Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting the poor and bridging economic inequalities, as he launched the ‘Margadarsi – Bangaru Kutumbam’ program in Agiripalli on Friday.

Speaking at the event held to mark the birth anniversary celebrations of social reformer Jyotirao Phule, CM Naidu emphasized the importance of creating a more equitable society. “The top 10% of society must take responsibility to uplift the bottom 20%. Until there is light in every poor household, we will stand by them,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the today’s beneficiaries of the initiative would become tomorrow’s leaders. "These children, with the support of their mentors today, will become role models for others tomorrow,” he stated. The CM personally felicitated several mentors, or ‘Margadarsis,’ who have come forward to support poor families in Agiripalli. Under the first phase of the program, 206 families in the region will receive continuous mentorship and support from individuals and organizations committed to their welfare. 

“This initiative is not for votes, but for values. People are stepping forward not for political gain, but to earn a good name by helping others,” the CM declared. He also outlined plans to extend the scheme to 20 lakh families across the state as part of a broader poverty alleviation mission.

Bonam Lakshmi Durga, a widow and mother of two, added, “My husband passed away from bone cancer three years ago. I don’t receive a pension and currently live with my parents. I work as a daily laborer to survive. I need support for a livelihood.”

Responding to their concerns, CM Naidu assured immediate action. “You will start receiving your pension from next month along with arrears for the past 12 months. We will also ensure the construction of your own house and provide employment opportunities,” he promised. Several prominent individuals and business leaders who have pledged support under the Margadarsi initiative spoke at the event.

Prabhakar, head of Seeds Group in Nuzvid, called the program "a unique and unprecedented initiative" and pledged to spend Rs.20–25 crore over the next four years to support the poor in Agiripalli. He also expressed readiness to expand the initiative to Tukkuluru village. Siddharth of Kushalav Group committed to supporting education for underprivileged students and offered to construct homes for the homeless, provided the government allocates land.

Gautam, founder of Happy Valley School, shared his journey: “I built my school after borrowing Rs.100 crore, which I have now repaid. Today, we provide free education to 300 students and take full responsibility until they are settled in life. With the CM’s encouragement, we will expand these efforts.” Pinnamaneni Dhana Prakash, head of Model Dairy, mentioned that his educational initiative ‘HEAL’ is already providing schooling to over 1,000 students, including orphaned children.

Ravi Venkata Rao, Chairman of NRI Engineering College, declared that CM Chandrababu Naidu had always been his guiding light. “We started with just 60 students; today, we have over 6,000. We will strive to adopt more families under this noble initiative.”

The event reflected a powerful blend of compassion, commitment, and vision, as leaders from different walks of life joined hands with the government to foster inclusive development. The ‘Margadarsi – Bangaru Kutumbam’ program is being hailed as a transformative step toward reducing economic disparity and nurturing future generations with dignity and hope.