BITS Pilani Establishes KRITI Centre with $1 Million Alumni Donation: A Major Leap Towards Rural Innovation and Social Impact
KRITI to serve as a launchpad for technology-driven rural development, supported by visionary alumni Raju Reddy and Phanindra Sama
In a landmark move reaffirming its commitment to social transformation through innovation and education, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, has announced the establishment of a new centre—Kakatiya Rural Innovation, Technology and Implementation (KRITI). The centre is being established through a generous $1 million endowment from BITS alumnus Raju Reddy and his wife, Neerja Reddy. This initiative represents a significant step forward in aligning top-tier academic institutions with grassroots development and social entrepreneurship.
The new KRITI Centre aims to inspire, equip, and empower students and alums to create scalable, technology-enabled solutions for rural India, while cultivating leadership driven by empathy and purpose.
KRITI: A Mission-Driven Centre Rooted in Social Innovation
The name KRITI, derived from Sanskrit meaning “creation” or “work of significance,” reflects the centre's core philosophy: to create impact through meaningful, sustained efforts in the rural and social innovation ecosystem. Unlike many other research or development cells, KRITI will serve as a hub where technology, leadership, and empathy converge to drive measurable change across India’s rural landscape.
With an explicit focus on value-based leadership, KRITI will promote:
- Incubation of high-impact ventures
- Engagement with non-profits, social enterprises, and grassroots innovators
- Fostering of volunteerism, empathy, and responsible citizenship
Through this approach, the centre aims to transform the social development landscape by enabling BITS’ robust alumni and faculty network to co-create sustainable solutions for some of the country’s most pressing rural challenges.
The Visionaries Behind the Initiative
The centre is made possible by the generosity and vision of Raju Reddy, an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and former Chairperson of BITSAA International. Raju and his wife, Neerja Reddy, are deeply involved in rural development efforts, and their support underscores a strong belief in the potential of BITS students and alums to lead the charge in social transformation.
Additionally, Phanindra Sama, the well-known founder of redBus and a BITS Pilani alumnus, plays a key role in shaping the strategy and long-term roadmap for KRITI. He and his wife, Sarika, have also joined the Reddys as founding donors, further anchoring the initiative in the collaborative spirit that defines the BITS alum network.
This powerful combination of philanthropic intent, entrepreneurial experience, and institutional support makes KRITI a unique platform with the potential for national-level impact.
BITS Pilani’s Growing Footprint in Social Innovation
The KRITI Centre builds upon a rich tradition of alumni-led social impact ventures that have emerged from BITS Pilani. These include:
- Sattva: A consulting firm focusing on social impact strategy
- Nirmaan: A non-profit founded by BITSians that promotes sustainable development through education and livelihoods
- Thinkerbell Labs: Creators of assistive technology for visually impaired learners
- Ashoka Changemakers: A global platform for social entrepreneurship with contributions from BITS alumni
With KRITI, BITS Pilani aims to formalize and expand this legacy, offering institutional infrastructure, mentorship, funding pathways, and community engagement opportunities under one roof.
Vice-Chancellor’s Message: Empowering Change Through Education
Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, lauded the establishment of KRITI as a transformative step for the institution. In his words:
“The establishment of KRITI marks a pivotal moment in BITS Pilani’s journey. 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.”
He further emphasized that the KRITI Centre will be a vital launchpad for a new generation of changemakers, combining intellectual capital, innovation, and compassion to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Core Objectives and Activities of KRITI
KRITI will not only focus on innovation and incubation but also serve as a platform for academic collaboration, field engagement, and policy impact. Its core objectives include:
- Cultivating value-based leadership aimed at social transformation
- Incubating high-impact, scalable ventures in the rural and development sectors
- Establishing structured engagement channels with grassroots innovators, social enterprises, and NGOs
- Promoting volunteerism, empathy, and responsible citizenship among students
- Building a strong network of alums and faculty collaborators dedicated to rural innovation
- Supporting technology-driven implementation projects that address real-world development challenges
KRITI also aims to integrate its work with existing academic programs offering students internships, capstone projects, and field research opportunities that are directly aligned with rural and social sector development.
Why KRITI Matters: A National Perspective
India’s rural sector faces numerous challenges—from a lack of access to healthcare and education to inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities. Yet, it is also a hotbed of untapped innovation and resilience. The KRITI Centre, with its robust institutional backing and alumni-driven funding model, has the potential to revolutionize rural problem-solving through tech-enabled solutions.
By embedding entrepreneurship and empathy into the academic fabric, BITS Pilani is setting an example for other institutions on how to channel intellectual and financial resources into high-impact social development.
Looking Ahead: A Community-Driven Future
KRITI is more than just a centre—it is a movement toward responsible innovation. Through meaningful engagement, collaborative creation, and long-term vision, it seeks to make a significant and lasting impact on India’s socio-economic landscape.
The partnership between BITS Pilani and its alums exemplifies how elite academic institutions can serve as catalysts for inclusive growth, rooted in both technological excellence and human valus.
As KRITI begins its journey, the centre invites collaboration from students, faculty, NGOs, corporates, and government bodies committed to building a better rural India—one innovation at a time.
