For almost four decades, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) generations of students, staff and visitors has been welcomed with one familiar voice. “Good morning!, How are you?”
Those simple greeting became part of the campus life, and the voice is Sri Kantha Rao A/L Sani Babu, who is known as “Uncle Sri”. Uncle Sri has officially ended his service in UPM after 37 years as a member of University’s Auxiliary Police Unit.
Uncle Sri retired on Labour Day, 1st May 2026, choosing to focus on his health and spend more time with his family after many years of dedicated service at the main entrance in the university.
More Than Just A Security Officer
In his entire service in UPM, Uncle Sri is always known for his warm personality, willingness to help and friendly interactions daily with students and staffs.
According to him, the culture of helping and carrying for one another should always continue as it strengthens the relationships in the campus community.
One of the memories he cherishes is being greeted everyday by the people in UPM, which he says he will miss deeply after his retirement.
Helping Students Beyond His Duties
Although his role was to focus on campus security, Uncle Sri is often more than his responsibility. He loves assisting students whenever he could.
He shared that he had helped students understand parts of their English thesis work, believing that even small acts of kindness will make a big difference in helping students succeed.
His dedication and sincerity for many years made him receive the Special Customer Service Quality Award during UPM’s Service Quality and Innovation Day in 2018.
As he served 37 years, Uncle Sri saw the major transformation of UPM over the years, from landscapes filled with rice fields and farms to the modern campus today. Now as he retires, he plans to spend his days gardening, exercising, spending time with his family, and preparing for a overseas trip next year.
While Uncle Sri will no longer stand at UPM’s gates every morning, his kindness, and dedication will remain a sweet memory for many people in the university community.
Sources: UPM FB
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