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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.

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.

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. 

People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA) is about launch D B Tech - Skill Development Program monitored by Don Bosco Tech - Delhi, a central government initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities for rural youth. The primary objective of the program is to eradicate poverty through skill development and job placement. This three-month training program equips participants with technical skills and provides them with pathways to employment in emerging sectors.

The program focuses on two major vocational courses: Solar Panel Installation and Repair and Drone Assembling and Repair. In addition to these core technical skills, participants are also trained in basic computing and English language communication, ensuring a holistic approach to skill development. These courses have been chosen keeping in mind the growing demand in green energy and technology sectors, which offer long-term employment potential.

Currently, the mobilization phase is underway, targeting four key blocks of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District. These areas have been identified based on the presence of unemployed youth and the need for economic development. To spread awareness and encourage participation, a one-month intensive campaign was carried out across 32 villages within these blocks.

The mobilization campaign was led by four dedicated block coordinators — Mr. Isaiah, Mr. Prabhakar Rao, Mr. Raja Rao, and Smt. Durga. Together, they visited each of the 32 villages, engaging with community members through various outreach activities. They met with youth, parents, community elders, pastors, and even visited government offices, emphasizing the importance of the program and its potential to transform lives. Their efforts included village meetings, door-to-door interactions, and distribution of program information.

The response from the communities has been highly encouraging. Many youth have shown interest in joining the program, while families have expressed their willingness to support them in this journey. The campaign has created a sense of hope and excitement, particularly among those who have had limited access to employment opportunities.

The D B Tech - Skill Development Program is a timely and impactful step towards youth empowerment in rural Konaseema. With PARA's strong commitment and the community’s positive response, the program is well-positioned to achieve its goal of equipping young people with meaningful skills and connecting them to sustainable livelihoods. The next steps will focus on enrollment, starting the training sessions, and ensuring effective implementation of the courses. 

Championing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: A Community-Led Initiative at Sandhipudi

Alamuru, Andhra Pradesh – In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and justice, a community awareness program was held at the Sandhipudi Gram Panchayat on Wednesday, focusing on the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. The event was organized by the PARA Organization.

The meeting, presided over by Sarpanch Thota Bhavani, saw active participation from local leaders, community members, and representatives of civil society. Mare Subbayamma, Advocacy Coordinator of LAMP and Badugu Mahimarao, CBR Coordinator, led the session, stressing the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities.

As part of the initiative, an awareness seminar was conducted to educate attendees about the various government schemes and legal protections available for the disabled. Following the session, a rally was organized to amplify the message, drawing attention to issues often overlooked in rural communities.

Speakers called on all sections of society to actively work against child trafficking, child marriages, and child labor—problems that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. PARA representatives highlighted their ongoing efforts in identifying children with disabilities at an early age and ensuring their enrollment in specialized Bhavita Centres established at the mandal level.

It was also emphasized that the government officially recognizes 21 types of disabilities and issues appropriate certification to eligible individuals. However, it was noted that certain government schemes do not apply to tribal persons with disabilities below the 40% threshold, underscoring the need for more inclusive policy frameworks.

A symbolic gesture marked the occasion as 20 persons with disabilities were presented with subsidized bus passes provided by APSRTC, distributed by Sarpanch Bhavani.

The event witnessed the presence of local leaders including MPTC member Toleti Santoshi, village elders Dodd Subbarao, Nalla Venkateswara Rao, and Thota Venkateswarlu, among others.

A Step Forward

This community-driven effort exemplifies how grassroots engagement, and local governance can play a vital role in ensuring that the rights of marginalized populations are protected, respected, and advanced. It also sets a precedent for similar initiatives across other rural pockets in the region.