In the quiet village of Pettamitta near Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, a young boy named Ramachandra Naidu Galla dreamt not just of personal success, but of transforming the destiny of rural India. With nothing more than determination, integrity, and a burning desire to give back to his roots, he returned from a successful engineering career in the United States to start what would become a groundbreaking industrial revolution in his hometown. Today, that dream has materialized into the Amara Raja Group, a ₹16,000 crore conglomerate with diverse interests across energy, infrastructure, electronics, media, and food processing.
Galla didn’t just build factories—he built futures. He turned villages into vibrant ecosystems of employment and innovation, proving that world-class enterprises can thrive in rural India. His journey is more than a business story—it’s a movement. A testament to how one man’s vision can power an entire generation of rural entrepreneurs.
The Seeds of a Dream
Born into a farming family, Galla witnessed early on the daily struggles of rural India—lack of employment, limited access to education, and the migration of youth to cities in search of opportunities. Yet, even in those early days, he believed that prosperity should not be the privilege of cities alone. After completing his early education in India, Galla pursued electrical engineering and later moved to the United States, where he built a successful career as an engineer at Sargent & Lundy, a major consulting firm in Chicago.
But while his career flourished in America, his heart remained in India. He was deeply stirred by the disparities between rural and urban life. The idea of bringing industrial progress to rural India grew stronger, and with a courageous leap of faith, he returned home.
The Birth of Amara Raja
In 1985, with limited resources but an unwavering will, Galla established Amara Raja Power Systems in Chittoor. It was the beginning of what would become the Amara Raja Group—a name that would eventually stand tall in sectors like automotive batteries, industrial batteries, electronics, energy storage, infrastructure, food processing, and more.
He believed in leveraging technology and innovation not just to build products but to build lives. Under his leadership, the company pioneered maintenance-free batteries in India—an industry game-changer that disrupted the market and established Amara Raja as a trusted brand across the country.
But for Galla, industrial success was only meaningful if it empowered the communities around him.
Transforming Villages into Sustainable Communities
Ramachandra Naidu didn’t just set up factories—he built ecosystems. From roads and schools to vocational training centers and healthcare facilities, he invested in the social infrastructure of rural Andhra. The Amara Raja Group’s operations became hubs of employment, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
The village of Karakambadi, once nondescript, transformed into a model of rural industrialisation. Thousands of local youths were trained and employed, women were empowered through various programs, and the local economy began to thrive. Galla’s approach was not about charity—it was about creating value and dignity through opportunity.
He advocated for sustainability long before it became a buzzword. The company promoted green practices, renewable energy, and water conservation, and encouraged rural communities to adopt them as part of their lifestyle.
Legacy of Leadership and Values
What set Ramachandra Naidu apart was not just his business acumen but his values. Humble, grounded, and quietly impactful, he led by example. He often said, “A company must do well to do good.” This belief ran through the veins of Amara Raja’s culture.
Over the years, the Group’s consistent growth and innovation earned it accolades nationally and globally. Yet, for Galla, the real reward was watching villages around Chittoor flourish with opportunity, stability, and hope.
Amara Raja Better Ways Awards: Honoring the Spirit of Rural Entrepreneurship
To carry forward his legacy and recognise those who walk the path he once did, the Amara Raja Group instituted the “Better Ways Awards”—a tribute to rural entrepreneurs and changemakers who embody the values of courage, innovation, and community upliftment.
Small Enterprise India had the privilege of serving as the Validation and Rural Entrepreneur Outreach Partner for the Amara Raja Better Ways Awards 2024. In this role, we reached deep into the heart of rural India, engaging with countless grassroots innovators. After a rigorous selection process, three deserving winners were shortlisted and honoured by the top management of Amara Raja.
Each winner received not only a prestigious award and ₹3 lakh in financial support, but also ongoing business mentorship and ecosystem access to help scale their initiatives. These entrepreneurs mirror the indomitable spirit of Ramachandra Naidu—creating better ways of living, learning, and leading across India’s rural landscape. This award is not just a recognition; it is a movement—a torch lighting the way for the rural changemakers of tomorrow.
A Life That Continues to Inspire
Today, under the leadership of his son Jayadev Galla, the Amara Raja Group continues its remarkable journey. But at its core remains the same purpose with which it all began: to uplift rural India through enterprise and empathy.
Ramachandra Naidu Galla’s story is a living reminder that true success lies not in skyscrapers or balance sheets, but in transforming the ground beneath your feet into fertile soil for many to grow. His legacy stands tall—not in the boardrooms, but in the hearts of rural communities who now dream bigger, live better, and believe in their own power to create change.
Beyond Batteries: The Diversified Strength of Amara Raja Group
While Amara Raja is widely known for its leadership in automotive and industrial batteries under the Amaron brand, the Group’s business footprint extends far beyond the energy sector. Over the years, Amara Raja has strategically diversified into several sectors, building a robust, future-ready conglomerate.
One of its lesser-known yet impactful ventures is Amara Raja Infra Pvt. Ltd., which undertakes large-scale infrastructure and construction projects, including high-end industrial facilities, green buildings, and data centers. Another key vertical is Amara Raja Power Systems, which provides turnkey power solutions for utilities, defense, railways, and telecom sectors—making significant contributions to India’s energy grid and defense capabilities.
In the electronics space, Amara Raja Electronics Ltd. has grown as a design-led manufacturer of embedded products and solutions for automotive and industrial applications.
The Group has also made its mark in the agri-food industry through Galla Foods , a fruit pulp processing business that supports farmers while offering high-quality tropical fruit products for global markets. This initiative not only promotes rural entrepreneurship but also strengthens farm-to-factory value chains.
In addition, Amara Raja Media & Entertainment is a creative foray into visual storytelling, producing content that reflects culture, innovation, and purpose-driven narratives, adding a new dimension to the Group’s diversified presence.
More recently, the company has made bold moves into green energy, EV charging infrastructure, and lithium-ion technology, aligning with its vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future. These diversifications, though not widely publicized, form the bedrock of Amara Raja’s resilience and long-term growth strategy.
Where Legacy Meets Leadership: My Unforgettable Experience with the Founders of Amara Raja Group
Truly honoured and humbled to have met the legendary Shri Ramachandra Naidu Galla during our partnership with the Amara Raja Group for the Amara Raja Better Ways Rural Entrepreneurship Awards held in December 2024.
Behind the success of a $2 billion enterprise lies a journey steeped in grit, resilience, and visionary purpose. From modest beginnings in the village of Pettamitta to founding Amara Raja—one of India’s most respected conglomerates— Galla’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.
What moved me the most was his humility and authenticity. There were no layers of formality, no corporate shields—just a warm, grounded individual who greeted everyone with the same sincerity and grace.
Equally inspiring was meeting Jayadev Galla, Chairman & MD of Amara Raja Batteries, who is not only carrying forward his father’s legacy but is also shaping the future of sustainable innovation in India.
Spending time with Galla was more than a privilege—it was a reminder that true greatness is measured not just in business milestones, but in the lives transformed along the way.
A true legend. A lifelong inspiration.