Over 300 NRIs, including women, pledge to adopt poor families under Andhra Pradesh’s poverty alleviation scheme
The P4 initiative launched by the Andhra Pradesh government to fight poverty has gained traction among the NRI community in Saudi Arabia. During an event organized by the Saudi Arabia Telugu Association (SATA) to mark Telugu Bhasha Dinotsavam, over 300 NRIs pledged to adopt poor families from their respective assembly constituencies. Interestingly, more than 30% of these volunteers were women, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Saudi Arabia, one of the largest economies in the Middle East, houses a significant Telugu-speaking diaspora from Andhra Pradesh. While the USA previously led in contributions to the initiative, fresh registrations have slowed due to visa restrictions and tariffs under Donald Trump’s policies. In contrast, Gulf countries have seen rising participation, particularly among women keen to support education and mentor poor families in India.
Saudi-based Telugu NRIs show strong interest in mentoring and adopting families under P4
Jani Basha Shaik, a native of Macharla in Palnadu district and community leader in Saudi Arabia, confirmed that this was the first awareness programme for P4 held in Gulf nations. He said more than 300 NRIs signed up as Margadarshi (mentors) to help disadvantaged households.
Kondapalli Srinivas, Andhra Pradesh’s minister for NRI affairs and MSMEs, addressed the gathering virtually and encouraged NRIs to contribute by adopting poor families. He also highlighted plans to introduce an NRI welfare policy similar to those in Punjab and Kerala.
Cherukuri Kutumba Rao, vice-chairman of the P4 foundation, said it was encouraging to see many women step forward to support education and community welfare through P4. Participants from Saudi Arabia expressed their wish to personally select poor families from their native places to ensure accountability and transparency.
Akshita Chennupati of the Telugu Desam wing in Saudi Arabia noted that Telugu women were particularly moved by the programme’s vision, resonating strongly with its mission.
TDP leaders including Ravi Radhakrishna, Khalid Saifullah, Chennupati Rajashekhar, Satti Babu, Ananta Srinivas Dadi, and Shilpa Gaddam also joined the event.
