EDUCATIONIST, INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR, TRUSTEE

VIJAY RAJU

From saving a life as a young boy scout to shaping thousands of them through education and service—I am driven by purpose. As a Lions leader and founder of 13 nursing colleges, my mission is to empower communities with compassion and skill.

Somewhere along the way, service became a choice rather than a responsibility. We started looking at problems instead of creating solutions, waiting for change instead of becoming it. But I have seen firsthand how a single act of kindness can change a life—it changed mine.
I do not expect the path of service to be easy. It demands discipline, sacrifice, and an unshakable vision. So be it. I believe we can build a world where compassion leads and service unites us. And I am committed to doing my part. Because when we are United by Vision, Driven by Service—we don’t just change lives, we shape the future.

From Challenges to Purpose – My Story

Sometimes, a single moment can define a lifetime. For me, that moment was when a member of Lions International saved my life—and in doing so, shaped my destiny.
Born in 1963 in Palakollu, India, my early years were shaped by hard work, discipline, and a deep desire for education. My father, a schoolteacher, instilled integrity, while my mother nurtured my dreams despite financial hardships.
As a young boy scout, I once risked my life to save a boy from an oncoming bus, suffering a severe leg injury in the process. That act of bravery earned me an award from the Government of India and taught me the true power of selflessness. At 14, my mother sent me to help victims of the devastating 1971 Diviseema cyclone, which killed 10,000 people and damaged one million homes. These early experiences deeply shaped my lifelong commitment to serving others.
At 21, I married Sudha, my lifelong pillar of support, and later joined the Indian Air Force as an aero-engine specialist. I served my nation for nine years, learning invaluable lessons about brotherhood, service, and leadership. During this time, I realized that my nation, my community, and my organization will always be above self.

After my time in the Air Force, I joined my father in building a construction company. Though I achieved financial stability, I felt something was missing. My true purpose lay in service, leading me to establish 13 nursing colleges that have trained over 5,000 nurses serving globally.
My journey with Lions began in March 1996. For the last 50 years, I have never taken a weekend off, dedicating every Sunday to serving with Lions. I have worked with children in juvenile homes, contributed to the Lions Cancer Hospital, and tackled my first major project—reviving an abandoned Lions District Eye Hospital in Jaggampeta. Completing and dedicating it to the people was one of my proudest moments. Today, it renders thousands of surgeries annually. Following this, I helped establish and expand the Lions Cancer Hospital, raising funds to transform it into an advanced medical facility. Similar efforts went into the Meerpet Eye Hospital and Suryapet Eye Hospital, both of which stand as testaments to the power of service and perseverance.
Since 1996, I have served in various leadership roles within Lions International, striving to create impact and mentor future leaders. My journey is driven by one mission: to serve, uplift, and empower communities through meaningful action.

 

Who I Am: The People Who Shaped Me

I am who I am because of the people who stood beside me, guided me, and loved me unconditionally.
My father was a man of unwavering dedication, working tirelessly to provide for our family. His discipline and perseverance instilled in me the values that have shaped my life. My mother—she is the strongest woman I have ever known, my rock, my constant source of strength. She would have gone to the ends of the earth for her children, and I carry her resilience in my heart every day.

My wife, Sudha, has been my foundation and greatest support for the past 40 years. While I traveled and worked, she built our home—not just in bricks and walls, but in love, patience, and unwavering devotion. She managed our family with grace, ensuring that no matter where I was in the world, I always had a place to return to. She is not only my partner in life but also my partner in service, always standing beside me in my mission to give back to the community.
My daughter has been a source of immense pride in my life. Strong, compassionate, and determined, she has carried forward the values we hold dear, creating a beautiful life for her own family while always staying connected to ours.

My two grandsons bring boundless joy into my life. Around them, my smile is the brightest, my heart is the fullest, and my days are filled with immeasurable happiness. They remind me to cherish the little moments and appreciate the beauty of family.
Everything I am today is because of the love, sacrifices, and strength of my family. They are my story, my legacy, and my greatest blessing.

Committees Served

INTERNATIONAL BOARD LCI
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, LCIF
DONATIONS MADE

Lionistic Journey - A Glimpse

Get In Touch

Phone Number

+91 8388 999 999

Website

www.vijayraju.org

Email address

vijay@vijayraju.org

Residing At

Visakhapatnam, India