 The sketches of an untrained, unexposed Rama Rao surprised and impressed the Dean which resulted in his admission directly into the third year of fine arts course.His works were composed, decorative in nature and always compared to those of Puvs de Chavannes, the post-Impressionist artist of Paris.Rama Rao was spotted by Sir O. J. Couldrey, principal of the Government Arts College, Rajahmundry who took him to Ajanta and Ellora for sketching the frescos and sculptures.