Maharashtra's Raju Kendre Reaches Final Round of Study UK Alumni Awards 2025

Mumbai- The finalists for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025 have been announced. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of UK alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have created a positive impact on society.

Raju Kendre has secured a place in the final round of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025 in recognition of his social and educational work. Among hundreds of nominations, only three have been selected in the Social Action category, and he is the only one from Maharashtra to make it to the final list. The winners will be announced at a public event in Delhi on March 1, 2025. His work has brought about positive changes in the lives of many students.

Raju Kendre is an alumnus of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and the co-founder of Eklavya India Foundation. For years, he has been working to provide educational opportunities to marginalized students. Drawing from the historical experiences of his nomadic tribal background, he focuses on raising awareness and providing mentorship to develop leadership skills. His long-term vision includes establishing an interdisciplinary university in central India.

Since 2017, Eklavya India Foundation has been dedicated to mentoring students and helping them plan their careers. The organization has conducted over 700+ workshops, reaching 500,000 students, and has facilitated admissions for 1,700+ students into top institutions in India and abroad. More than 400 alumni of the foundation are now pursuing successful careers and contributing to society.

The foundation has also played a crucial role in securing scholarships for students, amounting to over $50 million USD. Additionally, it has helped 30+ students secure scholarships to study at globally renowned universities.

Over the past seven years, the foundation has dedicated over one million hours to mentoring and career guidance. Government programs, trusts, and prestigious global institutions have awarded more than $5 million USD in scholarships to Eklavya students.

Sharing his excitement, Kendre said, "The year 2021-22 was a milestone for me. Studying at SOAS, University of London, and receiving the Chevening Scholarship significantly contributed to both my personal journey and the work of our Eklavya India Foundation. There is still much to be done to democratize higher education and create leadership opportunities for marginalized communities. Our mission is to ensure that students from underprivileged backgrounds not only access higher education but also emerge as policymakers and decision-makers. This recognition will inspire us to work even harder in this direction. I dedicate this award to all first-generation learners from marginalized communities."