Navya’s journey from the corporate world to the development sector, and now to Bhumi’s Eco Champs program proves her commitment to creating a better world. She believes in the power of education and hands-on experience to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Navya Kethireddy: From Tech to Sustainability – An Inspiring Journey to Eco Champs at Bhumi
Navya Kethireddy’s story is one of discovery, passion, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. Hailing from the serene town of Suryapet in Telangana, Navya’s journey began like many others — pursuing an engineering degree in Hyderabad and starting her career at TCS.
However, something was missing. Despite her accomplishments, she found herself yearning for more meaningful work, something that resonated with her on a deeper level. After a year in the corporate world, she made a bold decision to resign and follow a path less traveled: the civil services.
Navya’s determination to serve society led her to clear the prelims of the civil services exam twice, but the journey came with its challenges. After two intense years of preparation, she realized that the path she was on wasn’t fully aligned with her calling. The desire to make a tangible, hands-on impact on society was stronger than the allure of a desk job. She yearned to be out in the field, working directly with communities, and understanding the grassroots issues that affected people every day.
This realization brought Navya to the development sector. Over the next few years, she threw herself into social work, first with an internship in public schools and then a fellowship that allowed her to work closely with youth development. For three years, Navya managed fellows in a youth leadership program, guiding them in their growth and helping them develop the skills they needed to contribute to society. She found joy in working with young people, but after nearly five years of continuous work, Navya felt the need for a pause.
Taking a well-deserved break, Navya pursued her passion for sustainability and environmentalism. She spent three months volunteering on an organic farm, deepening her knowledge of permaculture and sustainable living. She even completed a 15-day certification course in permaculture design, which gave her a new perspective on how simple changes in our daily lives can make a significant impact on the environment. This experience ignited her desire to work in sustainability and environmental education, especially with children.
As her break drew to a close, Navya knew she wanted to work in the South and was drawn to Bhumi’s Eco Champs program. The program’s focus on creating environmental awareness among school children resonated deeply with her. Navya believes that while environmental studies are part of the school curriculum, there is often a disconnect between theory and practice. She sees Eco Champs as an opportunity to bridge that gap by engaging students in hands-on activities that foster a genuine connection with nature.
“Through Eco Champs, we’re not just teaching students about the environment. We’re helping them understand their role in it — that they’re part of nature, not separate from it. The earlier we instil this mindset in children, the more impactful their actions will be in the long run.”, she says passionately.
Outside of her professional life, Navya is an avid traveler, particularly drawn to mountains and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Her goal is to visit all of India’s 33 (and counting!) UNESCO sites, having already explored iconic places like Ajanta, Ellora, and Hampi. Solo travel is her favorite, allowing her to immerse herself fully in the beauty and culture of each place. Her most exotic destination so far? Kerala — she finds the natural landscapes of this southern state incredibly peaceful and rejuvenating.
When she’s not traveling or working, Navya enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like South Indian comfort food. Her go-to meal is a plate of lemon rice with chicken curry, a quirky combination that she loves despite its simplicity. A self-described introvert, Navya cherishes quiet weekends spent cleaning her home, catching up on sleep, and exploring nearby nature spots.
Navya’s journey from the corporate world to the development sector, and now, spearheading the Bhumi’s Eco Champs program proves her commitment to creating a better world. She believes in the power of education and hands-on experience to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Bhumi has found the perfect person to lead the Eco Champs program, someone whose passion for sustainability and education is matched only by her desire to make a real, lasting impact on society. #HumansOfBhumi