In the heart of rural Andhra Pradesh, during the early 1980s, a humble couple—Ramaiah and Lakshmamma—began their life together. Uneducated but hardworking, they chose agriculture as their only source of livelihood. Day in and day out, from morning till evening, they labored in the fields under the scorching sun, sowing hope into the soil, season after season.
But agriculture, despite their sweat and sacrifice, gave back very little. Low crop rates and rising costs meant they remained trapped in poverty. Still, they had one powerful dream: to educate their children and give them a better life.
They had two children—Raju, a bright yet innocent boy, and Seeta, a supportive and caring sister. With no money for private education, the parents enrolled them in the government school in their village, up to Class 5.
Despite the limited facilities, Raju excelled. Quiet and committed, he continued studying in government schools up to 10th class. In 1991, he became the school topper. But his journey was anything but easy.
The Struggles Behind the Smile
Every day, Raju and Seeta walked several kilometers to reach high school. He was very innocent—socially unaware and emotionally soft. If anyone scolded or bullied him, he would simply go and complain to his sister.
Each morning, his mother gave him a glass of rice, which he sold at the local kirana shop for ₹1. That rupee was his only pocket money. He saved it carefully and spent it occasionally on a sweet or a small ice cream. This became his daily routine.
While his classmates came with polished shoes, stylish clothes, and snacks, Raju only observed. He never complained—he learned contentment and sacrifice. He and Seeta ate lunch together under a tree, sharing what little they had. He was poor in English, but full of determination. He studied hard, believing that effort could beat any disadvantage.
His father, meanwhile, worked from 6 AM to 6 PM in the fields, only to return empty-handed due to poor returns. The family remained poor, but their spirits stayed strong.
In 1997, Seeta passed her 10th with second class, while many in their village failed. She was appreciated but couldn’t continue her studies due to their financial situation. This deeply impacted Raju.
A Promise to Himself
That year, Raju made a silent promise to himself:
“In my life, money will never stop me. I will save. I will grow. I will serve.”
He opened an RD account in the post office with just ₹10 per month. After 5 years, he saved enough to buy a small gold gift for Seeta—a gesture of love from a brother who had nothing but heart.
His saving habits continued—₹100 for himself, ₹110 for his mother. He grew disciplined with money, even though his maintenance was far below his peers. He had no new clothes, no luxuries, but he had strong goals.
He began developing a passion not just for survival but for social service, especially for poor students and the underprivileged.
Setbacks That Shaped Him
Raju joined Intermediate in a corporate college. But just before the exams, he met with an accident, fracturing his left hand. Surgery followed—stainless steel plates were fixed. Yet, he didn’t stop.
He appeared for the exams with his injury and passed with first class in both years. However, due to lack of awareness and guidance, he couldn’t pursue premier institutions. Instead, he joined a general degree course.
To support his family, he worked at an STD booth for just ₹350 per month, helping his sister and brother-in-law financially like a father would.
In 2004, he completed his degree, then worked as a teacher in a private school, earning ₹700/month. His passion for teaching pushed him to complete B.Ed from IASE, Andhra University.
But again, luck didn’t favor him—no DSC notifications were released that year. Still, Raju didn’t quit.
A Bold Move and a New Beginning
He chose to study MCA, determined to build a stronger future. He became the college topper, mastering English along the way. To earn pocket money, he took up home tuition jobs for three years. His condition was so tight that some nights, he survived on just one biscuit packet.
After completing MCA, he attended an interview at Aditya Institute of Technology and Management (AITAM)—and got selected.
It was the beginning of a new chapter.
A Life of Purpose and Simplicity
Even with a job, Raju didn’t change his values:
He saved religiously.
He lived simply.
He served students and society, just like he once dreamed.
Now financially stable, he supports many and lives joyfully. He got married and is now the proud father of two sons.
Despite his responsibilities, he continues to live a life of strict savings and minimal expenses, always remembering his roots.
Conclusion: The True Meaning of Success
Raju’s life is not about riches—it’s about richness of values.
From selling rice for ₹1 to becoming an inspiring teacher…
From walking to school barefoot to shaping the future of others…
Raju proves that with discipline, honesty, and vision, one can rise above any hardship.
"You may be born poor, but you can live rich—in values, in dreams, and in service."
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