Babu Gogineni, a prominent Telugu humanist and rationalist, is known for his spirited debates against superstition and myths. His work has significantly impacted Telugu society’s understanding of rational thought and scientific inquiry.

Biography/Wiki

Born Rajaji Ramanadha Babu Gogineni on April 14, 1968, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Babu Gogineni’s upbringing fostered a liberal and atheistic worldview from a young age. His name, “Rajaji,” is a tribute to C. Rajagopalachari, a significant figure in Indian history.

At just 17, he became India’s youngest certified French language teacher after completing his diploma at Alliance Française. His exposure to the humanist movement began in 1987 during M.N. Roy’s birth centenary celebration in Dehradun. He subsequently taught French for eleven years, also holding administrative roles for various events.

A trip to Europe further deepened his commitment to humanism. Throughout the 1990s, he actively participated in rationalist associations in Hyderabad and Mumbai. From 1997 to 2015, he served as an Executive Director with the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) in the United Kingdom. Inspired by Carl Sagan, he returned to India to champion science, humanism, rationalism, and human rights.

Physical Appearance

Babu Gogineni is known for his preference for formal attire. He stands approximately 5’10” tall and weighs around 75 kg.

Family, Caste & Wife

He hails from a middle-class, liberal Hindu-Kamma Telugu family in Hyderabad. His father, Gurubabu, was a farmer and political enthusiast, while his mother, Aruna Kumari, was a homemaker. He married Sahana Kanjula, a Content Writer and Business Development Manager, on July 4, 1999. The couple has a son, Arun Gogineni.

Career

Babu Gogineni’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science from Nizam College, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Trade from Bhavan’s Rajendra Prasad Institute, an MA in Sociology from Osmania University (distance education), and an MA in Human Rights from Pondicherry University (distance education).

His career trajectory includes:

• French Language Teacher (11 years)
• Executive Director, International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU)
• Founder, South Asian Humanist Association
• Founder, Skillguru (soft skills training organization)
• Host, The Big Question with Babu Gogineni (2015-2017)
• Participant, Bigg Boss Telugu 2 (2018)

His television appearances, particularly his participation in Bigg Boss Telugu 2, significantly boosted his public profile.

Facts

His interests include traveling, reading, and watching movies. He co-published International Humanist and Ethical Union: 1952-2002 (Past Present and Future) in 2002 and received a memento from the Foundation for India Studies in 2017 for his work in combating superstition.