Dr. D. V. Rao

A physician, a writer, a photographic eye

Dr. Dodderi Venkatagiri Rao (1913–2004) brought together medical service, literature and pictorial photography. Closely associated with Dodderi near Sagar, he practised Ayurvedic medicine in Doddaballapura for more than three decades before returning to serve villagers in his home region. Alongside that work, he continued to write and make photographs. His life connected the practical care of people with an enduring interest in artistic expression. These biographical details are recorded in the SPS biography.

A place in Indian photography

Dr. Rao played an active role in the Federation of Indian Photography, serving as Vice-President and President and helping photographers pursue FIAP distinctions. SPS records a long association with Dr. G. Thomas and a sustained commitment to mentoring. His work extended beyond making his own pictures: he helped create opportunities for others to learn, exhibit and find recognition. Source: SPS.

His international distinctions included AFIAP in 1958, APSA in 1975, ESFIAP in 1977, FPSA in 1980 and Honorary EFIAP in 1981, according to the society’s account. YPS’s memorial profile also records the Karnataka Rajya Prashasti Award in 1982 for social work and the Karnataka Lalitakala Academy Award in 1996 for photography. Together, these honours reflect recognition of both his artistic contribution and his public service. Sources: SPS biography and YPS’s 2021 All India Salon catalogue.

Writing alongside the image

Dr. Rao wrote in Kannada and English, with work spanning poetry, fiction and photography. It identifies Bhavabhivyanjaka Chhaya Chitra Kale as a significant work on pictorial photography, recognised by the Karnataka Sahitya Academy. His travelogue Ekaaki Pravasi brought writing and photographs together in an account of journeys abroad. Words and images offered him different ways of attending to the world. Sources: SPS and YPS’s honorary-member profile.

Founding SPS and encouraging young photographers

In January 2000, Dr. Rao founded Sagara Photographic Society and became its first President. The society’s account describes youth competitions, salons, seminars and workshops among the activities he encouraged. His contribution gave photographers in and around Sagara a shared setting in which to learn and develop their work. Source: SPS.

A contemporary report in The Times of India, 16 August 2001 describes him as an active guide to young photographers and notes the society’s awareness programmes in Shivamogga and neighbouring districts. This account offers a glimpse of his influence during his lifetime: an established photographer continuing to make room for those beginning their own journeys.

The photographs

Architecture, human presence, texture and the rhythms of everyday life meet in the works preserved here. These eight photographs from the SPS archive offer a direct encounter with DVR’s pictorial language. Select an image to view it in full.

From his life in photography

Two documentary photographs preserve glimpses of the photographer himself and his place among fellow practitioners.

A continuing legacy

Dr. Rao died in May 2004. His photographs, writings and the society he founded remain distinct parts of his legacy. For SPS, remembering him also means continuing the practice of learning together: looking carefully at images, sharing experience and encouraging another person’s photographic voice. Source: SPS.