A Glimpse into The World of
Subba Rao
Subba Rao's Biography
Subba Rao was born into Hindu Brahmin family on November 4th, 1948, in Visakhapatnam, in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh, India. He grew up in Visakhapatnam until completing high school before leaving for Agricultural College in Bapatla, located about 200 miles away.
Educational Journey
Agricultural College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh (1965–1969)
Subba Rao attended Agricultural College, Bapatla, where he obtained his BSc (Agriculture) degree with First Class honors.
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (1969–1971)
He pursued his MSc in Soil Science at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar, where he graduated with First Class honors.
University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad (1973–1977)
Subba Rao continued his academic journey at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus in Trinidad, where he earned a PhD in Soil Chemistry.
Career Highlights
Instructor in Soil Science at Agricultural College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh (1972–1973)
After completing his MSc, Subba Rao worked as an Instructor in Soil Science at Agricultural College, Bapatla, contributing to the academic community and nurturing the next generation of soil scientists.
Sugar Industry Research Institute, Mandeville, Jamaica (1978–1985)
In 1978, Subba Rao moved to Jamaica, where he worked as a Soil Scientist at the Sugar Industry Research Institute in Mandeville. Over seven years, he worked on various soil types across Jamaica and published several research papers. During his time in Jamaica, Subba Rao developed a deep appreciation for the Rastafarian religion and Jamaican culture.
Environmental Specialist at Darling International Inc., Sioux City, Iowa (1985–2010)
Subba Rao emigrated to the USA in 1985, where he joined Darling International Inc. as an Environmental Specialist. Over the next 25 years, he worked on multiple pollution control projects across more than 50 towns and cities in over 15 U.S. states. He retired in 2010 and moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Life in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Hawaii
Life in Trinidad
While living in Trinidad during the early 1970s, Subba Rao not only worked toward his PhD but also immersed himself in the vibrant local culture, enjoying steel band music and participating in the lively annual Carnival. He also gained a deep respect for the Rastafarian religion, which originated in Jamaica but has strong ties to Trinidad as well.
Life in Jamaica
In Jamaica, Subba Rao’s work at the Sugar Industry Research Institute allowed him to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage while conducting important soil science research.
Life in Hawaii
After retiring, Subba Rao spent six months living on the Big Island of Hawaii in Pahoa, a small town known for its organic farms and natural beauty. During this period, he lived in a cabin with no power and immersed himself in the tranquility of nature, writing and publishing a book titled From Donkeys Mouth.
Family Life
“My Mother is My Favorite Person”
Subba Rao’s mother, his greatest inspiration and favorite person, shaped his life with unwavering love, wisdom, and strength, leaving an indelible mark on his journey.
Dr. Radha Rao, Oncologist
Subba Rao is married to Dr. Radha Rao, an accomplished oncologist who worked at Siouxland Cancer Center in Sioux City, Iowa, from 1993 to 2020.
Samantha, Their Daughter
Dr. Radha and Subba Rao are proud parents to their daughter, Samantha. She is a Therapist/Counselor in Sioux City, IA.
Traveling Abroad
Subba Rao has always had a passion for exploring the world. Below are some of his memorable travel moments:
Boating on the River Ganges, Banaras, India
During a trip to Banaras (Varanasi), the holy city through which the River Ganges flows, Subba Rao experienced the spiritual significance of the river with a serene boat ride.Living Under Snow in Iowa
Living in Sioux City, Iowa, for 25 years, Subba Rao encountered the harsh winters of the Midwest, where he learned to adapt to the heavy snowfalls that define the region’s winters.
Gypsy at heart, author Subba Rao travels around the world and writes short stories from the experiences from his travels. He travelled from Canada to Mexico, Belize and Honduras in South America to Curacao in the Caribbean. In Europe, he travelled to France, England, Italy, Germany Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In few weeks time, he is travelling to Sumatra and Bali in Indonesia.
Personal Stories & Publications
Dolphin Nose and the Story of Visakhapatnam
In his early years, Subba Rao grew up in the coastal town of Visakhapatnam, where the Eastern Ghats mountain range meets the ocean. The mountains, which resemble a dolphin’s nose, inspired Subba Rao to write a book titled “Dolphin Nose”, a short story collection.
Writing Short Stories
Subba Rao has always found joy in writing, and he mentions, “I feel happy when I finish a short story.” His passion for storytelling continues into his retirement years.
Retirement and New Beginnings
After retiring from his career as an Environmental Specialist, Subba Rao moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he spends his time writing short stories and reflecting on his rich, multifaceted journey through life.