Hyderabad Hero: 43-yr-old techie turned social activist, Brahmaiah Tallam, receives award for community work
Hyderabad: Meet Brahmaiah Tallam, a 43-year-old software engineer from Hyderabad who has made significant contributions to his community through years of dedicated service. Recently, he was awarded the Swamy Vivekananda Indian Icon Award 2025 by Viswaguru World Records for his efforts in social service. Since 2017, Brahmaiah has been involved in various initiatives, starting as a traffic volunteer. His work includes improving road safety, supporting education, and assisting with healthcare for those in need. His story is one of commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others, truly a “Hyderabad Hero.”
Working as a data analyst in Space Inventive, Brahmaiah Tallam’s transition into social service began when he volunteered as a traffic marshal in Cyberabad Zone, under the guidance of V.C. Sajjanar, then a police officer and now the Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation. Brahmaiah Tallam became part of the first batch of traffic volunteers, helping manage the flow of traffic, especially near schools, which often saw heavy congestion. He began assisting schoolchildren at a busy crossing on Nizampet road, ensuring their safety as they crossed. Over the years, his volunteer efforts have expanded to include a small team of community members.
But Brahmaiah Tallam’s community involvement doesn’t stop at traffic management. As a member of Forum to Improve Things (FIT), a local NGO, he has been actively engaged in several initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in his neighborhood. In 2020, when schools shifted to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brahmaiah Tallam and the NGO helped provide 30 tablets to children from low-income families who lacked the resources for online education.
Brahmaiah Tallam’s work also addresses infrastructure issues in his area. He has raised concerns about poor drainage systems and overflowing gutters. With the help of his WhatsApp group, Brahmaiah Tallam and his team regularly raise complaints with the Nizampet Municipal Corporation, pushing for timely repairs. “In the beginning, people were reluctant to speak up, but now they’re more open to raising issues,” Brahmaiah Tallam says. “Over time, we’ve built trust with the community.”
A key issue Brahmaiah Tallam has worked on is the pollution of Ambir Lake, which is surrounded by waste, plastic, and illegal encroachments. Despite protests and complaints to authorities, little progress has been made. Yet Brahmaiah Tallam remains determined to bring attention to the situation, hoping to get the local government involved in cleaning and protecting the lake.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced when starting his activism, Brahmaiah Tallam says, “People often won’t act on issues unless they’re personally affected. It’s not easy to motivate others to speak up, but over time, we’ve seen positive changes.”
His work also extends to helping the less fortunate. In addition to raising funds for educational needs, Brahmaiah Tallam has assisted in various health-related causes, including providing support for heart surgeries. He also initiated a cycle donation program in his gated community, collecting unused bicycles, repairing them, and donating them to orphanages.
One of Brahmaiah Tallam’s most visible contributions has been his efforts to improve road safety and traffic conditions in his area. He frequently identifies and reports dangerous potholes, advocating for road repairs through social media. He is known to jump into traffic jams when they occur, clearing roads and helping restore order. “I always carry my traffic volunteer gear in my bike,” he explains. “If I see a traffic jam, I clear it to help people get moving.”
Brahmaiah’s work has made a real impact on his local community. He notes, “Earlier, people didn’t come out to report issues, but now, more residents are actively participating in solving problems in their streets.”
Hyderabad Hero: A 43-year-old techie turned social activist has been recognized with the Swamy Vivekananda Indian Icon Award 2025 from Viswaguru World Records for his dedicated community work. Since 2017, he has been improving road safety, supporting education, and assisting with… pic.twitter.com/YQ7a5ELk0r
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) February 21, 2025
Brahmaiah Tallam credits his family’s support for his ability to dedicate time to his work. “My wife has been a big support. Without her, I couldn’t do what I do. My children also understand the importance of community service,” he says.
When asked about receiving the Swamy Vivekananda Indian Icon Award by Viswaguru World Records, Brahmaiah Tallam humbly states, “It’s not just for me; it’s for everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Looking forward, Brahmaiah Tallam urges the younger generation to get involved in social work. “Change starts with you,” he says. “When you see a problem, take action. Start small in your area, and others will follow.”
