Youth Power: Devotion and Volunteerism Revitalize Dilapidated Temple in Gadekallu

 

Gadekallu Youth Volunteer to Clean Temple Grounds; Action Sends Strong Message to Endowments Department

True India Times october 01

The youth of Gadekallu village in the Uravakonda mandal have demonstrated the transformative power of collective action, undertaking a massive voluntary clean-up drive (Shramadanam) at the local village temple, which had fallen into ruin due to years of neglect.

Approximately 30 young men initiated the clean-up without waiting for official instruction, showcasing their deep sense of devotion and community responsibility. Using a JCB and tractors, they cleared accumulated waste and removed overgrown vegetation from the dilapidated temple towers and the surrounding premises. The team successfully restored a clean and peaceful environment for devotees within a few hours.

Questioning Institutional Neglect:

The youth’s initiative highlighted a painful irony: while the temple owns nearly 26 acres of agricultural land, it has been unable to conduct daily rituals (Deepa Dhoopa Naivedyam) due to the alleged neglect of the Endowments Department officials.

Yella Hari, one of the participants, stated that their action was not merely a clean-up but a protest against the systemic failure to maintain the temple’s assets. Hari added that the youth would not stop here; they plan to take further steps, including potentially forming a committee or exerting pressure on the authorities to ensure the full renovation of the ancient shrine.

The selfless service of the Gadekallu youth has been widely praised as a powerful example of how young people can drive social and cultural change when organized.

The volunteer team included G. Anji, Jetti Krishna, K. Bhimesh, G. Gundo Rao, Jetti Raghu, N. Bhimesh, Giri Swami, V. Nagaraju, C. Bhima, Mahesh Swami, G. Sasi, Chinnarayudu, Talari Bhima, Maddikera, Ki Kista, K. Pawan, G. Ramesh, D. Afrudh Pakhrudin, Mekala Bhima, Mekala Veeresh, Shankarayya, Shiva Swami, Konka Shiva, Jetti Ravi, Kishore, C. Somashekhar, Malyam, Nagaraju, Vannur, and KV Bhimesh, among others.