Raju Kendre

Founder & CEO

Raju Kendre is an accomplished social entrepreneur and impact leader based in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. As the Founder and CEO of Eklavya India Foundation, he spearheads initiatives aimed at driving sustainable development and empowering underprivileged communities. With a strong track record of social innovation, Kendre is recognized as a prominent voice in the Indian social impact landscape.

Professional Overview

Kendre's expertise lies in developing and implementing scalable solutions to address pressing social and environmental challenges. As the Founder and CEO of Eklavya India Foundation, he leads a team of dedicated professionals in delivering impactful programs across diverse domains, including education, healthcare, and livelihood development.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder & CEO, Eklavya India Foundation (2017-Present)

• Oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the organization

• Drives the development and implementation of innovative programs to address critical community needs

• Forges strategic partnerships with government agencies, corporate entities, and civil society organizations to amplify the organization's reach and impact

• Spearheads fundraising efforts to ensure the financial sustainability of Eklavya India Foundation's initiatives

Global Fellow, Echoing Green (2024-Present)

• Collaborates with a diverse network of social entrepreneurs to share best practices and explore cross-border collaborations

• Participates in leadership development and capacity-building programs to enhance organizational management and impact scaling capabilities

Affiliate Fellow, Ashoka (2024-Present)

• Contributes to the Ashoka network's efforts to identify, support, and scale innovative social solutions

• Engages in peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the Ashoka community

Incubatee, NSRCEL (2023-Present)

• Leverages the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided by the NSRCEL incubator to strengthen Eklavya India Foundation's operational and strategic capabilities

Contributing Writer, ThePrint (2023-Present)

• Shares insights and perspectives on social impact, sustainable development, and the evolving landscape of the social sector in India

Academic Background

Kendre holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), where he specialized in Community Organization and Development Practice. His academic journey has been marked by a strong focus on community-based interventions and the integration of technology for social good.

Areas of Expertise

• Social entrepreneurship and impact-driven program design

• Community engagement and participatory development approaches

• Nonprofit management and organizational capacity building

• Strategic partnerships and stakeholder collaboration

• Social innovation and the application of technology for social impact

Professional Impact

Under Kendre's leadership, Eklavya India Foundation has successfully implemented several high-impact initiatives, including a digital literacy program that has empowered over 10,000 rural women and a community-based healthcare model that has improved access to quality medical services for underserved populations. Kendre's contributions have been recognized through his selection as a Global Fellow at Echoing Green and an Affiliate Fellow at Ashoka, prestigious accolades that highlight his commitment to driving sustainable social change.

Conclusion

Raju Kendre is a visionary social entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to addressing complex societal challenges. Through his work at Eklavya India Foundation and his involvement in various prestigious fellowships and initiatives, Kendre continues to inspire and lead the transformation of underserved communities in India. His unwavering commitment to social impact and his ability to scale innovative solutions position him as a prominent figure in the country's social impact landscape.