Rajendra Gopal Kulkarni

Regional Vice Chairman, Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI)

Rajendra Gopal Kulkarni is the Regional Vice Chairman of the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI) and a distinguished social leader, entrepreneur, and development professional with over three decades of experience in community service, institutional leadership, and rural development. He has played an active role in strengthening civil society initiatives across Karnataka and has been associated with CNRI’s mission of promoting sustainable rural development and grassroots empowerment.

A seasoned social activist, Shri Kulkarni has served as the Acting Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Bangalore Urban, under the Government of Karnataka, where he worked extensively for the protection and rehabilitation of children. As the Secretary of Manav Charities and Managing Trustee of Manav Foundation, he has led numerous initiatives in health, education, women and child welfare, and community empowerment. His leadership has also extended to Rotary, Lions Club, the Indian Red Cross Society, and several other public service organizations.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Shri Kulkarni is the Managing Director of Utkarsh Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and serves on the boards of multiple agri-business enterprises. His contributions to social development have been recognized with several prestigious honours, including the REX Karmaveer Chakra Silver Award, the “Servant of the Poor” Award from CNRI, and an Honorary Doctorate for his exemplary service to society. He continues to provide strategic leadership to CNRI’s regional initiatives, fostering partnerships between civil society, communities, and development institutions to advance inclusive and sustainable rural development.