Mangalore: Prof. I. Chikkappa Rai (84), former Head of the Department of Botany, St. Aloysius College succumbed to old age this evening (Thursday, 8th March 2018). He passed away at about 7:00 p.m. at his residence on Suvarna Road, Kankanady, Mangalore.

Hailing from the reputed Ichilampady family, Prof. I. Chikkappa Rai is survived by his wife Shankari Rai, two sons Subodh and Ramchethan, and a daughter Chinnamma. His elder son Subodh Rai is Assistant Director (Purchase) at Nitte Deemed University in the city while his second son Ramchethan Rai is an Orthodontist based at Kasargod.

Prof. I. Chikkappa Rai joined Department of Botany at St. Aloysius College in the city in 1955 and retired as Head of the Department in 1991. Between 1983 and 1990, he served as Registrar (Evaluations) in the newly formed Mangalore University.

The last rites will be performed at his residence on Friday, 9th March at 5 p. m.