A Life of Purpose and Passion: The Inspiring Journey of Mrs. Vajra N. Rao | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Vajra N. Rao stands is a lighthouse of wisdom, strength, purposeful action, and enduring commitment. An educationist by calling, an environmentalist by passion and an author with delight; she embodies the rare blend of compassion and pragmatism in her everyday actions. What makes her story truly remarkable is her seamless integration of environmental consciousness into her personal and professional life. Long before waste management and sustainability became buzzwords, she had already begun her grassroots revolution in Mangalore.
With the help of a few like-minded partners, she organized a community waste collection initiative that involved over 600 households. The collected waste was converted into organic compost, not only promoting a cleaner environment but also setting a precedent for sustainable living. The compost was then sold, further reinforcing the economic value of eco-friendly practices.
Beyond waste management, Mrs. Rao has been a tireless advocate for tree planting and green public spaces. She has planted trees along roadsides, campaigned for green cover in residential layouts, and encouraged community members; especially the youth, to take ownership of their surroundings.
She also led the movement for reducing plastic usage, emphasizing the use of cloth bags over single-use plastics, an initiative that has significantly influenced local behavioural change. The picture in which Venkayya Naidu, Vice President of India honouring her for her environmental stewardship speaks a lot.
The First Turning Point: A Marriage That Moved Her World
When asked about the major turning points in her life, Mrs. Rao smiles with the humility of someone who has lived through eras of change. “The turning point,” she says simply, “was my marriage.”
She was just 17 years and 10 months old, a bright, carefree student at St. Agnes College, living happily in the hostel, immersed in her studies. Life was filled with friends, laughter, and dreams. Then came the unexpected: her father suffered a heart attack. Fearing for her future and believing deeply in ensuring her well-being, he arranged her marriage. Her husband was from a respected family, and held an important post in Delhi; a world entirely unfamiliar to young Vajra.
From the familiar coastal lanes of South Canara, she was suddenly uprooted and flown by plane to the vast, bustling capital of Delhi; an experience so rare at the time that her college mates exclaimed in awe: “You are going by plane?!”
“That was a turning point,” she reflects, “because it took me from everything, I knew to something entirely unknown.”
Overcoming Challenges: Adapting with Dignity
The transition wasn’t easy. A teenage girl thrown into the complexity of a new home, a new city, and a new culture; far from her roots. But Mrs. Rao chose to adapt, not retreat. Instead of letting the differences overwhelm her, she embraced them. With time, she understood that every challenge was a stepping stone. She learned new ways of thinking, of interacting, of seeing the world.
S. Narayana Rao; The Quiet Diplomat, The Gentle Historian
Vajra Rao’s husband, S. Narayana Rao, was a scholar, a diplomat, a thinker, and above all, a gentleman whose every action was underscored by a deep sense of duty and inner clarity. During the transformative decades of the 1970s, he served as India’s Counselor for Science and Education in Yugoslavia, from 1978 to 1982. It was a role he held with distinction and humility. He believed in bridges; not just political or scientific, but human, emotional, and cultural. And wherever he represented India, he carried her soul: thoughtful, curious, and compassionate.
Their time in Yugoslavia was a golden chapter in their lives. As the diplomat’s wife, Vajra Rao rose to the occasion with elegance and warmth, turning their home into a cultural haven. Indian food, music, and kindness flowed freely from their residence. He, in the embassies and meetings with scholars and ministers; she, at the heart of hospitality and grace. They were a team, moving through unfamiliar lands with a shared purpose: to represent India with honor and warmth. From Marshal Tito to Murad-e-Jaisai, and later Indira Gandhi and Narasimha Rao, many would remember their visits not only for political significance but for the taste of India served from her kitchen and the intellect and grace offered by her husband across the table.
Following their cherished years in Yugoslavia, S. Narayana Rao was posted to the Indian High Commission in London from 1986 to 1990. This assignment added yet another distinguished chapter to his diplomatic journey. During this period, Vajra Rao was invited to High Tea at Buckingham Palace with the Queen Mother; an honour accorded to few.
She also met Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana at a Garden Party at the Palace, marking moments of immense pride and recognition. These were not just ceremonial encounters; they were acknowledgments of a couple who carried the dignity and warmth of India into the heart of Britain’s highest circles.
An expert on India’s border relations, S. Narayana Rao played a significant role in shaping India’s understanding and policies concerning sensitive frontiers; India-China, India-Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Burma. His insights were valued for their depth, precision, and unwavering integrity. Long after his formal retirement, India came calling again. The Ministry of External Affairs commissioned him to write a book; a history of the ministry itself. He accepted the task as one would accept a sacred duty. His study became a sanctum of thought. That book was a reflection of his lifelong commitment to national service.
He was a builder of institutions and relationships, a chronicler of a nation’s global journey, and the rock around which a remarkable family grew. A statesman of silence. A historian of truth. And a companion and guide to a woman who matched his brilliance step for step.
A Force of Nature, A Foundation of Values; The Unbreakable Bond Between Vajra N. Rao and Her Daughter
Among those most deeply influenced by Mrs. Vajra N. Rao’s extraordinary life is her daughter, Sharmila Rao; a daughter who speaks of her mother not only with love but with profound admiration. “My mother is a force of nature,” she says, her words filled with both reverence and awe. In Sharmila’s eyes, her mother isn’t just a parent; she is a living example of action over words, values over vanity, and intellect over idle comfort. Unlike most others, Mrs. Rao never asked questions about daily routines. Her concerns were grander and more purposeful. She would ask who is the corporator, whether we were doing our part as citizens.
She never told us what to wear, but always asked what we were reading, what our plans were, where we were going in life. Her parenting style was firm in values and liberal in freedom. Mother’s ethos left a deep mark on Sharmila and her siblings. Mrs. Rao gave her daughters the freedom to make choices, the encouragement to pursue education, and the expectation that they stand on their own feet. “She never said no to us,” Sharmila recalls. “But she made sure we knew what responsibility meant.”
It’s a relationship rooted in shared ideals and mutual respect; one that has only deepened with time. As a grandmother, Mrs. Rao has become a beloved figure in the lives of her grandchildren too. Her legendary cooking, warmth and the way she spoke to them, her language, lineage in diplomacy; knowledge from gadgets to geopolitics; everything was impressive to them. “She can talk about Apple computers as easily as she can about Narendra Modi” Sharmila says, smiling. “That’s why the kids adore her. She is never out of touch.” My mother like Narendra Modi, she admires him a lot since he is a doer. She loves those who are doers than mere speakers. Perhaps the most touching reflection comes when Sharmila quietly adds, “For a daughter, what is most important is knowing that your mother is a nurturer; and mine, in every way, is the best.”
A Mother’s Daily Pilgrimage: Six Years of Unseen Strength
At Delhi, amid the chaos of a government servant’s household, Vajra N. Rao carried a weight that few could fathom. With three children to raise and limited financial resources, life was already a balancing act. But when her young son began facing unexplained problems with his eyesight, that fragile balance was shattered. What followed was a relentless ordeal; six years of daily hospital visits, including long drives to AIIMS, battling uncertainty, exhaustion, and fear.
Through it all, Vajra never lost hope. While her two young daughters waited at home, she juggled hospital runs and housework, cooking meals and managing every responsibility on her own. Yet, amid the hardship, she found time to teach her son the alphabet at just one and a half years old.
His teachers were astonished by his brilliance, unaware of the storm that raged quietly behind his cheerful smile. Today, her son’s success stands as a story of a mother who refused to give up, even when life gave her every reason to.
Holding the Fort Alone: When Illness Struck Early
As if navigating her son’s health crisis wasn’t enough, life soon dealt another difficult hand. Her husband, just 40 at the time, fell seriously ill. It was a crushing moment for the young family. While he returned to their native place to recuperate under the care of her in-laws, Vajra made the painful decision to stay behind in Delhi with her children. Pulling them out of school would have meant sacrificing their academic future; a price she was not willing to pay.
There were no mobile phones back then, no easy ways to stay connected. Each day was a lesson in patience, endurance, and emotional strength. With no partner beside her, she became mother and father, caregiver and guardian, planner and provider. The silence of those days was filled with her strength, and the love she poured into raising her children became the foundation of their futures. “Looking after the children and the husband was the most difficult time,” she says now, not with bitterness but with quiet pride.
A European Sojourn: Light After the Storm
After years of darkness, a new chapter opened with the dawn of a diplomatic posting to her husband to Yugoslavia. It was the breath of fresh air Vajra had long deserved. “That was the happiest moment,” she recalls, her voice lighting up with memory. The government arranged everything; a home, a servant, seamless travel, lifting the burdens she had long shouldered alone.
In Yugoslavia and across Europe, she found herself not only as a diplomat’s wife but as an ambassador of Indian culture and hospitality. Her husband took her on multiple tours of the continent, and for once, life was effortless and full of joy.
She met world leaders like Marshal Tito, Murad-e-Jaisai, Indira Gandhi, and Narasimha Rao; not just as participants at formal events, but as guests who came to know and admire her personally. Those years abroad were more than a respite; they were a celebration of her spirit, and a recognition of her excellence.
The Children of Vajra N. Rao and S. Narayana Rao
The legacy of Vajra N. Rao and S. Narayana Rao shines brightly through the remarkable lives and achievements of their three children; Mrs. Sharmila Rao, Mr. Krishna Rao, and Mrs. Suchitra Rajendra. Each of them has carved a distinct and impactful path, carrying forward the values of education, service, and excellence instilled by their parents.
Mrs. Sharmila Rao
A distinguished alumna of King’s College London, Sharmila holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and Language. With a deep love for language and the arts, she founded the Kingsworth English Skills Academy, where she pioneered the use of English through Drama as a method to teach language skills to both adults and children. Her approach fostered confidence, creativity, and fluency, making language learning an engaging and empowering experience. Sharmila has also made significant contributions to social development by conducting numerous workshops for underprivileged children, helping bridge educational disparities through interactive and inclusive teaching methods. Her work is a beautiful blend of pedagogy, compassion, and innovation; truly an extension of the values she grew up with.
Mr. Krishna Rao
A Master of Engineering from the prestigious Imperial College London, Krishna Rao has had a formidable career in the global financial sector. He served as a Partner at Goldman Sachs, where he headed the firm’s Global Equity and Credit Derivatives division, a role that placed him at the forefront of international markets and financial strategy.
Following his retirement from Goldman Sachs, Krishna continues to engage in international finance as an active investor in global financial markets, bringing with him a wealth of experience and insight. His disciplined approach reflects the intellectual rigor and global outlook nurtured by his upbringing.
Mrs. Suchitra Rajendra
With an impressive career spanning over 32 years, Suchitra Rajendra is a seasoned leader in corporate strategy, human resources, and organizational development. She has held influential roles across Australia, Asia Pacific, India, and Europe, and was notably the Country Head and Vice President of HR at Colt Technology Services. Before that, she served as the Head of HR for PepsiCo India, contributing to strategic transformations within the company.
Today, she is an Independent Director on the boards of HMVL (Hindustan Times Group) and The Hi-Tech Gears Ltd., and is the Founder and CEO of QED HR, a consulting firm that mentors HR leaders and strengthens people-first business strategies. Deeply committed to philanthropy, Suchitra actively advises NGOs and supports social causes. She lives in Gurgaon with her husband and two daughters, continuing to inspire through both her professional achievements and community engagement.
Chutneys and Diplomacy: When Culinary Art Won Hearts
Beyond political protocols and high-level diplomacy, Vajra’s cooking brought a personal, heartfelt touch. While dignitaries stayed in hotels, the food they longed for and requested came from her kitchen. Her mastery of traditional Indian cuisine, especially her innovative and flavourful chutneys, became the stuff of legend in diplomatic circles.
It was Prime Minister Morarji Desai himself who once remarked, “Your wife should write a book on chutneys,” after savouring her creations. Inspired by his words and the consistent appreciation from others, she compiled a remarkable book of 52 chutney recipes. Chutney’s Book a collection born from tradition, experimentation, and pure culinary love. Her book was a reflection of her journey; how, even in the shadows of difficulty, she created joy, nurtured others, and left a lasting flavour of kindness and grace wherever she went.
Success Stories That Blossom in Community
Returning to Mangalore later in life, Mrs. Rao began sowing the seeds of what would become her proudest achievements. She established the Cambridge Nursery School, not merely as an educational institution, but as a nurturing environment for children to learn with love and values. Her ability to teach with warmth and discipline made her beloved among students and parents alike.
Her love for the environment translated into action. In collaboration with her peers, she spearheaded a waste management initiative that collected garbage from over 600 households, turning it into organic compost. This not only contributed to cleaner neighbourhoods but created a local eco-economy.
She planted trees along streets, championed the use of cloth bags over plastic, and encouraged Mangaloreans to take personal responsibility for their surroundings.
“What is the learning from your stories?” we ask. She pauses. “Everything that happens,” she says thoughtfully, “is a chance to learn. You may not know it then, but later you’ll see. Marriage, change, hardship, joy; they all teach you.”
From a bright college girl unexpectedly thrust into marriage, to a woman who nurtured her environment, and now pens short stories releasing on her 80th birthday; Vajra N. Rao has never stopped learning, and never stopped inspiring.
