When I was a kid, Dr. TSR Prasada Rao, or Sundayya peddanannagaru for us, was this larger-than-life legend. The stories around him kept us in awe of him more so because we saw him rarely. He was based out of Baroda, Gujarat, and we lived in Visakhapatnam with very few opportunities to meet. But, whenever we met, he was very affectionate and warm. He gifted me my first watch when I was around 10-12 years of age. I still remember the beautiful electronic watch which displayed a rainbow during the evenings. I wanted to be like him – always positive and never angry – more so because I was this short-tempered insecure kid.
As I grew older, I realized that there was no one like him. The only one who came close was his younger sister, dearest Mani attayya – always positive, great with people, and incredibly influential among their groups. It is tragic that both of them passed away within the last one year – a very difficult time for our family. My father loved his brother more than he loved us. My dad takes his brother’s name in every 3rd sentence he says.
Dr. TSRPR had two distinct qualities that, I think, are the reasons for a hugely successful life – the desire to create an impact during every interaction and use his power to enhance other’s lives. He paid full attention to every individual he interacted with – whether it was a 80 year old or a 5 year old. He effortlessly made them feel great with his infectious positivity. I have never seen him ignore a person no matter who he/she was. That needs enormous mental stamina not available for ordinary people.
Sundayya pedanannagaru often mentioned that, his dad, my grandfather, Sri TLV Rama Rao garu, was his inspiration. Our village legends about our ‘thathagaru’ were largely around how he could have been a millionaire had he chosen wealth over people. Dr.TSRPR had a similar philosophy but better channeled. For him, money was just an instrument of upliftment and not a storage of value. It was always keen to know if someone was in need of money. The most he asked in return was a phone call or a meeting. His love for our native village, Avidi, was beyond words. He spent a lot of effort to help people of Avidi in whatever way he could. It is only fitting that his last journey took place in Avidi.
– Sridhar Turaga