Our History

The Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh has a long history of drought which has severely impacted the people of the region, mainly farmers with small landholdings. Limited employment opportunities in the rural areas force the able bodied to migrate to towns and cities in search of livelihoods. In this struggle disabled children and aged women become liabilities. Sometimes they are dispossessed and land up as beggars on the streets.

It was this disturbing environment that determined the destiny of two dedicated social workers Ms. P. Padmaja (Post Graduate in Psychology and Special Education) and Mr. M. Uday Mohan Reddy.

Stricken by the sad condition of differently abled children and destitute women, they embarked on a tough mission, of bringing learning, laughter, love and dignity into helpless lives.

Armed with courage and determination, Ms P Padmaja and Mr Uday Mohan Reddy took a pledge to devote their time and meager resources in the service of children in need of special care. Supported in this endeavour by philanthropist Mr. T. N. Raghunath Reddy and some other individuals, they registered Velugu Service Society on July 7, 1997 at Madanapalle town, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India. “VELUGU” a Telugu word means “LIGHT” in English.
There was not much money available, no great financial support, but nevertheless Velugu school took off, in small rented premises: 15 children with varying developmental disabilities were ‘enrolled’, under the care of a few committed staff.

Scores of teething problems followed, but dogged commitment to the cause helped the founders handle each crisis. As the word spread about the school, more families decided to entrust their children to the school’s care – children with cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, deafness, autism…Before long, local philanthropists and service minded citizens began to come to the school to offer help, in cash or kind. Every little bit was desperately welcome.

2000: New Beginnings

With the support of the benevolent Late T.N. Raghunatha Reddy, Velugu’s school was granted a new and improved premises by the renowned Annie Besant Trust, Adayar, Chennai. This pivotal development allowed the organization to better accommodate and serve the growing number of children with disabilities.

2002: Expanding Services

Velugu began offering additional support services for the families of differently-abled children, including counseling and community outreach programs, to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

2004: Introduction of Vocational Training

Recognizing the need for skill development, Velugu introduced vocational training programs for differently-abled children, enabling them to gain practical skills and improve their employability.

2006: Community Awareness Programs

Velugu initiated community awareness programs to educate the public on the rights and needs of children with disabilities. This included workshops, seminars, and public events.

2008: Infrastructure Expansion

To accommodate the increasing number of students, Velugu expanded its facilities, adding new classrooms and therapy rooms, thereby enhancing its capacity to provide quality education and support.

2009: Establishment of Old Age Home

Velugu responded to a pressing social need by establishing an old age home for destitute women within its premises, providing a safe and caring environment for another vulnerable segment of society.

2010: A New Chapter of Support

Through the intervention of Mr. Jaybharath Reddy, Velugu received land granted by the Government, and funds were raised for constructing two well-planned buildings, one for the Home and another for the School, significantly enhancing its infrastructure.

2012: Launch of Special Education Programs

Velugu launched specialized education programs tailored to the needs of children with severe disabilities, employing a team of special educators and therapists to provide individualized support.

2014: Advocacy and Outreach

Velugu increased its advocacy efforts, partnering with various organizations to promote the rights of people with disabilities at the local and national levels.

2015: Overcoming Challenges

Despite financial struggles, Velugu continued to provide quality care and education, welcoming more differently-abled children and elderly women as resources allowed, demonstrating unwavering commitment to its mission.

2016: Community-Based Rehabilitation

Velugu expanded its services to include community-based rehabilitation programs, reaching out to rural areas to support children and elderly women who could not access the main facility.

2018: Enhanced Educational Facilities

Velugu further improved its educational facilities by introducing new learning aids, digital classrooms, and updated therapy equipment, aiming to provide the best possible learning environment.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Response

During the pandemic, Velugu took a pivotal role in providing basic necessities, including masks, sanitary items, and medical kits, to the community, demonstrating its commitment to serving those in need even in challenging times.

2022: Strengthening Skill Development

Velugu expanded its vocational training programs, introducing new skill development courses to empower differently-abled children with the ability to earn a livelihood and gain independence.

2024: Inauguration of GHARAUNDA Block

Velugu constructed a new block named GHARAUNDA for adult children with disabilities, providing specialized skill training, free food, and shelter. This initiative reflects Velugu’s ongoing commitment to the holistic development and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

This timeline highlights Velugu’s continuous growth and dedication to serving both children with disabilities and elderly women, adapting and expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of the community.