Mangaluru, Feb 18: Dr CA A Raghavendra Rao, noted educationist, chartered accountant and founder of the Srinivas Group of Colleges, passed away on February 17 at the age of 88, leaving behind a decades-long legacy in education and industry.

Dr Rao was the founder, chairman and chief patron of the A Shama Rao Foundation, under which the Srinivas Group of Institutions grew into one of the region’s prominent educational networks. What began as a modest initiative eventually expanded into a cluster of institutions offering professional and higher education across multiple disciplines.

Born on October 16, 1937, in Benagal of Pejamangore village in Udupi district, to late A Shama Rao and Indiramma, he completed his early education at SVS Elementary School, Innanje, and SVH High School before graduating in Commerce from MGM College, Udupi. He later qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Mangaluru.

He started independent practice in 1965 at Felix Pai Bazaar and went on to become senior partner at M/S Raghavendra Chartered Accountants, which expanded into a multi-branch firm employing a large team of professionals. His professional leadership extended to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, where he was elected to the Southern India Regional Council and served in key positions, including chairman of the CA Students Association and secretary of the regional council.

In the field of commerce and industry, he held top positions in the Canara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serving as secretary, vice-president and later president between 1983 and 1987. He also contributed to several advisory and policy bodies at regional and state levels.

His foray into education began in 1988 with the establishment of the A Shama Rao Foundation. The Srinivas College of Hotel Management was launched with just seven students, followed by Srinivas College of Physiotherapy in 1993 and numerous other institutions in subsequent years, laying the foundation for a large educational network aimed at expanding access to quality education.

Beyond academics, he also ventured into hospitality, setting up Hotel Srinivas in 1980. The establishment later earned recognition from the Union Tourism Ministry as Karnataka’s first three-star pure vegetarian hotel.

Over the years, Dr Rao received several honours for his contributions, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava District Award (2004), the Chitrabharathi Award for his work in education, and the SIRC Diamond Jubilee Award.

He is survived by his wife Vijayalaxmi, daughter Padmini, son Srinivas, and four grandchildren.

Members of the public can pay their last respects at the Srinivas University campus in Mukka from 11 am onwards, where arrangements have been made for homage.