A teenager selflessly devoted to service of society

Mahabubabad: Md Subhani and Saleema, a selfless couple working for society’s good through their NGO are proud parents of their teenage daughter, Suma. What else is satisfying to the parents than that their ward is following in their footsteps especially if it’s for the good of society.

Subhani and Saleema, who floated Nenu Saitham NGO solely for the purpose of saving the environment, in 2010, are well known couple in this part of the State for volunteering and motivating youth to keep environs clean and green, besides helping the destitute.

It may be mentioned here that the couple was responsible for the revival of Gandhi Park in the town that was much like a garbage dump. The couple planted 6,000 fruit-bearing plants in Kambhalapalli reserve forests abutting Mahabubabad town with an aim to provide food for monkeys that often create ruckus in the town. Supporting them in every move was their 19-year-old daughter Suma.

Suma’s penchant for environment is nothing less than her parents’. She conducted pada yatra in 21 villages of Mahabubabad mandal campaigning for the protection of animals and bringing awareness about the Helpline number 1962, an ambulance service that provides on-the-spot treatment to animals and birds.

Against this backdrop, the residents of Bethole found a fox in their village well, which caters to their drinking water needs. Even though they informed to the municipal authorities about it, the latter reportedly made no effort to save the fox by pulling it out.

Suma, who got wind of the incident from former sarpanch of the village, G Santhosh, swung into action to save the animal. Braving the danger, she scaled down the 42 feet deep well with the help of rope, but by that time fox breathed its last. However, Suma pulled the carcass out of the well to save water from polluting.

Speaking to The Hans India, Suma said: “Serving people and nature gives me immense satisfaction. My parents have always worked selflessly and stood first in protecting the environment.” Saleema and Subhani said: “It’s true that traits are inherited and passed from parent to child through their genes. We are happy that our daughter is following us.”