PG Alumnus Crafting his Success Story…
Mr. Rajasekhara Raju Podili
Head CSR BMM Steel and Sr. Manager JSW Foundation (PGDMN, 2007-2008)
Rajasekhara Raju Podili hails from a modest rural background in Andhra Pradesh, yet he never let his circumstances come in the way of his dreams. Growing up in a humble farming family, he witnessed the struggles of rural communities—especially erratic monsoons, water shortage and other critical challenges faced by farmers. These early experiences instilled in him empathy and determination to work for sustainable water management and community development for meaningful change.
Rajasekhara completed his B.Sc., M.A in Social work from Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur and then joined EDII’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management of NGOs for concretising his skills and knowledge base in the domain. Through the course, he gained deeper insights into crucial aspects of project management, leadership, financial planning and social innovation. Armed with these insights, Rajasekhara started working in the water and rural development sector, where he recognized the vast untapped potential in community-driven water conservation initiatives. He realized that even small watershed interventions could create huge, sustainable impact if implemented scientifically.
Over the past 17 years, Rajasekhara has founded and led several impactful projects under NABARD-funded watershed programmes, benefiting over 2,00,000 families across multiple states. He has implemented 105 watershed projects, constructed 200 check dams and developed 550 farm ponds. In recognition of his remarkable work, Rajasekhara has received 23 prestigious national and international awards.
Rajasekhara envisions empowering rural youth by integrating water conservation with livelihood promotion. He plans to train young people in rural areas to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, establish microenterprises and become local leaders in water and natural resource management.
EDII Alumnus Wins Prestigious National Water Award 2024
Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu awarding Podili Rajasekhara Raju, an alumnus of EDII’s PGDMN programme (2007-08, 10th batch).
Podili Rajasekhara Raju, an alumnus of EDII’s PGDMN programme (2007-08, 10th batch), has been honoured with the prestigious 6th National Water Award, 2024, conferred by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India. He received the award from the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the ceremony held on November 18, 2025 in Delhi. Podili Rajasekhara Raju was recognized in the Best Individual category (South Zone) for Excellence in Water Sector category.
Alumni Meet 2025
The Alumni Meet was held on 15th October 2025, bringing together around 40 alumni. Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Professor & Director – Department of Entrepreneurship Education, EDII; Dr. Etinder Pal Singh, Professor, EDII and Mr. Ganapathi Batthini, Incharge, EDII LIC interacted with alumni.