Antapur Venkoba Rao

Antapur Venkoba Rao (20 August 1927 – 25 September 2005), also known as A. Venkoba Rao, was an Indian psychiatrist. His career spanned several decades, during which he made contributions to psychiatric research, education, and clinical practice in India.

Early life Venkoba Rao was born on 20 August 1927 in Kavuttalam, Andhra Pradesh, to A. Raghavendra Rao and Lakshmi Devi. The eldest of eight siblings, he completed his schooling at Municipal High School, Bellary, and later graduated with first-class distinction in natural sciences from Ceded District College, Anantapur. In 1984, he founded the Indian Association of Social Psychiatrists and served as the president of the association between 1984 and 1986. From 1985 to 1992, he was the Officer-in-Charge of the ICMR Centre for Advanced Research on Health and Behaviour at Rajaji Government Hospital, Madurai.

Rao also held key editorial roles, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry (1968–1976) and contributing to several other journals, including Social Psychiatry and Transcultural Psychiatric Review. Sir Shri Ram Oration Award (1983) – Awarded by the National Academy of Medical Sciences. M. K. Seshadri Prize and Gold Medal (1987).

Indian Psychiatric Society Awards Source: Fellow, National Academy of Medical Sciences (1975). Fellow, Indian National Science Academy (1989).

International Affiliations Source: Fellow, American Psychiatric Association. Fellow, Canadian Association of Psychiatrists. Corresponding Member, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (1975). Fellow, Association of Psychiatrists, Africa (1972).

Death Venkoba Rao died on 25 September 2005 after a brief illness.