Mysore/Mysuru: At a function titled ‘Meshtra Meluku’ held at a private hotel in the city, rich tributes were paid to Prof. N. Venkoba Rao, retired History Professor of D. Banumaiah College in the city, who passed away recently.

He was also the Founder of Maithri School for Mentally Retarded Children in the city.

Prof. Venkoba Rao was affectionately called as ‘Meshtru’ and ‘Venkanna’ by his students and friends. Distinguished guests who were present at the function offered floral tributes to the portrait of Rao and recalled their association with him.

Former MLA Vasu, who addressed the gathering, said that he never missed a single class of Prof. Rao.

“He was such a rare  teacher. Though he is not physically with us today, he always lives in our memory. He had a personality which never allowed him to feel let down at any stage of his life. Though he was a member of RSS, he never brought them in his lessons and try to influence others with its ideologies. Prof.Venkoba Rao used to become emotional when the issue of patriotism came up for dis-cussion,” added former MLA Vasu.

Retired Professor and a former colleague of Rao, Prof. Shivaji Jois said that it is difficult to live with the fact that Prof. Rao is no more with us.

“We were colleagues since 1971. He (Rao) followed the philosophy of Buddha throughout his life and never got disheartened by anything in his life. He was a very good organiser and had a versatile personality. He was not just a professor. Prof. Venkoba Rao had excellent communication skills and had the knack of leading his friends and getting the assigned works done.  He was a great orator and was known in literary circles by his pen name ‘Srikantha’. He was the example of a true Indian,” said Prof. Jois.

RSS leader M. Venkatram, who also spoke, recalled that Prof. Rao used to visit RSS Shakhas and tell stories which often conveyed the lessons of life. He used to narrate stories which evoked patriotic spirit. He was my Guru and was like my brother, added Venkatram.

Journalist Ravindra Bhat, while speaking at the condolence meeting, said that with his high ideals Prof. Venkoba Rao will always remain with us though he is not physically with us. By supporting the school he founded for mentally retarded children, we can pay our sincere tribute to him,” said Bhat.

Maithri Charitable Trust President Pruthvi Sudhindhar, former MUDA Chairman H.V. Rajeev, Prof. Rao’s son Manu Mahesh, journalist and programme convener Ravindra Joshi, noted Limericks writer Dr. M.G.R. Urs and others were present at the event.