Dr. C.R. Rao is a Lok Rathna - Governor Narasimhan

Hyderabad, March 13: Speaking on the occasion of releasing "C.R. Rao Jeevitham : Krishi" a biography of Dr. C.R. Rao, distinguished scientist and eminent statistician, translated into Telugu by Dr. Avula Manjulatha, Former Vice Chancellor of Telugu University, from the English version by Nalini Krishnamurthy, Governor Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan said Dr. C.R. Rao is a Lok Rathna. The Governor recalled how he came into touch with statistics during his stint in the Government service, in which statistical prediction was part of his job. The Governor recalled his visit to the Indian Institute of Statistics in Kolkata and learning about statistical model and data modeling and how possibility and probability is predicted and it was then that he started using data modeling as a tool for prediction. He said contrary to common perception statistics is not about figures but is about science.

The Governor said he has known Dr. Manjulatha, the author of the translated work of biography of Dr. C.R. Rao, for the past ten years and said the book must have come out well. He said there are lot of lessons to be drawn from Dr. Rao's biography and life. Governor said Dr. C.R. Rao would always listen to the advice of his students and he would create a friendly and cordial environment around him and is a role model to present day generation on how dedication, persistence and sacrifice would be stepping stones for success. He said one has to dirty his hands and feet and give up lot of things in life to become successful in his career.   

Governor Sri Narasimhan said in 1963 when Dr. C.R. Rao was conferred the Shantiswaroop Bhatnagar award, he contributed the amount to National Defence Fund and said that is the kind of Indianness that is needed today. Governor recalled that Dr. Rao was a good cook in the kitchen but he never mixed cooking with statistics and cooking numbers is not part of statistics. He said some level of professional integrity is called for in the field as statistics is often used as a decision making tool.

The Governor said it is a proud moment for him and a matter of privilege to release the book on Dr. C.R. Rao, who is simplicity and humility personified. He said Dr. Rao is a genius and wished that as Dr. Rao is completing 100 years next year, his Centenary Celebrations should be held in Hyderabad.

Governor Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan sanctioned Rs.1 lakh from the Governor's discretionary grants fund to the C.R. Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences (AIMSCS) to be utilised for research purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Manjulatha, the author of the translated work on biography of Dr. C.R. Rao, said that during one of her visits to Dr. Rao's residence a long time ago, she sought his permission to pen his biography and then Dr. Rao himself presented a copy of his biography written by Nalini Krishnamurthy in English and wished that the same be translated into Telugu. She said Dr. C.R. Rao was a genius at the age of 30 itself and hoped that her book will be inspirational to students who wish to pursue not only the field of statistics but any other studies.

Lady Governor Smt. Vimala Narasimhan, Dr. Arunachalam, former Vice Chancellor of Dravida University, Prof. S.V. Sathyanarayana, Vice Chancellor, PSR Telugu University, Dr. U. Yugandhar, Director, C.R. Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences, Sri Satyanarayana Reddy, Director of Telugu Academy, Sri Harpreet Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, have attended the programme.  

-Press note