New Delhi, Nov 17: The inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards were presented on Monday, recognising outstanding contributions across seven fields.
The awards honoured Amla Ashok Ruia (Rural Development), Srikant Bolla (Youth Icon), Prof Madhavi Latha Gali (Science and Technology), Akash Tandon (Service to M ankind), Prof Sathupati Prasanna Sree (Art and Culture), Jaideep Hardikar (Journalism), and Pallabi Ghosh (Woman Achievers).
Addressing the ceremony, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said it was both an “honour and a privilege” to participate in the first edition of the awards, which coincided with the Foundation Day of the Ramoji Group and the birth anniversary of its founder, Ramoji Rao. Describing Ramoji Rao as a visionary who “transformed ideas into institutions and dreams into enduring realities,” the Vice-President said the late media pioneer was not only a trailblazer in communication but also a nation-builder who believed in the transformative potential of information, creativity and enterprise.
He noted that Ramoji Rao’s contributions, from Eenadu to ETV Network, and from Ramoji Film City to several other ventures, redefined Indian journalism, entertainment and entrepreneurship. His steadfast commitment to truth, ethics and excellence, he added, continues to inspire generations. Calling the launch of the Ramoji Excellence Awards a “fitting tribute,” the Vice-President said the initiative honours individuals and institutions that embody excellence and make meaningful contributions to society. Reflecting on the role of the media, he reiterated that the press, as the fourth pillar of democracy, remains essential for an informed citizenry. In an era of information overload and misinformation, he stressed the importance of truthful, ethical and responsible journalism. As India advances toward the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, media organisations, he said, must partner in nation-building by highlighting stories of innovation, start-ups, women’s empowerment and rural transformation. Truth, objectivity and fairness should remain the bedrock of journalistic institutions, he added.
The Vice-President also underscored the media’s crucial role in promoting a Drug-Free Bharat and helping citizens distinguish between real and fake news, especially amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Commending the Ramoji Group for instituting the awards, he said they transform remembrance into inspiration and legacy into purposeful action. He congratulated all awardees, describing them as torchbearers of excellence whose achievements would motivate many others. The event was attended by Governor of Telangana 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, Ramoji Group CMD Ch. Kiron, as well as prominent film personalities and other dignitaries.
