrated with fervour

Hindi is not only the lingua franca in our country, which connects a wide range of people, right from the common man to the high-profile populace. In this context, school children are nurtured in their passion for the language as part of national integration. SNAM ZP High School in Narsapuram celebrates Hindi Diwas with great enthusiasm and joy. Conducted essay writing, drawing, elocution, drama, and other competitions to inculcate the spirit of the Hindi language. Apart from these, an awareness program on cyber crimes has been conducted. Pyara Ganv (drama) and Bazar (skit) were performed. All of these performances were conducted in the Hindi language.

In essay writing, P. Sindhuja (8th) got first prize, 2nd prize goes to Sriharshita (98th), and 3rd prize goes to Praneet (9th). In elocution, Tanuja (9th), Sriharshita (8th), and Praneet (9th) secured first, second, and third places, respectively. In drawing, first prize goes to A.Pallavi (7Em), and in other cultural activities, A.Durgaprasad Reddy (10Em), Naga Chaitanya (10Em), Karteeka (8th), Sindhuja (8Em), Chaitra (9Em), Tanuja (9Em), Praneet (9Em), Yagnesh (9Em), Niharika (9Em), Mahidhar (8Em), Pratimesh (8Em), Pratap (Em), and Aneeba (8Em) excelled.

Under the guidance of Head Master Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao, the program was organized by Dr. N. Madhusudan Rao and S. Seshaiah. Staff members S. Krishna, K. Borraiah, Ch. Anil Kumar, K. Venkata Rao, A. Rama Rao, G. Ratna Kumari, R. Kezia, P. Tirupathi Rao, T. Ramji, GVVS Swamy, M. Rameshchand, K. Lakshmi, K. Sarojini, and others participated.

--- KVVS Murthy (special correspondent)

A Bihari Worker

On 14-09-26, in the morning when I was coming from Vijayawada to Palvancha in the bus, the name of this young man sitting next to me is Kamrul T. Native to Darbhanga district of Bihar state. Their parents have three daughters and two sons. 

Their elder sister and two younger sisters are married. Both of their brothers want to get married.  Today, as his elder brother is going to his own village, he is coming from Tiruvuru to Vijayawada to board his train and is going back after boarding the train. I asked him "Why are you staying in Tiruvuru?" He replied, "We are working as welders in a welding shop."

To that I immediately said, "Is this work not available in your town or in your area? Do you have to come this far for that?!” I asked.

Kamrul replied with a tone of desperation and loneliness, "I have come this far leaving behind my family and my hometown because I didn't get the work this much" 

"Your parents?"

"We have a bhiga of land there and they do farming" 

How much does Tiruvur welding shop owner pay you per month?” I asked.

"He provides us two meals a day and gives 20,000 per month. We take shelter in a corner of the shop," he replied.

"And somewhere in Bihar, how did you come into contact with the owner of a shop here in Tiruvuru!?" I asked curiously.

"Introduction ? We have a broker from our area in between. How much did he talk about us per month as his commission, we don't even know " replied Kamrul bluntly.

"How many twists and turns in every man's life?" I remained silent. And sighed. 

--- Siramsetty Kantha Rao

These are the best teachers at Bhadrachalam mandal level.

Mandal Education Officer Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao said that the eight best teachers selected in coordination with teachers' associations and the felicitation program will be held on 5th September at the local Mandal Resource Center in the evening from 3 o'clock

BV Ratnakumari SA Biological science, K. Pushpalatha SA Physical science ZPGHS Bhadrachalam, B. Jaya Babu SA Biological science, P. Nagamani SA Social GHS Bhadrachalam, S Arunakumari SGT MPPS Lambadi Colony, S Ashalatha SGT MPPS Jagadish Colony, S Sridevi MPPS Revenue Colony, G Tirumala Kumari SGT MPPS Tata Gudi Center are selected as the best teachers, and the felicitation program will be held tomorrow.

BJP leaders pay tribute to Ooke Shirisha

BJP leaders visited the mortal remains of Ooke Sirisha, an adivasi young woman and nurse from Choutigudem village of Mulakalapalli mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district today and paid their respects.

On this occasion, they visited the family members of Sirisha and conveyed their deepest condolences to the demised. Expressing deep shock and grief over Sirisha's death, they assured that they will stand by the victim's family and continue their fight till justice is done.

Along with the accused who caused the death of Shirisha, Shanad Ulla Khan, the role of others in the incident should also be thoroughly investigated and steps should be taken to ensure that strict punishment is given as per the law without succumbing to any influence.

The case was fast-tracked by the court and speedy justice was sought for the victim's family.

Keeping in view the situation of Shirisha's family, they demanded an immediate exgratia of ₹1 crore and a government job to an eligible member of the family.

Also, the government has been asked to tighten the security standards in the dormitories of women employees in addition to providing strong security to the women working in Hyderabad so that such incidents do not recur in the future.

He made it clear on this occasion that Bhadradri Kothagudem District BJP Party will stand  until Ooke Sirisha gets justice and if necessary, they will intensify the public struggle.

BJP state executive members Kunja Dharma, Podium Balaraju, BJP ST Morcha state general secretary Kunja Santhosh, state committee members Tamballa Ravi, Bhadradri Kothagudem district ST Morcha president Swathi, Mulakalapally BJP mandal president Shankar and others participated in the programme.

An Engineer bird

 The weaver bird is a unique bird, which builds its nests so beautifully with comfort. How did he learn the art of weaving? Sometimes the question persists and, by default, in its nature, it has this engineering art. Usually we can see these nests hanging from the trees. They can be seen around Palwancha and Bhadrachalam. They are made of grass, strong and flexible sticks. They use other friendly objects for the movement of their eggs and their offshoots. There is a clever idea behind the creation of a hanging structure. Snakes find it difficult to catch nests. Observers say that male birds usually weave nests to attract their spouses.

Mriya : A Lost soul in Ghats

 It is an English novel of 160 pages. The author's name is Amrita Dash. She is a teacher from Bhubaneswar. I have not read her poetry or other works before. I read the review of an Oriya journalist named Bhaskar Pareecha and brought the book. Once in a while, books by new writers are exceptionally good. This book did not disappoint me either. Oriyas have always had a culture of being able to write fluently in English as well as their mother tongue. That's what I like about them!

This novel is the story of a woman named Mriya. It is the story of a young girl who got married at a young age, stood on her own feet studying despite of opposition of her in-laws.Came to Bhubaneshwar  to work, along with her son! Then her meeting with a young man named Aman takes another turn in her life. Mriya herself is a poet and a thinker. Why would such a person want to go to Varanasi and spend her last days? What are the twists and turns in Aman's life after getting married against her will? To know all this, read this novel.

Although the theme is simple, the plot moves smoothly without getting boring. After going to Varanasi, there are many twists and turns in the story. Just like a movie.  

The survival tale of a working woman told in a simple yet gripping style.   

Available on Amazon. Price: Rs.199/-

--- Murthy Kvvs

Serving the disabled is a blessing

 Punem Krishna, sarpanch of Bhadrachalam village, said that we are lucky enough to serve the disabled; it is our good fortune. On Tuesday, the program was formally launched by attending the Paralympic Games competitions being held at the Bhadrachalam mandal level. 

Bhadrachalam Tasildar, who attended the program on this occasion, said that it is the responsibility of all of us to identify children with special needs and make necessary arrangements for them.

 In this context, Mandal Education Officer Bekkanti Srinivas Rao spoke. 

He expressed his opinion that we are very happy to see such a huge response to organize at the mandal level for children with special needs in our Bhavita center.  Bhadrachalam Zilla Parishad Girls' High School Principal T Rama said that setting up a Bhavita center on their premises is a great opportunity. 

Also said that it is fortunate to serve children with special needs. Ward member Ramana said that it is commendable to organize such programs by providing necessary help and encouragement.

PEDs in this program: Anita, Y. Dileep, P. Someswara Rao, K.Kishore, P.Nagaraju,and  and Mandal Resource Person Gopikrishna, and others participated 

 After conducting competitions in 14 events, the winners were presented with prizes by Mandal Education Officer Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao and School Headmistress T. Rama.

Dues arrears – Solidarity meeting for BJP Ladai Diksha

Bhadrachalam:  A solidarity meeting was held in Bhadrachalam in support of the two-day "Feezula Bakai - BJP Ladai" initiative undertaken by BJP State President N. Ramachander Rao.

In this meeting,  Kunja Dharma, member of the BJP State Working Committee, said -  

It is stated that the fee reimbursement arrears of about 40 lakh students in the state have reached nearly ₹15,000 crore.

Although the government has announced an allocation of ₹2,400 crore for fee reimbursement for the academic year 2026–27, he demanded that the government should provide a clear account of the past dues situation and announce a payment deadline.

Kunja Dharmarao said, "Fee reimbursement is not a donation. It is the government's responsibility for the future of poor students. No student should be hindered due to arrears."

He demanded that the government release the pending funds immediately and ensure the future of the students. He made it clear that "BJP's struggle will continue until justice is done to the students."

BJP leaders Kunja Santhosh, Mulishetti Rammohan Rao, Nidadavolu Nagababu, Mutyala Srinivas, Chelluboina Venkanna, Mutyala Chandrasekhar, Devarapalli Venkateswarlu, Alladi Venkata Subbarao, Mulishetti Nikhil, Annem Sai Laxman, Jeeva and others participated in this program.

Athletic Selections

 

Today, at the Charla police sports grounds, Charla SHO Alem Raju Varma and SI Narsi Reddy launched athletic selections for running by waving the Olympic flag. District athletics association secretary K. Mahidar said that winners here will be eligible to participate in state-level athletics competitions to be held in Warangal on the 26th and 27th of the month. He also said that Charla's sports facilities are exceptional and that only the district headquarters has this kind of ground. 

And it's ideal for 400-meter track and field athletics competitions. He thanked CI Raju Varma and SIs Narsi Reddy and Keshav, and the public for creating this kind of spacious ground. PD Eeswar Srinu, ASO PD K. Venkata Narayana, district coaches Nagaraju and Prasad, PET Ravinder, and others participated.

It is a pleasure to contribute to the education of poor students

Peddada Ashalata, Mahila Sahapramukh of the Vanavasi Kalyana Region, said that the contributions of donors who are coming forward to promote the education of Adivasi students are unforgettable. In memory of Swargiya Chillancharla Vishweshwar Rao, the book stall owner at Mandal Kendra, his wife, Anantalakshmi, sons, Koteswara Rao and Venkatasai, and daughter, Katakam Vijayalakshmi, donated two quintals of rice, lunch, and fruits to the students at Komaram Bheem Vidyardi Nilayam in Charla. On this occasion, Nilaya Secretary Jawwadi Muralikrishna spoke in the meeting chaired by Ashalata. 

He said that donors are happy to provide support for the welfare of Adivasi students. It was revealed that Vanavasi Kalyana Parishad is providing education and medical care to the Adivasis for their upliftment. He said that it is gratifying that students from remote villages and villages without minimum basic facilities are leading in studies as well as games.  It is auspicious to spend money on the education of tribal students without going into ostentation on the occasion of birthdays. Students are requested to take advantage of such opportunities and move forward. Discipline is the key for the students here who study diligently and aspire to excel. 

Vanavasi district secretary Koram Suryanarayana, co-secretary Gogikar Ramlakshman, Sagar, co-treasurer Vemulapalli Praveen Babu, Tolem Ramakrishna, ex-sarpanch of Pujari Kanker Majja Sobharani, Sabari Balika Nilaya secretary Banda Swaruparani, nilaya leaders Varalakshmi and Santhosh participated in the program.

Adivasi youth Charpa Rambabu was felicitated for Guinness World Records

Bhadrachalam, August 12: Charpa Rambabu, an Adivasi youth from Bhadrachalam, a member of Depot Youth and working as a PET in a minority gurukula school, has achieved a rare feat by participating in the Guinness World Records event.

A total of 1,212 participants took part in the largest karate exhibition held on 25th April 2026 at Vision Martial Arts Academy, Hyderabad. The event, organized by the J.R. International Taekwondo Academy, is registered with Guinness World Records. Charpa Rambabu also participated in this program and became a partner in this prestigious record.

On this occasion, Charpa Rambabu was felicitated with a shawl and presented with a memento under the auspices of Depot Youth. As an Adivasi youth, he expressed his happiness to be recognized at the international level by showing his talent in the field of sports.

On this occasion, it was mentioned that Charpa Rambabu's success is an inspiration to the youth of the Bhadrachalam region, especially the tribal youth. He said that if they progress in sports and other fields with discipline and perseverance, the youth can show their talent at the international level as well.

BJP ST Morcha State General Secretary Kunja Santhosh, TUWJ Bhadrachalam Town President Vijjagiri Raja Kiran, Depot Youth members Panda Amrita Rao (Ambu), Thalla Nagaraju, Seelam Nagaraju, Thalla Shiva, Karam Ravi Teja, Depot Satthi, Prasad, and others participated and congratulated Charpa Rambabu.

Vijaya Babu Joined in TSGREA

 Bhadrachalam, August 10:  P. Vijaya Babu, who retired as a school assistant in the subject of Biological Science after working at ZP High School, Narsapuram, has taken  membership in Telangana state government retired employees association, today. G. Bhushanam (President) and G. Venkanna (Associate President) welcomed him into the association. The event took place at the TSGREA office, Bhadrachalam.

International Adivasi Day celebrated in a grand way

 

Bhadrachalam MLAs Dr. Tellam Venkatarao and ITDA PO Mr. Rahul paid tributes to the statues at Ambedkar Center, Cinema Center, and Vegetable Market. Later, they garlanded the statue of Komaram Bheem on ITDA Road and hoisted the flag.

The next massive rally was held at Girijana Bhavan next to the ITDA office.

The program was lively throughout with traditional dances, art forms and pearl displays by adivasi artistes. A large number of tribal community members participated and made the program a success.

The goal is green Bhadrachalam : Sub-Collector Mrinal Shrestha

Bhadrachalam, August 8: A sapling planting program was organized on Saturday under the auspices of Green Bhadradri – Bhadrachalam with an aim to make Bhadrachalam town a green forest. Bhadrachalam Sub-Collector Mrinal Shrestha was the chief guest, and Bhadrachalam Sarpanch Punem Krishnadora was the guest of honor and inaugurated the sapling program at Sri Kanakadurgamma temple near RTC bus stand at 10 am.

Speaking on the occasion, Sub-Collector Mrinal Shrestha called upon everyone to take care of the plants to make the holy town like Bhadrachalam greener and more pleasant. Along with planting saplings, he also advised taking responsibility for their care. He said that environmental protection is not only the responsibility of the government, but every citizen should take his own responsibility.

Sarpanch Punem Krishnadora said that in order to provide clean air and a healthy environment for future generations, there is a need to take care of extensive plantations. Appreciating the environmental protection programs undertaken by Green Bhadradri, all people are requested to cooperate.

Green Bhadradri Secretary Ranjit Naik, Treasurer Uppada Ram Prasad Reddy, Past President Dr. Golla Bhupathi Rao, Kamishetti Krishnarjuna Rao, Dr. Sivaramakrishna, Veeraiah, Sampath, temple priest Vishwanatham, car stand president and members participated. A large number of plant lovers, members of Green Bhadradri, donors, and local people participated and made the program a success.

The program organized under the slogan "Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah" created awareness among people about environmental protection. Organizers called that let's love nature.. Let's plant plants. Let's protect future generations.

#green #environment #sapling #planting #bhadradri