Andhra Pradesh

When crops failed, tribal mothers in Andhra Pradesh were forced to subsist on a basic diet. But thanks to this amazing free meal programme by the government, they can now look forward to a healthier future.

Jaco Swanepoel's heart went out to those who suffered immense damage in Vishakhapatnam during cyclone Hudhud. He packed his bags and went to help the victims. "The best thing that you can do in a situation like this is just to help the person in front of you," he learnt. Here he recounts his journey to the heart of the calamity, how he brought about change and how it affected him.

A positive movement that provides a platform to changemakers to showcase their work and also connects them to like-minded people, SoCh is changing one city at a time. From bringing people together to helping them expand their reach, SoCh covers many grounds. Bhavana Nissima shares with us her experience of the community initiative in Hyderabad.

Started by Madhu Tugnait, Icha Foundation has been taking care of every need of abandoned children, especially those with disabilities. From healthcare to education and clean clothes, Icha fulfills all their needs. With volunteers, doctors and caretakers treating them like their own kids, these lesser privileged kids now have a reason to smile (or should we say, grin!). Take a peek at the amazing photos that capture the essence of the wonderful cause.

Tejaswi Bhagavatula is from Vizag. Here he shares his first-hand account about the unimaginable destruction caused by cyclone Hudhud within a matter of hours, about a city struggling to come to terms with it, the stories of hope he sees around him, and the lessons he has learnt in a short time.

Youngistaan believes in bringing change. A change that can be seen and can be done by anyone. From providing food and clothes to giving skills training and a complete makeover, this team of 300 volunteers does it all! They are transforming the way homeless live in Hyderabad. Read their inspiring story of change and how you can do it too!

Farmers, especially the women farmers, in rural India are often at the receiving ends of long drawn legal battles regarding land and property that often conclude in bringing the families to the brink of poverty. Read about an organization that has tied up with the Andhra Pradesh government to provide free legal aid to farmers in the state and provide some relief from unnecessary harassment.

The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad lie on the Deccan Plateau, and boast of some beautiful natural rock formations. These heritage rocks, that survived millions of years of the vagaries of nature, are now falling prey to the greed of man. Read how a few individuals are trying to save these rocks in creative ways, before we lose these magnificent treasures forever.

While most teenagers are busy getting a new haircut, the latest gadgets or a fancy outfit for their birthday, Malavath Poorna had something else in mind. The 13 year old girl, daughter of poor farmers in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, decided to climb Mount Everest and became the youngest girl to do so.

How many times have we thought of donating blood but held back due to some wrong notions we might harbour? Or heard about people in dire need of blood, but not getting it in time? Now, such constraints can be a thing of the past, with an initiative that makes it extremely easy and efficient to both donate blood and find a relevant donor. Read about Friends2Support, and how they are making this possible.