Hyderabad  :

From Karlapalem to Madison, his journey as a leader is awe inspiring. Whether it is at college or job or business or now in American leadership, Hanu has always been in the forefront and proved that integrity and honesty pay off. As Hanu Karlapalem gets busy with his work for the upcoming polls, he gets talking.

“Madison, Alabama is my home. I have been living here for more than 16 years, the longest I ever lived in any city. This city gave me so much. Now it is my turn to give back”, says Hanu who clarifies his intentions to not politicise his leadership.

“I am not a politician, but I am a visionary and a leader.  I do not want any political affiliations for now.  So, my choice is to be the CEO of the city and work towards its betterment. Thus, I decided to run for the office of Mayor and serve the people of Madison, Alabama to create positive long term sustainable results”, says Hanu, who hails from a Karlapalem, Guntur district.

“Karlapalem is my last name too. We are six siblings and our parents made sure we had quality education. My father was well respected as a principal, mathematics teacher, farmer and investor”, he adds.

Hanu is a graduate of Delhi College of Engineering and pursued MS in University of Alabama, Hunstville. After his graduation and before moving to the USA, Hanu established a business in air ionisation and air purification systems, industrial and commercial lighting and oil reclamation in Hyderabad during early 90s. “I lived in Hyderabad until I moved to the USA. I had branches of my business in Visakhapatnam too. But I had to wind up everything as my wife and I decided to move to the USA”.

“Even before I moved to the US, one of my dreams was to study at a university in the US and receive a Master’s degree. I can happily say that I achieved that dream through my wife, Vidya’s support.

“We have been married for 21 years. We have no children, but we devote as much time as possible in supporting many causes that help under-privileged children. She works for a global company and is my pillar in this journey”.

Currently he is busy with informal personal meetings. “We attend Yard sales, events and interact with the public and tell them about my campaigns. People have started recognising me and often tell me that they see my signboards. We also have social media activities where we interact with the citizens. I have campaign staff who work for me,” he adds.

When asked about his motivation to become a leader, “In my fifth grade, I stood first in my class. My father appreciated me. But he said something that still motivates me. He told me that, I am a topper in just Karlapalem. Once, I step out of this village, I will see more competition and more responsibility. Winning outside is also essential. These words still remind me the high standards that my father set for my life,” he reminisces.

About his political journey, Hanu agrees that it is not easy for an Indian American to run for office and be at the forefront of the US politics. “I must say, I have been getting a lot of support and encouragement from people of Madison. That is my driving force”, he adds.

Hanu’s vision for Madison is to become the ‘Number one Small City in America’ that boasts vibrant economy, fosters small businesses and innovation, creates business and job opportunities, and provides high quality education. “My plan is to provide VALUE (Vision, Accountability, Leadership, Unity, and Ethics) and put the city on the path to become number one Small City in America. I am proposing Start Up Madison (SUM),  transparency portal with open data policy for open government, Vision Board, Veterans Support Board etc,” shares Hanu.

“More than me, I think Vidya is sacrificing a lot to support me in the election process. I have to sacrifice my business income, but if I am elected I will receive salary as the Mayor who is considered as a full time CEO of the city,” he adds. Hanu is confident that if he is elected, he will be a proactive, communicative, innovative and inclusive Mayor that people will appreciate.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Swathi Sririam / May 31st, 2016