Why Corporates Call Him “PD Garu”: The 15-Year Leadership Journey of Karanam K. Lacharao
Mallam / Kakinada: Leadership is not always defined by designation—it is often reflected in the respect one earns. In corporate and institutional circles across East Godavari, Karanam K. Lacharao is widely and respectfully addressed as “PD Garu”, a title that reflects trust, experience, and authority built over a remarkable 15-year journey—from a small village employee to Project Director of VIKASA Jobs and a mass leader of the people.
From a Farmer Family to the Front Row of Leadership
Born into a farmer family in the small village of Mallam, Lacharao’s early life was shaped by hard work, simplicity, and strong rural values. With no privileges or shortcuts, he began his professional career as a normal employee, driven by clarity of purpose and a deep commitment to work.
His growth was steady and disciplined—built on learning, accountability, and performance. What distinguished him early was not ambition for position, but sincerity in responsibility.
Leadership Earned Before the Title
Long before becoming Project Director, Lacharao was already functioning like one—coordinating teams, resolving challenges, and building trust with stakeholders at every level. Seniors relied on his judgement, colleagues respected his integrity, and beneficiaries depended on his guidance.
This earned credibility laid the foundation for his rise—not through influence, but through impact.
Why Corporates Call Him “PD Garu”
Over the years, Lacharao developed strong professional relationships with leading corporate organisations by understanding their workforce needs and aligning skill development accordingly.
Executives from companies such as HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and several other reputed multinational and national firms began referring to him simply as “PD Garu”—a mark of respect that goes beyond hierarchy and designation.
Sharing Training Resources with Industry
One of Lacharao’s most valued contributions has been his openness in sharing quality training frameworks, skill modules, and workforce-preparedness resources with corporate partners.
Rather than restricting knowledge within institutional boundaries, he promoted collaboration for collective growth. These shared resources helped companies:
● Improve entry-level workforce readiness
● Reduce onboarding and productivity gaps
● Align training with real-world job roles
This approach significantly strengthened trust between VIKASA Jobs and corporate recruiters.
Championing Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Beyond job placements, Lacharao strongly believes that skills and entrepreneurship are long-term solutions to unemployment. Under his leadership, VIKASA Jobs expanded its focus to include:
● Industry-aligned skill development programs
● Entrepreneurship orientation for rural youth and first-generation professionals
● Career guidance and employability training
These initiatives prepared candidates not just to find jobs, but to build sustainable careers and enterprises.
A 15-Year Journey Through Challenges
Over 15 years, Lacharao’s journey has passed through economic shifts, technological change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters. In every phase, his focus remained consistent—people, preparedness, and progress.
During this period, VIKASA Jobs evolved from event-based recruitment into a structured employment and skill-development ecosystem, supported by strong corporate partnerships and public trust.
From Employee to Project Director—and a Mass Leader
Lacharao’s elevation to Project Director reflects institutional confidence built on results, resilience, and relationships. Today, his leadership continues to shape VIKASA Jobs’ vision—scaling employment generation through collaboration, training, and innovation.
More than a designation, he has emerged as a mass leader and a brother-figure to the youth of East Godavari, known for his accessibility, guidance, and genuine concern for their future.
An Inspiration for Rural Youth
For young professionals from rural backgrounds, Lacharao’s story sends a powerful message:
Where you start does not limit where you can lead.
From a farmer’s family in Mallam to the main row of leadership, his journey proves that consistency, service, and skill can redefine destiny.