From Cricket with son to politics: Lokesh

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh turned an infrastructure inauguration at Chandrampalem Zilla Parishad High School into an engaging interaction with students, sharing personal experiences from his childhood, family life and entry into politics while outlining his vision for government education. Lokesh inaugurated modernization and infrastructure works worth over Rs 6.48 crore, undertaken with the support of Divi’s Laboratories under Project Chandra. The upgraded facilities include a cricket ground, volleyball and basketball courts, walking track, RO water plant, modern classrooms and other amenities.

During his interaction with students, Lokesh revealed his enduring passion for cricket. He said he plays for two to three hours every Sunday with his son Devansh, joking that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu does not give him enough free time for anything beyond that. He also joined students for volleyball and basketball after the inauguration. Asked about the transformation of Chandrampalem school, Lokesh recalled that during his earlier visits the campus was muddy after heavy rains. He said the complete makeover demonstrated the government’s objective of developing every government school on par with corporate institutions. Responding to a question on opportunities for women in sports, Lokesh said inadequate facilities and parental hesitation remain major barriers. He said the government was working on a special “She Play” initiative to encourage greater participation by girls.

His answers also offered glimpses into his personal journey. Recalling his school days, Lokesh said his mother was strict about academics and once caught him after he signed his own report card. He credited her discipline for shaping him. On entering politics, he recalled seeing thousands of people respectfully stand when Chandrababu arrived at a wedding in 2005, an experience that convinced him to enter public life.