About Dr. K. V. Rao
Dr. K. V. Rao: A Legacy of Scientific Pursuit and Human Values
Dr. K. V. Rao, born on March 21, 1920, in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, was a pioneering scientist whose work spanned geochemistry, environmental science, and archaeological chemistry. After completing his D.Sc. in Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University under Prof. S. S. Joshi, he began a remarkable career, first with the Department of Mines and Geology of the Nizam State and later with the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Known for his meticulous planning and innovation, Dr. Rao developed regional laboratories and made groundbreaking contributions in geochemical analysis.
One of Dr. Rao’s notable achievements was his work on defluoridation, which addressed the critical issue of fluorosis in India by discovering Serpentine's ability to absorb fluoride from water. His work had a profound interdisciplinary impact, influencing both scientific and medical fields.
In addition to his contributions to geology, Dr. Rao played a vital role in archaeological chemistry. At Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute (BACRI) he established a laboratory for analyzing archaeological artifacts and spearheaded preservation efforts for heritage monuments such as the Taj Mahal, Charminar, and Ramappa Temple. His environmental studies extended to understanding pollution effects on historic sites and geochemical mapping of river basins.
Dr. Rao’s intellectual curiosity was boundless. He was an esteemed member of numerous scientific societies, a joint convener for international conferences, and an editor for Telugu encyclopaedias. His commitment to science communication led him to publish the “Hyderabad Science News-letter” in the 1960s, bringing the latest research trends to a wider audience.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Dr. Rao was deeply interested in philosophy, literature, and astrology. A follower of Jiddu Krishnamurti’s teachings, he founded the "Listener’s Club" to foster intellectual discussions in Hyderabad. His knowledge, humility, and ethical approach made him a respected figure, sought after for advice and valued for his compassionate nature.
Dr. K. V. Rao passed away on January 27, 2002, leaving a legacy of scientific rigor, innovation, and a commitment to public service. The Dr. K. V. Rao Scientific Society, established a year before his passing, continues to carry forward his vision of making science accessible, inspiring, and impactful for generations to come.
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Synthesis of Ammonia from Active Nitrogen, Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci, 1945, 22.239.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Light Effect in Bromine, Proc, Ind. Sc. Con.1945, Part III. Chem Sec. P.123.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Light Effect in Chlorine Bromine Mixture, Proc, Ind. Sc. Con.1945, Part I Chem. Sec. I.123.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao and K S N Swamy, Oxidation of Hydrogen Chloride by Air Under Electrical Activation, Proc, Ind. Sc. Con.,1945, Part Chem. Sec. pp 12.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Studies of Striations in the Positive Column in the D.C. and A.C. Discharges, Proc, Ind. Sc. Con., 1945, Part III.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, The Electro-synthesis of Potassium Permanganate at Reduced Pressure, Proc, Ind. Sc. Con..1944, Part II Chem. Sec.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Joshi Effect in Air; the Role of Sorbed Chlorine, Proc. Ind. Acad. Sc., 1948, 27.72.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Light Absorption by Iodine Vapour Under Conditions Productive of Joshi Effect, Proc. Ind. Acad. Sc.1949.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Joshi effect in Iodine, Proc, Ind. Sc. Con., 1946, Part III Phys. Sec.P.3.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao and K Narayana Swamy, Influence of X-rays on the After-glow of Active Nitrogen, Proc, Ind. Sc. Con., 1946, Part III Phys. sec. P.34.
Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Physico-chemical Properties of Clays, Hyderabad Geological Series. Bull No.7, 1950, pp.16-52.
K Venkateswara Rao and G Jhingran, Lonar lake and its Salinity, Rec. Geol. Survey. India.1962, Vol. 85, pt.3 p.
K Venkateswara Rao, A Note on the Abundance of Elements, Rec. Geol. Survey. India.1962, Vol. 87, pt.3 p.651.
K Venkateswara Rao and K Venkaji, Heavy Metals in Waters, Misc. Publication of Geol. Survey. India No.14,1969,0-13 p.144.
K Venkateswara Rao, Hydrothermal Alterations of Anorthite, Res. Geol. Survey.Ind.1963, Vol.93 pt 2 p.249.
K Venkateswara Rao and M S Balasundaram, Average Value of Trace elements in the Principal Rock Formation in the Godavari River Basin, India, Proc. Int. Geol.Cong.1965 Part, XVI, P.424-28.
K Venkateswara Rao and A K Khandekar, Eichborinis as an Indicator Plant for Cu, Pb, Zn, Misc. Publication of Geol. Survey. India. No 16, Base Metals (Part II),1972, pp731-37.
K Venkateswara Rao and M S Balasundaram, Chemical Quality of Godavari River Water, Presented at the symposium held by Indian Geo. Science Assn.1966.
K Venkateswara Rao, I Purushottam, A K Khandekar, D Vidyanatham and P Francis, Defluoridation of Natural Waters by Serpentine, Curr.Sci.1972,41 p 241.
K Venkateswara Rao, A K Khandekar and D Vaidyanatham, Uptake of Fluoride by Water Hyacinth, Ind. Jour. Expt. Biol.1973, Vol II pp 68-69.
K Venkateswara Rao, On the Possible Role of Defluoridation Agents on Treatment of Fluorosis, Proc. Sym. Fluorosis Hyderabad 1974, 471-475.
K Venkateswara Rao, D Raja Reddy, K Satyanarayana, S A Khader, P Pentaiah and G Narasimha Rao, Trial of Intravenous Magnesium Hydroxide in Fluorosis, Neurology. India.1974, 12, 39-41.
K Venkateswara Rao, D Purushottam and DVaidyanadham, Uptake of Fluoride by Serpentine, Geochimca Acta, Cosmochimca Acta, 1975,39 pp 1403-11.
K Venkateswara Rao and B V S R Murty, Gallium in Some of the Sedimentary Rocks in Andhra Pradesh, Mysore and Kerala States, Presented at the symposium held by Proc. Indian. Geo Sc. Acad (1975).
K Venkateswara Rao, Uptake of Fluoride by Magnesium Trisilicate, Fluoride, 13, 75-80.
K Venkateswara Rao, On Weathering and Preservation of Granite Statue-Part I, Birla Archeol. Cult. Res. Bull, 1,1979, pp 1-12.
K Venkateswara Rao, On Weathering and Preservation of Granite Statue-Part II, Birla Archeol. Cult. Res. Bull, 2,1980, pp 1-6.
K Venkateswara Rao and G Babu Rao, Effect of Sulphur Dioxide Pollution on Marble, Birla Archeol. Cult. Res. Bull, 2,1980, pp 1-15.
K Venkateswara Rao and V Janaki, Incidence of Some Trace Elements in the Weathered and Unweathered Zones of Stone Sculptures, Birla Archeol. Cult. Res. Bull, 2, 1981, pp.17-26.
K Venkateswara Rao, D V V Rao and D C Reddy, On Indian Temple Bells of 11th Century A.D, Birla Archeol. Cult. Res. Bull, 2,1981, pp-27-35.
K Venkateswara Rao and K Annapoorna, On Dating Bones by their Fluorine Content, Birla Archeol. Cult. Res. Bull, 2, 1981, pp-37-45.