"Human Resources is a philosophy and a way of life. It is not merely systems and processes. It is learning and developing oneself and others." – Dr. T.V. Rao

Dr. T. V. Rao is a teacher, social entrepreneur, and institution builder. Considered one of the Fathers of HRD (Human Resource Development) in India, his contribution to HRD spans over four decades. Born in rural India and brought up by his mother and grandparents, he completed B.Sc. (graduation) from Andhra Loyola College, B.Ed. from Regional College of Education, Mysore, M.A. in Psychology from Osmania University, and Ph.D from Sardar Patel University. He started the Departments of Psychology at Andhra and Udaipur Universities and the Education & Training Department at the National Institute of Health Administration & Education, New Delhi.

Dr. Rao has worked as Visiting Faculty at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad and as HRD Advisor to the Reserve Bank of India. He assisted the Administrative Reforms Commission in reviewing the personnel management practices for civil services, and also served as member of the HRM (Human Resource Management) Review Committee of Public Sector Banks set up by the Ministry of Finance in 2009-2010. Dr. Rao worked as a short-term consultant to UNESCO, Bangkok; USAID Indonesia for the Ministry of Health, Indonesia; NERDA, Malaysia; FAO Rome; and the Commonwealth Secretariat, London.

He joined IIM-A (Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad) in 1973 and taught there until 1994 as a full-time Professor and subsequently until 2014 as Visiting Professor. While at IIM-A, he chaired the Post Graduate and Doctoral Programs, Public Systems Group, and the Ravi Matthai Centre for Educational Innovations.

He has so far taught several thousands of students, executives, CEOs and institution builders on self-leadership, personal and managerial effectiveness, interpersonal competence, entrepreneurship, performance management, and HRD. He has assisted over a 100 organizations in implementing his thoughts and designs in utilizing and developing human potential. He believes that we are all born talented and we can make an impact by drawing the best in us by helping others. With this belief, Dr. Rao founded the National HRD Network and the Academy of HRD, which are now renowned institutions in the field of Human Resources.

He has authored around 60 books including ‘Managers Who Make a Difference’. He is the honored recipient of several awards from various professional bodies and institutions for his outstanding contributions in HRD, the latest being the Ravi Matthai Fellow Award by the Association of Indian Management Schools. He set up TVRLS (T.V. Rao Learning Systems Pvt. Ltd.), a research based consulting company in 1996, of which he is currently the Chairman. He is a member of the IIM-A Society and part of the Board of Governors.