To provide free education for poor students

In a noble initiative to provide quality international-standard education to underprivileged children, Andhra Pradesh Minister Ponguru Narayana on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Abdul Kalam International School in Nellore. The school will be constructed on five acres of Wakf Board land at Parameswar Nagar in the Nellore Rural constituency and is designed to offer free education to 1,000 poor students from the next academic year.

The project, estimated to cost Rs. 20 crore, is being developed with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds extended by Anakapalli MP C M Ramesh. The foundation-laying ceremony was held in the presence of MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, Wakf Board Chairman Abdul Aziz, minority leaders, parents, and students, who attended in large numbers.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Narayana said the school would provide admissions from Class I to Class XII, with construction scheduled to be completed before the start of the next academic year. Named after former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the institution aims to ensure that children from economically weaker sections gain access to corporate and international-level education without financial burden.

Narayana said his commitment to education stemmed from personal experience. “Education alone gives dignity in society. I come from poverty and understand its value. My goal will be fulfilled only when poor children receive quality education,” he said. He added that around ₹200 crore is being spent on upgrading nearly 15 schools in Nellore city with the support of donors and institutions. He also announced that the Abdul Kalam International School would be developed with the active involvement of his daughter, Sharani, and other contributors.

Wakf Board Chairman Abdul Aziz described the project as a landmark development, stating that land which had remained neglected for years would now serve a meaningful social purpose. MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy termed the initiative a “visionary step,” noting that minority welfare and inclusive education had always received special attention under Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

Several local leaders, Wakf representatives, and municipal officials attended the event. Following the ceremony, minority groups and residents organised a rally expressing gratitude to the Minister for his efforts toward uplifting poor students through education.