Wings to her dreams: Ramoji Rao extends Rs 3 lakh aid to specially-abled badminton player

Padala Rupadevi, a specially-abled badminton player from Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, won the heart of Ramoji Rao, chairman of Ramoji Group of Companies, for her grit and determination. Despite being a specially-abled woman Rupa Devi won medals at the national level. Ramoji Rao, who came to know about her financial problems, provided Rs 3 lakhs to participate in the international competition in Thailand.

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh): In a noble gesture, Ramoji Group of Companies chairman Ramoji Rao on Friday extended financial support of Rs 3 lakhs to Padala Rupa Devi, a specially-abled badminton player. He provided aid to the para-badminton player, who won medals at the national level with perseverance despite losing the movement of her legs due to an unexpected accident.

Padala Rupa Devi from Santavuriti village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, who has been struggling with financial problems, has been preparing to participate in the international competition to be held in Thailand on May 9. Ramoji Rao, who came to know after reading the report about her condition in 'Eenadu Vasundhara' and after watching her story on 'ETV Yuva'. He immediately provided Rs 3 lakhs to the player, which is needed to go to Thailand. He wrote a letter offering blessings to Rupadevi, who is moving forward in the field of para-badminton with a strong will despite losing movement of her legs.

"Your story is an eye-opener for those who feel like they can't do anything. On the one hand, your ambition to continue your studies while excelling in the field of sports has filled me with new enthusiasm. I am providing Rs 3 lakhs to participate in the International Para-Badminton competitions to be held in Thailand. I am proud to lend a helping hand to a brave woman like you. If you show great talent in these international competitions and make the country proud, I will be among those who will be happy to see it," the letter reads.

Santavuriti villagers where Rupa hails from, thanked Ramoji Rao for providing financial support to Rupa Devi. "I am lucky that a renowned person like Ramoji Rao read the news and helped me. It feels great that my name has reached him. I will not betray his trust. I am confident that I would make the country and Ramoji Rao proud, who has helped me," Rupa Devi told 'ETV Bharat. Her mother Yashoda responded by saying that she will be indebted to Ramoji Rao lifelong for his gesture.