Visionary Educationist and Srinivas University Chancellor CA A Raghavendra Rao Passes Away at 88
The educational landscape of Karnataka mourns the loss of a pioneering figure as CA A Raghavendra Rao, the esteemed chancellor of Srinivas University, passed away in Chennai on Tuesday. He was 88 years old, leaving behind a monumental legacy of institution-building and societal transformation through education.
A Life Dedicated to Service and Excellence
Born on October 16, 1937, in Adka village, Udupi, to parents A Shama Rao and A Indiramma, Raghavendra Rao's journey was one of humble beginnings evolving into profound impact. After completing his commerce studies and qualifying as a chartered accountant, he embarked on his professional career in 1965 by establishing an independent CA practice in Mangaluru.
Starting with modest resources, he built a firm renowned for its unwavering integrity and professional excellence. His leadership extended beyond his practice as he served in key roles within the South India Regional Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, where he contributed significantly to professional development and mentorship, shaping the next generation of financial experts.
Founding the Srinivas Group of Institutions
Driven by a deep-seated belief that education is the cornerstone of societal progress, Rao founded the A Shama Rao Foundation in 1988 in memory of his father. This initiative blossomed under his visionary guidance into the expansive Srinivas Group of Institutions, which now offers a diverse array of academic programmes.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate courses
- Research programmes across multiple disciplines
- Fields including medicine, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, management, hotel management, and allied health sciences
As chancellor, he spearheaded the group's growth across several campuses, including the Pandeshwar city campus, Pandeshwar new campus, Valachil campus in Mangaluru, Mukka campus in Surathkal, and the Bengaluru campus. The Valachil campus, in particular, embodied his holistic vision, integrating education with culture and spirituality to foster well-rounded development.
Contributions Beyond Education
Rao's commitment to community welfare extended into healthcare and hospitality. He established Srinivas Hospital, enhancing medical services in the region, and founded three well-known 3-star vegetarian hotels in Mangaluru. These hotels not only served the community but also provided practical training grounds for hotel management students, bridging academic learning with real-world experience.
Personal Life and Final Tributes
In his personal life, Rao married Vijayalakshmi Rao in 1964, and together they built a family. He is survived by his daughter Padmini Rao and son Dr A Srinivas Rao. The public gathered to pay their last respects at the Mukka campus on Wednesday, honoring a man whose life's work touched countless lives through education, healthcare, and dedicated service.
CA A Raghavendra Rao's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy continues through the institutions he built and the lives he transformed, ensuring his vision for a better society through education endures for generations to come.
