Hyderabad Man Turns Compassion Into Action, Helping Thousands in Need
In a world where hunger and unemployment remain everyday challenges for millions, a man from Hyderabad is making a significant difference. Meet Ramu Dosapati, a 46-year-old HR professional whose mission to empower the underprivileged has been transforming lives for over four years. His story is one of selflessness, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to creating a sustainable future for those in need.
Ramu’s journey began in 2020, during the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a simple act of kindness by his neighbor, Lakshmamma, that sparked his mission. Lakshmamma, the wife of a local watchman, earned a modest salary of just Rs 600. Yet, she chose to spend half her earnings to feed migrant workers stranded in their colony. This selfless act moved Ramu deeply and inspired him to go beyond immediate relief efforts to help people become self-sustaining.
His first initiative, the Rice ATM, was born out of this inspiration. Located in LB Nagar, Hyderabad, the Rice ATM is a humble but impactful system that operates 24/7 to provide free rice and daily essentials to those in need. Unlike high-tech machines in other countries, this setup relies on trust—no identification is required, only a genuine need for food and dignity.
“I wanted to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry,” Ramu says, explaining the core mission of the Rice ATM. “Feeding people is important, but I also wanted to help them stand on their own feet.” Since its inception, the Rice ATM has served over 1 lakh families, becoming a lifeline for countless underserved individuals in the community.
But Ramu didn’t stop at addressing hunger. He understood that poverty needed a deeper solution, which led him to launch Prisha, a project focused on creating sustainable livelihoods. Inspired by the saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” Ramu started organizing weekend workshops to help women find jobs.
Through these workshops, Ramu has reached over 4,000 women, not just in Telangana but also in Odisha, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. He doesn’t just stop at job placements—he provides essential tools like sewing machines, push carts, and tea stall equipment to help people start small businesses. Additionally, he offers skill training in tailoring and beautician services, empowering individuals to earn a living with dignity. Ramu also stays connected with beneficiaries to ensure their ventures are progressing.
Running these initiatives has not been easy. To fund the Rice ATM and Prisha, Ramu has made significant personal sacrifices. He used his life savings, mortgaged his wife’s gold, and even sold a 2-acre ancestral plot in Nalgonda. Despite these challenges, support from volunteers and donors has helped keep his efforts going.
A key supporter of Ramu’s mission is his friend, Yasaswini Jonnalagadda, who has played an instrumental role in expanding these programs. Together, they have inspired others to join the cause, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community.
Looking to the future, Ramu plans to launch a new initiative called Project Big Bridge. This program, set to begin after Sankranti, aims to connect unemployed youth with job opportunities. “I’ve received numerous inquiries about jobs,” Ramu shares. “With Project Big Bridge, we aim to provide a structured platform for unemployed youth to find meaningful work.”
Ramu Dosapati’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and determination. Through his efforts, he has not only fed thousands but also empowered them to lead better, self-sufficient lives, proving that one person’s kindness can create a wave of change.
