Diverse Service Initiatives – The Remarkable Journey of Lion Vijay Kumar

While it’s acknowledged that poverty in India cannot be entirely eliminated, numerous charitable organizations are dedicated to the idea that their assistance can alleviate the plight of the less fortunate, at least to some extent. Among these, the Lions Club stands out as a shining example. Originating around 1917 as a regional initiative, it gradually expanded its influence, much like a nurturing tree, offering a helping hand to countless underprivileged individuals.
 
Nevertheless, it’s the passion and drive of certain individuals that have propelled these Lions Club programs, transforming them into a guiding light for many, instilling a sense of belonging among people. One such transformational figure is Mr. Arikapudi Vijay Kumar. Despite holding a computer science degree, he willingly left his job to dedicate himself to the cause of providing livelihoods for the less fortunate. He embarked on numerous service programs with the aim of infusing purpose into the lives of many. Transforming into a contractor, he assumed the role of President within the Lions Club in Jadcherla, which enabled him to reach out to these communities.
Upon relocating to Hyderabad, he assumed significant positions within the Lions Club, including District Governor and Vice President. Through these roles, he orchestrated various initiatives such as blood donation drives, eye donation campaigns, and family planning operations. Moreover, the club organized free medical camps and open-heart surgeries for those afflicted by heart diseases. Finally, in a noble gesture, the hospital erected in honor of his parents, Nancharamma and Purnachandra Rao, in Rajpur village, was handed over to the government for the benefit of the underprivileged.
 
Vijay Kumar consistently leads the way in helping others, viewing every program as a social movement. He highlighted the unique character of the training center constructed at Niloufar, worth 35 lakh rupees, specifically for individuals with mental challenges. Niloufar stands as the sole facility in Hyderabad offering training for the mentally challenged. Recognizing that this approach might not benefit a larger demographic, he took the initiative to establish this substantial center. The concept was simple: if trainers, educated here, were assigned cases involving five to ten children each, they could return to their respective villages, not only training the children but also equipping them with the skills to become self-sufficient.
 
When land was sought for this purpose, the district collector stipulated that it would only be allocated if 35 schools were constructed under Navodaya. Undeterred by the challenge, he persevered, successfully building those schools to establish the training center. Subsequently, when the collector allocated the land, a four-story training center was erected. Vijayakumar made it clear that he envisions many more programs in the future. Notably, in celebration of the 60th Independence Day, numerous blood donation camps were organized, as per tradition.”