Lighting the Torch of Education in Tribal Lands
The Story of Dr. M. Vijaya Bharathi is an inspiration for many.
In the heart of Alluri Sitarama Raju district lies Government Degree College, Chintapalli — a beacon of higher education in one of Andhra Pradesh’s most underserved tribal regions. At its helm stands a woman whose life story is a powerful testament to perseverance, purpose, and passion: Dr. Minchala Vijaya Bharathi, Principal, GDC Chintapalli.
NIS, MPEd, PhD, SLET
Born to Late Sri Minchala Bhaktavatsalam Garu and Smt. Sundaramma, medical technicians originally from the remote village of Palachru in Chittoor district, the family relocated to Warangal city before Bharathi was born. She is the youngest of four siblings — with one elder brother and two elder sisters — and was raised in a household where discipline, integrity, and the value of education were woven into daily life. At a time when education for girls in rural India was still a distant dream, her parents became torchbearers — nurturing their children with vision and values.
Dr. Bharathi began her journey right where her roots lie — as a Physical Training (PT) Teacher in the same school she once studied. Her climb from a student in a small Andhra village to becoming a Physical Director in Kurnool district, and eventually earning a PhD, is nothing short of extraordinary. She authored a scholarly work titled "physeo Physeological Changes in Volleyball Players," showcasing her dedication to academic excellence and sports science.
In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Dr. Bharathi is also an author. Her most celebrated work is “Payyoli Express P.T. Usha,” a tribute to her lifelong inspiration — India’s sprint queen. The book not only honors the legend but also aims to ignite a passion for sports among young readers, especially girls from rural and tribal backgrounds.
Her path, however, wasn’t without hardships. During her Physical Director training at the Patiala, catastrophic floods hit the region. With transportation crippled and chaos all around, she and fellow students took refuge in a train — braving uncertainty with the same courage that defines her life to this day.
Fuelled by her father’s unwavering support and the indomitable values instilled in her childhood, Dr. Bharathi rose through the academic ranks with integrity and intent. Today, she doesn’t just teach — she transforms. As Principal of a tribal college, she mentors the first-generation learners of interior Andhra, proving that true leadership lies in service
Her mantra?
"When you rise from the soil, never forget to water the roots."
Dr. M. Vijaya Bharathi’s journey is not merely a personal achievement — it is an enduring message: believe deeply, strive fearlessly, and lead with compassion.
