GUNTUR: Noted businessman and founder of Crane Betel Nut, Grandhi Subba Rao breathed his last on Friday at his residence in R Agraharam of Guntur city. The 87-year-old has been suffering from ill health for the last few days.
Crane Vakkapodi, the betel nut powder has become part of Telugu culture since Subba Rao founded the industry in 1952.
The passing of Rao, considered one of the giants in industry in Guntur and a noted philanthropist, was condoled by one and all. He is survived by his son GVSL Kantha Rao, who has taken over the Rs 100 crore business empire in 2013, when his father had declared his retirement. He also had four daughters.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, ministers P Pulla Rao, Ravela Kishore Babu, Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasad Rao, Narasaraopet MP Rayapati Sambasiva Rao, MLAs M Venugopal Reddy and Y Srinivasa Rao and AP Chambers of Commerce - Guntur A Anjaneyulu had condoled the demise of Rao.
In 1952, crane betel nut in small pouches was started by Rao in a modest building. By not compromising on values, quality and setting examples on better management practices, Subba Rao had expanded his business empire to what it is today over a period of more than six decades. Being an ardent devotee, he constructed Ayyappa temple at Sampath Nagar and every year he funded the food serving at the temple for 2,500 devotees for 40 days.