Vijay-Rashmika honour students in Telangana, offer scholarships to 180 rankholders

Actor Vijay Deverakonda returned to his roots with a purpose on Sunday as he visited Thummanpet village in Telangana's Achampet Mandal, accompanied by actor, wife Rashmika Mandanna, to honour high-performing government school students and launch a scholarship initiative aimed at supporting their education.

The event held special significance for Vijay, whose father was born and raised in Thummanpet. Sharing glimpses from the journey on social media, the actor described the occasion as an emotional one.

"We are on our way to Thummanpet. The little village where my father was born. In February, @iamRashmika and I had announced the beginning of a little dream of ours. To reward all the hardworking students of 9th and 10th grade from Achampet Mandal of Telangana. Here is a list of the 180 kids who made their parents proud #TheDeverakondaFoundation (sic)," he wrote.

The initiative, first announced in February, aims to recognise students from government schools who have excelled academically and provide them with additional support as they pursue higher studies.

Addressing students and their families at the event, Vijay said the



scholarships were only the beginning of a larger vision.

He said, "Giving you this small scholarship gift is very small. But I feel it is important for us. I want to be a part of your lives. Slowly, after my village, I want this move to happen across Telangana. This is my dream. I wanted to celebrate the discipline and focus behind it."

Residents welcomed the initiative, with many describing it as an encouraging step towards recognising talent in rural government schools and creating opportunities for students who may otherwise go unnoticed.

Rashmika also addressed the gathering and spoke about the significance of starting the programme in Thummanpet.

She said, "I will speak less today, but today we are starting something good through The Deverakonda Foundation. We decided that we would begin it from Achampet and Thummanpet, which is our father-in-law's village. Today, I am standing in front of you and talking to you as Rashmika Mandanna Deverakonda. I am very excited."

She congratulated the rank-holders present at the event and encouraged students to embrace both success and failure as part of their learning journey.