A LEADER WHO WALKS THE TALK
IN A WORLD DRIVEN BY NUMBERS AND MILESTONES, LION V.V. KRISHNA REDDY STANDS APART AS SOMEONE WHO TRANSLATES VISION INTO REAL-TIME COMMUNITY IMPACT. HIS JOURNEY FROM A HUMBLE BACKGROUND IN ANDHRA PRADESH TO BECOMING THE FORCE BEHIND DR. SR CHANDRASEKHAR INSTITUTE OF SPEECH AND HEARING (DR. SRCISH), ONE OF INDIA’S MOST RENOWNED INSTITUTIONS FOR SPEECH AND HEARING CARE, IS MARKED BY SUSTAINED EFFORT, STRONG PARTNERSHIPS, AND A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE
In an age where sustainable impact is the gold standard, Mr. Reddy’s story reminds us that “it takes a village”, and more importantly, a dedicated leader with a heart of gold and a mind for innovation to turn vision into reality.
Born into a family of agriculturalists in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Reddy began his professional life with a degree in engineering. His career took shape not in predictable corporate confines but through dynamic roles as an educator and later, a scientist with the Defense Research & Development Organisation.
His entrepreneurial instincts came to the fore when he founded VARS Builders Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru, a venture that gave him the platform to merge business insight with a deeper social purpose. For Mr. Reddy, success has never been an end in itself, but a means to enable broader community development.
Since joining the Lions Club in 1995, Mr. Reddy has held several distinguished leadership roles, including Governor of District 324 D6 in 2006–07 and Council Chairman of MD 324 in 2007–08.
His community work reached global dimensions when he was elected Director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the 93rd International Convention in Sydney. These positions served as launching pads for initiatives that have directly improved the lives of thousands, particularly the hearing-impaired and children with communication disorders.
As Chairman and Director of DR.SRCISH, Mr. Reddy has reshaped the organisation’s operations by actively involving a wide array of partners—Trustees, CSR sponsors, Infosys, Rotary International, NRIs, and multiple donor groups. Through these strategic connections, the Institute significantly expanded its academic and clinical services by adding courses such as BASLP, MASLP, M.Sc. in Audiology, PG diplomas, and research programs affiliated with Bangalore North University and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
SERVING RURAL INDIA
One of his most impactful interventions has been scaling the Institute’s reach into rural and underserved regions. Under his sterling stewardship, DR.SRCISH now operates three mobile outreach units equipped for neonatal screening, speech-language diagnostics, and therapy. These mobile buses conduct over 290 camps monthly across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, touching over 5,000 lives each month. By focussing on regions often overlooked, he has helped the institute become a source of hope and healing for many who lacked access to proper care. Over the years, Mr. Reddy has secured crucial CSR grants, including Rs. 1.41 crore from the State Bank of India Foundation for cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and Rs. 13 lakhs annually from the Tech Mahindra Foundation to support inclusive education programs under the “Sabal Vidhyabhyas” initiative. His support also led to the installation of wireless induction loop systems and the introduction of sign language programs for deaf students and adult learners. In 2025, under his leadership, the Institute received Rs. 2.06 crore from the Azim Premji Foundation for a grassroots-level project covering 83 villages in Tumkur District. This initiative aims to prevent and treat hearing and speech disorders in over 15,000 children through early screening, therapy and parent-educator awareness.
A HUMBLE LEADER
In an age where leadership often means making headlines, Mr. Reddy quietly chooses a different archetype of leadership. His leadership style is one characterised by humility, dedication, and an unrelenting focus on systemic impact. He does not hanker after fleeting visibility but seeks the creation of resilient institutions that transform lives and uplift communities, particularly those often overlooked by traditional frameworks of care.
Mr. Reddy believes in inclusive empowerment and practical decision-making. He empowers his team to take ownership, besides promoting academic freedom and continuous professional growth. Under his guidance, the Institute has introduced incentives for research publication and reduced fees for Ph.D. candidates. These initiatives have significantly enhanced faculty involvement and scholarly output. Additionally, by adopting digital client record systems and ensuring up-to-date certifications from NAAC, UGC, RCI, and DSIR, Mr. Reddy has strengthened DR. SRCISH’s foundation for delivering sustainable services.
In corporate governance too, the leader’s methods have set a high standard. A dedicated HR executive streamlines administration. Staff are encouraged to attend certified courses and are supported through ongoing training. Parent-teacher meetings are systematically recorded, enabling data-driven insights into child development. Such internal rigor ensures that the Institute doesn’t rest on its laurels but continually seeks to improve.
Looking ahead, Mr. Reddy’s short-term vision is to enhance the Institute’s clinical infrastructure, introduce newer academic programs, and increase outreach in underrepresented districts. The long-term aim is to establish DR. SRCISH as a global center of excellence—one that leads research, education, and inclusive therapy practices for people with communication disorders.
GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS
Mr. Reddy’s steadfast dedication has earned him notable recognition. He was honored with the Vistara Business Excellence Award 2024 for his contribution to speech and hearing education. Earlier, the Economic Growth Foundation acknowledged his role in educational development, while the International Business Council presented the Lifetime Education Excellence Award to DR.SRCISH. These awards are proof that focused service, when done right, earns its place.
Mr. Reddy leads with heart. From helping students through merit awards to supporting underprivileged children at Sunaad School for the Hearing Impaired, or enabling digital literacy through grants, his work has touched thousands.
Driven by a focus on sustainability and long-term impact, Mr. Reddy ensures that every decision, from energy-efficient outreach to advanced staff training, supports the delivery of affordable and quality care. As a result of his dedicated efforts, advanced services like newborn hearing screening, stroboscopy, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), and audiological assessments now reach underserved communities more effectively than ever, thus making quality care both accessible and inclusive.
