By Ravi R. Ponangi
Atlanta: Dr. P. V. Rao of Emory University, Atlanta received
TAMA Lifetime Achievement award at a glittering concluding
function of yearlong silver jubilee celebrations of Telugu
association of metro Atlanta (TAMA). The award function was held
here at Meadow Creek High school on Sunday, November 05.
Acharya Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao is well known as Dr. P. V. Rao
in the US in many ways. Dr. Rao
is a multi faceted personality.
Dr. Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao needs no introduction. He is one of
the principle architects of Atlanta Indian Community. Dr. Rao is
a generalist. He is a professor of Nuclear Physics in Emory
University. He is also a poet, artist and a journalist. Quite
often he deliver lectures on Indian culture and spirituality.
Dr. Rao was the first president of IACA. He is a fatherly figure
to many institutions and youngsters in US and they turn to him
for guidance in times of crisis. Institutions and persons in
Atlanta frequently refer Dr. Rao as wise man of Atlanta and turn
to him for his wisdom words and advise.
When receiving the award Dr. Rao thanked the community and the
organizers of TAMA and said that “he did not expect to be chosen
for the award and it may be early on the part of organizers to
announce this award to him as he expected to work some more time
along with the community”. The lifetime achievement award is
given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions and
their lifetime achievement. It is stated in the citation of the
lifetime Achievement award presented to Dr. Rao “ We gratefully
acknowledge your unparalleled contribution to the Telugu
community of Andhra Pradesh in the fields of fine arts, visual
arts, community service, literature and theatre. You are truly
an embodiment of kala tapasvi in every sense.
Telugu speaking community in Atlanta congratulates Dr. Rao and
takes pride in placing on record his many achievements. Dr. Rao
has rendered dedicated service of four decades to the cause of
Indian Community in America and has exhibited extraordinary
versatility in handling different skills and tasks with great
success. Dr. Rao is a top educator in US teaching and Research
in experimental atomic and nuclear physics. Published about 60
papers in scientific journals. Presented invited talks at
scientific conferences and advised graduate students to obtain
their Ph.D. and M.S. degrees at Emory University. Member of
American Physical Society and American Association for Physics
teachers. Developed courses for the curriculum of the college of
liberal arts: Introductory Quantum Physics, Advanced quantum
physics, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Einstein’s Space-time,
Science in Ancient and Modern India, Science and Religion, Dance
as Embodied knowledge in the Indian Context, Healing health and
mind, Physics philosophy and Spirituality.
Taught courses in Hinduism, Indian Mythology, Indian Culture and
Philosophy of Yoga in the "Evening At Emory” program at Emory
University. Lectured to several groups on subjects related to
Hindu religion and philosophy.
Served as Special Consultant to the Fern bank Science Center,
Atlanta, Georgia for the preparation of an educational program
called 'Stars of India' designed to explain the Hindu view of
the skies and cosmology in relation to Hindu religion and
philosophy.
Served as special advisor to Templeton Foundation, which
promotes a continuous dialogue between Science and Religion.
Being an artist provided the architectural and aesthetic
feedback to the Gandhi room established in the Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Historical site in Atlanta.
Dr. Rao is also well known in literary circles. Editor of Telugu
Bhasha Patrika, journal devoted to the popularization of
science, in Telugu language published from U.S. and also
distributed in India. (1970-76). General Editor for the
publications of Vanguri Foundation of America, Houston, Texas
since 1994. Edited about 30 works published by Vanguri
foundation. Member of the Editorial Board of Telugu Jyothi.
Published several poems and short stories in Telugu. Published
Telguu poetry collections – Kasmic Kavita, Lokaniki Chatimpu and
Sringara Bhartrihari. Adopted three classical dramas,
Kanyasulkam, Bhuvana vijayam and Pratap rudriyam for stage.
Translated Telugu poems into English. Published several articles
on Asian Indian immigrants in U.S., their religious and social
activities. He has special interest in theater: Stage design,
Direction and Production. Active promoter and participant in
dramatic activities of the Indian community of Atlanta.
Active member of the Indian community and one of the founding
members of the India American Cultural association of Metro
Atlanta. Active member of the Telugu community in North America.
Received distinguished community service awards from different
community organizations.
Received the Siromani Award for contribution in Science and
literature from American Telugu Association.
Current vice president of Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta, an
organization actively promoting bridges between various
religious communities of Metro Atlanta.
Bala Indurti, president of TAMA told this journalist that it is
an honor to the community to honor Dr. P.V. Rao with Lifetime
Achievement award in 2006 as it’s a TAMA silver jubilee (25th)
year coinciding with Golden jubilee (50) year of formation of
Andhra Pradesh, Centenary (100) year of Vandemataram and Diamond
(75) jubilee year to Dr. Rao himself. Hence 2006 is a special
and significant to all of us, Bala noted.
Dr. Rao has great parliamentary skills and drafted constitutions
of many Indian organizations and gave a focus and purpose to the
community.
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