Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh – Anantapur stands at a critical juncture. The Rural Development Trust (RDT) – the organisation that has, for over five decades, shaped the social and developmental fabric of rural Andhra Pradesh and Telangana – is now in peril. The non-renewal of its FCRA licence threatens to dismantle a legacy of service that has empowered millions, built communities, and restored hope.
Founded in 1969, RDT has been the heartbeat of progress in the region. With initiatives spanning healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, ecology, disability inclusion, and rural livelihoods, it has directly impacted over 4.5 lakh families across 3,906 villages.
A Glimpse of the Impact:
Healthcare
10,046,084 patients treated
8.5 lakh outpatients served annually
1,80,000 safe deliveries
4,900 HIV patients under care
26 bone marrow transplants for children with thalassemia
691 healthcare professionals and 37 DNB residents
Rural Development
90,000 houses built for the underserved
5,000 water bodies rejuvenated
50,000+ farmers supported with irrigation systems
1.75 crore trees planted
12 lakh fruit-bearing plants distributed
Education & Inclusion
2,697 scholarships since 2004
67% graduate employment rate
100% enrolment in tribal communities like the Chenchus
40,000+ bicycles distributed to students
National-level representation in cricket and Paralympics from RDT programs
Amid this looming crisis, Anil Kumar, founder of Discover Ananthapuram, released a heartfelt WhatsApp message that has rippled across the state:
> “No other NGO has redefined a backward district like RDT. During COVID, their hospitals alone saved thousands. They’ve built more than structures—they’ve rebuilt lives. They’ve turned Anantapur into a hub of dignity, opportunity, and growth.”
He added:
> “RDT is the soul of Ananthapuram. For 55 years, it has been the silent force behind every smile, every opportunity, every life saved. The people of Anantapur are forever indebted to the people of Spain whose support made this possible. Today, it’s our duty to keep that soul alive. We cannot let this legacy fade.”
As uncertainty looms, one message is echoing louder than ever:
#SaveRDT – Because Ananthapuram’s Future Depends on It
