Santosh Pamolu, a 29-year-old diploma holder in civil engineering, has become a driving force for social change in his village of Badapadia, under Suri Panchayat. His unwavering dedication to community welfare has led to several impactful initiatives, improving the lives of villagers.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Santosh played a key role in ensuring 100% vaccination in his tribal-dominated village. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness and motivate hesitant villagers, helping protect the community’s health.

Beyond healthcare, Santosh has helped villagers access government entitlements, such as old age pensions, widow pensions, and labour cards. Recognizing the bureaucratic challenges, he facilitated document verification processes at the Jana Seva Kendra, leveraging his network of local officials and leaders, including the Sarpanch and Gram Rozgar Sahayak (GRS).

Santosh believes that lack of awareness prevents many from benefiting from government schemes meant for the poor. “Most people here are illiterate and don’t know about these schemes,” he says, highlighting his role in bridging this information gap and empowering his fellow villagers.

However, Santosh’s endeavours extend beyond administrative facilitation. Recognizing the need for better infrastructure, he collaborated with the Sarpanch to oversee the construction of a vital road network in the village.

His commitment to community development has led him to partner with the horticulture department. Together, they planted cashew trees across ten acres of community land, promising economic sustainability and environmental conservation.

Santosh Pamolu claims that these initiatives have helped reduce migration from the village. Despite facing obstacles, he remains a steadfast social engineer for change, embodying the transformative potential of grassroots activism.