Mangalore: K S Rao of ‘Olympus Refrigeration’ Passes Away

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Jun 25: K  Sadashiva Rao (77) popularly known as K S Rao and ‘Olympus Rao’ passed away on Wednesday June 25 after prolonged illness for the last few months.

He was the founder of Olympus Refrigeration, the city-based refrigeration equipment manufacturing unit. Born on March 18, 1931 in Kundapur, he did his diploma in engineering at Guindy, Madras and was the first person from Kundapur to go to England for higher studies in refrigeration, securing a graduate degree from London University. On his return to India, he worked for Bombay Ammonia, Voltas and Hyderabad Allwyn in the R&D Department.

Venturing on his own, he established Olympus Refrigeration at Yeyyadi Industrial Estate, Mangalore in 1968. A pioneering firm, Olympus is now one of the largest refrigeration and air-conditioning firms in Dakshina Kannada.

He also founded Yeyyadi Small Industries Association which is now known as District Small Industries Association. He was also very actively involved with the Productivity Council and Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry and was a Charter Member of Rotary Mangalore Midtown. He was a philanthropist, well-known for his generous contribution to various causes.

Rao is succeeded by his wife, two sons, daughters-in-law, three grand children and large number of relatives and friends.