The Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) has received a donation of one million USD to establish the 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 Red Bus 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.