Dr Amo Raju OBE DL
NDA26 Judge
Dr Amo Raju OBE DL
The Disability Ambassador
Dr. Amo Raju OBE DL has an incredible and inspiring story that sees him going from a disabled bhangra singer to a successful and entrepreneurial CEO. After 30 years of service to Disability Direct, Amo stepped down and took on the role of Disability Ambassador and now delivers keynotes across the globe on disability, race and leadership.
His achievements include stints in the bhangra music industry, politics, commerce and now as an author of his book ‘Walk Like A Man’ based on his many life experiences and also his very secret relationship with his fluctuating state of mental health and depression. Today he enjoys the status as a ‘Disability Ambassador’ as well as taking up the role as a deputy to the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and in turn, His Majesty King Charles III. Amo has made regular appearances on ITV News, Talk TV and GB News, sharing about issues around charities and disability, as well as delivering a TedX Talk. His accolades include – A Doctorate from the University of Derby, An OBE for services to disabled people, carers and mental health, Winner of The NDA Lifetime Achiever Award 2023, Winner of the Scope Positive Role Model Award 2024, inclusion in the Forttuna Global Legacy Makers List 2025 and Winner of the British Sikh Award for Outstanding 3rd Sector Achievement, Winner of The International Disability Humanitarian Award 2026 presented by LOSD at The University of Oxford.'
