Shri Pachimalla Martin Raju: A Lifelong Commitment to Education and Community Service in Remote Regions
Shri Pachimalla Martin Raju, born on October 30, 1965, in the remote village of Pata Kota, Kotipalli, Draksharama, Andhra Pradesh, is a highly respected figure known for his dedication to education and community service. His early education took place in various villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, culminating in his intermediate studies at S.K.V.T. Junior College, Rajahmundry. He graduated with a B.Sc. from Government College Rajahmundry, M.Sc from Barkatullah Vishvavidyalya, Bhopal Madhya Pradesh.
Further, Teaching in various Institutions situated in far flung areas of disturbed states viz., Punjab , Terai region of UP, Rajasthan, Naxal infested area of Koraput Orissa,Manipur and Nagaland affiliated with Andhra University, during 1986-88. During his studies, he demonstrated a keen interest in teaching and educating tribal students in the deep forest areas of Rampachodavaram, Maridemilli in East Godavari District, and Bhadrachalam in Khammam. He later completed an M.Sc. from Bharatiya University in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where he actively participated in school teaching programs and provided free education to children living below the poverty line.
In 2008, he joined the 141 Bn CRPF Headquarters in the holy city of Bhadrachalam, Khammam, Telangana, a location known for the Lord SeethaRama Temple on Bhadragiri Hill. The unit, deployed in a left-wing extremism district bordering Chhattisgarh and Orissa, aimed to control the Naxal-CPI (Maoist) movement. Through Civic Action Programs, the unit has conducted numerous confidence-building measures to strengthen police-public relationships and improve local community prospects.
Under his leadership, the unit has made significant contributions not only in the operational theater but also through memorable and realistic approaches to public outreach. The unit has addressed basic needs through funded Civic Action Programs, winning the hearts of the local population.
He established the New Light of Life Social Welfare Society, working on educational programs in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, and Bhadrachalam, Telangana. In these areas, where people often had to walk miles for water, treatment plants were installed to serve school children and the tribal population. Sewing machines were distributed to widows affected by Naxal violence and to needy individuals. The society conducted free medical camps with the help of medical officers and local RMOs, distributing free medicine to those in need. Sanitary items and free medical check-ups were provided to girls in remote schools in Imphal, Manipur. Sports articles were distributed to schools in tribal areas, and a mobile library was set up to help local youth prepare for competitive exams. Free bicycles were given to girl students who traveled long distances to attend school, and toilets were constructed in three different schools. Additionally, a bus shelter was constructed in the village of Peruru for passengers.
The unit celebrated Valour Day by donating blood through the Red Cross of India at RIMS, Langjing, Imphal, during ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The personnel demonstrated their generosity by donating blood even while performing strenuous duties under the leadership of the Unit Commandant and Chairman of the New Light of Life Social Welfare Society.
He also helped many tribal youths fill out applications for enrollment as constables in Central Para Military Forces and provided free recruitment training at the unit’s location. The unit adopted the ITDA Tribal Boys Hostel at Mothugudem, renovating the building to accommodate tribal youths for free recruitment training. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the unit conducted several welfare-oriented programs to educate people.
In addition to these efforts, the unit carried out numerous socially beneficial activities, such as cleaning the Bhadrachalam Hospital campus to maintain hygiene and sanitation, distributing school books to the BRUSH school for mentally challenged children, and cleaning school premises to promote a healthy environment and inculcate cleanliness habits among students. Mass tree plantations were conducted to promote the Green Environment and Save Earth program. The unit also organized debate and drawing competitions for local schools to highlight and motivate student talent.
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