M J Vasudeva Rao – Achievements, Life Lessons, and Wisdom Bytes

M J Vasudeva Rao

Achievements, Life Lessons, and Wisdom Bytes

A. Graduation (1966-70)

• Awarded UAS Gold Medal for achieving University First Rank in B.Sc. (Agri) and State Award (Silver medal) from Government of Mysore (now Karnataka)
• Member of the student team of rank holders to visit Expo 70 in Japan
• Life lessons:
  • A right mentor at the young age has the power to bring out the best in a student.

B. Post graduation (1970-72)

• Achieved a GPA of 3.88 out of 4.00 in M.Sc. (Agri) in Agril Botany, but missed the Gold Medal despite best efforts in the second year.
• Life Lessons:
  • Best effort at the right time is important and betting on second chance may not yield the desired result.

C. Doctorate (1973-76)

• Learnt the best of Plant Breeding theory at IARI from the best of the Plant Breeding teachers in India.
• Life lessons:
  • Some friends are life-time coaches starting from guiding on how to face the entrance tests to helping to live life on own terms.

D. Agricultural Research Service (1976-79)

• Great foundational experience of working in Government Institutions producing results of high impact at minimal costs.
• Life lessons:
  • Be at the right place to actualize one’s potential – if not, get out at the earliest.

E. ICRISAT (1979-89)

• Produced impactful new varieties in sorghum and groundnut.  Developed new screening methodologies.  Published extensively.
• Awarded “Hari Om Ashram Trust Award” by ICAR for Striga resistance in sorghum breeding work at ICRISAT.
• Life lessons:
  • A competitive environment, an encouraging management, a focussed approach to research problems, a will to give the best and a strong support team brings the best of out of an individual.

F. ICI India/ITC Zeneca/Advanta India (1989-2005)

• Created a number of high-value, unique hybrids in a range of crops in a commercial work environment by building highly competent teams of plant breeders
• Successfully managed different components of the seed business
• Experienced strong personal growth from scientific roles to managerial responsibilities to leadership positions
• Life lessons:
  • Market focus in every aspect of professional life and customer delight is the key for delivering results to the organization, and for personal growth.

G. Metahelix Life Sciences – Dhanya Seeds (2005-2014)

• Successfully managed a bridging role between technology and the market
• Managed regulatory affairs effectively in transgenic plant’s registrations
• Life lessons:
  • Effective management of people ensures delivery of results. People management is key to personal success

H. GRSV Consulting Services (2014─Ongoing)

• Consulting in Agriculture Research for Development (AR4D) domain
• Life lessons:
  • Focus improves better delivery

I. ATPBR (2018-2024)

• Participated as faculty in training programs and established ATPBR’s publication activities.
• Co-authored and published a highly successful book on “Market-driven plant breeding for practicing plant breeders”
• Received Lifetime Achievement Award for 50+ years of service to the profession of plant breeding.
• Life lessons:
  • Selfless give-back to the profession is a deeply satisfying activity.

J. C-CAMP (2021 – Ongoing)

• Mentored 20+ startups in agriculture domain
• Life lessons:
  • Success of a startup starts at the bottom of the balance sheet

Suggestions for future generations:

• Dream big, wake up and chase your dreams to build a productive future.