KHAMMAM (Our Special Correspondent) : For those who are deeply disappointed by political turncoats and vote buyers of Khammam, a multi-faceted Vinod Rao Tandra (VIRAT) is indeed a great relief. An expert in organic farming, a social worker, a trained pilot, a prize-winning golfer, and a successful businessman, Vinod Rao is determined to ensure the overall development of the hitherto neglected Khammam. He hails from Timmampet village in Ashwaraopet mandal and a strong contend for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Khammam Lok Sabha seat in the coming elections.
He toured every nook and corner of Khammam parliamentary constituency in a short period and decided to meet people and understand their problems. “BJP, under the leadership of Modi ji, can change the face of Khammam, which is hitherto neglected by other political parties. Given a chance, I wish to implement a development-oriented agenda besides effectively bringing the schemes launched by the Modi ji to the poor and downtrodden of Khammam,” Vinod Rao says.
His meeting with the Chattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Maharaja Kamal Chandra Banj Deo Kakatiya during their visit to Bhadrachalam on February 25, 2024 remains a testament to Vinod Rao’s high-level connections. “Having worked in the USA and visited various countries, Vinod Rao ji developed great connections across the world. He is capable of making use of his connections for the development of Khammam,” one of his close associates, who studied with him Intermediate at Palvoncha, said.
Riding on the crest of Modi’s charisma and the public mood after the consecration of Bala Ram in Ayodhya, the local BJP leaders and cadres are rallying behind him. “We see an able leader in Vinod Rao garu. He made an impact in the minds of people of Khammam district with his pro-active engagement. Certainly, he has brought new energy into the Khammam BJP,” a leader said recalling his association with Sangh Parivar over a decade. Vinod Rao, an MBA from Osmania University, resigned from an honorary position he was holding in a central government organization before joining the BJP. Vinod Rao has accomplished many highs, especially on the societal front with his quest to empower the marginalised communities.
The champion of self-reliance, he is passionate about Ekalavya Foundation, which is touching the lives of people in 24 districts. As its Secretary from 2015 to 2021, he transformed segments like education, health and agriculture while tribal communities in Adilabad have become self-reliant.Sendriya Mitra is another assignment that turned Vinod Rao into an expert in organic farming. Keen on bringing around 50,000 acres under organic farming in the next three years, Sendriya Mitra is empowering 15,000 farmers and 400 villages with sustainable practices. As the nationally acclaimed Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)’s chairman since 2017 till recently, Vinod Rao has been promoting organic farming with myriad initiatives.
Medak district farmers are reporting increased productivity and higher earnings. His impactful initiatives have fostered water conservation and Shramdhan; provided platforms to farmers by way of clubs, cooperatives and federations; conceptualising ‘Akshaya Vidya’ for urban slum children and ‘Vidya Vahini’ for rural communities; promoting health through kitchen gardens, better sanitation and free health camps; educating masses about their legal rights, RTI and land records and showing career paths and training the aspirants. He resigned to KVK before joining BJP in an attempt to completely divert his energies to Khammam.
Apart from being the managing partner of Viya Ventures, Vinod Rao’s business acumenis the guiding force for NXT Bot Technologies and Airbotix Technologies. He is presently a member of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. He has served as a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). For one wearing many hats with equal dexterity, Vinod Rao remains the torch-bearer of positive change and a role-model for the younger generations.
“I have a grand plan for Khammam farmers, youngsters, women, workers and adivasis. I dedicate myself to the development of Khammam. This time, Khammam shouldn’t miss Modi’s bus. We request voters to vote for BJP because it is tantamount to voting for the country’s development,” Vinod Rao said.
