Thank you Dr.K.V.Ramanachari, IAS, Advisor to Chief Minister

The introduction of Lucky Draws for regular illiterate attendees and distributing the prizes is likely to increase the turning up of more illiterates for learning by a good number. I was told during the following week, after the distribution of first set of gifts, the count of illiterates attending the sessions went up to 182, increase by very big number. But the bigger challenge of 100% attendance still remains, there is very little time left.

Need of the hour was to further pursue aggressively. Need to unite the entire village and make all of them to work for this cause. A few strategies like the following needed immediate implementation. These will motivate the non cooperative illiterates, encourage the educated youth to participate in the literacy program, will strengthen the resolve of all to make the program successful, will move the entire village etc.

1. Place big flexs and banners with the real snaps of villagers, so that others should feel left out and start attending the sessions

2. Wall Writings - Writing on the walls Telugu alphabets with pictures, so that people see them daily and learn/remember

3. Use a projector and show interesting stories, alphabets and pictures, motivating documentaries, at least on Sundays when I visit and interact with villagers at 7.30 pm

4. Take top officials or VIPs and so that they could add to their levels of motivation of villagers

5. Give weekly gifts (small gifts like glass, plate etc) to all the regular attendees on weekly basis rather than giving gifts based on weekly draws, which I a currently implementing.

6. Make a short film using the villagers only on the disadvantages of illiteracy etc and show them on regular basis.

7. Maintain kiosks (if possible giant screens)at major centers which continuously run videos related to Telugu basics etc.

But with the village leadership failing to provide even slates for the illiterates, help was needed desperately. As there is a saying, cometh the time, cometh the man, Dr.K.V.Ramanachari, IAS, Advisor to Chief Minister, came to my rescue. He officially adopted the village some time back. I sent a mail to him on Monday, 20 June, and he responded in half an hours time. He instructed the village Sarpanch to come and pick up 100 slates the very next day. He introduced me to a printer and asked me to get the banners done. Also approved for writings on the walls, that too with pictures. Promised to provide projector on every Sunday. Above all he was ready to buy gifts for all the illiterates who attend the sessions for the entire week, on weekly basis. When I insisted on more slates, on Friday, 24 June, he again bought 100 more and handed them over to me. He also promised to help for making a short film. His swift response and action provided the much needed support and relief for me. I really appreciate his swift response and action.