Dr. K.L. Seshagiri Rao passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 14, 2024, an auspicious day according to the Hindu faith. Dr. Rao was a devoted husband to Saraswati, older brother of Keshva / Shanta, father of four sons / daughters-in-law, with six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was a distinguished scholar, who arrived in the United States in 1962 on a Fulbright Fellowship, earning his Ph.D. in Comparative Religion from Harvard University in 1966. Dr. Rao became a world-renowned expert in Eastern religions and Gandhian studies, leaving an indelible mark on countless students worldwide with his teachings and writings on interreligious dialogue and the Hindu path to inner and outer peace.
Retiring as Professor Emeritus from the University of Virginia in 1994, his post-retirement passion was to deliver a unique perspective on Hinduism. As a culmination of his professional career, over the next two decades, Dr. Rao served as Editor-in-Chief of the 11-volume Encyclopedia of Hinduism—a crowning achievement reflecting a lifetime of dedication to his faith.
We celebrate his long life of accomplishments and his devotion to family and friends.
Dr. Rao’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM EST on Saturday Jan 20, 2024, at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, 19707. In lieu of flowers or gifts, contribute to a temple, church, or charity of your choice in his name.
|| Om Shanti ||
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