Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University Strengthens Outreach in Adopted Villages

 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University Strengthens Outreach in Adopted Villages

The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University, under the leadership of Prof. M. James Stephen, Chair Professor, organized a meeting at Pinagadi village with the active participation of village leaders, elders, and volunteers from the adopted villages—Pinagadi, Gorapalli, Rampuram, Karakavanipalem, and Kotnivanipalem.

Representatives including B. Bhagavan Jayaram (President, Pinagadi), Gorapalli Srinu (Sarpanch, Gorapalli), Reddy Narayana Rao (Ex-ZPTC Floor Leader, Rampuram), and K. Ramu Naidu (Janasena Mandal President, Karakavanipalem), along with other community leaders and party representatives, attended the meeting. Volunteers of the Ambedkar Chair also participated actively, reflecting the collaborative nature of the initiative.

Prof. Stephen reviewed the ongoing activities of the Chair in these villages, which have been under its fold for the past few years, and discussed the roadmap for the coming period. He highlighted three priority areas:

1. Joint Meeting of Villages: A common meeting of all adopted villages will soon be convened at a central location to strengthen collective engagement and explain the role of the Ambedkar Help Desk.

2. Safe Drinking Water: Expressing concern about the hard water problem in the region, Prof. Stephen assured that the Chair will conduct a scientific survey and submit a proposal to the Central Government for safe drinking water solutions.

3. Technology for Farmers: He announced that an IoT-based pesticide identification project, supported by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is being piloted to assist farmers in crop protection and sustainable practices.

The meeting, attended by around 30 participants including leaders and volunteers, was smoothly coordinated by Doctoral Fellows Raj Kumar and Praveen. A community breakfast was served to all participants, further strengthening the spirit of togetherness.

Village leaders expressed appreciation for the sustained work of the Ambedkar Chair over the past years and pledged their continued support for its upcoming initiatives. Prof. Stephen reaffirmed that the Chair remains committed to inclusive development, empowerment of communities, and carrying forward Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision at the grassroots level.