“Greatness is not found in titles or medals, but in the courage to serve, the strength to persist, and the humility to remain rooted while reaching for the skies.”
Introduction
There are a few people in every generation who have the strength of tradition and the spark of change. Dr. Rajesh Kumaar is one such person. His life has shown that hard work, determination, and faith can change the course of fate. His journey, which took him from playing sports as a child to leading one of India’s largest public sector institutions, shows how following your passions and principles with discipline can have effects that go beyond yourself.
Dr. Rajesh was born on January 1, 1966, when the world was still learning how to be independent. His family taught him discipline, humility, and the importance of education, which were all important parts of his childhood. His father, Late Shri Prithvi Raj, worked for the Income Tax Department until he retired in 1996. He taught him the importance of always having a Plan B, which would become a key part of his leadership philosophy. His mother, Smt. Gyan Kumari, was always there for him emotionally, and his grandfather, Lala Munshiram, taught him how to be a good sportsperson and care about others. These things worked together to raise a boy who would grow up to be strong and have a vision.
Rajesh loved two things equally from a young age: sports and people. He was the Zonal Champion in both Juniors (1981) and Seniors (1982) in badminton, and he also stood out in athletics by winning the 400m, 800m, and 1500m races at the zonal level. He didn’t just care about winning medals; he also wanted to learn discipline, resilience, and how to handle losing with the same grace as winning. His father knew how much time sports took, so he always made a plan B to make sure his studies never suffered. This fine line between duty and passion, between performance and responsibility, became the rhythm of his life.
His public life began when he went to S. Bhagat Singh College (Delhi University) for college. Rajesh didn’t want to just be a spectator; he wanted to give his best in every situation. He won the election for Students’ Union Secretary in 1984–85 and later became Central Councillor and Executive Councillor of the Delhi University Students’ Union. These positions put him in the public eye and taught him a lot about leadership, negotiations, and public relations. Winning the Delhi University Students’ Union Elections (EC) made people see him as a young man who could earn their trust and get people to work together. He also stood up to ragging and formed the anti-ragging squad “Friends of Fresher”. This showed him that being a leader was just as much about protecting others as it was about getting ahead.
Even when he was young, he was an excellent communicator. He won the University’s award for extempore speech in 1985, which was given to him by Vice Chancellor Dr. Munis Raza. This showed that he could clearly and persuasively express his ideas, a skill that would later define his work in the field of Public Relations (PR). His love of meeting new people and his ability to get people to work together became important parts of his personality. This made him believe that leaders should always put others first.
"A strong tree is born of deep roots —nurtured by family, values, and the quiet lessons of childhood."
Phase 1: The Roots of Resilience
Dr. Rajesh Kumaar’s story starts on January 1, 1966, when he was born with the gift of a new beginning. The date itself, the start of a new year, seemed to have a meaning, as if fate had chosen him to always be in sync with new beginnings, renewal, and new chances. His birth was more than just the arrival of another child; it was the planting of a seed that would grow into a tree strong enough to shelter, inspire, and guide many others.
From the time he was very young, Rajesh was surrounded by a family that taught him discipline, strength, and humility. His father, Late Shri Prithvi Raj, worked for the Income Tax Department until he retired in 1996. He was more than just a source of financial stability; he was a true teacher who instilled in Rajesh the mantra: “Always have a Plan B.” Shri Prithvi Raj believed that life was not about avoiding problems but about preparing for them, facing them with confidence, and overcoming them.
Smt. Gyan Kumari, Rajesh’s mother, was the strong but gentle presence at home. She gave him love, warmth, and emotional support, teaching him to be thankful for small things and humble in success.
His grandfather, Lala Munshiram, was a man of sportsman spirit and public service. Rajesh inherited his athletic spark from him, along with lessons of discipline, teamwork, and fair play. Even before becoming Captain or Manager, Rajesh was already learning to work with others, compete fairly, and put others’ needs before his own.
Rajesh didn’t grow up with luxuries, but he had rich experiences that shaped him. His family encouraged him to balance studies with outdoor activities. By his teenage years, he had shown exceptional talent in sports, winning the Zonal Badminton Championship in Juniors (1981) and Seniors (1983). These achievements were the result of hours of disciplined practice.
“Youth is the season where character takes shape —where courage finds its voice, and leadership discovers its purpose.”
Phase 2: The Making of a Leader
For many young people, the move from school to college is a big step in their lives. For Rajesh Kumaar, going to S. Bhagat Singh College in Delhi University in the early 1980s was more than just going to college. It was the start of a journey where his leadership, voice, and sense of responsibility would be at the center of everything. He was laying the groundwork for resilience in Phase 1 of his life. In Phase 2, he was watching those roots grow into shoots of confidence, courage, and charisma.
People in Rajesh’s circles already knew him as a disciplined and dedicated athlete by the time he started college. He had learnt teamwork and winning spirit on the badminton court and athletics track. But college was a whole new world. Here, leadership was tested not by medals but by trust, negotiation, and standing up for others.
Delhi University’s campus was alive with debates, competitions, and the energetic pulse of youth. Rajesh stood out because he could connect with people through conversation, encouragement, and support. He wasn’t just another student; he was someone people looked up to.
It didn’t take long for Rajesh to run for student leader. He won the Secretary of the Students’ Union at S. Bhagat Singh College in 1984–85. This win reflected his peers’ trust in his honesty, energy, and vision.
In 1985–86, he was elected Central Councillor of college and Executive Councillor of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU)—one of India’s most prominent student bodies. These victories showed he was not just a symbolic leader but someone who could unite students from diverse backgrounds.
Rajesh honed his communication skills by participating in debates and contests. His talent was recognised when he won the University’s award for extemporaneous speaking, presented by Vice Chancellor Dr. Munis Raza. This confirmed his ability to speak with clarity, conviction, and honesty, qualities that later defined his PR career.
“Every great journey begins with the courage to take the first step, and every first step leaves an imprint that defines the path ahead.”
Phase 3: The First Footprints in Corporate Sands
In 1988, Rajesh Kumaar’s life began a new chapter. He had just finished being a student leader and winning athletic competitions, and now he was ready to start his career with big dreams and a strong sense of purpose. His family was proud of him when he was chosen as a Direct Recruit Officer (16th Batch) in the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). It was a big step in his career and proof of his discipline, persistence, and clear goals.
His first posting was at Aurangabad, at the Divisional Office. Here, he first learnt about the insurance industry, navigating complex policies, demanding clients, and performance pressure. Rajesh tackled it like a sportsperson preparing for competition.
Within months, his ability to motivate others and creatively solve problems set him apart. His hard work paid off when he got the honor of Best Officer in 1989—an exceptional accomplishment for someone new.
In Aurangabad, Rajesh realised that corporate leadership meant building systems, motivating teams, and ensuring smooth communication across departments. He also saw the importance of public relations in business, not as advertising but as building trust with internal and external customers.
He learnt that in large organisations like LIC, communication breakdowns could derail success. His solution: create belonging, pride, and teamwork. This principle later became a cornerstone of his leadership style.
In 1990, Rajesh was transferred to Delhi, a larger and more competitive market. He embraced the challenge, introducing new marketing approaches and creative client engagement strategies. Colleagues noted that he consistently brought innovation and energy to his projects.
Note of Thanks
As this biography of Dr. Rajesh Kumaar finds its completion, it is only fitting to pause and acknowledge the people whose presence, love, and blessings have shaped the man he is today. A life as vast and inspiring as his does not unfold in isolation—it is nourished by roots, guided by faith, and enriched by the strength of family.
Dr. Rajesh Kumaar owes his deepest gratitude to his late father, Shri Prithvi Raj, whose principles of preparedness, resilience, and integrity became the compass of his journey. To his mother, Smt. Gyan Kumari, he extends heartfelt reverence for her unwavering support, silent sacrifices, and nurturing presence that stood as the foundation of his strength. He also fondly remembers his grandfather, Lala Munshiram, whose sportsman spirit and zest for life became an inheritance that continues to define his own personality.
In his personal life, Dr. Rajesh Kumaar finds enduring joy and purpose in his role as a grandfather. His grandson, Revan, has become the spark of his later years, reminding him each day that legacy is not just about achievements but about the values we pass to future generations.
And above all, his journey has always been guided by the divine blessings of Sai Baba, whose grace he acknowledges as the silent force behind his resilience, clarity, and direction in life’s many crossroads.
This note of thanks is not merely a formality; it is an acknowledgment that behind every achievement lies the support of family, the inspiration of elders, and the light of faith. Dr. Rajesh Kumaar’s story is as much theirs as it is his.
Thank You
Dr. Rajesh Kumaar