Early Life & Education
- Born on 16th October 1937 at Benegal, Pejamangore Village, Udupi.
- Son of Late Shri A. Shama Rao (renowned Headmaster, BEM High School, Mangalore) and Smt. Indiramma Shama Rao.
- Early education at SVS Elementary School, Innanje, and SVH High School.
- Graduated in Commerce from MGM College, Udupi.
- Qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1965 and set up an independent practice in Mangaluru.
Career & Achievements
- Founder & Senior Partner, M/s Raghavendra Rao Chartered Accountants, with offices across 7 Indian cities.
- Served as Member, Secretary, and Chairman at various times in the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) of ICAI.
- Entrepreneur: Founded Hotel Srinivas in 1980, one of the first 3-star hotels in coastal Karnataka with a purely vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.
- Visionary Educator: Established A. Shama Rao Foundation in 1988, beginning with Srinivas Institute of Hotel Management, and steadily expanded to 18 institutions and Srinivas University (est. 2013).
- Introduced innovative schemes like Srinivas Arogya Card in collaboration with National Insurance, providing free healthcare access to underprivileged families.
- Under the Foundation, instituted annual awards recognizing teachers, social workers, and contributors to Dakshina Kannada’s development.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Rao has been widely honored for his contributions to education, industry, and society, including:
- Rajyotsava Award by Govt. of Karnataka (2004)
- Outstanding Manager Award by Mangalore Management Association (2008)
- Distinguished Achiever’s Award by Academy of General Education, Manipal (2009)
- SIRC Diamond Jubilee Award by ICAI (2009)
- Multiple recognitions from religious and cultural institutions for social service and education.
Chancellor’s Message
Over the past three decades, the Srinivas Group of Institutions and Srinivas University have grown into premier centres of learning, guided by a vision of academic excellence and social responsibility.
Today, with 160+ programs, 15,000+ students, and 35,000 alumni worldwide, Srinivas University stands tall as a hub of innovation, research, and skill-based education. Our graduates are highly valued by employers, often receiving placement offers before completion of their programs, and are contributing significantly in India and abroad.
At Srinivas University, education is not only about professional success but also about shaping responsible citizens with values, ethics, and a sense of service.
As the University moves forward with NAAC ‘A’ Grade Accreditation, strong industry collaborations, and future-focused programs in AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Healthcare, and Management, we continue to inspire generations of students to dream big and lead with confidence.
To every aspiring student, I extend my warm welcome to be part of this vibrant academic community. Together, let us strive to build a better future — for ourselves, for society, and for the nation.
- Dr. CA A. Raghavendra Rao
Chancellor & Founder, Srinivas University
