ONGOLE: Chintaguntla Geethika (16), Yesupogu Navadeep (15) and Golla Santhosh (17), all students from poor family backgrounds, have published their own poetry and short stories.
Their achievements show that talent can flourish despite hardship and that creativity can thrive even in disadvantaged circumstances.
Together, Geethika, Santhosh and Navadeep have become role models for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, proving that creativity can overcome obstacles.
The success of Yesupogu Navadeep (L), Chintaguntla Geethika (C) and Golla Santhosh has sparked a literary movement in Kondapi, inspiring juniors to dream big and write their own stories.
The three studied at Jallapalem Government UP School in Kondapi mandal, where biology teacher and writer Manchikanti Venkateswara Reddy encouraged reading by taking students regularly to the library.
His mentorship sparked a wave of creativity, with nearly 10 juniors now budding writers. Geethika, daughter of daily labourers Chintakuntla Dayanandam and Yemelamma, compiled Vedana, a collection of Telugu poems and short stories published by Maro Grandhalaya Udyamam.
Her writings focus on nature protection and social responsibility. The state government has permitted Vedana to be kept in all school libraries.
Now an Intermediate first‑year student at Kondapi BR Ambedkar Gurukulam hostel, she aims for the civil services. “I am fortunate that Manchikanti sir became my guru.
He encouraged me to read extensively and continue writing. With his support, I brought out Vedana. Though my writing stalled after Class 10, I will restart,” she told TNIE. Hostel officer V. Jyothi said Geethika will be encouraged to pursue her talent alongside academics.
Santhosh, son of mason G. Srinubabu and homemaker Swapan, published Drishyam while in Class 7. Now in his second year of Intermediate at Ongole IIIT, he credits his teacher for sharpening his Telugu skills.
“Manchikanti sir taught me the importance of reading and encouraged me to write poems and stories. I will continue writing and settle in a high position in life,” he said. His early work drew attention for its clarity and imagination, and he remains determined to balance academics with creative pursuits.
Navadeep, son of construction worker Yesupogu Chinna Abraham and homemaker Mariyamma, compiled Naa Prayanam in Class 8. Now a Class 10 student at Kondapi Santhi Niketan School, he remains passionate about Telugu literature.
“When I write with deep feeling, it gives me relief from academic stress. Though my focus is now on studies, I will continue once I am free of this pressure,” he said. His narrative style, shaped by extensive reading.
Together, Geethika, Santhosh and Navadeep have become role models for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, proving that creativity can overcome obstacles. Their success has sparked a literary movement in Kondapi, inspiring juniors to dream big and write their own stories.
The trio’s journey underscores the power of mentorship and the resilience of young talent, offering hope to many who believe poverty is a barrier to achievement.
