"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
26 Jul 2023
A 13-year-old boy from Visakhapatnam, Dheeraj Dontamsetty, has taken on a mission to teach underprivileged children the proper pronunciation and rhythmic nuances of India's national song Vande Mataram and national anthem Jana Gana Mana. Dheeraj, who is a passionate singer, began his journey after observing fellow youngsters struggling with the national anthem due to lack of proper teaching. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to impart the skills he possesses and help these children express their patriotism confidently.
Dheeraj's music talent has been combined with his passion for birds and the environment. He noticed a decline in the bird population and a concerning lack of attention given to their basic needs of water and food. In response, wherever he goes to teach Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana, he makes it a point to provide seeds and earthen pots to the children and local people, ensuring that the birds get access to nourishment and hydration.
His remarkable motivational campaign stands out due to his personal financial contribution. He generously utilises his own funds to conduct these campaigns and procure materials to distribute them to the public.
Dheeraj's parents instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and the community from a young age. These experiences shaped his outlook on life, and he made it his mission to care for the saplings he planted, finding joy in watching them grow into healthy trees. Inspired by his own experiences, Dheeraj began to motivate and encourage those around him to adopt the practice of planting a sapling on their special occasions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a greener environment.