Anchalkar Srikanta Rao (88) of Auburn, AL passed away on July 9, 2019 after a two-year battle with leukemia in Huntsville, at the age of 88.  He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him through his joyfulness and enthusiasm for life.   A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and loyal friend, he will be greatly missed.

Dr. Rao was born in Tumkur, India on Mar 7, 1931 to Mahalinga Rao and Eswaramma.  Although he came from a disadvantaged background, with hard work and sheer determination, he achieved his dream of a higher education and settled in the United States. The first in his family to complete his studies, he received his PhD in psychology from University of Mysore and his post doc training at the University of Michigan.  He later served Tuskegee University for nearly 43 years as a professor, researcher, and administrator before retiring in 2009 with the distinction of Emeritus status.

Dr. Rao married Jayalakshmi in 1956 in Chitradurga, India.  He emigrated to US in 1966 arriving in Ann Arbor, Michigan and later lived in Tuskegee.  He finally settled in Auburn, where he lived for nearly 30 years. While in Auburn he was very active in the community by serving as President of India Cultural Association of East Alabama for two terms and often traveled throughout the country and abroad to present his research.  He enjoyed his grandchildren's visits and was known as Papa Rao to many of his wife's daycare kids.  After his wife's death in 2002 he began his spiritual journey which led him to the teachings of Sri Sri Ravishankar and Art of Living.  This involvement in AOL became a major turning point in his life and he truly felt at peace. In 2008 he moved to Huntsville to be closer to his daughter.  Although he was reluctant to leave Auburn and Tuskegee friends behind, he quickly became immersed in the Huntsville community. His most rewarding achievement in recent years was the formation of Knowledge Sharing Forum with the support of local community leaders.  The group met every two weeks and hosted over 50 speakers in 10 years covering a range of topics from religion to health and wellness.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jayalakshmi.  He is survived by his daughter, Kavita (Shashi), son Ravi (Seema), grandchildren Meena, Nisha, Lohit and Pooja and a host of relatives in India and United States.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, AshaKiran or Art of Living Foundation.  A private cremation service was held on July 11, 2019.

The family will receive friends Saturday, July 27th from 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by memorial service at 4:30.

The family would like to thank Clearview Cancer Institute nurses and staff for their care and the community for providing transportation, meals, love and support throughout this journey.