Bellur Rama Rao did BA (Hons) (1914) from University of Madras. He was Director, Mysore Geological Survey (1935); also Deputy Director and Director, Mysore Geological Department.

Academic and Research Achievements: Rao worked independently on a revision survey of selected schist belts and remapping of Holenarsipur Schist belt on the scale 4 in = 1 mile, which brought him fame. He carried out surveys in Maddur and Malavalli (part of Chitradurga Belt) and made a valuable report on the geological and mineral survey of 700 sq. miles of Baria State. He studied commengtonite-bearing limestone and cordierite-sillimanite- bearing rocks. He created a geophysical section in the Department and started drilling explorations. He also set up an ore-dressing unit. He wrote an autobiography: Recollections of an Indian Geologist; and introduced a new series of popular books, authoring the first of the series titled An Introduction to Mysore Geology.

Other Contributions: Rama Rao’s works were later to become the nucleus of the country’s minerals policy. He served as Member, INSA Council (1943-46).

Awards and Honours: Dr Rao was President, Geology Section, Indian Science Congress (1936), Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Society of India and Geological Society of India (1964).