Sometimes, it's the smallest efforts that spark the greatest change. Realising this essential truth, Harshavardhan Reddy, founder of Harsha Foundation, set out on a journey to open the doors of opportunity for vulnerable rural communities. With a Master's degree in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science; a gold medal in Master's Program in Government, from the MIT School of Government, Pune, and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Sciences from JNTU Hyderabad, he has used his effective educational background and extensive experience to bring innovative initiatives for rural development.
But what impacted him most is his humble background, as he hails from an Agricultural family from a remote village, Karni in Narayanpet district (formerly Mahabubnagar District).
Harshavardhan's passion for meaningful change led him to start his journey in social activism through the simple tool of RTI (The Right To Information Act - 2005). What started out as a personal grievance, turned into a mission to help the rural public for injustice they were facing. With over 300 RTI applications filed so far, Harshavardhan became one of the youngest Indians to file as many RTI petitions on public issues. He helped poor villagers to reach proper channels of grievance-redressal on various causes on issues like loans blocked by government-run banks, no birth certificates, non-payment of salary, compensation for labourers, and a fight against rampant industrial pollution – ensuring that the issues are solved without corruption.
As Harshavardhan's commitment towards social causes grew more passionate, he established the Harsha Foundation in 2019. With his focus on Education, Health, Sanitation and RTI, he started this selfless endeavours to lay the groundwork of enduring progress in rural areas.
Harsha Foundation was established in 2019 with a vision to drive meaningful social change. Since its inception it has quickly evolved into a proactive organisation, addressing pressing social issues and driving impactful initiatives.
Over 3,500 women and children have directly benefited from these efforts. As it moves forward, the foundation is committed to transforming even more lives through its continued work.
Harshavardhan received the Young Achiever Award 2020 from the Capital Foundation Society, for his unwavering commitment to social change.
Filed more than 300 petitions under The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI), against several social causes to ensure rightful access of public services to the under-served.
Successfully led a government-funded sanitation project in Karni village with the help of Rs.60 lakh grant.
Spearheaded a drinking water project to each individual household in Karni village with the help of a Rs.30 lakh grant from the state government of Andhra Pradesh.
Revamped a slum, Vaddera Basti near Masjid Banda, Kondapur, Hyderabad, into a well-developed community in 30 days through construction of concrete houses, tap water connection, electricity supply for each household, better roads, and securing land-rights for all residents in the slum
Led the Clean India Mission program under the Government of Telangana, successfully transforming 30 plus villages into open defecation-free zones in just 4 months. Through sustained efforts, the entire Ranga Reddy district was made open defecation-free under the Swachh Bharat Mission program.
Conducted surveys in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh under FANSA (Fresh Water Action Network of South Asia) on implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission program.
Trained hundreds of youth from several villages on RTI and Swachh Bharat Mission program, in collaboration with the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) and Council for Green Revolution (NGO).
Fought against industrial pollution from industries near schools and colleges.
Helped poor farmers to secure loans, underprivileged students to avail scholarships, and ensured that rural public received LPG connections without paying bribes.
Donated an ambulance to Real Vivek Foundation, Hyderabad, by raising funds. The ambulance assists in cremation services of orphan dead bodies, and provides medical aid to people suffering from chronic diseases.
Crowdfunded a youngster from a humble background who had been selected to climb Mount Everest. He successfully scaled the summit and made a safe descent.
Led infrastructural development of government schools with the active involvement of our foundation, local community, parents, and teachers, in upgrading facilities to match private school standards. Plans are underway to extend this transformation across all government schools in the district.
Provided financial aid for higher studies in the form of scholarships, to 200+ girl-children who lost their parents during the pandemic.
