Life That Enriched Generations: The Legacy of Sri Mandava Venkataramaiah Garu

A Legacy Rooted in the Soil: Remembering Sri Mandava Venkataramaiah Garu – The Farmer’s Visionary and Humanitarian

There are lives that touch the earth so gently, yet leave footprints deep enough to guide generations.

Sri Mandava Venkataramaiah Garu was one such visionary — a man whose journey from the red soil of Chiluvuru village to becoming one of India’s most respected agricultural reformers reads like a love letter to the farmers of this nation.

His life was not merely one of personal achievement, but of service — to the soil, to the farmer, and to the ideals of fairness and compassion.

The Roots That Shaped a Vision

Born on January 19, 1931, to Sri M. Subbaiah and Smt. M. Sukavani in the farming village of Pedda Kakani, Guntur District, young Venkataramaiah grew up deeply connected to the rhythms of rural life. Witnessing farmers’ struggles against unfair systems and middlemen ignited in him a lifelong resolve to transform their lives.

His pursuit of knowledge took him to Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and later a Master’s in Agronomy from B.R. College, Agra. These years were formative — the place where his empathy evolved into purpose, and his purpose into vision.

The Reformist Who Walked with Farmers

Sri Venkataramaiah Garu began his professional journey as a Class I Officer in the Agmark Department, Ministry of Agriculture. His introduction of a scientific grading system for agricultural produce ensured that farmers received fair prices for their hard work — a small change with a monumental impact.

Later, as part of the Indian Tobacco Board, Ministry of Commerce, he pioneered the open auction system for Flue-Cured Virginia Tobacco. This landmark reform brought transparency, efficiency, and dignity to trade, guaranteeing farmers timely payments.

It was this integrity and empathy that earned him the affectionate title “Society Venkataramaiah Garu” among the farming communities of Ongole and beyond — a name that symbolized both respect and love.

The Dream That Became Nuziveedu Seeds

With a desire to work even closer to the land, he founded Nuziveedu Seeds Limited (NSL) in 1973, beginning with large-scale cotton cultivation and seed production.

What started as a personal passion for improving cotton seed quality soon grew into India’s largest seed company, reaching over 5.5 million farmers across 17 states with more than 350 varieties of high-quality seeds.

For Sri Venkataramaiah Garu, NSL was never just a business — it was a mission to empower farmers through innovation, fairness, and trust.

A Heart That Served Beyond Business

True to his nature, his success only deepened his commitment to humanity. Guided by the belief that “No one has ever become poor by giving,” he dedicated himself to numerous philanthropic initiatives.

He built schools, colleges, hostels, temples, old-age homes, and Mahaprasthanams, and organized free medical camps for the underprivileged. He was especially passionate about promoting rural education, particularly for girls, and contributed significantly to institutions and hospitals that uplifted communities.

Every act of giving reflected his humility and compassion — quiet deeds that changed lives far from the public eye.

The Torch That Continues to Shine

Sri Venkataramaiah Garu’s ideals live on through his son, Sri Mandava Prabhakar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of NSL. A gold medalist and merit scholar from BHU, Sri Prabhakar Rao took charge of the seeds business in 1982, carrying forward his father’s mission with equal conviction and vision.

Under his leadership, NSL grew exponentially, with iconic cotton hybrids like Bunny, Bhakti, and Mallika becoming synonymous with quality and trust across India.

The Mandava family’s strong bond with Banaras Hindu University continues to inspire. Through contributions such as:

• ₹50 lakhs for constructing the AABHA Guest House at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU
• Complete interior furnishing and equipment sponsorship for the guest house
• 100 endowments for financially deserving and meritorious students

the family has beautifully honored the institution that shaped Sri Venkataramaiah Garu’s vision.

An Era Ends, But the Inspiration Lives Forever

When Sri Mandava Venkataramaiah Garu left for his heavenly abode on September 22, 2025, at the age of 94, India didn’t just lose an agricultural pioneer — it lost a guardian angel of the farmer.

His journey stands as a timeless reminder that greatness is not measured by wealth or power, but by the number of lives touched, uplifted, and empowered.

His legacy lives on —

• in every field where NSL seeds sprout new life,
• in every farmer who earns with dignity,
• and in every heart that believes compassion can change the world.

A Salute to a Life That Enriched Generations

The NSL Group pays heartfelt tribute to its beloved founder, Sri Mandava Venkataramaiah Garu — a man whose integrity, compassion, and vision continue to illuminate every endeavor.

His journey may have reached its conclusion, but his ideals will forever guide the organization’s purpose — serving farmers, empowering communities, and nurturing growth that is both ethical and enduring.

Om Shanti.