Hanamkonda: Supporting and caring for mentally challenged individuals is a noble deed, said in-charge collector Sathya Sharada Devi on Friday. She made these remarks during her visit to the Mallikamba Manovikas Kendra in Balasamudram. The center, constructed by the Ramoji Foundation at a cost of ₹70 lakh, serves individuals with special needs. Devi was joined by former district collector and retired IAS officer Prabhakar Reddy and his wife Padmaja during the visit.
During her address, Sathya Sharada Devi praised the organization’s efforts in helping mentally challenged individuals and providing essential facilities. She highlighted the importance of donor support in making these services possible. Devi also encouraged the center to adopt modern technologies to enhance training for hearing-impaired children.
Former collector Prabhakar Reddy shared the history of the center, recalling how its founder, Banda Ramaleela, approached him in 2001 with a request for a permanent space for their services. As the district collector at the time, he facilitated government approval to allocate land for the center. Reddy commended the organization’s disciplined operations, which have expanded to support 220 students. He also expressed gratitude to the Ramoji Foundation for constructing the current building after the previous structure was damaged by unseasonal rains, calling it a remarkable example of their dedication to social service.
Several notable individuals attended the event, including retired professor Panduranga Rao, J.D. Sambasiva Rao, district welfare officer Jayanti, and E.V. Srinivasa Rao from the Red Cross Society’s State governing council. Mallikamba administrators K. Padmaja Prabhakar Reddy, Banda Ramaleela, Prof. Padma, Kovada Kalyan, Banda Sadanandam, and Yadagiri, along with members of Hanamkonda and Warangal district Child Welfare Committees (CWC) and students, were also present.
