Turns out he did his Engineering in Raichur. The first year was extremely uncomforting for him, away from home, in a strange city and surrounded by people who speak a different language.
Some time later he made friends, and they took him to Mantralaya. He said this trip changed his life. He lost count on how many times he went to see Rayaru after that
Now settled in Bengaluru, he makes its a point to visit Mantralaya, atleast once a year. His wife and children too are now devotees.
That's the power of Rayaru. He is not a saint for a "small sect" as claimed by some Matibhrastas.
ಓಂ ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರಾಯ ನಮಃ