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Rider Josh
Rider Josh 
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| Born | 12 April 1987, Bandalamottu Post, Bollapalli Mandal, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Overland rider, Social entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Education | Field experience, NGO training, self-taught through humanitarian work |
| Title | Founder & Chairman, Rider Josh Foundation |
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| Organizations Founded |
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| Awards & Recognition |
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| Affiliations | World Human Rights Protection Commission, Peace Ambassador Network |
| Philanthropy | Community outreach, youth education, healthcare, social upliftment in underserved areas |
| Residence | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India |
Rider Josh (born Dr. Joshuva Daniel Putti on 12 April 1987) is an Indian overland rider and social entrepreneur. He is the founder of the Rider Josh Foundation, an NGO dedicated to the mission of Reaching the Unreached. Josh is widely known for combining the spirit of adventure travel with humanitarian service and has received numerous national and international recognitions for his contributions to society.
Early life and personal background
Rider Josh was born as Joshuva Daniel Putti in Bandalamottu Post, Bollapalli Mandal, part of Guntur district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. He was raised in a Telugu-speaking Christian family. His father, Pastor Paul Sudhakar Putti, served the community through ministry, while his mother, Mary Sailaja Putti, took care of the household as a homemaker.
Career
Josh's journey toward becoming a socially active overland rider began during a life-changing trip to Uganda, Africa. There, he encountered extreme poverty and the harsh realities of life for underprivileged children and families. Inspired by these experiences, he returned to India and began working with a local NGO to gain practical skills in community development.
In 2020, combining his love for motorcycling and his passion for social welfare, he established the Rider Josh Foundation. The foundation focuses on providing critical services in healthcare, education, and disaster relief to marginalized communities. Despite facing financial struggles and logistical challenges, Rider Josh remained determined, managing the foundation's fieldwork personally and using his own resources to keep the mission alive.
Achievements and recognition
- Universal Records Forum 2020 World Record: Josh earned this record for his unique combination of long-distance riding and direct humanitarian assistance across regions, making him one of the few individuals globally to merge these two fields.
- First Indian to participate in the Burrapa Biker Fest (2020): Held in Thailand, this is one of Asia's largest motorcycle festivals. Rider Josh became the first Indian to attend and represent his mission of Reaching the Unreached on an international biking platform.
- Swami Vivekananda Changemaker Award (2021): This award honors individuals inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s ideals who lead social transformation. Josh was recognized for initiating impactful change through his rides and foundation work.
- Nomination for Padma Shri (2022): One of India's highest civilian honors, Josh was nominated for his dedication to uplifting the lives of the poor and promoting social equality.
- Honorary Doctorate (2022): He received an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his lifetime contributions to social service and community outreach.
- Membership in World Human Rights Protection Commission (2022): This membership was granted due to Josh’s active role in defending human dignity and human rights through grassroots initiatives.
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2023): Awarded by Cosmic Seniors Paradise, this honor highlighted his relentless dedication to humanitarian work, especially during crisis periods like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Youth Peace Ambassador (November 2024): In 2024, Rider Josh was officially designated as a Youth Peace Ambassador for his efforts in promoting peace, interfaith understanding, and inspiring the youth to adopt peaceful and purpose-driven lives.
Rider Josh Foundation
The Rider Josh Foundation operates with a grassroots model and targets remote, underdeveloped regions of India and Africa. Key focus areas include:
- Health camps and access to basic medical care
- Educational support to underprivileged students
- Providing food, clothing, and shelter in emergency zones
- Promoting road safety awareness among bikers
- Women and child empowerment initiatives
- Disaster relief during floods, pandemics, and other calamities
Josh leads many expeditions under the motto: "Ride with Purpose"—turning every overland journey into a mission of hope and service.