Santhosh Kumar was born on May 11, 1987, to Mr. Durgaiah and Mrs. Yadamma in the Chalakurthy village in Paddavoora, Nalgonda District, Telangana. Growing up in a close-knit community, Santhosh Kumar was influenced by his parents’ strong values of education and community service. His upbringing in Chalakurthy gave him a solid foundation and a deep understanding of local issues, which would later shape his professional and personal endeavors.

In 2002, Santhosh Kumar completed his Board of Secondary Education at ZP High School in Chalakurthy, beginning his academic journey. He furthered his education by enrolling in Nagarjuna Junior College, where he completed his Intermediate studies. Demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, Santhosh Kumar pursued higher education at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. His pursuit of knowledge continued as he enrolled in Acharya Nagarjuna University for postgraduate studies, earning a degree in Political Science and Journalism. This combination of degrees highlights his interest in both political science and media, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on societal issues.

Santhosh Kumar’s dedication to furthering his skillset led him to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) from Acharya Nagarjuna University. This additional qualification in computer applications underscores his versatility and adaptability in an increasingly digital world. His educational background reflects a blend of political acumen and technical proficiency, equipping him with a comprehensive skill set that enhances his ability to contribute effectively to various fields.

Santhosh Kumar embarked on his political journey with the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2005, beginning a career devoted to public service and community engagement. Joining the party was more than just a career move for Santhosh Kumar; it was a commitment to serve and make a meaningful impact. His early days within the party were marked by active participation in various initiatives, where he demonstrated a deep-seated dedication to the values and goals of the INC. This period was formative for Santhosh Kumar, allowing him to build a strong foundation in political activism and organizational roles.

From 2016 to 2019, Santhosh Kumar assumed the role of Social Media Incharge for Paddavoora. In this role, he managed the party’s social media presence, which required both technical skills and a strategic mindset. Under his leadership, the party’s digital platforms saw a significant enhancement in engagement and outreach. His innovative approach to social media played a crucial role in modernizing the party’s communication strategy, enabling more effective interactions with the electorate and boosting the visibility of party initiatives and messages.

In acknowledgement of his skills and contributions, Santhosh Kumar was elevated to General Secretary of the District Congress Committee (DCC) for the OBC department in Nalgonda. This role came with substantial responsibilities, including overseeing party activities at the district level and advocating for the OBC community’s interests. His leadership in this position highlighted his ability to handle complex organizational tasks and coordinate efforts across various party levels. Santhosh Kumar’s tenure as General Secretary underscored his commitment to the INC and his proficiency in managing grassroots and administrative political work.

Santhosh Kumar has also made notable contributions in various other capacities that have furthered his impact on regional and social issues. He served as the State Co-Convener for the Telangana Rajaka Reservation Samithi. In this role, Santhosh Kumar played a pivotal part in advocating for the rights and reservations of the Rajaka community within Telangana. His leadership helped to amplify the community’s voice and address key issues related to social and economic upliftment, ensuring that the community’s needs were represented at the state level.

In addition to his role with the Telangana Rajaka Reservation Samithi, Santhosh Kumar was appointed the District Working President for the National Human Rights Protection Forum in Nalgonda. This position involved overseeing human rights initiatives and ensuring the protection and promotion of fundamental rights within the district. His work with the National Human Rights Protection Forum focused on addressing human rights violations and advocating for justice, demonstrating his dedication to societal issues and his ability to lead efforts in safeguarding human rights.

These roles reflect Santhosh Kumar’s commitment to diverse aspects of public service and his ability to influence positive change across various sectors. His leadership in these organizations highlights his comprehensive approach to addressing community-specific and broader human rights issues, reinforcing his reputation as a dedicated and influential advocate for social justice and development.

• Arrests of Congress Leaders: On their way to the “Chalo Assembly” program organized by the Telangana State Congress Party Kisan Cell, police detained several leaders from Paddavura Mandal, including DCC General Secretary Santosh Kumar. This action was part of the broader effort by the party to address and resolve issues faced by farmers in the region. The assembly was planned as a key event to highlight and address the ongoing problems in the agricultural sector.

• Criticism of the TRS Government: During the detainment, Santosh Kumar voiced strong criticism against the TRS government, accusing it of failing to adequately address and solve the problems faced by farmers. He emphasized that the Chalo Assembly program was a necessary step to bring attention to and resolve these issues, reflecting the party’s commitment to addressing agricultural concerns.

• Protest Against Agriculture Bill: Black Congress President Tummalapalli Chandrasekhar Reddy criticized the agriculture bill, describing it as detrimental to poor farmers. He led a protest rally at the Mandala Center, where participants submitted a petition to the Deputy Tehsildar, seeking intervention and action against the bill’s negative impacts on the agricultural community.

• Preemptive Arrests for Road Blockade: In preparation for a planned road blockade protest demanding the issuance of title deeds to landowners, police preemptively arrested several Congress leaders. This included Santosh Kumar, along with senior leaders Ramakrishna Reddy and Janardhan. The arrests were made to prevent disruption and to manage the expected protests related to land ownership issues.

Santosh Kumar’s Dedicated Community Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Support for Migrants: Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Santosh Kumar played a vital role in supporting migrants in Chalakurthy village. He distributed essential food supplies, including rice bags, and provided financial assistance to those facing hardships.

• Aid to COVID-19 Victims: Santosh Kumar extended his support to COVID-19 victims who were unable to leave their homes. He provided them with rice bags, vegetables, and medicines, ensuring they had access to essential resources during their illness.

• Financial Assistance to the Poor: Recognizing the economic strain caused by the lockdown, Santosh Kumar financially assisted individuals and families struggling due to unemployment and food scarcity. His contributions included providing essential goods to those in need.

• Support for Frontline Workers: In appreciation of the efforts of frontline workers, including police and municipal staff, Santosh Kumar organized annadhanam programs. This initiative provided them with meals and demonstrated his gratitude for their dedicated service.

• Awareness Campaigns: To combat the spread of COVID-19, Santosh Kumar organized awareness programs focused on maintaining physical distance and following preventive measures. These initiatives aimed to educate the community on effective practices to reduce virus transmission.

• Ongoing Support During the Second Wave: During the second wave of COVID-19, Santosh Kumar remained actively involved in community support. He distributed vegetables and fruits to villagers and organized awareness camps to inform the public about vaccination and the impact of the virus.

• Precautionary Measures and Guidance: Santosh Kumar also conducted seminars and awareness programs to guide the community on COVID-19 precautions. He provided clear instructions and reassurance, helping to manage the situation in areas declared as red zones and reducing public panic.