From Rural Roots to Academic Heights
Great leadership in engineering education means creating not just skilled engineers, but future-ready leaders. It’s about fostering a strong learning environment, encouraging innovation, and preparing students for real-world challenges. That’s exactly what’s expected of principals in today’s tech-driven institutes, and exactly what Dr. K. V. Murali Krishnam Raju delivers.
As the Principal of Sagi Rama Krishnam Raju Engineering College (SRKR), Dr. K. V. Murali Krishnam Raju has set a high standard for academic leadership, consistently nurturing the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. In recognition of his unwavering dedication to excellence in higher education, The Academic Insights is proud to feature him among the top principals in the country.
From the Scratch
Dr. K. V. Murali Krishnam Raju was born and raised in a rural village where, despite modest means, his family treated books as treasured possessions and encouraged boundless curiosity. Although his parents’ formal schooling ended with high school, they instilled in him a profound respect for learning and a conviction that education can transform any life, regardless of background.
Early success in the classroom, both as a student and later as a teacher, confirmed his belief that education is society’s most powerful force for individual and collective progress. Dr. Raju found particular fulfillment in witnessing the spark of understanding in his students.
Recognizing that impactful change extends beyond the lecture hall, he gradually embraced roles in academic leadership. From shaping curriculum and supporting faculty to championing equity initiatives, he saw administration as a means to amplify the positive influence of education at scale.
As the Principal
As Principal of SRKR Engineering College, Dr. K. V. Murali Krishnam Raju provides strategic academic leadership focused on fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. He plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of education, ensuring holistic development for both students and faculty. His responsibilities span from curriculum implementation and promoting interdisciplinary learning to encouraging a vibrant research culture and facilitating continuous professional development through workshops and training initiatives.
One of Dr. K. V. Murali Krishnam Raju’s most significant achievements as Principal of SRKR Engineering College has been leading the institution through a phase of academic transformation and strategic growth. His leadership has strengthened industry partnerships, expanded internship and placement opportunities, advanced national accreditations like NBA, and fostered a more engaged academic culture with a clear, shared vision.
In the Days to Come
When asked about his vision for the future of SRKR Engineering College, Dr. K. V. Murali Krishnam Raju shared that over the next five years, he envisions the institution becoming a recognized hub for innovation, research, and industry-aligned education. His goal is to transform SRKR into a model of academic excellence that combines strong technical foundations with interdisciplinary learning, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. He plans to align the curriculum with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by incorporating project-based learning, flexible course structures, and expanded internship opportunities. He also aims to grow the college’s Centres of Excellence in emerging technologies to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
On the research front, Dr. Raju is focused on increasing funded projects, patent filings, and high-impact publications, while promoting a vibrant innovation ecosystem through student-led startups and collaborations with incubators and industry leaders. His vision also includes developing a smart, sustainable campus with upgraded digital infrastructure, modern laboratories, and eco-friendly initiatives.
On a Personal Note
Outside the demands of academic leadership, Dr. K. V. Murali Krishnam Raju remains grounded by a set of passions that nourish both mind and spirit. Time with family and close friends, long walks in nature, and a deep love of music provide space to relax, reflect, and recharge. A voracious reader of autobiographies and inspirational works, he continually broadens his perspective, often sparking new ideas that find their way back into his professional life. Daily practices such as yoga, mindful breaks, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet help him sustain the physical energy and mental clarity required to guide SRKR Engineering College.
By harmonizing professional responsibilities with personal renewal, Dr. Raju models the very resilience and vision he seeks to instill in every student—concluding a leadership narrative defined as much by human connection and self‑care as by institutional accomplishment.
