Telugu students on mission to counter misinformation

VISAKHAPATNAM: At a time when misinformation has proven to be as deadly as the virus, two Telugu youths in the

United Kingdom

are leveraging WhatsApp to counsel students and address issues and questions related to (Covid-19).

Stephen Anurag Prathipathi

(26) and Akhil Ennamsetty (24) hit upon the idea after the latter contracted and recovered from

Covid-19

.

Stephen, from Visakhapatnam, is pursuing MSc in public policy and management from King’s College, London, and Ennamsetty, who is from Warangal, is doing his postgraduation in Human Rights Law from

University of Edinburgh

, Scotland.

Stephen Anurag Prathipathi from Visakhapatnam
While Stephen, who is still in London, interacts with Indian students there, Ennamsetty, who recently returned to Hyderabad, addresses concerns related to the virus and shares tips from his experience. They have identified key issues, relating to Tier-IV visas, food supplies, coursework, assignments and mental health, which most stranded Indian students are facing

Speaking to STOI, Stephen said, “We are trying to help stranded Indian students get updates through the

Indian High Commission

in London. Besides, with the help of Harendra Jodha, an active member of the India-UK Society and Akshaya Patra, we are helping deliver food and other basic essentials.”

Ennamsetty hopes to save lives by donating blood. He said, “I have already been contacted and I have consented for plasma donation. There are a lot of misconceptions about donating blood and stigma attached to cooperation with medical research, but I want to set an example.”

Speaking about immediate goals, Stephen said, “Most students are concerned about India reopening the borders and chances of evacuation flights being operated. So they want us to collectively work with the Indian embassy.

“Besides, we will soon launch an online portal where people can post questions and we will answer them.”