"Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. The true measure of your success is found in the effort and intention you bring to each moment."
Dedication
This biography is dedicated with enduring love and reverence to the foundation of my life, my family.
To my father, Shri Asavadi Jagajjeevan, whose unwavering values, disciplined life, and deep sense of duty laid the first stones of my character. Your quiet resilience, commitment to service, and selfless love for our family continue to guide every choice I make. You taught me that leadership is not loud, but steady, and that true strength lies in humility and resolve.
To my beloved mother, Smt. Asavadi Lakshmi Devi, whose extraordinary journey from illiteracy to being the moral and intellectual compass of our home remains the most profound inspiration of my life. Your determination to educate yourself and your children created not just a family, but a legacy. Though you are no longer with us, your wisdom whispers through every decision I take. Your strength is etched in my spirit, your memory enshrined in every success.
To my wife, Dr. Ganga Bhavani, who has been the truest companion one could ever ask for. Your grace in stepping back from your own medical aspirations to support my responsibilities across locations is a sacrifice few would make, and one I carry with immense gratitude. Your faith in me never wavered, even when challenges mounted. You have been my strength, my sanctuary, and the soul of my journey. Every achievement in these pages is a shared triumph of your love, patience, and unspoken courage.
To my precious children, Lohith and Harshasri, who bring boundless joy and purpose to my life. You are the reason I strive to make this world safer and better. My work, my dreams, and this story are all built with you in mind. I hope one day these words will help you see not only the path I walked, but also the values I hold dear—courage, service, and compassion.
To my younger brother, Dr. Asavadi Lakshmi Narayana, and my Sister Dr. Divya, your support has been a constant force of steadiness and strength in my life. Your love, intellect, and grace continue to add warmth and light to our family.
Phase 1 : From Innocence to Insight
Invest in your dreams. Grind now. Shine later.”
Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao was born on February 14, 1980, in Anantapur, into a family that deeply valued education, hard work, and perseverance. His father, Mr. Asavadi Jagajjeevan, led a life that exemplified lifelong learning. After retiring from state service, Mr. Jagajjeevan embarked on a new journey as an advocate, beginning his legal practice at the Anantapur District Court at the remarkable age of 70. His unwavering dedication to knowledge and his commitment to personal growth left a profound impression on Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao. Even in his later years, Mr. Jagajjeevan remained a student at heart, continuing to read and study extensively, an enduring legacy that his son continues to uphold in his own life and career.
Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao’s mother, Asavadi Lakshmi Devi, was a homemaker whose story was equally inspiring. Under the guidance of her husband, she learned to read and write and eventually developed a passion for literature. She became an avid reader of novels and even began writing herself. Her intellectual Her intellectual transformation was a source of pride and admiration within the family.
As the eldest of three siblings, Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao naturally assumed a leadership role within the family. His younger brother, Lakshmi Narayana, is currently practicing Physiotherapy and serves as the Principal of a Physiotherapy College, while his sister, Divya, has established herself as a pharmacist. During his formative years, Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao was known for his fun-loving spirit and enthusiasm for outdoor activities. However, a pivotal moment occurred during his Class 12 examinations when he performed poorly in mathematics. This setback served as a wake-up call, prompting a transformation in his mindset. He realized the importance of discipline and seriousness, and this shift became the foundation of his future academic and professional achievements.
Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao married Dr. Ganga Bhavani on 5th November 2011, marking the beginning of a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep commitment to both personal and professional growth.
Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao’s educational journey began in Anantapur, where he completed his early schooling. His innate curiosity in electrical systems led him to pursue a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electrical Engineering at JNTU’s Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Rajampeta. He graduated in 2002, equipped with a strong grounding in engineering principles that would form the basis of his analytical and problem-solving skills.
Phase 2 : The Forge of Experience
“Greatness only comes before hustle in the dictionary.”
A Career Defined by Dedication to Safety and Public Welfare Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao’s professional journey spans over two decades and is marked by an unwavering commitment to safety, health, and environmental management. His transition from the private sector to a government role was a pivotal moment that reshaped his professional path, allowing him to impact workplace safety on a broader scale. After completing his academic qualifications, he began his career as a safety engineer in the private sector, where he was actively involved in conducting safety audits, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and developing safety protocols tailored for industrial operations. His passion for advancing workplace safety led him to pursue further certifications and qualifications, laying a strong foundation for a long-standing career in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
In 2007, Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao made a critical life decision by transforming to Safety Career in Private Sector in safety management, a turning point catalyzed by a personal experience. A colleague at his workplace sustained severe burn injuries in an industrial accident, a traumatic event that revealed the devastating consequences of inadequate Safety Practices. Deeply affected by the incident and supported by his wife, a medical professional who played a key role in the colleague’s recovery, he resolved to dedicate his life to elevating workplace safety standards and saving lives through preventive systems.
By 2005, Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao had accumulated considerable practical experience and transitioned into academia, beginning as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Swami Vivekananda Institute of Technology, Hyderabad.
Despite initial challenges, including a difficult teaching experience at an intermediate college where students tested his resolve, he demonstrated remarkable resilience. Determined to improve, he refined his teaching methods by rehearsing lectures in front of a mirror and developed into an effective communicator. His perseverance and professionalism earned him a promotion to Head of the Department (HOD), where he began shaping future engineers.
Concurrently, he served as a part-time lecturer at the Hyderabad Institute of Fire and Safety Engineering (HIFE), where he authored and published two well-received textbooks: Fire Safety Engineering and Industrial Safety Engineering. These publications became key educational resources and garnered positive feedback from students, further reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of education. The gratitude expressed by learners, especially one who credited the books for passing certification exams, remains a poignant reminder of his impact as an educator.
Phase 3 : The Vanguard of Corporate Safety Leadership
"Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it away from you.”
Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao’s current role as Senior Manager in the Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) department at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) represents a significant milestone in his distinguished career. Since March 2019, he has been at the forefront of corporate-level safety initiatives for one of India’s largest oil and gas enterprises. This role stands as a culmination of his extensive and multifaceted experience in safety engineering, environmental management, and leadership across several industrial sectors. At BPCL, Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao is responsible for formulating and implementing strategic HSSE policies that safeguard the workforce, protect the environment, and uphold the corporation’s commitment to sustainable and safe operations.
His wide-ranging responsibilities include managing enterprise-wide HSSE programs, conducting rigorous safety audits, leading emergency preparedness efforts, and ensuring compliance with national and international safety regulations. One of his most notable accomplishments at BPCL has been the establishment of robust safety systems across multiple operational sites, contributing to not only enhanced safety but also measurable gains in cost-efficiency and energy conservation.
Among Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao’s most impactful contributions at BPCL is his pivotal role in the drafting and deployment of the company’s Disaster Management Plan (DMP). Developed with precision and foresight, the DMP incorporates comprehensive risk assessment, vulnerability mapping, and targeted emergency response protocols designed specifically for the oil and gas sector. His leadership in this initiative has equipped BPCL with the tools to mitigate disaster risks and effectively manage crises when they arise.
The plan was submitted to and approved by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), marking a significant leap forward in BPCL’s preparedness and risk mitigation capabilities.
His involvement in national safety initiatives further underscores his reputation as a thought leader. On January 21, 2025, he was invited to chair a prestigious panel session at IIT Delhi during a seminar focused on “Achieving Vision Zero through Effective Leadership and Cultural Transformation.” Sharing the stage with global experts such as Pernille Thau, Vice President of Global Services & International Vision Zero Consultancy (Human House, Denmark), and Bimal Kanti Sahu, Head of Indo-German Focal Point, Dr. Asavadi Rajeswara Rao shared his insights on transforming organizational culture to eliminate workplace injuries and fatalities. His participation highlighted his influence in shaping national discourse on occupational health and safety.