Karimnagar daughter makes her mark in Parliament

Karimnagar: A rare opportunity to address the nation from the Parliament House in New Delhi has brought recognition to Macherla Srinithya from the Karimnagar district. She was among the select participants chosen from across the country to speak on the life and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his birth anniversary, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Divas, On October 31st. She was the only participant from Telangana selected for the special programme at Parliament.

The programme was organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of its initiatives under the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform. Through various activities, including elocution, quizzes and essay competitions, the initiative provides young people aged 18 to 25 an opportunity to showcase their abilities at district, state and national levels.

From state-level competition to Parliament

The selection process begins at the district level, where eligible participants compete, with 10 candidates from each district advancing to the state-level competitions. Based on their performance, the top three participants at the state level qualify for the national-level contests. Those securing the fourth, fifth and sixth positions are also considered for opportunities to participate in special programmes organised by the Central Government to mark the birth anniversaries of eminent national leaders.

Srinithya secured a place among the top six participants in Telangana at the state level. Subsequently, she was selected as the State’s sole representative for the Parliament programme commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. The Central Government brought together 36 participants from different states and union territories, of whom 12 were given the opportunity to deliver their speeches at Parliament.

Speaking at the prestigious venue, Srinithya spoke about Patel’s role in national integration, his dedication to unity and his ideals of patriotism. She started off nervously, gradually she gained confidence and spoke with conviction.

The journey was shaped by her parents’ sacrifices

Srinitha belongs to a poor family from Gunturupalli, a village near Karimnagar. Mallesham, her father, is a hamali labourer, and Ramya, her mother, an agricultural labourer. Her parents had their financial problems, but they did their best to give good education to their children, Srinithya and elder brother Ashlesh.

Srinithya narrated the words of encouragement that her parents had always told her: that education was the only way to overcome hardships and be self-reliant. Their sacrifices and determination played a big role in the path she took, she said. She did her BSc from SRR Govt Degree College, Karimnagar. Her speaking skills were noticed and nurtured by the principal of the college, Dr K. Ramakrishna, and the NSS Program Officer, Elizabeth Rani. Their guidance helped her to improve her confidence and communication skills.

IAS ambition and commitment to public service

Srinithya has an ambition to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with a larger aim of working for the welfare of underprivileged sections and bridging social inequalities. She has already begun preparing herself for the Civil Services examination, determined to turn her ambition into reality.

Academicians, public representatives and the residents of her native village have appreciated her feat of representing Telangana at Parliament, as she hailed from a financially backward family. Her journey is a testament of how determination, parental support and educational opportunities can help young people reach national platforms.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thirunagari Venkateshwara Swamy

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