Footwear Project 2016 

Dr Kesari Sarikonda, a cardiologist, and his sister, on their visit to Burgula, noticed that all the kids did not have footwear. He decided to sponsor footwear for the kids in all the eight government schools of Burgula. The wheels were set in motion and 886 pairs of Bata sandals were bought. Parents of the school children contributed about 10 percent of the cost of each pair of sandals. The program of the footwear was inaugurated on March 15th by Dr Srini Sundaram, and completed later in June 2016.

To inculcate the habit, children, parents and school teachers were educated on the importance of wearing footwear. Vigorous door-to-door campaign was done by Pragathi members. Parents and teachers were motivated to ensure that the kids used the footwear regularly.

On Monday, June 13, 2016, as schools reopened, children rejoiced as they not only met their friends after a long time, but also because they were being given brand new Bata waterproof sandals. Mr Shankar Rathod, Mandal Education Officer, who was present on the occasion, asked the children “Who has given the sandals?” The children beamingly shouted together “Kesari sir”. Mr Rathod reinforced that the sandals should be worn compulsorily. In the Assembly, the village development officer Mr Shankar read out the message from Dr Sarikonda, urging the children to use the footwear on a regular basis. Ms. Sumana, Sarpanch of the village, added that all children should study well and wear the sandals always.