Mahesh, a student of Government School, Angalakuduru, Tenali, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, has risen from a quiet and curious village child to become the Prime Minister of the National Children’s Parliament. His remarkable journey is a source of immense pride for JMJ Social Service Society (JMJSSS), Guntur, his school, and his community. More importantly, it demonstrates how mentorship, opportunity, and perseverance can empower children to become confident leaders and changemakers.
A Promising Beginning
Fifteen-year-old Vadamala Mahesh began his leadership journey in 2023 when his teacher, Ms. Priyanka, recognized his curiosity and encouraged him to join the Children’s Parliament. At that time, Mahesh had little exposure to issues beyond his village. Like many children from disadvantaged backgrounds, he knew little about child rights, civic participation, or leadership opportunities.
What distinguished him was his eagerness to learn. He asked thoughtful questions, participated actively in discussions, and embraced every opportunity to develop his skills. During his first year, he was elected Environment Minister in his school’s Children’s Parliament, marking the beginning of his leadership journey.
Growing into a Leader
Throughout 2024, Mahesh steadily strengthened his communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities through regular participation in Children’s Parliament activities organized by JMJSSS. He led campaigns promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness in his school, encouraging fellow students to take responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy campus.
These experiences taught him that leadership is about serving others, listening to different perspectives, and inspiring collective action.
Leading by Example
In 2025, Mahesh’s dedication, integrity, and commitment earned the trust of his classmates, who elected him Prime Minister of the School Children’s Parliament. In this role, he organized tree-planting drives, promoted discipline, encouraged regular school attendance, and motivated students to work together to create a clean, green, and child-friendly learning environment.
His leadership inspired many of his peers to participate in environmental conservation, school improvement initiatives, and community service activities.
District and National Recognition
Mahesh’s outstanding performance led to his selection as Andhra Pradesh’s representative at the National Children’s Parliament in Bhopal in 2025, bringing great pride to his school and community.
In 2026, he was elected Prime Minister of the Tenali District Children’s Parliament, where he was recognized for his exemplary leadership, active participation, and commitment to children’s rights and civic engagement.
His leadership journey reached an extraordinary milestone when he was elected Prime Minister of the National Children’s Parliament. In this prestigious role, Mahesh successfully convened and led nationwide online discussions involving children from across India, demonstrating maturity, confidence, and an exceptional ability to unite young voices around issues affecting children.
The Role of JMJ Social Service Society
Mahesh’s transformation was nurtured through the continuous support of JMJ Social Service Society (JMJSSS). The organization provided opportunities for leadership development through Children’s Parliament activities, leadership training, workshops, exposure visits, and participation in PRATYeK National Children’s Forums.
These experiences broadened his understanding of child rights, quality education, equality, environmental responsibility, and democratic participation. They also helped him realize that every child’s voice matters and that true leadership is rooted in service, responsibility, and inclusion.
Returning to his school after each learning experience, Mahesh shared his knowledge with fellow students. He encouraged greater participation in school activities, promoted regular attendance, advocated for children’s rights, and supported initiatives to improve the learning environment. His collaborative approach inspired classmates to become active contributors to positive change within their school and community.
Excellence in Education and Leadership
Alongside his leadership responsibilities, Mahesh remained committed to his education. He completed Class X with distinction and enrolled in Loyola College, Vijayawada, for his Intermediate studies.
His journey proves that academic excellence and leadership development can go hand in hand when young people are provided with the right opportunities and guidance.
Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
Mahesh’s story reflects the transformative impact of JMJ Social Service Society’s Children’s Parliament Programme and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting leadership education, child participation, and peer-led school improvement.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by empowering children from marginalized communities to participate in decision-making processes.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by equipping young people with leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills that prepare them for future opportunities.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among schools, communities, national children’s forums, and development partners.
A Story That Inspires
Mahesh’s journey from a curious village student to Prime Minister of the National Children’s Parliament is living proof that when children are trusted, mentored, and given meaningful opportunities to participate, they become powerful agents of change.
For JMJ Social Service Society, his achievement affirms years of commitment to child-centred development, rights-based education, and participatory leadership. His success inspires countless other children to dream beyond their circumstances, find their voice, and contribute to building a more just, inclusive, and child-friendly society.
Sr. Mary Kumari, JMJ
JMJ Social Service Society
Andhra Pradesh, India
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