Hyderabad, Nov 16:
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday described Ramoji Rao as a visionary nation-builder who transformed Indian media, upheld ethical journalism, and established institutions grounded in truth, integrity, and excellence. He was speaking at the inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 held at Ramoji Film City.
The awards, instituted in memory of Ramoji Rao, the founder and Chairman of the Eenadu Group who passed away last year, were presented across seven categories to distinguished achievers: Amla Ashok Ruia (Rural Development), Srikant Bolla (Youth Icon), Madhavi Latha Gali (Science and Technology), Akash Tandon (Service to Mankind), Sathupati Prasanna Sree (Art and Culture), Jaideep Hardikar (Journalism) and Pallabi Ghosh (Woman Achiever).
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, former Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana, and Ramoji Group CMD Kiron, along with leading film personalities.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy assured that the state government will fully support efforts to preserve the legacy of the Ramoji brand—particularly in journalism and in strengthening Ramoji Film City, now a global hub for filmmaking. He praised the Ramoji Group for upholding the values and traditions set by Ramoji Rao and described Film City as the fourth wonder of Hyderabad, after Charminar, Golconda, and Hitec City.
He added that Ramoji Rao envisioned and built a film city where a filmmaker could enter with just a script and leave with a complete film ready for screening.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, recalling his 40-year association with Ramoji Rao, pledged to protect and promote the Telugu language, inspired by Ramoji Rao’s dedication. He called him the epitome of excellence, stating that an ordinary man rose to become an extraordinary force who never sought personal favors and always fought against injustice through his journalism. “When there was no opposition, Ramoji Rao himself became the voice of the people,” he said.
