“I still remember the first case we handled after Pratyusha Support was formed. Baby Sana went through a liver transplantation, for which we had raised 15 lakh rupees. Her parents didn’t have any backing. It was a love marriage and their families didn’t support them. The baby passed away two days after the surgery. I remember breaking the news to Sam (Samantha Akkineni) while she was shooting for Rabhasa movie. It was Sam’s birthday and that was probably the most upset she has ever been. She broke down on the set. It was tough for all of us and we still consider Baby Sana the most special one. Since that day, we have saved 547 lives and counting. We’re so proud to say that all of them have been solely for welfare purposes with funds being raised from public and a major portion from Sam herself. It’s her encouragement and support that has kept us strong. When it’s a good deed, Sam always has a thumbs up and best wishes. But today, analyse the cases we take up. When there are things like high-risk cancers or transplantation, our co-founder Padmasree Dr. Manjula Anagani and her team do a thorough study before we accept the cases. And that’s also the most difficult part — to say no. Sometimes, there are really young children and it’s so painful to not be able to help them. But we’re dealing with public contributions, and we have to be wise and responsible about the usage of the funds. Also, I think that sets us apart from many other NGOs who make money in the name of welfare. I have worked with a couple of them and it’s appalling how they do it and have no sign of regret. We’re an all-women team and we’re proud of every work we do. All of us are here voluntarily and have gained much happiness all through.We do good work and we hope to bring a smile on every child’s face by giving them a happy life. I think the world needs more of this. Though this takes away a lot of my heart in a day, I try and do my bit for my family-run-orphanage, Happy Homes while managing my responsibilities at VHonk Digital Marketing run by my husband, Binesh Gaddam and also curating clothing for my new born baby, Studio Bustle.”

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