Dedicated to kids` welfare

N.R.Venkata Ramu, who believes in taking actions rather than just talking, is a dedicated social worker. He loves working for the welfare of society and for the uplift of needy kids.

Calm, spiritual and poised are few words that come into one's mind while striking a conversation with this 62-year-old man. Venkata Ramu felt the urge to do something for society when he retired from ITI Limited after serving for 35 years. He said: "I have always been service-oriented but while I was working, I didn't get much free time. Soon after retirement, I started to work closely as a coordinator for 'Nele Namma Mane', a caring home for destitute children in HBR Layout."
Besides proposing various ideas, his role also includes co-coordinating and carrying out events such as Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti, Independence Day, Krishna Janmashtami, Deepavali, Guru Pooja, etc,. The school's main objective is to recognize children's talent and give them educational qualification which will help them lead a decent and independent life.
"Every child is talented and special. I feel content when I see them smiling, thanks to other volunteers, Dr.Shyam Prasad, Hema Naidu, Shobha Bhandari, Rohit Shetty, Dr Raja Ram Prasad and others who are significantly involved in innumerable activities that take place at Nele Namma Mane," added Venkata Ramu who makes it a point to visit the home at least thrice a week.
It's almost six years since Venkata Ramu has been into this and when asked about how the journey has been till date, he replied: "It's been an incredible journey and not to forget, a true learning experience. When I look back, I feel enlightened. Wherever I go, I advise people to take some time off for social work and do something for themselves and society."
Previously, Venkata Ramu had proposed the idea of setting up a religious association called 'Brindavana Bhajana Mandali' in HBR Layout. The best part is there is not any kind of registration fees and anyone can join in. When Venkata Ramu was working in ITI, he along with other core committee members decided to start 'Satsanga Bhajana Mandali' to keep the religious and cultural knowledge alive among the people. Another similar cultural association called 'Sanskruti' also came into being.
Talking about her husband's values and philosophy, Uma Venkataram said: "He is disciplined and organised in whatever he does. Besides service, he loves to listen to music and has a huge collection of books ranging from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to SL Byrappa's novels." At present, Venkata Ramu, along with his group of volunteers, is busy chalking out plans to start English speaking classes for children and to open a Yoga Kendra."

Disciplined life
He is disciplined and organized in whatever he does. Besides service, he loves to listen to music and has a huge collection of books ranging from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to SL Byrappa's novels.

--NIVEDITHA JAIN