A simple man who made it big

Hyderabad: Padma Bhushan Dr B V Raju, who was a man of simple words and went on to achieve big name and fame in his life, established Sri Vishnu Education Society, in 1997. Born in the year 1920 to a humble agricultural family at Kumudavalli, a small village in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Raju believed that education is the key to help a person rise to the state of true humanness. His persistence and determination to win against all odds eventually saw him take a B.Tech degree in Chemical Technology at Banaras Hindu University and later received a Management degree from the prestigious Harvard University, USA.

Starting his career in a small way in the cement industry, he rose to the level of the prestigious Managing Director post within a span of two years. In 1972 he was invited to head the Cement Corporation of India (CCI). He then went on to play a key role in the planning, construction and commissioning of various cement factories across India. The Government of India recognised the distinguished services of this Doyen of Cement Industry and awarded him the title “Padma Shri” in 1977. His first small step as an entrepreneur into the industry with his very own Raasi Group of Industries became a giant leap of success catapulting him to the pinnacle of his career.

After reaching several new heights in his career, B V Raju, channeled all his energy and own funds to bring to reality his long-cherished dream of ‘promoting and disseminating knowledge and serving the cause of education in general and professional education in particular’. Thus, Sri Vishnu Education Society came into being in 1997.  He chose Narsapur (in Medak district) and Bhimavaram (in West Godavari district) for establishing higher and technical education institutions. 

Initially he established two engineering colleges, a dental college and a hospital, a college of pharmacy, a college for computer education, a polytechnic and various schools under the aegis of Sri Vishnu Educational Society.  Later two new colleges of pharmacy and more industry specific disciplines were added to the list. In 2001, the Central government felicitated Dr. B V Raju again for his contribution and yeomen service to society by awarding him with the title of “Padma Bhushan”.