Mysuru :

Noted science writer JR Lakshman Rao passed away in a private hospital in Mysuru on Friday morning. He was 96.
Rao was born in Jagaluru in Davanagere district in 1921 and did his schooling in Chitradurga. He came to Mysuru and joined Yuvaraja’s College and completed his MSc in chemistry from Central College in Bengaluru.

Rao came in contact with noted Kannada poet GP Rajaratnam and published books in science in Kananda. He served as science professor in Tumkur College, Bengaluru Central College, Sahyadri College in Shivamogga, and at his alma mater Yuvaraja’s College.

In 1933, Mysore University invited him to be the technical and scientific editor of Kannada – English Dictionary.

Apart from various books on science like Aahara, Paramanu Charithre, Galelio, Vignana Vichara, Rao has written his autobiography – Nenapina Alegalu (Ripples of Memories) in 2015 where he has not only recollected his life and times as a teacher but also the history of University of Mysore and evils of higher education in the erstwhile state of Mysore.

Rao was a resident of Saraswathipuram. He leaves behind his wife Jeevu Bai, son JL Anil Kumar and three daughters, Brinda Nagaraj, Vidya Shankar and Anuradha Rao. The last rites were conducted at the foothills of Chamundi Hills without following any rituals.

The Breakthrough Science Society has condoled the death of Rao. In the press note, society head Dr Sudha has said that Rao is a great science writer and progressive thinker who was the pioneer of writing science literature in Kannada language.

Sudha said that Rao was associated with Breakthrough Science Society from the past two decades and has raised his voice against superstitions and unscientific beliefs.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Mysore News / TNN / December 30th, 2017