Education Is the Most Powerful Weapon for Change, Says Seethakka

Emphasising the transformative power of education, Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Women & Child Welfare Minister Seethakka said that learning remains the most powerful tool capable of changing both individual lives and society as a whole.

The minister was speaking at a series of events organised at the Kongara Kalan Collectorate in Rangareddy district as part of the ongoing Women’s Week celebrations . The programmes included a Mock Parliament for Sneha Sanghas , the “Ammaku Aksharamala” literacy initiative , and the distribution of uniforms to Anganwadi centres.

Addressing participants, Seethakka observed that a person may lose many things in life, but education provides the strength and confidence to rebuild and move forward. She encouraged young girls to dream big and aspire to leadership roles such as corporators, mayors, legislators and Members of Parliament.

Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela’s famous statement that education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world, she stressed that learning must go hand in hand with values and character. Respect for parents and teachers, social responsibility, and active participation in community life, she said, are essential qualities for responsible citizens.

Highlighting the government’s efforts toward adolescent empowerment, the minister said that nearly one lakh teenage girls have been organised into more than 10,000 Sneha Sanghas across Telangana. Through these groups, awareness programmes are being conducted on safety, health, nutrition, education and empowerment . She also advised students to use mobile phones as tools for learning, skill development and personal growth rather than becoming dependent on them.

Seethakka noted that education and knowledge remain lifelong companions regardless of age or circumstances. She urged every girl to define clear goals and work consistently towards achieving them.

Speaking at the Anganwadi uniform distribution programme, the minister recalled that the foundations of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Telangana were laid in the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district . She said the programme, launched in 1975 under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi , was designed to improve nutrition and care for children.

The government is now strengthening Anganwadi centres with a greater focus on the nutritional needs of children from pregnancy through the first three years of life. Seethakka said children are being provided with uniforms, educational kits and play materials, while the “Tholi Mudda” initiative ensures access to breakfast, milk, eggs and nutritious food. She added that many facilities available in government-run Anganwadi centres are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, those offered by private nursery schools.

Officials also highlighted the success of the “Ammaku Aksharamala” programme, stating that it has helped lakhs of women learn to read and write, enabling many to replace thumb impressions with signatures.

Among those present at the event were Chevella MLA Kale Yadaiah , Women’s Commission member Sadalakshmi , and Women & Child Welfare Department Secretary Anita Ramachandran .