| Name of the beneficiary | Rajasekhara Raju Podili |
| Project/Programme Name | PGDMN, 2007-2008 |
| Name of the enterprise floated | Head CSR BMM Steel and Sr.Manager JSW Foundation |
| Awards Rec’d | Global Water Transversality Award 2024 from Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Sakthi, Government of India, in DelhiEmployee Exemplary Award 2024 by Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group of companies India’s Responsible Leader Award 2023 by IndiaCSR at ESG Conference, RaipurBest CSR Head of the Year – 2022, ESN Publications received at GoaNational Water Hero Award- 2020 by the Ministry of Jal Sakthi Covid Warrior Award 2020 by CSR Times ET Global CSR Leadership Award – 2018 by The Economic TimesBest HOD of the Year – 2018 by Dalmia Cement Ltd.National MT CSR Excellence Award – -2018 by Manufacturing TodaySmart AP Foundation Best CSR Award – 2018 by the Smart AP Foundation , Governament of Andhara Pradesh EDII Alumnus Special Jury Award, 2018Top 3 finalists for Best HOD of the Year -2017 by Dalmia Cement Ltd.Best Employee of the Year – 2015 by Dalmia Cement Ltd.National Manufacturing Today Award -2014 By the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, AhemadabadNational Green-tech Golden Award – 2014 By Greentech Foundation |
| Special Recognitions | CII ITC Sustainable Award Assessor 2020- 2023 Core Member – CSR and Sustainable committee for Southern region 2021-22 Special Interview in School on Water and Governance – 2020 |
Name of the Beneficiary
Rajasekhara Raju Podili
Project/Programme Name
PGDMN, 2007-2008
Name of the enterprise floated
- Head CSR BMM Steel and Sr.Manager JSW Foundation
Special Recognitions
- CII ITC Sustainable Award Assessor 2020- 2023
- Core Member – CSR and Sustainable committee for Southern region 2021-22
- Special Interview in School on Water and Governance – 2020
Awards Received
- Global Water Transversality Award 2024 from Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Sakthi, Government of India, in Delhi
- Employee Exemplary Award 2024 by Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group of companies
- India’s Responsible Leader Award 2023 by IndiaCSR at ESG Conference, Raipur
- Best CSR Head of the Year – 2022, ESN Publications received at Goa
- National Water Hero Award- 2020 by the Ministry of Jal Sakthi
- Covid Warrior Award 2020 by CSR Times
- ET Global CSR Leadership Award – 2018 by The Economic Times
- Best HOD of the Year – 2018 by Dalmia Cement Ltd.
- National MT CSR Excellence Award – -2018 by Manufacturing Today
- Smart AP Foundation Best CSR Award – 2018 by the Smart AP Foundation, Governament of Andhara Pradesh
- EDII Alumnus Special Jury Award, 2018
- Top 3 finalists for Best HOD of the Year -2017 by Dalmia Cement Ltd.
- Best Employee of the Year – 2015 by Dalmia Cement Ltd.
- National Manufacturing Today Award -2014 By the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahemadabad
- National Green-tech Golden Award – 2014 By Greentech Foundation
Rajasekhara Raju Podili is a distinguished leader in the fields of water conservation, rural development, and social impact. Born into a farming family in Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, early hardships fueled his commitment to serving society. Growing up in a rural setting with limited resources, He learned the importance of resource optimization. He pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Social Work from Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur. His educational background laid the foundation for his passion for social service and development work.
Rajasekhara Raju’s ambition to make a real impact led him to the EDII’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management of NGOs (PGDMN) despite significant financial challenges. His father, understanding the importance of hiseducation, took a loan and borrowed money to fund his studies. His experience at EDII was transformative, equipping him with practical skills for rural development work.
After completing his studies, Rajasekhara Raju embarked on a career in the social sector. He began his professional journey as a team leader for a NABARD project in Nellore with the EFFORT organization. From there, He took on more significant responsibilities, becoming the Project Officer at the Ambuja Cement Foundation and later the Director of Bengal Gram Producers Company Ltd. His extensive experience in community-driven projects led to a role as the Head of CSR for Dalmia Cement (B) Ltd. His passion for sustainable development and social welfare was further evident when he worked as Manager – Administration at Zuari Cement Ltd. Currently; he continues his work with the JSW Group, applying his expertise to benefit rural communities.
Rajasekhara Raju is renowned for his contributions to rural development, particularly in water management. Over 14 years, he spearheaded numerous large-scale projects that focused on rainwater harvesting, water management, and agricultural development. His initiatives have greatly improved water storage capacity in rural areas, providing direct benefits to over 200,000 families.
Primarily focused in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. His initiatives, including the development of ponds and rainwater harvesting systems, have boosted agricultural production, mitigating water scarcity. His introduction of micro-irrigation systems has empowered farmers to overcome rainfall-related challenges and increase their crop yields, thereby improving their incomes and strengthening the rural economy. His work also contributions to environmental sustainability by reducing the negative impact of soil degradation.
Rajasekhara Raju’s outstanding contributions have been widely recognized. Despite his many accomplishments, He remains focused on addressing global challenges. His work on water security and environmental sustainability is not just aimed at immediate relief but is also designed to create long-term solutions for future generations. He envisions a world with minimized social divides and sustainable development for all. His journey exemplifies the power of determination, education, and social responsibility to transform lives and communities.