BITS Pilani gets $1 million donation from alumni to establish new centre
The Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) has received a donation of one million USD to establish Kakatiya Rural Innovation, Technology and Implementation (KRITI) Centre. The new centre is aimed at inspiring and enabling students and alumni to create meaningful social impact across India, a statement issued in this regard said.
KRITI, meaning creation or work of significance in Sanskrit, will be a centre made possible by an endowment contribution of $1 million from BITS Pilani alumnus Raju Reddy and his wife Neerja Reddy. Both are accomplished change makers and deeply involved in rural development initiatives, the statement added.
Raju Reddy is a visionary entrepreneur, angel investor, board member, and former Chairperson of BITSAA International. Phanindra Sama, former ceo and founder of redBus and an alumnus, is also helping shape the vision and strategy for the centre. He and Sarika, his wife will also join Raju & Neeraja as founding donors for the centre, it added.
KRITI will expand BITS Pilani's engagement in the social impact sphere, building upon the legacy of successful alumni-led initiatives such as Sattva, Nirmaan, Thinkerbell Labs, and Ashoka Changemakers. By harnessing the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of BITS students and alumni, the Centre will develop sustainable and scalable solutions to pressing rural and social challenges.
'The establishment of KRITI marks a pivotal moment in BITS Pilani's journey,' stated Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani.
'It reinforces our unwavering commitment not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing socially responsible innovators who can transform the future of rural India. This Centre will serve as a vital launchpad for a new generation of change makers dedicated to building an inclusive growth . We are profoundly grateful to Neeraja and Raju Reddy for their visionary support; their commitment is a powerful testament to their belief in the ability of BITS students and alumni to drive meaningful change,' the Vice-Chancellor added.
The Centre's core objectives include cultivating value-based leadership for social transformation, supporting the incubation of high-impact ventures, creating robust pathways for engagement with non-profits, social enterprises, grassroots innovators, and fostering empathy, volunteerism, and responsible citizenship. KRITI also aims to cultivate a vibrant community of faculty and alumni who will collaboratively develop and implement technology driven solutions for rural development.
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