JOIN USProf U R Rao, internationally renowned space scientist who made original contributions to the development of space technology in India and its extensive application to communications and remote sensing of natural resources, had his origin in the village of Muduadmaru in Admaru in Ucchila.
U R Rao was born in Admaru. His parents were Lakshminarayana Acharya and Krishnaveni Amma. He had his primary education in Adamaru. He completed his secondary education from the Christian High School, Udupi. He completed his BSc in the Government Arts and Science College, Anantpur, MSc from Benaras Hindu University and PhD at Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad under the guidance of Dr Vikram Sarabhai.
The family of U R Rao left the temple town when he was young. They went to Ballari in 1944 as Rao’s father was a cook. The family originally resided in Muduadmaru and after the high school education of U R Rao, the family house was sold. The father of the scientist had returned to Korangrapadi and remained as agriculturist until his death in 1978. The scientist lost his mother in 1979. Rao had his last interaction with his ancestors during his visits after the deaths of his parents.
He, however, visited the Sri Krishna Temple whenever he paid visit to Udupi.
Rao’s death is a huge loss to the world, especially to the world of research and science, said the Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swami. The seer said Rao had plans to talk to him when he was suffering from a brief illness. “Fate, however, had decided the destiny and I could not talk to him forever,” the seer lamented.
District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj expressed his condolence for the departed soul and termed it as the huge loss to the country.