🌱 What Happened
In Cuttack, Odisha, an extraordinary man named D. Prakash Rao has been silently transforming lives. For over 50 years, Rao, a tea seller by profession, has been dedicating half his income and his entire afternoon to run a school for slum children.
💡 Impact
Today, his school “Asha O Ashwasana” (Hope and Assurance) provides free education, meals and healthcare check-ups to more than 70 children. Rao himself dropped out of school after class 7 due to financial constraints, but his passion for education never diminished. He firmly believes, “No child should be denied education due to poverty.”
📍 The Bigger Picture
Despite facing numerous challenges, Rao’s efforts have been acknowledged by many. In 2019, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award. However, his true reward comes from the smiles of the children he educates.
- Name: D. Prakash Rao
- Location: Cuttack, Odisha, India
- Achievement: Runs a free school for slum children using half his income
- Recognition: Honored with the Padma Shri in 2019
Let’s take a cue from Mr. Rao’s book and “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” For the full story, visit thebetterindia.com.