“Giving back” is the phrase which is much talked about, but hardly followed. Descendants of the landlords of Kellage village in this rural part have not only preached by also practised it.
The majestic mansion (popularly known as Ghadi) which was once the symbol of feudal powers has been turned into a school to provide education to the poor and downtrodden community which long ago helped the forefathers of Errabelli Rammohan Rao and his cousins.
The descendants of Kalleda elite were all settled in US and other countries, and the mansion located on a sprawling five acres was deserted.
Mr. Rammohan Rao and his cousins decided to give back something to the rural folk, who once nurtured their family. Hence, they floated Rural Development Foundation which now runs not one, but many schools and junior colleges for the children of agricultural labourers in rural areas.
The Kalleda Rural School made rapid strides in education and scores of children who passed out of this school became doctors and engineers.
Mr. Rammohan Rao said with the help of his cousins and likeminded people, they chanced upon the idea. They succeeded in producing national players in archery such as Vardhineni Praneetha, who took part in Olympics games in China.
School’s vice-principal K. Ashok Chary said they adopt unique methods of teaching and train students in agricultural methods. “The children get exposed to many aspects of life here. Everything is practical to the extent possible and that has made this school a different one,” he said.
Ms. Vanditha Rammohan Rao, who personally supervises the performance of students and teachers expressed her happiness at the affairs. She visits the schools and sits with the children to know what they were learning.
When the education has been commercialised by the elite, the Kalleda Rural School stands out.
