Tribute to a visionary
Radhakrishnan described Ramoji Rao as a transformative figure whose enterprises — from regional newspapers to the sprawling Ramoji Film City and the ETV network — reshaped journalism, entertainment and entrepreneurship in India. “He converted ideas into institutions and dreams into reality,” the Vice-President said, adding that Ramoji Rao’s lifelong fidelity to truth, ethics and excellence will continue to inspire future generations.
Awards and winners
The Ramoji Excellence Awards were conferred across seven categories recognising contributions to rural development, youth leadership, science and technology, humanitarian service, arts and culture, journalism, and women’s achievement.
- Rural Development: Mrs. Amala Ashok Ruiya
- Youth Icon: Mr. Srikant Bolla
- Science & Technology: Prof. Madhavi Lata Gali
- Service to Humanity: Mr. Akash Tandon
- Arts & Culture: Prof. Sathupati Prasanna Shri
- Journalism: Mr. Jaydeep Hardikar
- Women’s Achievement: Mrs. Pallabi Ghosh
The awards, announced on the group’s founding anniversary and the founder’s birth commemoration, honour individuals and institutions that demonstrate measurable social impact and professional excellence.
Media’s role in nation-building
Addressing members of the press and guests, Radhakrishnan urged media houses to actively support the government’s long-term vision — Developed India @2047 — by spotlighting stories on innovation, startups, women’s empowerment and rural transformation. He stressed that the press must remain a custodian of facts and ethical norms amid the accelerating spread of misinformation.
“In an era of information abundance and rapid AI-driven content creation, truthful and principled journalism is not optional — it is essential to civic health,” he said, calling on the media to help citizens distinguish between authentic and fake news.
Public policy, social issues and a drug-free India
The Vice-President also highlighted the media’s influence in public health and social reform, including the campaign for a drug-free India. He urged journalists to report responsibly on substance abuse and on rehabilitation, prevention and community resilience initiatives.
Notable attendees and institutional praise
The event drew a high-level line-up: Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan (as per local protocol), former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister for Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, former Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, Ramoji Group Chairman Choudhary Kiran, leading film personalities and other dignitaries.
Radhakrishnan applauded the Ramoji Group for instituting the awards, calling the initiative a meaningful way to convert legacy into inspiration and to institutionalise recognition for impactful service.
Context and sources
This report is based on the official event release and remarks made at Ramoji Film City. For official details see the Press Information Bureau release and Ramoji Film City’s website.
