Shankar Raghunath Rao was born on 26 October 1914 in the quaint town of Gadag, nestled in north Karnataka. Following the early passing of his father, Shankar was lovingly raised by his mother, instilling in him resilience and compassion. He embarked on his professional journey by operating a printing press in Bijapur, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Later, he moved to Mumbai, where he resided in Kurla, before finally making Pune his permanent home.

In Pune, Shankar found peace and contentment in the bungalow he built in Vishrantwadi, where he lived out his days surrounded by family. His love for topography was well known, reflecting his appreciation for the world's landscapes and their intricate details. Shankar's legacy is lovingly carried forward by his children Rekha, Indumati, Radha, Vasundhara, Vijay, and Ganesh, and his cherished grandson, Abhijit. Through them, his wisdom and warmth continue to inspire, leaving a lasting imprint on all who knew him. Shankar left this world on 4 November 1996, at the age of 82, having lived a life rich in love and family.