text: General Krishna Rao was the governor of Jammu and Kashmir during 1989–90. As the governor, He was chancellor of the University of Kashmir, University of Jammu and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir.  He was also chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.  When a proxy war developed in Jammu and Kashmir and reached its peak, he was reappointed as governor and served there from 12 March 1993 to 1 May 1998.  In this capacity, he was instrumental in restoring peace and democracy in the insurgency-riven state after a long gap of seven years.
  Personal life
  He was married to K. Radha Rao and has one son, Narayan and one daughter, Lalitha. His son, K V Narayan Rao, was CEO of the media house NDTV; he died in November 2017 after battling cancer, and within 2 years after his father's death in early 2016.
  General Krishna Rao was conferred the honorary doctorate of D.Litt. (honoris causa) by the Andhra University, Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by Sri Venkateswara University and Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) (honoris causa) by the Telugu University.
  He was a Life Member of the India International Centre, New Delhi, National Sports Club of India, New Delhi, Defence Services Officers Institute, New Delhi, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, Divine Life Society and Secunderabad Club.  He played cricket and golf.  His hobbies included photography, gardening and social welfare.
  General Krishna Rao died on Martyr's Day, 30 January 2016 in New Delhi.
  Books published
  1991 – Prepare or Perish – A Study of National Security – (Lancer Publishers, New Delhi)
  2001 – In the Service of the Nation – Reminiscences –  (Penguin Books Ltd.)
  2011 – Invincibility, challenges and Leadership – (Orient Black Swan Ltd.)
  Honours and awards