Ramoji Rao valued human connection above everything else: Yesudas S Pillai

Shri Ramoji Rao is a name synonymous with transformative innovation in the media industry. He built a formidable media empire spanning print, television, digital, and entertainment. His business interests extended to hospitality, education, and food processing, demonstrating his versatile entrepreneurial spirit. His leadership has been exemplary, but more importantly, he was a great human being marked by immense humility. 

Anyone who met him will never forget the incredible way he made them feel. My meeting with him was both humbling and amazing. I was in his office to discuss a collaboration with his team, on another one of his brainchildren: a digital network of regional news spread across the length and breadth of the country.

People often say that organizations reflect their leaders. Interacting with his leadership team made it clear that he placed great importance on selecting the right individuals to represent the group in various businesses and markets, and then he trusted them to lead. There are some leaders who demand respect and a few who command it. Walking into his office with his team, I knew he belonged to the latter group.

The meeting left a lasting impact on me. It is rare to encounter someone who embodies both greatness and humility so seamlessly. His presence alone commanded respect, not through overt displays of power, but through the quiet strength of his character and the depth of his wisdom.

When I met him, I was struck by his unassuming demeanour. Despite his monumental achievements and the vast media empire he had built, he was approachable and genuinely interested in our conversation. His humility was disarming. Here was a man who had revolutionized regional journalism, created one of the largest film studio complexes in the world, and diversified his business interests with incredible success, yet he spoke with the simplicity and grace of someone who valued human connection above all else.

There was an undeniable aura around him, a palpable sense of presence that resonated with everyone in the room. It wasn’t just his accomplishments that made him stand out, but the way he made others feel in his presence. He had a unique ability to connect with people on a personal level, to make them feel seen and valued. This, I believe, is the hallmark of a true leader—someone who inspires not just through their words and actions, but through the way they touch the lives of others.

Our conversation went beyond professional topics; it was his personal touch that left a lasting impression on me. He spoke with genuine passion for his work, a deep respect for his colleagues, and an unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and business practices.

Shri Ramoji Rao’s story is one of vision and perseverance, but also of kindness and humility. Despite his towering achievements, he remained grounded and approachable, always willing to listen and learn. That’s how his colleagues refer to him. This humility is perhaps his greatest strength. It endears him to those who work with him and garners respect from all who meet him.

He had a natural ability to inspire trust and respect, not by demanding it, but by earning it through his actions and interactions. There was sincerity in the way he spoke, the way he smiled, and the way he made eye contact. Exhibiting a genuine interest in others is both rare and refreshing. In a world often dominated by self-interest and superficiality, Shri Ramoji Rao will always stand out as a beacon of integrity and authenticity.

Reflecting on my meeting with him, I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s words: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Shri Ramoji Rao made me feel respected, valued, and inspired. He touched a chord in me that day, leaving a lasting impression that goes beyond professional admiration to deep personal respect.

As I look back on that encounter, I realize that it wasn’t just his accomplishments that left me in awe, but the man himself. Ramoji Rao’s legacy is not only in the media empire he built but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Meeting him was a humbling experience, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Shri Ramoji Rao was not just a great leader; he was a remarkable human being. His ability to inspire, his humility, and his genuine concern for others set him apart. It is this blend of professional brilliance and personal warmth that made him a true icon. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met him and to have experienced first-hand the aura of a man who not only shaped the media landscape but also touched the hearts of many.

Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy will live on in the countless lives you have inspired and the incredible impact you have made.