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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Dragging Gaurav's family, children into 'Pak link' allegation by Assam CM wrong politics: Priyanka
Guwahati (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for attacking Gaurav Gogoi over alleged Pakistan links, asserting that dragging his family and children into it is "wrong politics".
After paying homage to Zubeen Garg at his cremation ground 'Zubeen Khetra' at Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati, Vadra said the singer was "above politics" and spread the message of love throughout his life.
"There are two types of leaders in politics -- one who does positive politics and the other who does polarisation. Gaurav Gogoi is doing the politics of love," she said when asked about Sarma's repeated attacks on the Assam Congress chief over alleged Pakistan links.
Vadra asserted that Gogoi is "a positive person, and wants to bring positivity in politics".
"That is why such attacks on him are taking place. People of Assam understand this. But the attacks on Gaurav and his family are the wrong politics. Nobody should attack the family and children (of a political leader)," Vadra said.
Instead of such politics, the Assam CM should "talk about the youth and women of the state, who are looking for jobs", the Wayanad MP said.
"You are seeing how much corruption is taking place. It is just a betrayal of the people of the state," she told reporters.
Talking about her visit to 'Zubeen Khetra' in the morning, Vadra said that she went to the cremation ground to pay her respect to the singer and not do any politics over it.
"Zubeen Garg was above politics. His cremation ground should be a sacred place and should not be used for politics," she added.
VIDEO | Guwahati: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) says, "When we contest elections and talk about leadership in politics, there are two kinds of leaders. One is a positive leader — someone with a positive mindset. Such leaders tell you what they want to do for… pic.twitter.com/52z4HwRitg
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 20, 2026
