Education must uplift the poor, not be a barrier: Mallela Alfred Raju

Yemmiganur – Andhra Pradesh: In a gesture of support for Dalit students pursuing medical education, Dr. Mallela Alfred Raju, State Secretary of the All India Christian Council (AICC), announced significant financial assistance for two poor students from disadvantaged backgrounds who excelled in the NEET exams. The event took place in Emmiganur on October 3, 2024, where students were recognized for their determination and competitive spirit in overcoming barriers to education.

Empowering poor students in medical education

At a felicitation ceremony held at his residence in Gandhinagar, Ymmiganur, Dr. Mallela Alfred Raju honoured two students who secured MBBS seats through the NEET entrance exams—Mallepogu Adbhuta Kumar from Gonegandla Mandal and Manchala Sunil Kumar from Nandavaram Mandal. Both students, born into poor Dalit families, studied in government-run social welfare hostels and earned their seats through hard work and dedication.

Alfred Raju, along with his wife Mallela Sunila Alfred Raju and son Dr. Mallela Mahit, announced financial aid of Rs 10,000 per year for each of the students over their five-year course, with Rs 50,000 each for their course. The family’s gesture was widely appreciated, as they emphasized the need for such initiatives to promote education among the poor.

Inspiration from Dr. B R Ambedkar

Speaking at the event, Alfred Raju highlighted the inspiration drawn from Dr. B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He called on all marginalized communities to focus on excelling in education and medicine, following Ambedkar’s ideals.

“Education should never be a barrier to poverty,” said Raju. “Everyone, regardless of their financial background, deserves the chance to succeed.”

Calls for financial support to the needy

TDP Leader Kadirikota Adenna, and Ymmiganur MEO M Anjaneulu, also present at the event, emphasized the need for more philanthropists to come forward to support underprivileged students. “These students are proof that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. Donors must step up to encourage the academic dreams of the underprivileged,” they said.

The event also saw Dalit and Bahujan writer A Bhaskar, congratulating the students with copies of Ambedkar’s biography, a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in education.

Celebrating academic excellence

In addition to the financial support, village youth from Alwala, including Shikhamani and Kiran Kumar, honoured the leaders and officials who have been actively involved in helping students. The event underscored the importance of community support in ensuring that education remains a tool for social upliftment.

Prominent participants included former education committee chairman Roja Arts Useni, teachers like Ranganna, and members of the Mallela group. Their presence, along with other community leaders and teachers from Bhavita Vikallangula School, demonstrated broad support for the students and the initiative led by Dr. Alfred Raju’s family.

The ceremony concluded with a call for continuous efforts to bridge the gap in educational opportunities for poor students, ensuring that they are empowered to compete with students from more privileged backgrounds.