The Inspiring Journey of Tekam Parasuram and a Farmer’s Fight for Rights
In 2021, Tekam Devu rao, a humble farmer from Kelam guda village, Kerimeri Mandal, Kumaram bheem Asifabad district, Telangana, received a pair of oxen under the government scheme aimed at supporting tribal farmers. His family, entirely dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
However, tragedy struck on May 4, 2024, when one of the oxen died of snake bite. After the incident, the Mandal Revenue Officer conducted a panchanama, a mandatory document to claim compensation. With this proof, Tekam Devu rao approached the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) on May 12, 2024, and submitted his application seeking compensation. Despite his repeated visits to the ITDA office, Tekam Devu rao received no response. Days turned into months and his application was buried in official negligence.
At this crucial juncture, Mr. Tekam Parasuram, a social worker from the same region and a man of immense dedication, stepped in. Along with his friend Mr. Santhosh, he took up Tekam Devu rao’s case and visited the ITDA office. The officials, however, remained unresponsive. Undeterred, Mr. Parasuram filed a Right to Information (RTI) request on January 8, 2025, seeking an update on the compensation application. Even then, the officials refused to cooperate.
Realizing the extent of negligence, Mr. Parasuram told the officials that he would sit on peaceful dharna until jusitice is given. His bold stand shook the officials. The officials immediately processed the petition and forwarded the details to the accounts section for verification.
On this moment of triumph, Mr. Parasuram reflected:
“Our petition wasn’t being processed for so many days and no one was paying attention. I gave them an ultimatum – I gave them one hour to submit my petition to the accounts section, or else I’d sit on a dharna and inform the media. Immediately, they started processing it. After verifying it twice, we returned home with a sense of victory.”
Thanks to his relentless efforts, Tekam Devu rao finally received a compensation amount of Rs 25,000.
This story is more than just a win for one farmer—it’s a testament to the power of courageous individuals who challenge injustice. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Parasuram said, “This incident made me believe that the seed of social justice has been planted in me. I now know how difficult it is to find justice in society. My goal is to help at least a hundred people in my lifetime.”
Trained by the Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bengaluru, Mr. Parasuram has emerged as a torchbearer of grassroots activism. His courage, resilience, and deep commitment to justice continue to inspire many across Telangana.
As a facilitator, I feel proud watching Teakam Parasuram and Santosh—both from tribal communities and trained through our Basic Modules 1 to 4—fearlessly confront injustice. I see their courage and skills compelling officials to act and deliver compensation to Tekam Devu Rao. I feel inspired knowing our training is creating real changemakers who stand up for their communities. Their success strengthens my belief that grassroots empowerment truly works, and I feel motivated to continue guiding more youth from tribal community to become voices of justice and hope.
Adv. Karuna Rao
Facilitator, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana
Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit.