By Anil Pradhan
On a warm morning of July 2, 2025, I found myself on the road again — a journey that would take me deep into the tribal belts of Nagarkurnool and Adilabad in Telangana. Our mission was clear but layered with meaning: to understand the school education ecosystem in its rawest, most authentic form — from district education officers and headmasters to teachers and the students who walk miles each day to learn.
As our car left the buzzing streets of Hyderabad behind, the concrete slowly gave way to open fields, dotted with palm trees and the occasional roadside tea stall. We passed through Kalwakurthy, heading south into Nagarkurnool, a district wrapped in greenery and grounded in tradition. With each kilometer, it felt like we were peeling back layers of a story few people get to read — a story of hope, resilience, and untapped potential.
Discovery Begins: Vankeshwaram & Padara
Our first stop was Zilla Parishad High School, Vankeshwaram, in the Padara block of Achampet. Here, we were welcomed by the kind and thoughtful Headmaster Mr. A. Ramareddy. His pride in his students and school was palpable. As we walked through classrooms and interacted with the children, I was struck by their curiosity and bold dreams. We told them to “Think Big”, and in return, they flooded us with questions, laughter, and ideas that made me believe — the future is already here, just waiting to be unlocked.
Mr. Ramareddy instantly connected with the Young Tinker philosophy, sharing that students here are eager but often lack platforms. I promised him — this was just the beginning.
We also visited ZHPS Padara, where we met Mandal Education Officer B. Buchibabu. His warmth and support reassured us that change can and does start at the grassroots, especially when local leadership gets involved.
A Wooden Abacus and a New Vision
But the highlight of the day wasn’t in an office or a meeting — it came from a humble classroom where a woman teacher had built a beautiful abacus-like Teaching Learning Material (TLM) out of wood. It wasn’t just a learning aid. It was proof that innovation isn’t limited to labs or cities — it thrives in the hands of those who care, no matter where they are. The TLM simplified everything from LCM and HCF to basic arithmetic. I stood in silence for a second, just taking it in.
That abacus became a symbol for me — of frugal innovation, of local genius, of the very spirit we at Young Tinker Foundation champion.
Later that day, we made our way to the Integrated District Offices Complex in Nagarkurnool, where we met the District Education Officer (DEO). She was enthusiastic and forward-thinking, immediately aligning with our mission to introduce skill consciousness and problem-solving mindsets in the district.
From Nagarkurnool to Adilabad: A Tale of Two Districts
After a brief return to Hyderabad, I was back on the road again — this time, headed north to Adilabad on July 4, 2025. The landscape shifted. More tribal settlements. More quiet. More stories waiting to be heard.
At Zilla Parishad School in Ankoli and the Government Tribal Welfare Ashram School in Mamiguda village, the sights were humbling. I watched a young girl walk into the school campus with a “baksa” (a metal box) containing all her belongings. She had just returned from summer break. That single moment spoke volumes — about sacrifice, determination, and the transformative power of education in tribal India.
We were warmly received by the District Education Officer of Adilabad, a person who listened keenly and offered practical support for implementing our program. But the conversation that stayed with me happened with Shri Rajarshi Shah, Collector of Adilabad. Calm, insightful, and razor-sharp, he asked the kind of questions that made me reflect deeply. His welcome was not just official — it was visionary. It reminded me: with the right leadership, transformation isn’t a far-fetched dream. It’s inevitable.
Bullock Carts, Smiles, and a Short Ride Into the Past
As we drove through Adilabad’s countryside, I noticed something uniquely charming — bullock carts still ruled these roads. What fascinated me was how the villagers drove them standing upright, balancing themselves like seasoned sailors. On impulse, I asked one cart driver if I could try. He grinned, nodded, and in the next moment, I was steering a cart through a dusty path, laughing like a child.
It lasted five minutes, but it’s a memory I’ll carry for a lifetime.
Beyond Just Visits — A Shared Mission
What tied these visits together wasn’t just our program or goals. It was the shared humanity — the common desire to give children better opportunities. Everywhere we went, we found educators innovating despite limited resources, officials ready to support, and students bursting with ideas.
A heartfelt thank you to our corporate partner, ServiceNow, for believing in our vision. With your support, we’re on track to impact over 40,000 students across Telangana and Karnataka, truly living our motto:
“Reaching the Unreached.”
I’m also deeply grateful to Gurram Sowmya, Nikhil Gampa, and the incredible Nirmaan Organization team for facilitating local connections. Your groundwork has created a ripple effect that’s already making a difference.
To all our partners — known and yet to be unveiled — this journey is ours together.
P.S. If you ever find yourself in Nagarkurnool, don’t leave without trying Zawar Roti, a local tribal delicacy. It’s humble, hearty, and unforgettable — just like the people who call this place home.