Police Officer with a heart of Gold - Giridhar Ravula, Asst. Director in RBVRR Telangana State Police Academy

In a geographically large country like India with a massive population, maintaining law and order is a monumental task. We have often heard stories of bravery shown by Indian Police force and they hold a position of respect due to  immense sacrifices made by them.

Mr. Giridhar Ravula, an alumnus of Sri Saraswathi Shishu Mandir, Karimnagar, Telangana is not only a police personnel but also a social worker. Recently he shared his story through an interview, the extract of which is given below.

Interviewer: Can you give a brief outline of your academic journey? 

Mr.Giridhar Ravula: I am an alumnus of Vidya Bharati school Sri Saraswathi Shishu Mandir, Karimnagar, Telangana. I  also hold MSW, M.A(Telugu) and BCJ degrees.

Interviewer: Kindly tell us something about your professional journey.

Mr.Giridhar Ravula: As I have a degree in Social Service, after completion of my studies and before joining the police force, I worked in the field of Rural Development and Health across all districts of Andhra Pradesh. As a social worker, I worked in slums of Hyderabad, as well as in Osmania, Gandhi and Chest Hospitals.

I appeared for Group 1 exams and was selected as Deputy Superintendent of Jails. My initial posting was in Warangal Central Jail from 2007 to 2009. Later In 2010 I was appointed District Superintendent of Police, where I worked as SDPO/DSP in Gurajala and Bhainsa subdivisions.  I was also an ACP of Sultan Bazar and Gajwel Divisions. After gaining promotion, I became Additional SP/OSD in Mahabubabad District. Presently, I am working as Assistant Director in RBVRR Telangana State Police Academy.

Interviewer: What was the reason behind the choice of your current profession?

Mr.Giridhar Ravula: Our school taught us the concept of  'Altruism’ and how it is our ‘dharma’ to serve others selflessly. I believe police can deliver maximum service to the society and thus it has become my choice of profession.

Interviewer: Tell about your social work?

Mr. Giridhar Ravula:  As I have already mentioned that our school taught us about the importance of social service, I always wanted to serve others. I am in the field of social service  since 1991 and a qualified Social Worker. I have worked in all social areas during my studies. I have also been associated with several renowned NGOs like Prajwala, PCI, SERP etc. 

I started a whatsapp group with 100 members from different professions in 2014, with the aim of helping the needy. Our group spent more than 20 lakh rupees in support of different NGOs. Based on our experiences, we started a registered trust named 'WE SHALL OVERCOME'  to work in the areas of education, health and environment. 

Through the trust we constructed several water bodies in deep forests of Gangaram and Gudur reserve forests of Mahabubabad district for the use of local wildlife in summer. Similar water tanks were constructed in Madapuram and Mahabubabad for Siberian Painted Storks.

Apart from wildlife we also helped reformed persons to rebuild their lives by making them self sufficient and independent. Till date our trust has supported several NGOs like BASS, Ashajyothi and Mother foundation. We have been able to raise funds upto Rs.22,00,000 to help those who are in need. For more details about our trust please do visit my Facebook Page "We Shall Overcome (India)"

Interviewer: What impact did Vidya Bharati have on your  life?

Mr. Giridhar Ravula: Vidya Bharati is the foundation of all my spiritual thoughts and my life as a result. I am into ‘Adwaitha’ which is the ultimate truth of Gynana. I have written several articles on the subject and  published in Sakshi Telugu Daily under the title ‘Tatwa Rekhalu.’ 

Interviewer: Do you have any message for Vidya Bharati students?

Mr. Giridhar Ravula: Vidya Bharati is an institution which helps us to live our lives in accordance to the  path of ‘Dharma’, which is essential for living a fulfilling life. All students should lead a life in accordance to the teachings of their school.

Interviewer: What influence did your family have on your life and career?

Mr. Giridhar Ravula: Sri Ravula Niranjana Chary is my father who served the state Government for more than 35 years and retired as Dy. Registrar in Co-operative Department. My father is my Guru. Smt. Kshema is my mother who has a great influence on my personality. R. Shashidhar, my elder brother who is working as Dy. Commissioner in Commercial Tax Department, helped me during all my examinations. Finally Aparna, my wife who is working as Member, State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights of Telangana State, supported me through all my life. 

I thank God for giving me everything in life and thank my parents for giving me this life. I am indebted to my family and my teachers.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks Mr. Giridhar Ravula for taking time out of his busy schedule and sharing his thoughts with the community.

If you have a similar inspirational story or message to share with the Vidya Bharati alumni community, kindly email us at info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will contact you.