K. V. K. Raju

KVK Raju (born November 28, 1928), whose surname is Kanumuri, was a first generation technopreneur born in a humble agricultural family in Andhra Pradesh. He was the founder of the Nagarjuna Group of companies. [ [http://www.teluguentrepreneur.com/2007/05/nagarjuna-group-kanumuri-venkata.html] ]

Early Life

After graduating from Banaras Hindu University and the Madras Institute of Technology he went on to complete his Master's in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota, USA. After a short stint in American he returned to India and worked for short periods at Caltex Oil Refinery, Orient General Industries and Associated Electrical Industries. Finally, he joined Union Carbide of India and worked with them for 15 years. While working with Union Carbide, KVK Raju's deep-rooted urge to serve society through industry impelled him to start out on his own. He started the Nagarjuna Group in 1973 with an investment of 23 million dollars. The Group has since then become a diversified conglomerate with an asset base of 2.5 billion dollars.

Achievements

A recipient of various awards for his outstanding contribution to industry and society, KVK Raju, was a firm believer in the adage "practice what you preach". A self-made man KVK Raju practised simple living and high thinking. He dreamt big and worked with an unstinted focus to make his dreams come true.

ee also

*AVS Raju