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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RSS has global network of over 2,500 groups for money laundering: Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has alleged involvement of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a money transfer network at global level.
Posting his allegation on his personal ‘X’ account on Saturday morning, Kharge said that he was referring to an issue that had not been dealt with decisively by Indian media houses.
“Here is a crucial story that the Indian media will never touch,” the minister has said, and clarified, “This so-called “body of individuals” has built a global network of over 2,500 affiliated organisations. Through these fronts, the RSS collects “guru dakshina” to fuel its divisive agenda. (sic)”
Kharge has further alleged, “The world’s largest NGO is running amok, laundering money and evading accountability.”
The minister added, “Here is a map of their organisational architecture of their “Vichar Parivaar.” https://rssproject.caravanmagazine.in / @thecaravanindia”
