Brief of Rev. Manne Prakasham Sanjeeva Rao (well known as MPS), retired clergy from the diocese of Medak and Karimnagar.

MPS is a retired clergy who served in the diocese of Medak and Karimnagar for over 50 yrs. He served as a Clergy and Administrator in diocesan affairs. He is widely known for his passionate and practical teaching style of God's word and his dynamic and charismatic leadership qualities.

MPS was born in 1934 and was one of 8 children of evangelist Manne Prakasham and Satyavathi, who lived in the rural village of Sultanpur, Medak District. As a fervent servant of God, Manne Prakasham was very keen on bringing God's word to people of other faiths, for which he was widely recognized and was elected Sarpanch of a Mandal in Sangareddy after retirement from pastoral ministry. He was the first known clergyman to be selected as a sarpanch. He continued to serve God until his demise at the age of 86.

MPS did his schooling at Wesley Boys School, Medak, and Secunderabad. One of the siblings of MPS, Rev. M.P.Srinivasa Rao, was touched by the committed ministry of his father and brother and dedicated himself to serving God. He studied theology at UTC, Bangalore, and served in more than ten pastorates in Medak, Nizamabad & Adilabad districts in various Administrative and Ministerial capacities.

In the mid-fifties, at a retreat attended by members, students including MPS and British missionaries of Medak diocese, MPS was asked to translate a sermon by Rev RJ Saunders. Recognizing the potential of MPS and his ability to speak, Rev Saunders advised his father to send him for theology training as he envisioned him to be an effective communicator of God's word.

After his theology training at Andhra Christian Theological Centre (ACTC) Serampore University, Dornakal, MPS was appointed as one of the Pastors at Medak Cathedral and began his ministry with a vision of reaching and disciplining many for Christ. MPS served in the Medak region and at Medak Cathedral with great British missionaries like Bishop Eber Priestley, Rev.Gordon Shaw, and Rev. David Livingston as Children's missionary, Youth missionary, etc. Thereafter, he worked with Rev. Galagher and Rev. Bob Marsh in different places. In 1971, MPS was transferred to Nirmal pastorate, Godavari district church council (GDCC) as presbyter-in-charge.

Later, MPS served in the tribal areas based out of Pochera. As Director of Grameena Praja Pragathi, he closely worked with Mr. Howard Dalzell, his counterpart, Director - of Medak Agricultural Centre.

MPS served in the following capacities in addition to his regular pastoring ministry until his retirement.

After formally retiring from Karimnagar diocese as Administrator in 2003, he moved to his native place Sulthanpur in Medak district. In addition to holding several positions and Pastoring many Churches, he continued to share the word of God. He believed in helping people from underprivileged communities in education, training, and obtaining jobs in Christian and secular organizations. He encouraged and facilitated the entry/ admission of many deserving candidates from various backgrounds into schools, colleges, nursing, and other vocational training courses. He even went to the extent of using his overseas contacts and helped more than a dozen youngsters to pursue nursing, paramedical and teaching courses. This enabled them to achieve their potential and helped them secure a decent livelihood with Government jobs. He was also closely involved with District Collectors, NGOs, and Catholic Churches in strategizing social development activities in the United state of Andhra Pradesh.

MPS married Ratnamma Kokku in the late fifties and had three sons. The oldest son, Samarpan Rao, passed away at 15. Two of his sons are married and live with their families. One son lives in London, UK, with his wife and two children; the youngest son lives in Bangalore with his wife and two children. MPS' wife, Ratnamma, went to be with the Lord in 2004.

In 2007 MPS relocated to Bangalore to be with his son Patrick. While he enjoyed his life with the family, particularly his grandchildren, God used him even there to preach in some of the Churches in Karnataka Central Diocese. He also visited his elder son Arunodaya in London multiple times. He could spend quality time with his good old friends/colleagues in Medak Diocese, such as Rev Gordon Shaw, Rev RA Marsh, Rev. Gallaher, and Dr. Stephen Taylor and their family in the UK. MPS used to visit daughter Prema at Nirmal occasionally. MPS continues to impact members of his community and strives to minister the Gospel when and wherever an opportunity arises.

MPS was called to glory on 30th July 2023 at his younger son's home in Bangalore.