The Kalam Effect
In a serendipitous encounter, the esteemed President of India at the time, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, witnessed our remarkable efforts. Impressed by our work, he expressed a fervent desire to meet me. Without hesitation, I hastened to his presence, where he bestowed upon me his heartfelt appreciation, remarking, “Mr. Reddy, you have transformed a sullied facility into a haven of cleanliness.”
However, it was his subsequent inquiry that forever altered the course of my life. With unwavering concern, Kalam sir questioned, “In your own state, countless individuals suffer from the perils of fluoride contamination. Can your expertise and technology provide a solution to this pressing issue?” In response, I humbly conveyed the limitations of my modest enterprise, citing a lack of financial resources while possessing the necessary technology. To my astonishment, Kalam sir uttered words that resonated deeply within me, “Guidance shall be yours, and the funds shall follow.”
Thus began a profound journey of transformation under Kalam sir’s wise tutelage. Over the span of 14 years, he bestowed invaluable guidance upon me and introduced me to illustrious personalities. Inspired by his vision, I swiftly ventured to Nalgonda, where I initiated a groundbreaking water plant that eradicated fluoride from its precious resource. The resounding success of this endeavor captured the attention of the media, attracting numerous NGOs seeking assistance. Collaborating with these organizations, I have since established a staggering 16,500 water plants across our nation, providing solace and salvation to countless communities.