K.
SATYA NARAYAN RAO
Dr
K Satyanarayan Rao was born in a noble and rich family on 9th
December 1919 at Gopalpur, Ganjam District. His parents taught him virtues and
good manners from his childhood. He completed his secondary education and then successfully
graduated as an MBBS from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. After his
study in the year 1946 he started his nursing home at Berhampur. As a doctor he
was loved by all rich and poor people. His service towards society was at the
lowest fee, so sick were anxious to receive his service. As a young doctor, he
treated the sick with utmost care and sympathy.
One
day while returning from a village after treating a sick, he came across an
accident. As a result he injured seriously and lost his sense. Fortunately, a
public bus was passing by, and the driver took him to the hospital. The doctor
saved his life. This is the turning point in his life, from where he completely
change his life style and served poor people without any fee.
In
the year 1960 he became the Honorary Secretary of the IRCS (Indian Red Cross
Society), Ganjam District Branch. Whenever any disaster and calamity took
place, he reached the place with relief materials. He started the following
institutions to serve more people,
In the year
1966 Red Cross Maternity Hospital for Women and children
In the year 1974
Red Cross School for blind
In the year 1979
Louis Braille Vocational Training Centre for the Sightless
In the year 1981
society for Disabled and Hellen Keller red Cross School for the Deaf
In the year 1986
Braille Press project
In the year 1998
Odisha Blind Foundation.
Beside
the above, he initiated several other projects for the service of disabled
persons by which many people got benefit. His reputation spread all over the
state, country and abroad as a true server of Red Cross. The BBC also
interviewed him several times for his success. From 1966-1984 he worked as the
Honorary Superintendent of the Red Cross Maternity Hospital, and every year he
had done about 1800-2000 free operations.
For
his valuable contribution and service for the Red Cross, in the year 1984 the President of India honoured him with a certificate of merit and in 1988 with a
Red Cross Gold Medal. Because of his true and selfless service towards the poor
he was awarded several honours by Rotary International.
He
was not only a friend of disabled and poor, but also a great lover of music,
art and culture. The Tyagaraj Bhakti samiti, Berhampur was founded by him in
1984 which is functioning till today
Being
a true friend of disabled, the poor and the needy people, he passed away on 18th
March 2011 at 10.30 am.
