Padala Charitable Trust (PCT)
Educational Scholarships for Poor & Community  Development

I am only one, BUT still I am one
I cannot do Everything, BUT still I can do something
and Because I cannot do Everything
I will not refuse to do the
                   Something that I can do..............................
                         - Edward Everett Hale

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Motivation behind PCT's establishment

The first thing that prompted me to think about establishing a Trust is the very fact that I came from a poor family and was in a desperate need for help from a Trust like this to pursue my education. My father was a small time tailor and my parents were neither highly educated nor had financial resources to support my educational expenses. Though I was doing very well in my studies, I was never sure that I could continue for higher studies. I spent many sleepless nights just thinking about my education. I never wanted to discontinue my studies just for the simple reason that I did not have enough money.

I was always looking for someone who would help me continue my higher studies and was lucky to get help from a few generous people in my village, as well as from NSF INDIA (North South Foundation – www.northsouth.org). NSF really changed my life and actually encouraged me to think positively by helping financially through all four years of my B. Tech program. My state ranks in SSC, Intermediate and my top scoring in EAMCET did not really mean anything to anyone except to NSF. That was when I firmly decided to do something for people like myself.

Lately, I had a privilege to address a great number of parents and children at the 14^th NSF ANNUAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS, Evanston, IL (USA). My talk included the role that NSF played in my life and how it helped me develop a 'Giving Attitude' in myself and thus started to "PAY IT FORWARD".

My visits to other NGOs

The best way to learn things from anyone anywhere is to spare some time and be there physically. Here are couple of visits which were part of my initial journey towards learning things about helping our villages. I am sure I have to make many more such visits to keep myself constantly motivated and continue my efforts towards achieving PCT goals.

What would it take to change the world?

No, it just takes YOU!

 As such, we do not have a list of things under this section as many NGOs usually do. We know for sure that there are people who are just waiting to be helped like:

 - A brilliant kid from a Rikshaw-Puller family, who got district first rank in SSC (X Std) and will be forced to work as a daily labor if no one recognizes his academic excellence and sponsor his college education. 

- A top ranked girl in MCA Entrance Exam whose parents are no more, takes care of her educational expenses by offering evening tuitions to the school children in her village. If she doesn't get timely financial help from someone, she would have to give up her wonderful career and might end up seeing herself as a small time village teacher.

- A genius and hardworking student with a 100+ rank in the Medical Entrance Examination, desperately looking for a generous person to sponsor his tuition fee for next couple of years. If no help received, he needs to change his career plans and settle as a small time kirana shop owner.

These are just a very few of the situations that I personally came across and we are fortunate enough to sponsor some of such well deserved candidates.

Our goal is to help as many needy people as possible and create a positive and 'giving' attitude in them so that each one of them can take care of at least one other helpless person (PAYING IT FORWARD). If we can create such a chain reaction of philanthropy, it will be the time to say PCT has achieved it's goal. Until then, we strive hard and put as much effort as possible.

Can you help us reach more of these brilliant students? LET US KNOW

 Founder & Chairman - Visits INDIA for 1-2 months in a  year to participate in PCT activities, major funding resource since PCT's inception in 2002.

 Organizing Secretary -  Looks after most of the work for PCT with the help of other members.

 Auditor & Treasurer - Takes care of all accounting, keeping records and filing taxes for PCT.

In addition to these people, there are few school teachers working in various parts of East Godavari District who also contribute their time every year by helping us in scrutinizing the candidates, verify the genuineness of each application that PCT receives. They also try to increase the awareness of PCT in the schools and colleges so that the deserving students know whom to contact.

Though none of the staff at PCT get paid for their time and services, It is the joy of giving that each one of us get at the end of the day. We feel a sense of accomplishment in making a difference.

We definitely and desperately need some volunteers in INDIA to help us plan and execute our future projects we have under our Educational Scholarship Program and Community Development Program.

Please read our SUCCESS STORIES

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"NEVER doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."                                           - Margaret Mead

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