Founder
U. Raja Rao : Visionary Leader
U. Raja Rao, the founder and Secretary of Social Education and Voluntary Action (SEVA), holds a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), along with a B.Ed. and postgraduate degrees in Economics and Sociology. With profound expertise in community development and microfinance, he has dedicated over 30 years to grassroots initiatives, establishing sustainable institutions such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmers Clubs, and Water User Associations. His contributions have been acknowledged by leading bodies including NABARD, MEPMA, the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments, and the Department of Municipal and Urban Development of Andhra Pradesh.
Awards and Recognitions
Under Mr. Raja Rao’s leadership, SEVA has received prestigious accolades, including the District Youth Award (1994), Total Literacy Programme Award (1996), National Child Labour Project Award (1998), Excellent Farmers Club (2011), Best Farmers Club (2012), SRI Pilot Project Award (2012), and Best NGO Award during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (2021 – 2022 – 2023). These honors reflect his commitment to transformative social impact.
Advisory Roles
- Mr. Raja Rao serves as a member of the Advisory Committee for Dr. YSR Horticultural University (YSRHU), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh.
- He is also a member of the Advisory Committee for Nehru Yuva Kendra, providing strategic guidance on youth and community development.
- Horticulture Department – member of the Advisory Committee
- DRDA – member of the Advisory Committee
- Education Department – Members of Teachers Awards Committee
- Nehru Yuva Kendra – member of the Advisory Committee
Key Trainings and Seminars
Mr. Raja Rao has undergone extensive professional development, including:
- Community-Based Tank Management and Water User Associations Training (World Bank-supported).
- FPO Formation and Management Workshops (NABARD).
- Microfinance and SHG Capacity Building Seminars (MEPMA).
- Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Practices (Agriculture Department).
- Urban Development and Livelihood Programs (Department of Municipal and Urban Development). These trainings have equipped him to lead innovative programs in rural empowerment.
- School Health and WASH Projects Training
Impact Created
- Through SEVA, Mr. Raja Rao has profoundly impacted all the many districts in the earlier united Andhra Pradesh state, now Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states.
- His efforts have empowered directly over 5,000 farmers (and indirectly many more families) through 9 FPOs across 69 villages, renovated 41 irrigation tanks benefiting 6,300 farmers, trained 810+ women and youth in skills, treated 6,233 animals aiding 517 farmers, awarded scholarships to 590+ students, reached 11,573 people, WASH awareness, and covered 1,202 habitations
- Water under Jal Jeevan Mission. By fostering self-reliance and sustainable institutions, he has transformed the lives of thousands in marginalized communities.
For inquiries or collaboration, contact U. Raja Rao at +91 98496 22384 or sevangoeluru@gmail.com.