2 weeks ago
Raghu Duth Degala building stories that matter at TheGoodTalkFactory
A man named Raghu Duth Degala believes everyone has a story worth hearing.
In 2018, he was told he could not give a talk because he was not famous and was not active on social media.
That made him start a group called TheGoodTalkFactory, where anyone can share their experiences.
The group also runs a project called TGTF Vidya that helps children from families with fewer resources go to school.
Besides money for school, the children get mentors, confidence-building help and life skills.
Raghu wants places to be open to everyone, including people with disabilities.
He says young people can make a difference by including others and asking why some places are not accessible to everyone.
On August 15, 2026, the group is holding a special Independence Day party with food, music and art.
The party is at Akan Hyderabad in Madhapur and will raise money for education, autism awareness and inclusion.
People can pay what they want for the meal, and there will be live performances and art stalls.
Raghu Duth Degala founded TheGoodTalkFactory after being rejected as a speaker in 2018 because he was not well-known or active on social media.
The organisation is built on the belief that "Everyone has a story and every story is worth experiencing."
Project TGTF Vidya supports students from underserved communities through educational sponsorship, mentorship and life-skills development.
TheGoodTalkFactory's work expanded into inclusion and accessibility, asking whether spaces and systems allow everyone to participate.
Akan Aahvaanam 2026, an Independence Day fundraiser on August 15, 2026 at Akan Hyderabad, Madhapur, will support accessibility, autism awareness and education through Project Vidya.
- Who
- Raghu Duth Degala, founder of TheGoodTalkFactory, in partnership with Akan Hyderabad.
- What
- A profile of TheGoodTalkFactory's storytelling, education and inclusion work, and its upcoming fundraising gathering Akan Aahvaanam 2026.
- Where
- Akan Hyderabad, Madhapur.
- When
- Akan Aahvaanam 2026 is scheduled for August 15, 2026, from 12 noon to 4 PM; the rejection that inspired the organisation occurred in 2018.
- Why
- To raise funds for initiatives focused on accessibility and inclusion, autism awareness and support, and education and livelihood development through Project Vidya.
Key facts
- Founder
- Raghu Duth Degala
- Organisation
- TheGoodTalkFactory (TGTF)
- Origin
- Inspired by a speaking rejection in 2018
- Core belief
- "Everyone has a story and every story is worth experiencing."
- Education initiative
- Project TGTF Vidya
- Event
- Akan Aahvaanam 2026
- Date and time
- August 15, 2026, 12 noon to 4 PM
- Venue
- Akan Hyderabad, Madhapur
Quotes
Raghu Duth Degala
Founder of TheGoodTalkFactory
“Inclusion isn't simply about awareness or being sympathetic towards someone. It is about asking whether our spaces, systems and attitudes actually allow everyone to participate.”
thehansindia.com
“I was told that I wasn't suitable because I wasn't active on social media and wasn't well known.”
thehansindia.com











