In the heart of Vijayawada, a city in southern India, Ruthu Maddela’s life took an unexpected turn. After losing her parents, husband, and brother within five years, the 37-year-old found herself battling a failing heart, facing depleted savings, and dwindling hope.
Working part-time at a beauty salon just a few kilometers from a suburb on the outskirts of Vijayawada, Ruthu struggled to afford even basic necessities for her two teenage daughters, let alone their education or her own medical treatment. However, an unlikely friendship at the salon would change everything.
Sajini, a government employee on the Vijayawada Central P4 initiative team and a regular customer, noticed that Ruthu had missed enrollment in the Bangaru Kutumbam (beneficiary) program when Andhra Pradesh launched it in March 2025 due to her hospitalization at the time. Swiftly, Sajini enrolled Ruthu under the ‘Fund a Need’ model. This led to Ruthu being matched with Vamsi Heart Care Institute for free treatment, and as her health improved, Ramesh Katuri—a Margdarsi (mentor) who runs the Gunaditya Integral Foundation—established a beautician training center for her.
Ruthu started with training five to 10 women in the mornings while continuing to work at her salon post-noon. Now, she trains up to 30 women and works part-time at the salon. Her daughters are pursuing degree programs in separate colleges thanks to the increased income.
“I don’t know if I am crying because I am happy or because I have been able to overcome so much grief,” Ruthu said, struggling to hold back tears. “Ramesh Sir is my God; Sajini madam is my inspiration, and if not for her, I wouldn’t be here,” she added, holding onto the edge of Sajini’s saree in one hand and clutching a Goodday biscuit packet in the other.
Ruthu’s story highlights the quiet impact of the Public-Private-People Partnership (P4) initiative, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s latest attempt to make Andhra Pradesh a model for public-private collaboration. The P4 initiative aims to address social issues through strategic partnerships among government, private sector, and individuals, offering hope and opportunities for those in need.
