Scholar, Environmentalist & Changemaker, Dedicated for Rural Transformation & Sustainable Living.

A distinguished scholar from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Dr. S. Manohari Velamati turned away from several promising national and international career opportunities to devote herself entirely to grassroots service and environmental stewardship. 

As the Founder and Managing Trustee of Gramadeep Charitable Trust, she has been tirelessly working to transform rural communities across South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, especially in Eluru district, through people-centered initiatives rooted in sustainability, dignity, and empowerment. 

Dr. S. Manohari Velamati’s remarkable journey and unwavering commitment have earned her several prestigious honors and recognitions, including the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Conserver Award, Women on Wings Award, State Green Ambassador Award, and recognition at international forums such as the Environmental Leadership Program at the University of California, Berkeley. 

Before founding Gramadeep in 2015, Dr. Manohari worked with the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, as a researcher for a prestigious national security policy making project and later for a defence think-tank. Her write-ups were published in many national & international journals like 'India Quarterly', Journal of Peace Studies, Indian Foreign Affairs Journal, World Focus and in some of the books. Her article was awarded first prize by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat during 200th Session celebrations in 2004. She also writes editorial columns in vernacular press espescially in 'Andhrajyothy' Telugu daily newspaper. She was a "Knowledge Community on Children in India" intern with the UNICEF India and also worked at the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) for a while. She served as State Coordinator for Loksatta Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement for good governance and youth empowerment during 2013 and 2014.