K. V. K. Raju In recognition of his outstanding contribution to industry and society, Mr Raju was conferred 'Doctor of Science' by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU).

KVK Raju (born November 28, 1928), whose surname is Kanumuri, was a first generation technopreneur born in a humble agricultural family in Andhra Pradesh. He was the founder of the Nagarjuna Group of companies

Early life

After graduating from Banaras Hindu University and the Madras Institute of Technology he went on to complete his Master's in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota, USA. After a short stint in American he returned to India and worked for short periods at Caltex Oil Refinery, Orient General Industries and Associated Electrical Industries. Finally, he joined Union Carbide of India and worked with them for 15 years. While working with Union Carbide, KVK Raju's deep-rooted urge to serve society through industry impelled him to start out on his own. He started the Nagarjuna Group in 1973 with an investment of 23 million dollars. The Group has since then become a diversified conglomerate with an asset base of 43 billion dollars.
 A recipient of various awards for his outstanding contribution to industry and society, KVK Raju, was a firm believer in the adage "practice what you preach". A self-made man KVK Raju practised simple living and high thinking. He dreamt big and worked with an unstinted focus to make his dreams come true.
Modesty precluded him from considering himself a legend, but surely that is not going to prevent one from calling him so. Mr Kanumuri Venkata Krishna Raju, endearingly referred to as KVK by friends and admirers, has come to symbolise the spirit of humane entrepreneurship in Indian Industry. Among the new generation of Technocrat entrepreneurs, KVK occupied a unique position in many respects - unique in background, unique in entrepreneurial approach and unique in personal qualities. He was a perfect combination of a self-made professional manager-cum-entrepreneur with an extraordinary human touch.
Mr K V K Raju was born on November 28, 1928 in a humble agricultural family. He was neither heir to any industrial empire nor a protege of an industrial baron. Mr Raju was a self-made man. The uncompromising integrity and honesty of his father and the tender geniality of his mother made an indelible impression on the young KVK's character. The tutelage under Swami Nishreyasananda at Tanuku in West Godavari District, helped to mould his personality. Mr Duncan Grindley, a high school teacher in Ramakrishna Mission played an important role in infusing confidence in Mr Raju.
After graduating from Banaras Hindu University and the Madras Institute of Technology, Mr Raju pursued his higher education at Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota of USA in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. The urge to serve his country, inculcated in his youth by India's freedom movement in which several of his family members had participated, made him to return to India, after a short stint in American Industry.
In India, Mr Raju had brief stints at Caltex Oil Refinery, Orient General Industries and Associated Electrical Industries. Finally, he joined a multinational company, Union Carbide of India, in which he served for 15 years. It was while working with Union Carbide that his deep-rooted urge to contribute to the industrial development of the country impelled him to plunge into entrepreneurship.
Mr Raju launched the Nagarjuna Group with Nagarjuna Steel Company in 1976. The Group has now become a multi-million corporate conglomerate with diversified business interests in agri-businesses like fertilizers, pesticides, micro irrigation systems and agri exports and steel, finance and energy sectors.
The commissioning of the Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (NFCL) in Kakinada is a monumental testimony to his indefatigable spirit. Mr Raju was a firm believer in the principle of "Service to Society through Industry". Under his stewardship, the Nagarjuna Group has practicsed the concept of trusteeship and excellence in all its spheres. The natural ecological systems developed around the manufacturing facilities at Kakinada and Srikakulam stand testimony to his great concern for Nature and his vision of making 'Industry in Harmony with Nature'.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to industry and society, Mr Raju was conferred 'Doctor of Science' by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU). He was also the recipient of many other awards like the Manager of the Year,Professor Y Nayudamma Memorial Gold Medal, Udyog Ratna Award and Dr K L Rao Award for Excellence.
Even after his demise on Novermber 16, 1993, the Nagarjuna Group continues with its commitment to the vision and values set by Mr K V K Raju.
  http://www.hyderabadcityinfo.com/kvk-raju.html