EDUCATION

My Bachelor Degree 
I enrolled in the B.Sc. program at P.V.K.N. Degree College, Chittoor, A.P., from 1977 to 1980. It was a promising start to my academic journey. Initially, I had aspirations of pursuing a medical course, though circumstances led me to take up B.Sc. I completed my graduation in 1980, gaining valuable experimental experience that laid the foundation for my future endeavors.
Master degree 
In 1980, I pursued a Master's degree in Botany at Safia College, affiliated with Barkatullah University (formerly Bhopal University), Bhopal, with a specialization in Cyto-Genetics, Plant Breeding, and Biometry. My post-graduation included numerous botanical tours across various parts of Madhya Pradesh, making those days truly memorable. It was during this time that I first began contemplating a career in research. I am especially grateful to my senior, Dr. Sivaprasad, who inspired and instilled in me a passion for research.

My PhD Work 

It was an adventurous experience when I joined the Department of Botany at S.V. University College, Tirupati, in 1983 under the guidance of Prof. P. Gopala Rao. I still consider it a dream come true, as it was in this department that I truly learned the art of research. The three years I spent working with Prof. Gopala Rao were invaluable. My thesis, titled 'Ethnobotanical Survey and Phytopharmaco-chemical Screening of Selected Medicinal Plants of Chittoor District, A.P.', marked the beginning of my research journey.

I initiated my investigations into the ethnobotany of the Yanadhi tribes, determined to validate their traditional medicinal claims. This was one of the most challenging aspects of my research. The preliminary screening of plants revealed promising bioactive properties, paving the way for the isolation of biologically active molecules.

I was fortunate to work under the esteemed guidance of Prof. B.N. Dhawan at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, where I conducted studies on the acute toxicity and pharmacology of natural products. Additionally, I had the opportunity to isolate and characterize pharmacologically active compounds from plants at the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, under the supervision of Dr. S.K. Nigam.
Computer training

Acquaintance with Computers: Since 1984, my growing interest and practical needs led me to work diligently to master the use of computers. Over the years, I have gained proficiency in utilizing the latest software for scientific purposes. In recognition of my skills, I also earned a PG Diploma in Computer Applications.

Karate-Do Training: From 1977 to 1982, I underwent rigorous Karate-Do training under Renshi R.V.T. Mani, founder of Budokai, Madras. I was awarded my first-degree black belt in 1983 by Renshi H. Gamini Soysa of Okinawa Karate-Do, Colombo, Sri Lanka and received a diploma in Karate-Do in 1984 from the renowned grandmaster, Dr. Rod Sacharnoski Soke, of the World Karate Union, USA. I continued to advance, earning my second-degree black belt in 1984 from Renshi H. Gamini Soysa of Sri Lanka, and another second-degree black belt in 1985 from the great grandmaster Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato (10th Dan, red belt) of Okinawa, Japan. Later, I was awarded my third-degree black belt in 1994, a fifth-degree black belt in 2012, and was promoted to seventh-degree black belt in 2014, followed by an eighth-degree black belt in 2022 by Soke Sir K. Ananthan, Chief Technical Director and Grandmaster of the Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation, Malaysia.

With extensive experience in teaching, coaching, and mentoring students across India, I established the Centre for Martial Arts & Sports (CMAS) at S.V. University in 1994, served as Director and offering free self-defense classes to both male and female students.

Yoga & Meditation Training: I began practicing yoga and meditation in 1974, initially as a way to improve my focus for Karate-Do and to relieve body pains through breathing exercises. Over time, I realized the profound benefits of regular meditation, and in 1982, a close family friend, Mr. M. Vijaya Saradhi, introduced me to Sri Sri Sri Guru Viswa Sphoorthi in Gudivada, A.P. Guru clarified all my doubts about yoga and meditation and explained the concept of vibrations in a scientific manner. From that day forward, I decided to dedicate myself to the practice of meditation under Guru’s guidance.

My daily meditation practice became so deep that I often lost track of time, feeling a profound sense of peace and clarity. I experienced vibrations and noticed physical changes, which signified an awakening state that came effortlessly with Guru Viswa Sphoorthi’s grace. Through yoga, I discovered that true joy is not derived from external sources of pleasure but from the inner divine bliss that meditation provides."