Sudden demise of Mr. Satya Kiran Raju Alluri. Paying tribute

What does an aspiring, hardworking graduate need in their life? An opportunity to prove themselves, support when they make mistakes, a chance to expand their knowledge and instil confidence in themselves when the whole world is doubting them.

That is what I got from Mr Satya Kiran Raju Alluri (Maa Raju garu / My Raju sir). In an institutional setup that is restricted by bureaucratic chains, an endless web of rules and lethargic progress, he was a positive anomaly. He was a force of nature. The scope and depth of projects he has handheld simultaneously were just bonkers. We couldn’t wrap our heads around how he could handle so many projects simultaneously and at a swift pace. Yet there was never a single day he showed any kind of frustration or anger towards anyone, irrespective of their position.

I was coming from a difficult phase where I was devoid of opportunities, picking up bits and pieces of self-confidence when I met him for the first time. He openly listened to my ideas, encouraged healthy discussion (it might be a rarity sometimes, which we take for granted in a few workplaces), and accepted my suggestions. He believed and supported that I could contribute meaningfully to the projects that can have a tangible difference on the ground.

In a world filled with transactional relationships, he was someone with pure intentions of helping others grow and giving them chances to grow. He is someone who doesn’t discourage or shun you when you make mistakes. Sometimes, he, in fact, shielded me from all the negativity when I made mistakes from those who were waiting for an opportunity to do that. He is why I am into the world of drones and reached a stage where I am teaching about drones to students currently. His support and backing made me experiment, learn, and expand my knowledge in a new field I was excited about.

He is one of the major reasons why I am where I am currently in life, professionally or personally. And it is just not one of a case; he has supported and encouraged many people like me. I hope he is at peace in whatever realm he is in and that he was doing what he liked the most till the end. The funny part is that our hometown is the same, which is Bheemavaram in Andhra Pradesh, and he used to say, let’s meet in our hometown once, which never happened!

I can’t imagine what their parents are going through now. I sincerely convey my condolences to his family and wish them all the strength they need to come to terms with the reality. The people who worked with him itself are finding it hard to accept he is no more and struggling to navigate the emotions.

I did not know him two years back, and I will never get to know him from today, but his wisdom and memories will stay forever with me! Though he has crossed my life for just a mere two years, the impact he has created will be a lifetime. Perhaps he was the passing star I was praying for all along in my difficult years to add a spark to my ray of hope.