Raghunand

Raghunand, born 12 March 1965 in Varanasi, India, is an Indian social activist and nonprofit leader. He studied sociology at Banaras Hindu University, obtaining a master’s degree in 1990. After completing a short research stint in the United Kingdom, he returned to India to focus on rural development and education reform.

Raghunand founded the Sangrah Foundation in 1995 with the aim of improving literacy rates in Uttar Pradesh’s underserved districts. The foundation has built more than 300 primary schools and offers scholarship programs for girls and students with disabilities. In addition, it runs vocational training workshops that have helped over 5,000 ever‑home‑bound families gain marketable skills.

Beyond education, Raghunand has been active in advocating for land rights among indigenous communities in the Terai region. His work led to the 2008 implementation of community land tenure policies that protect thousands of families from displacement. He has frequently appeared in national debates on rural welfare and land reform, speaking at the Ministry of Rural Development and the National Assembly.

Raghunand holds honorary positions with several international NGOs, including the World Education Forum and the Global Alliance for Education. He received the 2014 National Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education and was named “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad in 2016. His initiatives are often cited as case studies in sustainable community development projects worldwide.