Dr Rajesh Kumaar
Dr Rajesh Kumaar is an Indian corporate leader, public relations thought leader, author, sportsman, and wellness advocate, associated with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). With a career spanning more than three decades, he is known for his people-first leadership philosophy, organizational transformation initiatives, and contributions to public relations and professional training in India. He retired from LIC on 31 December 2025 after completing 38 years of service. Following his retirement, he joined the Board of Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) as an Independent Director.
Early Life and Family Background
Dr Rajesh Kumaar was born on 1 January 1966. He was raised in a family that emphasized discipline, humility, preparedness, and education. His father, Late Shri Prithvi Raj, served in the Income Tax Department until his retirement in 1996 and instilled in him the principle of always having a contingency plan. His mother, Smt. Gyan Kumari, provided emotional strength and values rooted in gratitude and simplicity. His grandfather, Lala Munshiram, influenced his early interest in sportsmanship, discipline, and social responsibility.
Sports and Early Achievements
From an early age, Dr Rajesh Kumaar demonstrated excellence in sports. He was a Zonal Champion in badminton in the Junior category in 1981 and Senior category in 1982. He also excelled in athletics, winning zonal-level competitions in the 400 metres, 800 metres, and 1500 metres races. Sports played a central role in shaping his discipline, resilience, and leadership mindset.
Education and Student Leadership
Dr Rajesh Kumaar pursued higher education at S. Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi. During his college years, he emerged as a prominent student leader. He was elected Secretary of the Students’ Union in 1984–85 and later served as Central Councillor and Executive Councillor of the Delhi University Students’ Union. He was actively involved in student welfare initiatives, including forming the anti-ragging group “Friends of Fresher”.
In 1985, he received the University Award for Extempore Speech, presented by the Vice Chancellor, Dr Munis Raza, reflecting his early strengths in communication and public engagement.
Career at Life Insurance Corporation of India
Dr Rajesh Kumaar joined the Life Insurance Corporation of India in 1988 as a Direct Recruit Officer (16th Batch). His first posting was at the Aurangabad Divisional Office, where he received the Best Officer Award in 1989. In 1992, he became one of the youngest Branch Managers in LIC.
Over the years, he served in multiple leadership roles across Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, and other regions. His tenure as Senior Divisional Manager (In-Charge) of Delhi-I and Delhi-II divisions was marked by record-breaking performances, large-scale employee engagement initiatives, and innovative leadership practices. He introduced recognition platforms such as the “Wall of Pride” and slogan-driven performance movements that fostered unity and motivation among employees.
Dr Rajesh Kumaar retired from LIC on 31 December 2025 after working for 38 years.
Public Relations and Thought Leadership
Dr Rajesh Kumaar has been actively associated with the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI). He served as Vice-Chairman of PRSI Delhi in 2002, Chairman from 2003 to 2007, and National Vice-President from 2007 to 2009. He represented India at the World Public Relations Festival in Trieste, Italy.
He is the author of books on public relations, including:
- Jan Samparak: Sashakt Bhartiya Avdharna
- Public Relations in India – From Chanakya to Coffee House
His writings emphasize the Indian civilizational roots of public relations, ethical communication, and people-centric engagement.
Academic and Training Contributions
Dr Rajesh Kumaar has served as a University Court Member at Kurukshetra University and Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. In April 2023, he was appointed Director of the Zonal Training Centre (ZTC), Gurugram. Under his leadership, the training centre achieved record participation growth, including crossing 100,000 participants in a single training cycle.
Sports Comeback and Wellness Advocacy
In 2005 and 2006, Dr Rajesh Kumaar won Gold Medals at the Delhi State Powerlifting Championships, demonstrating a remarkable return to competitive sports after decades. He later launched the wellness initiative “Fat to Fit @50+”, promoting health, fitness, and lifestyle discipline among professionals and senior citizens.
Personal Philosophy and Faith
Dr Rajesh Kumaar is a devotee of Sai Baba and attributes his resilience, clarity, and perseverance to spiritual grounding. His leadership philosophy emphasizes hard work, persistence, gratitude, health, and service. He is also a grandfather and considers family legacy and values as central to personal fulfillment.
Legacy
Dr Rajesh Kumaar is widely regarded as a people-centric leader whose career integrates corporate excellence, public communication, wellness advocacy, and ethical leadership. His journey from sportsman and student leader to senior corporate trainer and author reflects a sustained commitment to service, discipline, and lifelong learning.