KURNOOL: When self-interest often overshadows service in modern times, Barma Suresh Kumar stands as a shining example of compassion, awareness, and dedication to humanity. A visionary educator and passionate social worker, Suresh has devoted his life to inspiring others with service and social responsibility.
With over 13 years of experience in the medical and health department, he now serves as a Lecturer in Community Medicine at Kurnool Medical College, where he guides medical students not only in academics but also in values of empathy and public service.
Suresh, who hails from a remote village of Pendekal in Tuggali mandal, began his journey as a Medico-Social Worker after completing his Master’s in Social Work from Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur. Deeply influenced by the ideals of Jana Vignana Vedika (JVV), he has been part of the movement since 1992, promoting rational thinking, scientific attitude, and humanism. Over the years, he has organised hundreds of awareness programmes on organ donation, environmental protection, superstition eradication, and blood donation.
“I have always believed that service should not be a one-time act. It must become a way of life. Whether you are a doctor, teacher, or student, your duty is to make the world around you a little better every day,” he said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he counselled isolated patients, coordinated hospital beds, guided families through procedures, and even arranged vehicles for the safe transport of recovered patients.
His tireless efforts brought heartfelt appreciation from many families, and he was honoured with the Excellent Humanity and Service Award (IMC 2019) and a State-Level Award for his work as a District Disability Coordinator. As the Transplant Coordinator at Kurnool Government Hospital, Suresh has been instrumental in spreading awareness about organ donation.
“Every organ donor is a hero. By honouring them, we show society that giving life after death is the greatest service of all,” he opined.
His creative approach to social change was evident when he launched the ‘Blood Donation Challenge’, inspired by the Ice Bucket and Rice Bucket challenges. Standing before the Kurnool Collectorate, he publicly called upon people to come forward. Within two hours, 51 individuals responded and donated blood.
“Every plant gifted is a promise to the planet,” he says. “Small actions can create big changes if we make them part of our lifestyle.”
As an active leader in Jana Vignana Vedika, Suresh has spent nights in so-called haunted villages, dispelling fear and superstitions through education and demonstration. He firmly believes that fear fades only with knowledge.
“Superstitions survive when people are afraid,” he explains. “Science removes fear. Once people understand, they stop believing and start questioning.” What began as a small effort to spread positivity — sending inspirational messages daily to two WhatsApp groups of 250 members each — grew into a symbol of goodness. People started referring to kind deeds as “Suresh acts.”
“Every day I post something meaningful — a message of kindness, honesty, or awareness. When people began saying ‘Do a Suresh act today,’ I knew positivity was spreading,” he shares.
Even his family follows his philosophy of giving. Every year, on his and his son’s birthday, both donate blood together. “I wanted my son to grow up knowing that giving is the greatest celebration. Now he donates blood with me every year. That’s my biggest reward,” he added.
Through his journey, Suresh has proven that knowledge, kindness, and courage remain the strongest forces for change — and that one individual can make an entire society believe in the power of humanity.