16th Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University Prof T Navaneeth Rao passes away

HYDERABAD: The 16th Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University and a doyen in research of Chemistry Prof T Navaneeth Rao, 95, passed away in his sleep around 4 am on Saturday.

Prof Rao, a renowned educationist and scholar, served as the VC of Osmania University between 1985 and 1991.

Prof Rao left a mark on the university as someone who launched multiple academic programs and research activities, apart from protecting the huge tracts of land of the University.

Tribute:

Prof. T Navaneeth Rao an esteemed academician and administrator had 40 years of teaching and research experience. He was Professor of Chemistry, Osmania University, from 1970- 91. His research interests were mainly focused, in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Education, Application of Science & Technology in Rural Areas. He has published 220 papers and 5 books, presented around 160 research papers in various national and international conferences, delivered key-note lectures, invited lectures etc.

Under his esteemed guidance, 24 students received their Ph.D degree. He visited various countries like Europe, USA, Far East etc. not only to present research papers in International Conferences but also on teaching assignment.

Professor Rao is a recipient of J.C Young Scientist Award – 1972; Best University Teacher Award - 1981; Recipient of St. Meesum Award 1986 for contributions in Science and Technology; Recipient of Dr. C R Reddy Vamsee Award 1989 as Eminent Educationist; Recipient of National Unity Award 1990; Recipeint fo Viaya Shree Award – 1990; Recipient of Award from A P Akademy of Sciences

Professor Navaneeth Rao held various administrative positions as Chairman, SRT Rural Institute; President, Institute of Public Enterprise; Director, Andhra Bank ; Member, Task Force; Chairman, Scientific Commission – European Union-India Economic Cross Cultural Exchange Programmes; Director, Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad; Chairman, Karnataka Universities Review Commission; Vice Chancellor, Osmania University, Hyderabad; Rector, Osmania University; Director, Post-Graduate Schools, Osmania University; Head, Department of Chemistry, Osmania University.

Professor Navaneeth Rao is also a Member of many Professional Bodies of which few are sited here viz., Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (London); Member, Inter-American Photochemical Society (USA); Fellow of the Indian Chemical Society; Member, Indian Science Congress Association; Fellow and pat-President, Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences; Member of Catalysts Society of India; Member, Indian Photo Biological Society; Fellow, Electrochemical Society of India; Executive Member of the Andhra Pradesh Science Centre; Member Executive Committee, Research Advisory Council and Scientific Advisory Committee of Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad; Member, Andhra Pradesh State Research &Development; Convener, State-wise Advisory Committee of the College Science Improvement Programme (COSIP); Member of the Research Committees CSIR, UGC, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board; Member, Board of Governors, Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad; Member on the Executive Committees of various academic institutions.