In 2009, Kiran Chukkapalli embarked on a transformative journey across India, venturing into the scheduled tribe and scheduled caste areas. The odyssey led him through the villages of Jharkhand and Orrissa, where he encountered the stark reality of communities living without electricity in the Koraput district, bordering the scenic Araku valley of Andhra.
With an ambitious vision to extend his impact across two states and build a comprehensive case study, Kiran began his work in a humble hamlet on the lake beds of Orrissa, a village named Gemelput. The village's struggle for survival was palpable—no roads, no electricity, scarce drinking water, and a lack of essential facilities like schools and medical services. In the face of numerous challenges and the presence of extremists exacerbating developmental deficits, Team think Peace responded promptly.
For three years, Kiran devoted himself unwaveringly to gaining the trust of the tribes, soon as volunteers joined the endeavours, Think Peace collaborated with the communities to develop a project plan addressing their basic needs. Kiran, alongside a dedicated volunteers, took the initiative to adopt 55 villages initially, bringing light to homes that had never experienced such a basic amenity. This achievement marked a pivotal moment, significantly improving the residents' quality of life and laying the groundwork for broader social and economic interventions.
Guided by Kiran's effective leadership, Think Peace launched various rural and urban welfare programs. These initiatives ranged from tribal welfare and a groundbreaking clean light initiative to waste management, legal literacy, and the nationwide "Refugee Aid Project" for refugees, showcasing a remarkable journey of transformative impact and unwavering commitment to positive change.
Founder’s Message:
"Today we stand together united in the fight against poverty, poverty that is deep rooted in the mentalities of the tribal population in India. They not only suffer from lack of basic needs, but they also lack a morale that motivates them to work, enjoy and have the wonderful life they deserve. The tribes are special, they are the only group that have historically fought through adversities, preserved their culture and traditional knowledge, championed use of natural resources, respected the environment they live in and are in total sync with the nature. Their philosophies are intelligent, knowledgeable, self- reliant and self-sufficient. Yet, they are depressed, dejected and nurture a feeling of victimization and hopelessness. This is mental poverty and this has to go. We need to tell them that they are capable of living a life of pride and dignity. We need to drive resources in a way to enable them to live a good life. We need to build their confidence. Building the morale of our people is our foremost goal."