In 1968, the Rao family embarked on a journey from Chennai, India, to the unfamiliar landscape of Melbourne, which had fewer than 100 Indian residents at the time.
Today, their life journey has blossomed into a profound legacy in Australia, helping 39 international students through the Rao Family Bursary—a gift that promises to impact generations across continents.
The late Dr T. Janardhana (Jana) Rao OAM arrived in Australia as a qualified surgeon but initially faced challenges securing a position in hospitals. Instead, he joined a group general practice, marking the beginning of his career in a new country.
Dr Rao’s dedication and talent were later recognised when he became an honorary fellow of both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.
While Dr Rao navigated the medical landscape, his wife, Vimala, was carving out opportunities for others. Embracing her new life, she began welcoming recent Indian migrants into their home, offering hospitality and support that helped newcomers establish a sense of belonging within the growing Indian-Australian community.
Now, 56 years after their arrival, the Rao family continues to make strides in supporting further education and the Indian community at the University of Melbourne through the Rao Family Bursary.
Recipients of this bursary have shared how it has transformed their lives, often marking the difference between mere survival through exhausting work hours and the freedom to pursue academic ambitions while adjusting to life in Australia.
Prominent within the Indian-Australian community, the Rao family has made a lasting impact, with Dr Rao being the first honorary Indian consul-general and his sons achieving success in their respective fields—Harish as a businessman and Ranjit as a urologist.
The bursary, first awarded in 2021, has left an indelible mark on its recipients. For many, it has provided the financial relief necessary to focus on their studies rather than work long hours to make ends meet.
Mohammed Faisal, a Master of Construction Management alum, expressed gratitude for the support:
“I faced considerable challenges. 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.”
For female students, finding suitable accommodation can be daunting, but the bursary has offered vital stability during transitional periods. Doctor of Philosophy – Science researcher Nishtha Tewari noted,
“My bursary provided crucial stability and support during transitional periods. This stability, in terms of safe and secure housing, has also eased my personal journey in Melbourne.”
The Rao family’s empathy for the struggles faced by newly arrived Indians in Australia is matched by their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for success. Their generosity inspires the bursary recipients, like Master of Marketing Communications student Javesh Juneja, who expressed a desire to “pay it forward by inspiring and assisting other students.” He added,
“I look forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm.”
Stephen Manallack paid tribute to Dr Rao, highlighting how Dr Rao taught him valuable lessons about the Indian way of thinking, particularly regarding concepts like acceptance and patience.
“Quietly spoken and very considered in his comments, he was a strong believer that the two countries would benefit from much closer ties across politics, trade, culture and the arts.”
The legacy of Dr. T. Janardhana (Jana) Rao, who passed away on 26 August 2024, endures through the family’s dedication to transformative community impact in Australia and India.
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