Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Mar 23: Srinivas University organized the launch of ‘Dream to Reality - The Journey of a Visionary’, a biography detailing the remarkable life of Dr CA A Raghavendra Rao, chancellor of Srinivas University. The event took place on Saturday, March 23, at Hotel Srinivas.

Addressing the gathering, Dr CA A Raghavendra Rao, chancellor of Srinivas University and president of the Srinivas Group of Institutions, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Today, all my colleagues and co-workers have gathered here, and I would rather refer to them as my family members. Among them are some sisters who approach me with requests for changes, and I welcome their input. Today, I do not wish to dwell on my achievements, as I don't consider them to be particularly noteworthy. Whatever I have accomplished, I owe to the guidance of my mentors."

Dr Rao credited much of his success to Umanath Rao, expressing, "I believe my success is largely due to the influence of Umanath Rao. Working alongside him at the same firm, I learned invaluable lessons and acquired essential skills. Although initially, my request for assistance from him went unanswered, he eventually came through for me. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to manage income tax matters in various locations, including Kasargod, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan, on behalf of Umanath Rao. His unwavering belief in my abilities empowered me to progress in my career."

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Rao shared, "With the help of an accountant, I secured a modest office space, where I began my practice. Over time, I expanded my operations and hired staff. I vividly recall the day when I expressed my desire to start my own practice to Umanath, who eventually gave his approval. Despite my first staff member being a high school graduate, his dedication to his work and knowledge of accounting were commendable."

The chief guest of the event, S Renga Ranjan, IRS, income tax commissioner, Mangaluru, expressed his delight, stating, "It is heartening to see such a large gathering today. As an execution officer, I humbly acknowledge that I pale in comparison to the esteemed CA A Raghavendra Rao sir. I urge the audience to heed his words, as today's event is not merely about his life, but also about the challenges he has faced and the excellence he has achieved."

Ranjan emphasized the significance of biographies, remarking, "Biographies offer invaluable learning opportunities that extend beyond mere entertainment; they inspire us. By reading about the trials and triumphs of others, we gain insight into their experiences, which can guide us through our own challenges. Biographies also provide historical context and insights into the ethical and philosophical perspectives of different eras. They serve as powerful motivators, encouraging us to turn our dreams into reality."

Reflecting on the title of the book, ‘Dream to Reality’, Ranjan added, "The journey from dreams to reality is one that each of us can embark upon. Today, we have the privilege of witnessing the culmination of Rao's dreams, thanks to the dedication of his daughter. I urge everyone to delve into this book and absorb the valuable lessons it imparts."

Also present at the event, Padmini, daughter of CA A Raghavendra Rao, shared insights into the journey of creating the biography. She recounted, "The idea of documenting the life of my father, a visionary, had been on our minds for quite some time. Back in 2008, after reading about biographies, I felt compelled to write his. Although the thought lingered, it wasn't until after completing my thesis that I seriously considered pursuing this project. My brother, Srinivas Rao, had also contemplated it, initially expressing hesitance towards publicity. However, after persistent requests, he eventually gave his consent."

Padmini elaborated on the process, stating, "Over the next few months, we conducted numerous interviews with friends and family members, gathering valuable insights and anecdotes. Despite encountering several pauses along the way, we remained committed to the project. With ample data in hand, we embarked on the editing process, ultimately deciding to present the biography as a coffee table book."

She continued, "The journey was akin to that of an eagle soaring to great heights. Eagles serve as symbols of strength and resilience, avoiding the company of narrow-minded individuals and thriving in the presence of like-minded souls. Just as eagles feed on live prey, we aimed to conquer challenges head-on. Even amidst life's storms, eagles rise above the clouds, embodying the spirit of perseverance. Our hope is that this biography will inspire others to soar to new heights, just like the majestic eagle."

All the family members and dignitaries spoke regarding their experience with CA A Raghavendra Rao.

Dr A Srinivas Rao, B B Shanbhogue, CA Keshav Bhat, Dr Prabhakar Rao, Dr Aditya Kumar, Dr Uday Kumar Maiya, Prof A Mitra S Rao, A Vijayalakshmi, Nagesh Pai and others were present.