Radha Krishna Rao: An exemplary teacher bids adieu
It’s hard to believe that Radha Krishna Rao, my former teacher at Badriya PU College, is no more. Just a few weeks ago, during a phone conversation, he had said warmly, “Make sure you drop by the next time you’re in town.” That call must have been my first conversation with him since I left PU college, likely in the early 1990s. Despite the long gap, we spoke with the comfort and familiarity of close friends. I even pulled his leg a bit - calling him out for being the kind of teacher who could control an entire class with just a stern look.
Late Rao dedicated most, if not all, of his professional life to teaching accountancy at Badriya College, shaping it into an institution of academic repute. He had a unique style - he could assess students’ understanding quickly and explain even complex concepts in simple, relatable terms. Teaching at Badriya wasn’t easy either; the college was often seen as a last resort for students who couldn't get seats elsewhere. Yet, Rao sir and his colleagues patiently guided these students, year after year, delivering impressive academic results.
Thousands of students who learned accountancy from him have gone on to build successful careers in India and abroad. Particularly in the coastal Karnataka Muslim community, which has seen a remarkable educational surge in recent decades, the role of selfless teachers like Rao sir cannot be overstated. With his talent and credentials, he could easily have joined any elite institution. But he chose instead to dedicate his life to shaping the future of a community historically marginalised in terms of education, economy and opportunity. That is why the Muslim community in the region owes him a deep debt of gratitude.
Just last month, in what now feels like a symbol of his lasting commitment to education, Rao Sir visited the new NEET coaching facility being launched by Shepherd Education Trust in partnership with Bidar Shaheen, right here in Mangaluru. A friend had shared a photo of that visit in a group of Badria alumni, and thanks to that, I ended up having an unexpected chat with sir. He sounded tired. “What can I say, my friend? I’ve crossed 65. I have BP, diabetes... all of it. The kids are all away. We’ve sold our house in Mangalore and moved to Udupi. It’s just me and my wife now,” he said. There was a quiet ache in his voice. Trying to lighten the moment, I joked, “Oh come on, Sir! You sound just fine. Still young! Go enjoy a second honeymoon!”
That conversation left me determined to meet him during my next visit home. But tragically, just a week later, I received a forwarded message: “Rao sir’s in the ICU at TMA Pai Hospital, on a ventilator.” And within days, he left this world - leaving behind not only a grieving family, but thousands of students who owe their foundations to him.
It gives me some comfort that, even after all these years, I got the chance to speak to Rao sir again - if only over the phone. But the regret of not meeting him in person will stay with me for a long time.
In his passing, Badriya College has lost one more link in its chain of idealistic, committed educators. Among them, Rao sir stood out - not just as an excellent teacher, but as one of the foundational figures who helped build the institution’s reputation, especially during the 1980s under the visionary leadership of Prof Abdul Qadir.
It’s only fitting that the college's current management and alumni community consider establishing a lasting memorial for Radha Krishna Rao on campus - so future generations remember and honour the man who gave so much, so quietly, for their success.
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Belagavi youth’s murder case projected as road accident, cracked in Uttara Kannada; Three arrested
Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
