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Ravulapalem, October 9, 2025:

People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA) solemnly observed the 19th Death Anniversary of Manyasri Kanshi Ram, the visionary leader who dedicated his life to awakening the social and political consciousness of India’s oppressed and marginalized communities. The commemoration, held at the PARA campus, brought together DB Tech training students and PARA staff in a meaningful gathering of respect and reflection.

The program began with Fr. Thomas Pallithanam SDB, Director of PARA, garlanding the portrait of Kanshi Ram and offering floral tributes. In his address, Fr. Thomas highlighted Kanshi Ram’s transformative role in shaping India’s socio-political landscape. He spoke of the leader’s tireless efforts to secure rights and representation for Dalits, Adivasis, and Other Backward Classes—mobilizing millions to rise for dignity, equality, and justice. Fr. Thomas also underscored Kanshi Ram’s mentorship of Mayawati, noting how his vision for building strong leadership among marginalized communities continues to inspire future generations.

Saka Raja Rao, who hosted the program, shared valuable insights into the profound influence of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on Kanshi Ram’s philosophy and mission. He emphasized that Kanshi Ram perceived his movement as a continuation of Dr. Ambedkar’s unfinished work—striving for social justice and empowerment through awareness, unity, and political participation. Raja Rao noted that Kanshi Ram’s movement was not merely political but deeply social and educational, aimed at uniting the Bahujan Samaj under one banner of dignity and self-respect.

The gathering also served as an educational experience for students and staff, who reflected on Kanshi Ram’s enduring message of “Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan Sukhay”—the welfare and happiness of the majority. Discussions centered on how his vision remains relevant today in the ongoing struggles for equality, education, and empowerment of marginalized groups.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to uphold and advance the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Manyasri Kanshi Ram, reaffirming PARA’s commitment to justice, social awareness, and people’s empowerment.

LAYA, a distinguished organization that combines grassroots activism with advocacy on wider platforms for Adivasi rights, organized a three-day training program for tribal community leaders at Addateegala. The training brought together 45 leaders from three regions—Rampachodavaram, Parvathipuram, and Paderu.

These leaders, deeply rooted in their villages, have been working tirelessly for the rights and well-being of their communities. The program aimed to enhance their understanding of constitutional values, leadership skills, and strategies for effective community engagement.

The PARA team was invited to participate in the training as key stakeholders. During the program, Mr. Thomas Pallithanam, Director of PARA, delivered an engaging and insightful session on the Indian Constitution and its core values. His session highlighted the importance of constitutional awareness in empowering marginalized communities to assert their rights and demand justice.

The training served as an enriching and collaborative experience, fostering mutual learning and solidarity between LAYA, PARA, and tribal leaders. It not only strengthened the capacities of participants but also reinforced the collective commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of tribal communities.

On 25th September 2025, a special program on Strengthening of Block Level Neighbourhood Committees was held at the MPDO Office, Alamuru, marking the 10th Anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event focused on government schemes, MGNREGA, rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), child rights, and the role of grassroots communities in achieving the SDGs.

A total of 46 participants from eight villages—Choppella, Madiki, Mulastanam, Chemudulanka, Alamuru, Chinthaluru, Pedapalla, and Sandhipudi—took part, including neighbourhood committee members, Anganwadi teachers, ASHA workers, and ANMs.

The program was inaugurated by the Sri. Raju, MPDO, Mr. Thomas Pallithanam, Director of PARA, and the ICDS Supervisor. SDG posters were released during the ceremony to promote awareness at the community level.

In his address, the MPDO spoke on the importance of aligning village development with SDGs. Mr. Thomas Pallithanam explained the history and relevance of SDGs, simplifying key goals such as poverty eradication, zero hunger, good health, education, gender equality, water and sanitation, and reducing inequalities for grassroots participants. The ICDS Supervisor highlighted nutrition, maternal and child health, while Mr. Saka Raja Rao emphasized constitutional values and the need to safeguard rights. Ms. Pushpalatha delivered a session on HIV prevention and awareness.

The program concluded with positive feedback from participants, who felt empowered to connect global goals with their local realities. The event successfully reinforced the role of neighbourhood committees as agents of change for inclusive and sustainable development.

People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA), in partnership with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Department, conducted a series of awareness programs on Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (RMCH) across four blocks of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District – Kothapeta, Ravulapalem, Atreyapuram and Alamuru.

The objective of the program was to sensitize women, families, and frontline health workers on essential care and practices required during pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood, thereby reducing health risks and promoting holistic well-being.

The programs saw the enthusiastic involvement of key community-level service providers, including:

• Anganwadi Teachers – for early childhood care and nutrition education.
• Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) – for maternal and reproductive health guidance.
• Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) – for household-level health promotion and mobilization.
• Doctors and ICDS Staff – for technical expertise and health service delivery.

This collaboration ensured a multi-sectoral approach, combining health, nutrition, and child development perspectives.

Key Focus Areas of the Awareness Sessions

Pre-natal Care

•  Importance of regular health check-ups during pregnancy. 
•  Monitoring blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and overall maternal health. 
•  Identifying high-risk pregnancies at an early stage.

2. Post-natal Care

•  Timely medical check-ups for mothers after delivery.
• Guidance on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
• Awareness on family planning and spacing of births.   

3. Nutrition during Pregnancy and Lactation

•  Inclusion of protein-rich and iron-rich foods such as pulses, green leafy vegetables, eggs, and milk.
• Distribution of information on ICDS nutrition supplements and proper usage.
• Highlighting the dangers of malnutrition, anemia, and underweight deliveries.

3. Child Health and Development

•  Significance of immunization and vaccination schedules.
• Growth monitoring through Anganwadi centers.
• Hygiene, sanitation, and safe childcare practices. 

Impact and Outcomes

• Strengthened awareness among frontline workers on maternal and child health best practices.
• Improved understanding of the link between nutrition, safe motherhood, and child survival.
• Reinforced the role of Anganwadi centers and health workers as key agents of change in rural communities.
• Laid the foundation for better collaboration between PARA, ICDS, and health departments in future interventions.

The awareness programs were highly effective in educating, motivating, and mobilizing health workers and communities towards better maternal and child health outcomes. PARA and ICDS reaffirmed their commitment to continue such initiatives, ensuring that every mother and child in rural Konaseema receives the care, nutrition, and support they deserve. 

Training on Child Safeguarding and POSH Act

An insightful and participatory input session was conducted on 5th Aug 2025 at PARA, focusing on two crucial themes: Child Safeguarding and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. The session brought together staff, field workers, and community leaders to deepen their understanding of creating safe environments for children and ensuring dignity and protection at the workplace.

The sessions were led by Fr. Simharayulu and Ms. Sesharatnam, both experienced trainers and advocates for child rights and gender justice. They not only presented key concepts and legal provisions but also facilitated interactive discussions, group reflections, and case-based learning, ensuring active participation from everyone involved.

The discussion on Child Safeguarding emphasized the responsibility of every individual and institution to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children. Participants explored ways to identify risks in community and institutional settings, and how to create protective mechanisms that are proactive and child-centered.

The session on the POSH Act (2013) highlighted the importance of safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Ms. Sesharatnam outlined the core components of the Act, including the definition of sexual harassment, the formation and role of Internal Committees, and the procedures for reporting and redressal. Real-life scenarios helped participants connect legal knowledge with everyday workplace realities.

Participants appreciated the participatory approach, which allowed them to express concerns, clarify doubts, and build collective strategies for implementation within their respective contexts.

This session marks an important step toward strengthening PARA’s commitment to the safety, well-being, and dignity of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable.