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Krishna Vavilala honored with BITS Pilani Distinguished Service Award
During the presentation, Vavilala reflected on his professional journey that spanned India, England, and the United States.
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Juhi Varma - Sun, 16, Aug 2026
- 04:58 EDT
- 20
Krishna S. Vavilala, / JUHI
Krishna S. Vavilala, a longtime Houston resident and electrical engineering alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, was presented with the BITS Pilani Distinguished Service Award 2026 at a ceremony held at the Consulate General of India in Houston on August 11, 2026.
The intimate lunchtime event, attended by about 15 people including fellow BITSians, community leaders, and well-wishers, was hosted by the Consul General of India D. C. Manjunath. Vavilala, a graduate of the Class of 1956-60, was recognized for his lifelong dedication to education, culture, public service, and community empowerment.
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During the presentation, Vavilala reflected on his professional journey that spanned India, England, and the United States. He credited his education at BITS Pilani with giving him the confidence to think independently and solve problems. He also expressed gratitude to his wife Lakshmi, daughter Amanda, and grandson Anand for their support.
“To my fellow BITSians, I say: the greatest treasure of BITS is not only what we learned there, but the lifelong bond we share as BITSians,” he said. “And to the younger generation, my message is simple--True success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by what we contribute to society. Commitment is Key. Everything else is an Excuse.”
As a gesture of gratitude, Vavilala pledged $10,000 in scholarship funds for BITS Pilani students. Vavilala, who has lived in the Houston area for decades, is the founder and chairman of the Foundation for India Studies Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2005.
Over the years, he has received numerous trophies and medals from the U.S. government for his work promoting education, cultural understanding, and the history of Indian Americans. The recognition comes shortly after BITSians worldwide marked the 25th anniversary of BITSians Day from August 7 to 9.
Consul General D.C. Manjunath recalled meeting Vavilala three years ago, when Vavilala reached out to him ahead of a celebration at the consulate marking India’s Chandrayaan-3 moon landing.
“We have been collaborating at various other events,” Manjunath said, pointing most recently to work with Rice University to chronicle and preserve the history and accomplishments of Houston’s Indian diaspora. “That is a very laudable initiative.”
Prashant Bendre, a close friend and fellow electrical engineer, highlighted another of Vavilala’s contributions: his role in bringing a statue of Mahatma Gandhi to Houston in 2004. He said Vavilala had long been inspired by Gandhi, who visited Vavilala’s hometown in 1947.
“The statue continues to remind visitors of lasting global impact of Gandhi's philosophy and of nonviolence,” Bendre said of the Houston statue. “(Vavilala’s) decade-long contributions to community service and cultural diplomacy have earned him numerous recognitions.
Most notably among them is the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, presented at the White House for his role as a change maker and as a global communicator. Vavilala continues to serve as founder and chairman of FIS and dedicates his time and efforts to community enrichment.
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