Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh – Anantapur is standing at a crossroads. The Rural Development Trust (RDT) – the organisation that has for over five decades transformed rural Andhra Pradesh and Telangana – is now facing a crippling blow. The non-renewal of its FCRA licence threatens to dismantle a movement that has empowered millions, built communities, and given voice to the voiceless.
Founded in 1969, RDT has become synonymous with service and transformation. Its work has touched over 4.5 lakh families across 3,906 villages, through a deeply integrated model of development encompassing healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, ecology, disability inclusion, and rural livelihoods.
The numbers tell a story of commitment and scale:
10,046,084 patients treated across its healthcare facilities
Three hospitals serving annually:
8.5 lakh outpatients
1,80,000 safe deliveries
4,900 HIV patients cared for
26 bone marrow transplants for thalassemia children
691 healthcare professionals and 37 DNB residents form the backbone of this life-saving infrastructure
In rural development:
90,000 houses built for the poor.5,000 water bodies constructed, replenishing groundwater and ensuring year-round access to water
50,000+ farmers benefited through advanced irrigation systems
1.75 crore trees planted, contributing to the ecological restoration of drought-prone Anantapur
12 lakh fruit-bearing plants distributed to support nutrition and income generation
In education and inclusion:
2,697 scholarships awarded for higher education since 2004, resulting in a 67% employment rate among beneficiaries
100% school enrolment and retention among tribal groups like the Chenchus
40,000+ bicycles distributed to improve attendance
National-level achievements, including a girl from Anantapur playing for the Indian women’s cricket team and Paralympic medalists emerging from its disability empowerment programs
Against this backdrop, Anil Kumar, founder of Discover Ananthapuram, issued a heartfelt WhatsApp message that has resonated across the state:
“No other NGO in India has changed the face of a backward region like RDT has. Their work during COVID alone saved over a thousand lives. They’ve turned Anantapur into a horticulture hub, an education hub, a women’s empowerment hub, and a healthcare hub. They’ve built homes, dug water bodies, empowered farmers, and restored ecological balance. They’ve created champions, healed the sick, and educated the forgotten.”
He added:
“RDT is not just an NGO – it’s a revolution. It is the heartbeat of Anantapur. For 55 years, it has given people hope, dignity, and opportunity. We owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Spain who made all this possible. But now, the responsibility is ours. We cannot let RDT’s light go out.”
As the future of RDT hangs by a thread, the message from the people is loud and clear:
