How Lives Changed

For centuries together, streets in Mandasa village, Srikakulam District in Andhra Pradesh were named after the caste system. For example,

• Chakali Veedhi (Washermen’s street)
• Pondari Veedhi ( Vegetable Vendor’s Street)
• Brahmana Veedhi (Priest’s street) etc.

Motivated by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, people in Mandasa started believing in the spirit of unity. They voluntarily renamed their streets after 24 names of the Lord, namely

• Kesava Veedhi (Kesava Street)
• Madhava Veedhi (Madhava Street)
• Narayana Veedhi (Narayana Street) etc..

There are 2,500 houses in Mandasa. Sri Swamiji directed them to contribute at Rs.50 a month. Thus about Rs.1,50,000 is collected monthly.

• This amount is used for development of the village by adopting a street, installing street lights and laying roads.
• They are also planning to paint all the temples including those of Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Grama devathas’ temples.

Recently Sri Swamiji gave a call that all the villagers should contribute 3 hours a week and volunteer in building the village.