We always need heroes who set an example for society with their extraordinary deeds.
Former Alappuzha District Collector V.R. Krishna Teja, a 2015 batch IAS is one such hero, whom many consider no less than a messiah.
His initiative ‘We are for Alleppey’, which has helped 293 Covid orphans continue their education and fill their bellies despite losing one or both parents to the coronavirus pandaemic.
This unique community ‘We are for Alleppey’ set up by the IAS in September, 2022, has been so popular that not just the Kerala neighborhood, but many CSR and individuals from outside have contributed to it whole heatedly.
Mr Teja plans to replicate the initiative in Thrissur as well, where he is currently posted.
Speaking about the community he created in Alappuzha along with like minded People, Mr. Teja told Indian Masterminds, “Putting the smiles back on the faces whose childhood were ripped apart by Covid, has been most satisfying. Through this initiative, they receive comprehensive care and protection.”
WE ARE ALEPPEY
During the devastating Covid second wave, Adya (changed name) lost both her parents. Just 16 then, her future hanged in a balance. Despite a good Class 12 result,her future suddenly turned bleak.
That’s when help from the district administration’s ‘We are for Alleppey’ community showered as blessing. Today, she is pursuing her nursing career despite poor financial conditions.
Like Adya, there are 292 children who have found a “fairy godmother” due to Mr. Teja’s initiative that has been the wind beneath their wings.
The process of identifying the 293 Covid orphans in need of the initiative that started in September last year was completed in March 31, 2023.
Of these total, 13 have lost both parents, while 280 have either lost their mother or father during the pandemic.
Under the Community, these children have been put in three categories — Primary, Upper primary secondary and Graduation, and accordingly help has been structured.
Of the Covid orphans, 73 are pursuing undergraduate degrees, 37 are in Class 12, besides 65 (high school), 41(upper primary), and 77 (lower primary).
Mr. Teja said, “All these children were provided with sponsors who vowed to support them till completion of their education.”
The ‘We are for Alleppey’ team includes some government officials and a group of socially motivated young individuals, while the sitting district collector of Alappuzha will be the chairman of the community, monitoring all things related.
MEGA STAR CAST
There are many big names among the sponsors, including superstar Allu
Arjun. Almost 100 students are supported by SD Shibulal, the co-founder of Infosys whose hometown is Alappuzha.
This had also motivated many companies to come forward with their CSR policy, besides many more individuals who are part of the programme.
Mr Teja said, “Within a span of five months, we got sponsors for all 293 children’s education till completion. Then there were those who provided for the kids’ accommodation.”
Around 10 orphans got new houses worth Rs. 6 lakh. For around 20 others, their houses were renovated.
TOGETHER WITH THRISSUR
Mr Teja is like the lamp from poet Bashir Badra’s couplet “Jahan Rahega Wahi
Roshni Lutayega”. Now transferred from Alappuzha to Thrissur, the IAS will start a similar initiative for 609 Covid orphans.
Mr Teja said, “I am working on ‘Together for Thrissur’.”
Covid-19brought unforeseen hardship to mankind but also rekindled humanity in many.
