Nara Lokesh Champions RDT's 57-Year Service Legacy During Anantapur Visit

Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has thrown his weight behind the Rural Development Trust, describing the organization as a social movement that transcends political boundaries during an emotionally charged visit to RDT Hospital in Battalapalli.

Speaking to media after touring the facility in Sri Sathya Sai district, Lokesh positioned himself as more than just a political supporter of the institution. He revealed how his perspective on RDT crystallized during his Yuvagalam padayatra, particularly after visiting a school for differently-abled children where he witnessed teachers caring for society's most vulnerable.

"RDT is not just an organization but a social movement," Lokesh declared, emphasizing the trust's 57-year journey of running schools, hospitals, sports programs, and housing initiatives for impoverished families. His endorsement carries significant weight given his dual portfolio and the government's influence over institutional support.

The minister didn't shy away from addressing RDT's recent struggles, acknowledging the organization's financial hardships after its FCRA renewal was suspended in 2021. This move had severely impacted foreign funding flows crucial to RDT's operations. Lokesh credited the NDA government's intervention in resolving what he termed "misunderstandings" that led to the restoration of necessary permissions.

Perhaps most telling was Lokesh's personal account of meeting a father whose child received free cardiac surgery at RDT Hospital: treatment that would have cost lakhs elsewhere. Such stories clearly resonated with the minister, who pledged continued government support for expanding RDT's services across Andhra Pradesh.

Lokesh's praise for Program Director Mancho Ferrer and the Ferrer family's commitment during challenging times signals a deeper institutional relationship. His call for support "beyond politics and regional boundaries" suggests RDT has found a powerful advocate in the state government, potentially opening doors for enhanced funding and operational expansion in the coming years.