Remembering Dr. M. R. Rao: Visionary Institution Builder and Champion of Indian Management Education

An Illustrious Academic Journey
Dr. Rao's academic credentials were exceptional. He held a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Industrial Administration, Carnegie Mellon University, along with two Master's degrees: a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Engineering (Industrial) from Cornell University. He completed his Bachelor's degree at the College of Engineering, Guindy.

Dr Rao’s extensive teaching career saw him grace the halls of several leading institutions worldwide, including the Stern School of Business at NYU, the Graduate School of Management at the University of Rochester, and the University of Tennessee as a visiting faculty member. A prolific researcher, Dr. Rao published over 85 articles in prestigious journals, a testament to his dedication to advancing knowledge in operations research and management science. 

A Visionary Institution Builder
Dr. Rao's impact extended far beyond the classroom. He was a true institution builder, profoundly influencing the trajectory of both IIM Bangalore and the Indian School of Business (ISB).

At IIM Bangalore, where he had a long and distinguished tenure, he served as Director from 1997 to 2002. It was under his visionary leadership that IIMB was ranked the #1 Business School in India for the first time. He spearheaded the launch of crucial programs, including PGPEM and PGPPM, and was instrumental in establishing NSRCEL, the institute's innovation and entrepreneurship hub. Dr. Rao recognized the growing importance of engaging with emerging private enterprise and aimed to benchmark IIMB against global standards. He famously articulated his ambition: "My aim is to make IIMB a world-class institute for management education, and a top priority would be research." He also famously reassured students, stating, "I wish students to know that the Institute does not stress as much on grades as they do. I wish the students who graduate from here will realize the futility of believing that grades are all-encompassing."

Subsequently, Dr. Rao took on the role of Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB) from 2004 to 2009. He was appointed as ISB’s Dean Emeritus. At ISB, he was pivotal in establishing the institution's reputation as a world-class center for management education, particularly in building its robust research foundation. He firmly believed that a business school should be a "hub for knowledge creation, not just dissemination," a philosophy that continues to guide ISB's academic mission. Under his guidance, ISB made significant strides, further cementing its position in the global academic landscape. 

A Champion of Management Education in India
Beyond his leadership roles at IIMB, ISB and other institutions, Dr. Rao was a passionate evangelist for management education across India. He served as the President of the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS). He was perhaps the most active former presidents, who attended most of the AIMS annual conventions. He was also the Chairman of the All India Board of Management Studies constituted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Dr. Rao's contributions were widely recognized through a series of prestigious awards, including the Ravi J. Mathai National Fellowship Award in 2003. 

Dr Rao was generous with his time and offered guidance to all who sought his counsel. In 2016, Dr Rao served as the Jury Chair for the Indian Management Conclave (IMC) Awards 2016, organized by MBAUniverse.com and hosted by IIM Ahmedabad. His intellectual contributions, and towering presence, elevated the conclave discussions to new heights.

Dr M.R. Rao released proceedings at Indian Management Conclave 2016, along with Dr Rishikesh Krishnan (Director, IIMB), Dr Jitendra Singh (former Dean, Nanyang, Singapore), Dr Harish Bhat (Tata Sons), Dr Janat Shah (Former Director, IIM Udaipur), Dr Arvind Sahay (Director, MDI Gurgaon) and Mr Amit Agnihotri (Founder, IMC & MBAUniverse.com).

Dr. M. R. Rao's passing marks the end of an era in Indian Management Education. His vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to academic excellence have left an indelible mark on countless students, faculty, and institutions. Dr Rao will be remembered not only as a brilliant academic scholar, but more importantly as a compassionate leader who believed in power of management education. The academic community and beyond extend their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations in the field of management education. 

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on management education.