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A teacher’s inspirational walkathon

January 24, 2022

“We need many hands to end poverty, but I have only two. These words of the late Vicente Ferrer inspired and encouraged me to take up this task, to walk 80 miles from Kundurpi to Bathalapall, spreading the message about India for India initiative and the importance of education,” says M Mutyalanna, a teacher in a government primary school in the Anantapur District.

Mutyalanna understands the importance of education and its transformational impact on the lives of children and future generations. He comes from a poverty-stricken family. “My father was a shepherd; my mother worked as a daily wage laborer. They couldn’t afford education for four children. I was lucky enough to be supported by the Rural Development Trust (RDT). The organization helped me since I was 6 years old,” says Mutyalanna, candidly recollecting the past. With the support of RDT, Mutyalanna completed his Bachelor’s in Science and later pursued Bachelor in Education degree.

The 41-year-old teacher was introduced to India for India (IFI) initiative in 2017. IFI – Seva Hundi movement aims to create access to education and health care for children from the most vulnerable communities. Since then, he has been an enthusiastic and loyal supporter of the initiative.

“There are many children in today’s society who need support. If everyone were able to get the help I got, the future will be bright. That is why I have been a regular contributor to children’s causes – I know that this support enables children to study and dream high”.

With a zeal to do more, Mutyalanna wanted to inspire others to come forward and take part in the IFI – Seva Hundi movement. “I wanted everyone to take part in IFI more actively. I thought about the ways I could do it and came up with an idea for a walk. This way, I could interact with more people and share the information with more communities.” The 80 miles walk started from Kundrupi on January 10^th, 2022, and ended at RDT Bathalapalli Hospital on January 13^th, 2022.

Talking about his experience, Mutyalanna said, “The journey has been very satisfying. Many people came to wish me the best and encourage me. I had the opportunity to address people. The most satisfying thing for me was to see many coming forward and supporting the initiative. For example, I met a Chartered Accountant during one of my visits, and as he learned about IFI, he became a monthly donor! Also, a few police officers we met on the way came forward to donate, and those who were already contributing, increased their monthly contributions. This part of the journey was definitely the most satisfying.”

Learn more about how you can empower rural communities by supporting our Empower a Village Fund here: https://www.vffusa.org/eav/

Text: Ernest Abhishek Paul, adapted by VFF USA