Creating opportunities across generations and continents

Melbourne’s Rao family will be recognised by many as prominent members of the Indian-Australian community. The first honorary Indian consul-general ever appointed, the late T. Janardhana (Jana) Rao OAM was a highly regarded surgeon. His sons have also achieved admirable success – Harish as a businessman and Ranjit as a urologist.

Compassion driving achievement

In 1968, the family left Chennai to seek opportunity on the other side of the world. Their destination was Melbourne, an unfamiliar city with fewer than 100 Indian residents.

Jana came to Australia as a qualified surgeon, but initially joined a group general practice after struggling to find work in hospitals. Years later, he would be made an honorary fellow of both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and American College of Surgeons (ACS).

While Jana was gaining recognition for his talent, his wife Vimala was creating opportunities for others in need. With toddler Harish in tow, she had set up house with the help of new friends and neighbours.

_{The Rao family, L-R: Harish, Jana, Ranjit and Vimala circia 1975.}

Soon she began welcoming other recent Indian migrants into their home. Her hospitality enabled her guests and other members of the growing Indian-Australian community to begin their new lives with a sense of belonging.

Now, 56 years after their arrival, the Rao family have seen the fruits of their labour realised. They are powerful advocates for a strong relationship between India and Australia, and in many ways their journey reflects the increasingly close ties between the two nations.

Unsurprisingly, the family’s community leadership is closely tied to philanthropy. One of the most powerful testaments to their impact is the Rao Family Bursary.

First awarded in 2021, the bursary has left an enduring mark on the lives of 39 international students at the University of Melbourne.

Providing a sense of belonging

Its recipients testify to the transformative influence of the Rao family’s support, which for many has marked the difference between survival through long hours of work and the freedom to pursue academic aspirations while adjusting to life in a new country. The bursary’s life-changing effect was immediately evident for Master of Construction Management alum Mohammed Faisal.

“I faced considerable challenges,” said Mohammed. “The costs of tuition, course materials and living expenses weighed heavily on me. I can now pursue my dreams without undue financial strain on my family. I am immensely grateful for this support.”

_{The Rao family and previous bursary recipients enjoying an afternoon tea together in May 2024.}

For female students in particular, the need to find suitable accommodation is often a looming concern. “My bursary provided crucial stability and support during transitional periods,” said Doctor of Philosophy – Science researcher Nishtha Tewari. “This stability, in terms of safe and secure housing, has also eased my personal journey in Melbourne.”

The Rao family’s keen understanding of the struggles facing many Indians newly arrived in Australia is matched by their dedication to providing opportunities for success. Their generosity has proven inspirational for the recipients of their bursary.

“I am committed to paying it forward by inspiring and assisting other students,” said Master of Marketing Communications student Javesh Juneja. “I look forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm.”

If the Rao family themselves are any example, the impact of their vision has the potential to be felt across generations and continents for decades to come.