Palaka Balapam: Bridging borders through Telugu education | Fusion - WeRIndia

Amid the Covid-19-induced lockdown in 2020, Saritha Kaveti, a 37-year-old Telugu teacher from Hyderabad, found herself unemployed.

Seizing an opportunity, she founded the Palaka Balapam Online Telugu School on April 20, 2020.

Named after the traditional starting point of education in India, Palaka Balapam aimed to fill the void for NRI students eager to connect with their Telugu roots.

Saritha quickly adapted to the online education landscape, leveraging platforms like Google Meet and Zoom.

Within eight months, she built a clientele of 50 students, but that was just the beginning.

Word-of-mouth and innovative teaching methods propelled Palaka Balapam’s reach to over 2,500 students across 16 countries.

As physical classes resumed post-lockdown, student numbers dwindled, prompting Saritha to tackle the challenge head-on.

She assembled a dedicated team, combining technical expertise and teaching skills.

The introduction of engaging animation stories, unique lessons, and a customized syllabus brought acclaim to Palaka Balapam, reigniting interest in learning Telugu.

Operating round the clock, with classes spanning from 4 am to 11 pm IST, the school accommodates students across various time zones.

Saritha emphasizes a flexible curriculum catering to different age groups and language proficiency levels.

Classes are open to students as young as five and as old as 18, addressing the challenges faced by parents and ensuring scheduling flexibility.

The school’s fee structure is adaptable, considering the financial status of the students.

Saritha’s vision is to teach Telugu to every child, and she proudly employs four women, supporting four households in the process.

Palaka Balapam goes beyond language education; it’s about bridging cultural gaps and fostering connections that transcend borders.

Saritha Kaveti’s initiative stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural heritage.

As Palaka Balapam continues to thrive, it exemplifies the power of education in uniting people globally, one Telugu lesson at a time.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/486616