Vittal Rai

Vittal Rai. Palthad Dr., Ph. D (Botany), M.Sc (Botany), M.Sc (Microbiology), B.Sc Ag.; (25 October 1935 – 19 December 1995) was a scientist, professor and administrator. He was the fourth Vice-Chancellor of UAS Dharwad (1991–1994).^[1]

Vittal Rai was a scientist in India in the field of bio-fertilisers. He has authored a significant number of books based on his research and guided several researchers and academicians to their doctoral degrees.

Among the many honours he received were a CM's Rajyotsava Award (1994).

Early life and education

Dr. Rai was born into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family at Palthad, a small village near Puttur in South Kanara district. He is the second of 3 children of N. Jathappa Rai and Palthad Shubravathi Rai. His Father died when Dr. Rai was just 3 years old, and his mother was the lone pillar of support for the family. His older brother P. Narayan Rai soon took over the responsibility and support the family.

Dr. Rai's primary education was at Primary Board High School at Bellare. He did his college education in Alloysius College Mangalore.He then went on to the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, where he completed his bachelor's degree in Agriculture. He further continued his postgraduate study in plant microbiology from the same University. Dr. Rai then proceeded to the United States, to further enhance his knowledge, and completed his second postgraduate degree in ecology and completed his doctoral studies in plant pathology.

Marriage

Dr. Rai was married to Lavanya, daughter of Ullipady Ramnath Marla and Kumudhini Marla, in 1968. The marriage was a traditional Indian arranged marriage. They have 2 sons, Vihar Ramnath and Vikas Jathappa.

Career

Dr. Rai started his career as an associate professor at the Montana State University, Montana (US). After working in the USA for 5 years and living there for 13 years, he decided to move back to his motherland.

On his return to India in 1973, he was offered several jobs in banks and other corporations, but Dr. Rai chose to do what he liked to do most - teach. So he started working in the University of Agricultural Science in Bangalore as an associate professor. He was promoted the Professor and Head of the Microbiology Department in 1978 and held the position till he retired in 1995. He was also appointed as the Vice Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, from November 1991 to November 1994.^[1]

References

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http://www.uasd.edu/

External links

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