Reverend (Dr) Ontimetta Madhusudhana Rao, who retired as Principal of Eastern Theological College (ETC), Jorhat, and gave his lifelong service to the college and the Christian community at large, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 18, 2019 at the age of 88 at his residence in Rajabari, Jorhat.
He was born on June 10, 1931 to Ontimetta Obed Rao and Ontimetta Ratnamma Rao of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Dr GM Rao completed his MA in Economics from Presidency College under Madras University, after which he committed himself to theological studies. In 1956, he graduated from Serampore College, West Bengal completing his Bachelor of Divinity (BD). In 1960 he completed his Masters in Theology (RH. M.) from Philadelphia, USA and PhD from New College, Edinburgh, UK in 1977.
After completing his BD, he came to Jorhat, and joined the Assam Baptist Theological Seminary (now known as Eastern Theological College) as a lecturer. He became the Registrar of ETC in 1966 and in 1987 he became the Principal of the college till he retired in 1993.
He was the President of Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) in 1969 and was the Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College from 1988 to 1991. He was also the vice-president of the Asian Baptist Fellowship and the founder Director of Carey Centre for Post Graduate Studies in Visakhapatnam.
Dr GM Rao was an avid reader and a writer who had written many theological books, poems and plays. Some of his best works are, St. John's Gospel, The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ, Golden Bells (a booklet of one act plays) and also a book on his own personal journey Among the Hills and Valleys of the Churches of North East India. His columns and poems used to feature regularly in the erstwhile English newspaper Clarion published from Jorhat. Some of his poems were published in the book, Poetry Today 1972 printed by Regency Press Ltd, London.
While serving as a lecturer in ETC, he married Ramola Indira Goldsmith (Shireen), daughter of Late Kumud Goldsmith, former professor of English of JB Collage, Jorhat, in 1961 and became proud parents of their three children–Ashok, Asha and Anjana. Though an Andhrite, he made Assam his home and permanently settled in Jorhat with his family.
He was a deeply spiritual man and was always involved in church activities. Even post retirement, he was invited by many churches and institutions across the country as well as abroad as a guest speaker. He was a very humble, generous and a kind-hearted man. Ha had a great sense of humour and was always ready with a hearty laugh. For his warm and amiable nature, he was much loved and respected by all those who knew him and ware associated with him.
His funeral was held on November 19 with a prayer service at his residence, followed by a funeral service held at the Frederick & Mary Downs Auditorium, ETC and finally the burial at the Jorhat Baptist Church Cemetery, Rajabari. His funeral service was beautifully organized and conducted by the faculty, staff and students of ETC. He is survived by his son Ashok and his two daughters, Asha and Anjana and their families and leaves behind a host of relatives, friends and well-wishers.
— Mridul Das