Dr.Bhupathiraju Vissam Raju

(1920-2002)

Founder Chairman

Padma shri & Padma bhushan Awardee

"A man who rose from the state of subservient to an affluent status by his dedication and hard work"

Padma Bhushan Dr. B. V. Raju, the Founder Chairman of Sri Vishnu Educational Society was a man of simple words, high aims, and higher achievements. Born in a humble agricultural family at Kumudavalli, a small village in West Godavari Dt., 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 Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Technology at Benaras Hindu University and later was part of a management program at the prestigious Harvard University.

Starting his career in a small way in the cement industry, the tenacious young man rose to the level of Chairman. 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 recognized the distinguished services of this Doyen of Cement Industry and awarded him the title "Padma Shri" in 1977. Post his retirement his urge to become an industrialist made him venture into the industry and he started many companies starting with cement, ceramics, refractories and paper. The Raasi Group of Industries became a success catapulting him to the pinnacle of his career.

After attaining these heights, this man of few words and an unassuming personality, channeled all his energy and personal 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'. His efforts resulted in the identification of two strategic locations for higher technical education- Narsapur (Medak dt.) in Telangana and Bhimavaram (West Godavari dt.) in Andhra Pradesh. From 1997 onwards, 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 banner of Sri Vishnu Educational Society.

In 2001, the Government of India felicitated Dr. B. V. Raju yet again for his dedicated and immeasurable service to society, awarding him the title "Padma Bhushan".

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