Bhubaneswar: One of the most popular teachers of Journalism and Mass Communication in the country, Dr Vepa Rao left for his heavenly abode on Monday afternoon. He was 76.
Prof. Vepa Rao was a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit.) and held the position of Editorial Advisor, The Statesman.
Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1946, he was educated in Andhra Pradesh, Calcutta University and IIMC. He worked as a senior journalist for a very long time with Hindustan Times till he shifted to academics in 1987. During the period as the Sunday Editor of the Hindustan Times, Delhi, he introduced many successful columns, novel ideas and experimented with all aspects of the publication. He also worked as Assistant Editor, The Tribune for a short period.
In 1986, on a chance visit to Himachal Pradesh, he was drawn to the peace and scenic splendour of the hills of Himachal. The year after, he joined Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, as a Resident Fellow to work on Communication and Development. Towards completion of his research assignment (which later lead to his Book – A CURVE IN THE HILLS), Himachal Pradesh University invited him to head its Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in 1990.
Dr Vepa Rao was appointed as Professor at IIMC, Dhenkanal during 1996-97. After that academic session, Himachal Pradesh University created a Professor’s post and elevated him to it in 1997. Himachal Government gave him the “State award” for “Development Reporting” in 1997.
Prof Rao has also evaluated a number of Ph.D. theses on behalf of other universities. He also served as Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, member of Executive and Academic Councils of H. P. University. He retired in 2006, but was brought back by the University under the UGC’s re-employment scheme to assist the department.
He retired finally and formally in 2010 from HPU. However, he continued to teach at other universities as a guest professor, and also took part as member of their selection committees, Boards of Studies etc for some years.
Due to his failing health, he had stopped all his engagements and was leading a retired life at the foothills of Shimla in his last years.
He suffered a brainstroke and was undergoing treatment in Hyderabad where he breathed his last. His funeral will be held on Tuesday at Rkpuram Secunderabad around 11 am.
He was revered highly by his students who are placed in various media houses and educational institutions spread across the world. Many of them feel that they have lost a parent figure, a mentor and a friend who was a guiding light in their lives. His smile was forever infectious and encouraging. He knew each of his students and what they could be and achieve, steering them always in the right direction.
