Dallas, USA – In a solemn turn of events, Allam Appa Rao, a distinguished figure in the field of education, breathed his last in his sleep on Saturday. Appa Rao, formerly the Vice-Chancellor of JNTU-Kakinada and the esteemed Principal of Andhra University College of Engineering (AUCE), had been visiting his daughter in Dallas when the tragedy occurred.
According to a brief message circulated by his grieving family members via WhatsApp, Appa Rao had embarked on his regular morning walk on Saturday. However, upon his return, he appeared visibly exhausted and succumbed to eternal rest while asleep.
Appa Rao was widely acknowledged for his relentless work ethic, strategic planning abilities, and impeccable execution skills. His visionary leadership qualities were highly revered, and he had the privilege of working alongside Nobel laureate Abdus Salam during his tenure at ICTP in Italy.
Remarkably, in 1985, Appa Rao assumed the role of Professor in Computer Science and Systems Engineering, bypassing the conventional progression of lecturer or reader. He played a pivotal role in establishing a pioneering Research School of Bioinformatics, engaging in fruitful collaborations with medical professionals and publishing numerous papers both individually and in collaboration with his doctoral students. Andhra University sources have attested to his unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary research, even during his tenure as the Principal of AUCE, where he secured multiple research projects.
Over time, Appa Rao’s career soared to unprecedented heights. He became the first Vice-Chancellor of JNTU-K, where he left an indelible mark on the institution’s trajectory. Additionally, he served as the esteemed Director of the Prof. CR Rao Advanced Institute at the University of Hyderabad before assuming the role of Chairman at NITTR in Chennai.
In a heartfelt tribute to his parents, Appa Rao founded a degree college bearing their name, showcasing his deep-rooted commitment to honoring his family legacy.
Allam Appa Rao is survived by his wife, daughter, and son, who now mourn the loss of an exceptional leader and a beloved family member. The educational community, both locally and internationally, mourns the passing of this extraordinary individual, whose contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
As the news of Allam Appa Rao’s demise spreads, condolences and fond memories of his impactful journey are pouring in from all corners of the globe, commemorating a life devoted to education, innovation, and visionary leadership.