“Dear all,

This is the saddest Email that we have ever had to draft......” this is how the message began that conveyed the unbelievable news of Venu's demise. There are quite a few things that are taken for granted in life. Things that we believe will never get over. Things that will always be there  like air, water, food, money etc. Venu was one such entity at SARO that we never believed will be exhausted. His untiring presence for all occasions and events without a worry about time, his dogged efforts to complete given task however tough or easy it might be, his wizardry with government machineries and special abilities to get anything and everything done by the government officials, his unwavering commitment to the disability field are some of the qualities that would remain unforgettable for a very long time! 

Venu is remembered by many as a mentor and a teacher, as a man with genuine warmth, love and concern for others, as a wonderful human being who used to care for others more than himself, as a great administrator... the list goes on. But there were two most striking features about him which are very unique in themselves. One was his puritan approach to vegetarianism. He would go without food for days and try and survive on mere fruits and raw vegetables to ensure he followed the chosen path in letter and spirit. Second characteristic is what makes him very unique. His ability to be helpful in all circumstances be it a simple job in the office or an international event; be it a government order for the project or a similar document for personal use; Venu never used to miss a cue. Even before someone would mention he would be there to help. This helpful nature of his endeared him to one and all. His life was helpful in establishing a number of project offices, systems, procedures etc. Even in his death Venu proved to be helpful. He donated his eyes so someone without vision could see the world with his eyes! Venu is called a “great man with human heart”. It is so true. He was fantastic and in so many ways, irreplaceable. We at SARO will miss him sorely.