In a significant push to bolster rural education infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan made on-the-spot commitments to fund a library, provide computers, and develop a playground for a government school during a massive Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) in Palnadu district.
Unlocking Student Potential and Immediate Interventions
Addressing a gathering of over 5,000 students, parents, and teachers at Sri Sarada Zilla Parishad High School in Chilakaluripeta on Thursday, Kalyan emphasized the transformative power of education. He described it as the most potent weapon capable of inspiring millions and urged educators to unlock the hidden capabilities within every child. He reminded the audience that in Indian tradition, the guru is equated with God and that teachers, after parents, hold the strongest influence in shaping a young life.
The minister's visit included inaugurating a vibrant science exhibition and interacting directly with students and parents. It was during these interactions that critical gaps in the school's infrastructure were brought to his attention. Upon learning that the school lacked a proper library and computer lab, Kalyan immediately announced personal funding for a full-fledged library and 25 computers. "No child should be denied access to books and technology," he declared.
Restoring Play Spaces and Rekindling Hope
Another pressing issue raised was the absence of a playground. Responding swiftly, Pawan Kalyan directed concerned officials to identify suitable government land within one week and develop it into a functional sports ground. He expressed regret that while earlier generations of leaders donated land for educational institutions, recent decades have seen encroachments deprive children of essential play spaces.
These instant assurances were met with thunderous applause from the attendees. Parents from remote villages noted that the deputy chief minister's direct intervention had rekindled their hope for substantially improved facilities in rural government schools across the region.
Statewide Focus on Holistic Education and Future Readiness
The mega PTM in Chilakaluripeta was part of a larger statewide initiative organized by the education department. At a parallel meeting in Angalakuduru, Civil Supplies Minister Nandendla Manohar addressed students, urging them to harness technology and prepare to compete on a global stage. He commended Education Minister Nara Lokesh for orchestrating the wide-reaching event and stressed that ambition must be nurtured from childhood.
Manohar highlighted the state government's substantial investment in education, mentioning an annual outlay of ₹46,000 crore. He also praised teachers who demonstrate confidence in the public system by enrolling their own children in government schools. With an eye on the future, he warned that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could unpredictably alter the job landscape, advising students to set clear goals early and cultivate innovative thinking. He pointed to India's inherent strengths in mathematics and science and the ongoing digital transformation of classrooms as key advantages.
In Angalakuduru, the minister inaugurated a ₹15.58 lakh chemistry laboratory under the PM SHRI scheme, inspected student demonstrations, and shared a mid-day meal with officials and pupils. District Collector A Thameem Ansariya revealed that the event was hosted across 1,049 schools in the district, introducing holistic progress cards that track academic performance, emotional development, and skill acquisition.
Sub-Collector Sanjana Sinha emphasized the need for creative teaching methodologies, while District Education Officer C V Renuka outlined various ongoing educational reforms. Throughout the day, students from Class 3 to Class 10 and their parents shared positive experiences, citing improved discipline, rising ambition, and growing pride in the facilities provided by government schools.
