Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is setting a new standard for political leadership with his hands-on approach to public welfare, drawing a stark contrast to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, whose recent actions appear performative and lack decorum.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan seems to be taking the right strides, winning the hearts of the public across the country with his every move.
On 7 December 2024, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan visited the Municipal High School in Kadapa as the chief guest for a mega Parents-Teachers Meeting. He emphasized the responsibility of teachers and the Education Department to protect school properties, ensure cleanliness, and provide modern facilities. Highlighting the importance of student health, he urged staff to identify underweight students and improve nutrition through the Mid-Day Meal scheme. Plans are also underway to provide healthy meals for teachers.
Kalyan pledged to fund incentives for students personally and assured government support for school infrastructure, including kitchens and bus facilities for distant students. During his visit, he addressed issues of school misuse, warned of strict action against offenders, and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening public education. As part of the event, Kalyan joined students for lunch, showcasing his commitment to the school community and to also gauge the quality of the food consumed by the children. Both the children and the community warmly received the interaction.
మెగా పేరెంట్ టీచర్స్ మీటింగ్ లో భాగంగా, డొక్కా సీతమ్మ మధ్యాహ్న భోజన పథకం నాణ్యత పరిశీలించేందుకు కడప మున్సిపల్ కార్పొరేషన్ పాఠశాల విద్యార్థులతో కలిసి భోజనాన్ని స్వీకరించిన ఉప ముఖ్యమంత్రి @PawanKalyan.#MegaPTM #MegaParentTeacherMeeting pic.twitter.com/BFYPv4FxUI
— Deputy CMO, Andhra Pradesh (@APDeputyCMO) December 7, 2024
Pawan Kalyan had his lunch along with the school students of Municipal Corporation school
As Deputy Chief Minister he wanted to check the food quality served to kids
A leader who walks the talk 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZWHlKL5aof
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) December 8, 2024
Demonstrating humility, he ate alongside the children without any special arrangements or separate plates. Kalyan completed his meal fully, ensuring no food was wasted and maintaining decorum throughout. His actions were widely appreciated for showing solidarity with the students and respect for the food.
In 2022, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attended a school meal event as part of the morning breakfast scheme launch. While dining with students, he was seen feeding them for a brief photo opportunity. However, a video later showed him washing his hands in the same plate of food midway through the meal using bottled water, drawing widespread criticism. Many accused him of disrespecting the efforts of farmers and workers behind the scheme, questioning the propriety of such actions during an event meant to promote nutrition and dignity.
One more photo op but they did not expect @mkstalin to wash hands on the food! Look at the reaction of the cute kid on the right 😀 pic.twitter.com/1MGkr7mZPA
— Singai G Ramachandran (@RamaAIADMK) September 15, 2022
Notably in July 2024, Stalin faced backlash after a video showed him tasting sambar rice with his hand and discarding the remaining food into the same serving vessel at an Amma Unavagam restaurant in Chennai. The incident occurred during his surprise inspection that month, following the approval of ₹21 crore for improving Amma Unavagams. While inspecting food quality and cleanliness, Stalin’s action sparked criticism online, with netizens questioning the appropriateness of his behavior, particularly in handling food meant for others in a public restaurant. Critics expressed disgust over his disregard for hygiene and food etiquette.
Pawan Kalyan, by personally participating in the mid-day meal, eating alongside students without special treatment, in a hygienic way, and making concrete promises to improve school infrastructure, has shown that political leadership can be both compassionate and practical.
In stark contrast to the performative approach of some politicians, Kalyan’s actions reflect a deep understanding of grassroots needs. His pledges to fund student incentives, improve school facilities, and personally engage with the school community set a remarkable standard for political representatives. This speaks volumes about Kalyan’s rise as a leader – someone who doesn’t just talk about change but actively participates in creating it.
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