Smita(pop singer) and her associate Kiran have come up with 'Run for Rural Education'.

ALAI is founded by Smita, who is the first and the only pop singer from Southern India with more than 10 albums and 150 playback songs to her credit. Being a serial entrepreneur and a social activist, she understands the positive impact that an educated and skilled rural society can have on the country. Smita has also been supporting challenged children in Khammam since the last 12 years and is associated with Isha Foundation for 8 years now.

ALAI, in collaboration with Isha Vidya, is conducting the 'Run for Rural Education' event along with other like-minded people. Kiran would start on October 11, the auspicious Vijaya-dashami day, from Vijayawada and would reach Vizag on foot. With him, a few enthusiastic celebrities from Tollywood, namely Nikhil, Sharwanand and a few more would be flagging off at different locations.

Smita would also be running along with Kiran on the first day and last days of the run. Also, volunteers, friends and the students of Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions would be joining him at various locations through the run.

ALAI, along with Isha Vidhya, aims to provide the following major inputs for the Govt. schools:

Hiring teachers to reduce the student-teacher ratio

Hiring teachers for special instruction to integrate slow learners into the regular classes

Adoption of a English-language program for the whole school

Adding hitherto neglected aspects like sports, yoga, arts & crafts and healthcare

Basic training for teachers to adopt child friendly teaching methods: maintaining discipline without physical punishment, motivating children, lesson planning, access and use of classroom educational aids and digital content

This event is to spread awareness about this new and improved format of education in Telugu-speaking states. It aims to provide high quality education to rural children through Government School Adoption Program. Run for Rural Education is among the first of its kind to happen in AP and would spread awareness at all prominent locations en-route.

Apart from direct donations for the cause, funds would be raised through a crowd-funding portal, www.ketto.org

Route-map for the Run: 350kms

Route: Vijayawada to Vishakhapatnam covering Total of 366kms

Day-1 11th Oct Vijayawada to Hanuman Junction 43kms
Day-2 12th Oct Hanuman Junction to Nallajarla 63kms
Day-3 13th Oct Nallajarla to Rajahmundry 50kms
Day-4 14th Oct Rajahmundry to Jaggampeta 38kms
Day-5 15th Oct Jaggampeta to Annavaram 44kms
Day-6 16th Oct Annavaram to Nakkapalli 43kms
Day-7 17th Oct Nakkapalli to Anakapalli 39kms
Day-8 18th Oct Anakapalli to RK beach 46kms