Pawan, Mahesh, SDT: Telugu stars for athletes

Superstar Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Sai Dharam Tej.  Never before have needy sportspersons got a helping hand from a few Tollywood film stars the way they are getting these days. 

As we reported yesterday, Mahesh Babu is into financing an NGO engaged in conducting free health camps in slum areas.  And he has decided to sponsor NRI Seva Foundation’s Free Sports Rehab Center program for poor/needy Indian athletes.  

And in April, Pawan Kalyan reached out to Venkat Rahul Ragala by offering him Rs. 10 lakh for winning a Gold for India at the Commonwealth Games.  “Ragala has made our Motherland Bharath proud. We truly take pride in your outstanding achievement and Jana Sena Party salutes you. Jai Hind!,” Power Star said, celebrating the athlete’s achievement.  (Pawan had done such charity to a couple of poor sportspersons in the past, too).  

In March, Sai Dharam Tej helped Naresh Yadav, a differently-abled volleyball player, who couldn’t afford to participate in an international tournament in Bangkok for want of money.  This is when the Mega hero, reacting to a newspaper report, decided to do his bit to encourage the youngster.  Through his team, he contacted the Suryapeta resident and handed over a cheque of Rs. 1 lakh.  

In a country where non-cricketers are victims of gross neglect by the state, it’s most welcome that our stars are doing their bit!