One-time beggar is now a bureaucrat

New Delhi: Meegada Lakshmi Narsimhulu's life sounds like a typical rags to riches story.

Narsimhulu, a resident of Rajam in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram District was a beggar at a point, but now he works as a social welfare officer with the State Government.

Hailing from Jangaolu, a community whose main occupation is begging, Narasimhulu spent his childhood in utter poverty.

His father use to stitch old clothes to make bontas (bedding quilts) to support the family.

However, Narasimhulu attended school and even studied in college after the death of his father.

But unfortunately, when the family started facing financial constrains, he discontinued his studies and reverted to begging only finance his sister and brother's marriages.

But luck was on his side and a samaritan businessman named Vishal Gupta took pity on Narasimhulu and recommended him to undergo teacher-training course.

So Narasimhulu would study during the day and beg at night to complete his education.

He then got a job as hostel warden in the Department of Social Welfare department under category BC 'A'.

"After having endured many difficulties, I have reached this stage. I never thought that I will study so much" news agency ANI quoted Narasimhulu as saying.

Although the job assured him social security and a higher status in society, Narasimhulu married a beggar woman without any dowry.

He also ensured that his sister was married off well and his brother qualified to become a naval officer.

Today, promoted as Assistant Social Welfare Officer and overseeing 19 hostels, Narasimulu is satisfied.

"We were into the profession of begging. If my brother would not have been there, then I would not have reached here. I am working with the Indian Navy" ANI quoted his brother M China Babu as saying.

Narasimulu spends more time with poor people in his hostels, working for their welfare. He takes classes in the hostels and inspires children through his story.

"He is a model for the society, who not only married a beggar, but wants his brother to marry a poor girl" ANI quoted General Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes Welfare Officer's Association, S Gowri Prasad, as saying.

Narasimhulu has received numerous rewards, from the Government, social organisations and NGOs in recognition to his resolve to make a mark.