Five Midrand-based children’s homes received much-needed support on July 23 as Bharat Rashtra Samithi Non-Resident Indian (BRS NRI) South Africa marked the 50th birthday of the organisation’s working president, Shri Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), through a large-scale community outreach initiative.

Instead of celebrating with festivities alone, the organisation chose to give back to vulnerable communities through its ‘Gifting Smiles, Celebrating KTR at 50’ campaign, which was rolled out simultaneously across three provinces.

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Under the leadership of BRS NRI South Africa leader Nagaraju Gurrala, volunteers conducted charity drives in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pietermaritzburg, providing support to children’s homes and orphanages.

The Johannesburg outreach, coordinated by Aravind Prasad Cheekoti, reached five Midrand-based facilities, including New Jerusalem Children’s Home, Tumelo Home, Yenzani Children’s Home, Cluny Farm Centre, and New Life Centre for Girls.

Volunteers spent time interacting with the children before donating essential items, including food parcels, hygiene products, and household necessities. In response to the ongoing winter season, warm blankets were also distributed to help keep the children comfortable during the colder months.

The Johannesburg programme was supported by Midrand police and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), whose assistance helped ensure the outreach was carried out safely and successfully.

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The celebrations were attended by BRS leaders, members of the Telangana community and representatives from various Telugu associations across South Africa.

Gurrala said the initiative reflected KTR’s commitment to humanitarian service and giving back to society.

“It gives us immense satisfaction to celebrate KTR Garu’s 50th birthday through meaningful community service. Inspired by his commitment to public service, humanitarian values and the belief in giving back to society, we organised these outreach programmes simultaneously across South Africa’s three major provinces,” said Gurrala.

“During this winter season, we were able to bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of children by providing warm blankets, food supplies, groceries and essential items. That, to us, is the most meaningful birthday gift we can offer KTR Garu.

“I sincerely thank Midrand SAPS, JMPD, the management of all the children’s homes, our BRS NRI South Africa members, the Telangana community, Telugu association leaders and every volunteer whose support made this initiative a grand success.”

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