Huvina Hadagali, Karnataka / USA:
Sri C. Radhakrishna Rao, one of the most distinguished statisticians of our time, stands as a testament to the power of knowledge, perseverance, and passion. Born on 10 September 1920 in Huvina Hadagali, Karnataka, Rao’s extraordinary journey in mathematics and statistics spans over a century and bridges continents.
A journey that defies age
After earning global acclaim in India, Rao retired at 60 but refused to step away from academia. He moved to the United States to live with his daughter and grandchildren, resuming an illustrious career:
- Age 62: Became Professor of Statistics at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Age 70: Appointed Head of Department at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Age 75: Granted US citizenship.
- Age 82: Honoured with the National Medal of Science, a prestigious White House award.
In India, his brilliance was recognised with the Padma Bhushan (1968) and Padma Vibhushan (2001). His life has been a journey of relentless scholarship, mentorship, and contribution to global statistics.
Wisdom beyond numbers
Rao often reflects on the contrast between academia in India and abroad. “No one asks after retirement in India. Colleagues respect power, not scholarship,” he says. Yet, age has never slowed him. Even past his centenary, Rao remains active in research, demonstrating that curiosity, dedication, and intellect are timeless.
Legacy and inspiration
Rao’s career is not just measured in awards but in influence. From mentoring generations of statisticians to publishing groundbreaking research, he embodies lifelong learning. His story inspires students, scholars, and the wider public alike: that age is never a barrier to achievement, and excellence can flourish at any stage of life.