Degala Mahesh, a Hindi teacher at Zilla Parishad High School in Muthyala Reddy Palle, Tirupati, is working hard to revive Sankranti traditions among school children. Known for his role as a social activist, influencer, and blood/organ donor, he chose to dress as a ‘Haridasu’ this year to make a stronger impact. He told The Hindu, "Bhogi and Sankranti have become mere holidays for the students. The present generation does not even know how to draw a Rangoli ahead of a festival. It is for us elders to explain the importance of Haridasu and allied concepts." Mr. Mahesh is also founder-president of Hindu Upadhyaya Samithi, an organization focused on protecting ancient traditions. He visits schools, singing 'Harilo Ranga Hari' and encouraging children to join in. He explains the role of Haridasus in performing ‘Harinama Sankirtan’ and how they used to receive freshly harvested grains in an ‘Akshaya Patra’ carried on their heads. This month, he has visited four schools, sparking new interest in the festival’s customs.