Kasparaju

Down in Giri Nagar in the Porumamilla area of Kadapa, there’s a small place called Kasparaju. It’s not a huge institution with hundreds of staff members. It’s more of a local fixture that people in this part of the district know about. The building is simple, painted in a way that’s meant to stay clean but has faded a bit over the seasons. We have a few rooms where the work happens, and a small area out front where people can park their cycles. It’s often very hot in Kadapa, so we spend a lot of time making sure there’s enough drinking water in the pots for everyone. The windows are usually kept wide open to catch whatever breeze comes through Giri Nagar. We don’t have fancy signs or a big marketing budget. Most of our students come from the families living right here in Porumamilla. You’ll often see the parents walking over to talk to us about how their kids are doing. It’s a very informal atmosphere, and we like it that way. We don't use much technology; it’s mostly just books, paper, and talking. The gate has a bit of a squeak when you open it, and the walls could probably use a fresh coat of paint, but it’s a solid place. We just focus on the daily tasks and make sure the students are getting what they need without any extra fuss or ceremony.