A scientist’s Gandhi mission

Metro India News | ONGOLE : Korrapativaripalem village in Tallur mandal, about 35 km from Ongole, has attracted attention after retired nuclear scientist Korrapati Chandrasekhar spent Rs 1 lakh of his personal funds to install a Mahatma Gandhi statue on his land. The statue was unveiled on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. Chandrasekhar served for over 35 years in the Central Government’s Department of Atomic Energy. After retirement, he has continued his interests in education, social values and rural development.

Inspired by the Gandhi statue at the Telangana Legislative Assembly in Hyderabad, he sought a similar one for his village. Initially looking for a sculptor in Tenali, he found a suitable statue in Guntur. He deliberately chose a depiction reflecting Gandhi’s connection with village life and ordinary people, rather than the familiar image of the Mahatma with spectacles and a walking stick.

Munusubu Street has now been renamed Gandhi Street. Chandrasekhar also cultivates vegetables on 1.5 acres of farmland associated with Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi, reflecting his admiration for their philosophies. Like many villages, Korrapativaripalem has witnessed political divisions. Communist ideology once had considerable influence, while farmers were inspired by Acharya N.G. Ranga and his farmers’ movement. In recent years, however, rural communities have seen changing political cultures and growing market-driven values.

Chandrasekhar believes restoring human values and mutual respect in everyday interactions is now essential. Beyond promoting Gandhian philosophy, he has long advocated using science for social welfare. He believes students should learn about nuclear science, its applications and related subjects from school level. He also hopes to establish an initiative similar to Jana Vignana Vedika, a science-awareness movement, to promote scientific understanding among the public.

Drawing on over three decades of experience in nuclear science and his continuing commitment to education and rural development, Chandrasekhar aims to make his village a centre for practising Gandhian values. His initiative reflects his belief that meaningful social change begins with individual action and that Gandhi’s message remains relevant to Indian villages today.