Ravishankar Dakoju
Ravishankar Dakoju | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 6, 1953 Bangalore, India |
| Occupation(s) | Real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known for | Largest-ever community development contribution from India to the Rotary Foundation; president of Rotary Bangalore Orchards (2018–2019) |
| Notable work | Founder and managing director of Hara Housing and Land Development Company; philanthropic initiatives in North Eastern India |
Ravishankar Dakoju (born 6 June 1953) is recognized as an Indian real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist. Between 2018 and 2019, he held the position of president at Rotary Bangalore Orchards, a charitable organization affiliated with Rotary International. In 2018, he made history as the first Indian to commit the largest-ever community development contribution from India to the Rotary Foundation, amounting to INR 100 Crores (approximately USD 14.7 million). This gift stands as the second-highest donation to The Rotary Foundation, surpassed only by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He continues his involvement as a member of the Rotary Club of Bangalore and serves as the founder and managing director of Hara Housing and Land Development Company, a real estate enterprise based in Bangalore.
Personal life and education
Ravishankar was born in Bangalore in 1953 to parents Kamesh Dakoju and Indira Kamesh, being the sixth child among seven siblings. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree along with a Diploma in Business Administration & Marketing Management. He is married to Paola Ravishankar and is a father to two daughters, Ektaa and Samta.
Philanthropy
His charitable efforts focus on areas such as community upliftment, education, healthcare, sanitation, care for orphans and elderly individuals, afforestation, animal protection, lake restoration, and support for people with disabilities. Ravishankar has spearheaded initiatives in North Eastern regions including Manipur and Mizoram. Through the Paola Dakoju Ravishankar Foundation, he facilitated the construction of a 77,500-liter water reservoir in Ijorong, Imphal District, Manipur, and established the Lyzon Friendship School in Khomunnom Village to serve 350 students. Furthermore, the Sunbird Ravishankar Farming Knowledge Centre is currently being developed in collaboration with the Sunbird Trust at Ijorong.