NTR Trust Continues to Uplift the Underprivileged, Says Nara Lokesh

Vijayawada: Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, stated that the NTR Trust symbolizes hope, trust, and assurance for the underprivileged. Speaking at the "Euphoria Musical Night" held at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada on the occasion of the NTR Trust’s 28th anniversary, Lokesh emphasized that the trust embodies the vision of legendary actor and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, the foresight of N. Chandrababu Naidu, and the execution by N. Bhuvaneshwari.

Expressing his gratitude, Lokesh said, "I bow my head in respect to everyone who has come forward to help thalassemia patients. Every rupee you donate saves a life. The NTR Trust began its journey with a single step in 1997 and has been conducting numerous service activities across the two Telugu states for 28 years. Whether in education, healthcare, self-employment, or providing safe drinking water, the trust has won the hearts of the Telugu people. Whenever natural calamities strike, the NTR Trust is the first to extend help. Through women empowerment initiatives, the trust has enabled women to stand on their own feet."

Lokesh highlighted how the NTR Trust has provided a beacon of hope for families affected by factional violence, offering them educational and financial support. Recalling his experiences during his statewide padayatra, he shared instances where the trust transformed the lives of several children.

He recounted the story of Shravanthi from Anantapur, whose father, Thagarakunta Prabhakar, was killed in factional violence. Shravanthi and her five siblings studied at the NTR Model School, with four of them becoming software engineers. The youngest, Shravanthi, is now working in Bengaluru, showcasing the positive impact of the trust.

Another beneficiary, Mounika from Anantapur, met Lokesh and shared her story. After losing her father, Srinivas Goud, to factional violence, she and her sister Nagamani received education at the NTR Model School. Today, Nagamani is a software engineer in Hyderabad, while Mounika has completed an MSc in agricultural sciences. Lokesh praised the NTR Trust’s initiatives, stating that they operate beyond political affiliations.

The NTR Trust has consistently provided relief to disaster victims. Whether it was the Uttarakhand floods, Hudhud cyclone, Titli cyclone, last year’s Vijayawada floods, Kurnool floods, or Godavari floods, the trust extended immediate assistance. Following the Annamayya dam collapse, the trust provided ₹1 lakh in financial aid to each of the 48 affected families. Lokesh emphasized that the NTR Trust is always at the forefront of relief efforts, ensuring timely and effective support for those in need.

Lokesh also highlighted the NTR Trust’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a challenge that the trust took head-on. "We stood by the people in their most difficult times by distributing masks, medicines, and oxygen. Our efforts did not stop there—we also helped conduct last rites for those who lost their lives to COVID-19," he said.

The trust has provided blood donations to over 8.7 lakh patients, saving thousands of lives. It continues to supply blood to 200 children suffering from thalassemia and other genetic disorders. Additionally, 2,020 orphans receive free accommodation and education through the NTR Trust.

Lokesh expressed his gratitude to NTR Memorial Trust Managing Trustee N. Bhuvaneshwari, the trust team, music director Thaman, and all attendees for their contributions to the noble cause.