VP CP Radhakrishnan Launches Ramoji Excellence Awards, Says Media Should Educate On Truth In Misinformation Era

Hyderabad: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan paid rich tributes to Sri Ramoji Rao while he launched the inaugural edition of Ramoji Excellence Awards at a grand event in Ramoji Film City, celebrating the 89th birth anniversary of the Ramoji Group founder, on Sunday.

Delivering the keynote address, Radhakrishnan insisted on the crucial role the media has to play in serving truth to the audience in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), misinformation and information overload.

He noted that Sri Ramoji Rao has inculcated the values of team spirit, which is foundational in the family and also with every institution he has built.

"Ramoji Rao is a great personality, a man who started his career from a remote village, like most of us here.., he has created a kingdom," the Vice President said.

"Ramoji Rao garu transformed ideas into institutions and dreams into enduring reality. He is not just a pioneer in media and communication but a nation builder who believed in the power of information, creativity and enterprise to save society. His work redefined the landscape of Indian journalism, entertainment and entrepreneurship. His commitment to truth and excellence continues to inspire generations across the entire nation," the Vice President said.

According to Radhakrishnan, the launching of Ramoji Excellence Awards is a fitting tribute to Sri Ramoji Rao's remarkable legacy.

"Through these Awards, we see the same spirit and commitment honouring individuals and institutions who embody excellence, who inspire others and who make a positive difference in society. Unless you inspire somebody, success is not yours. Ramoji Rao took care of the society, and that is the real success story of the society," he said.

He recalled how Ramoji Rao has contributed to society beyond the borders of Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), quoting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

The Vice President explained how an enterprise can serve a higher purpose, creating jobs, nurturing talent and empowering millions. He added that institutions are not merely built with capital and infrastructure but with values, dedication and excellence.

He asserted that the country was standing at the forefront of a new global era, emerging as a knowledge-driven, innovation-led nation, with the combined strength of technology and youth energy. "India is scripting a power story of transformation," he said.

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma told me how one can walk into the Film City with a script and walk away with the first print. That means how much hard work (Sri) Ramoji (Rao) had put into creating this institution," he wondered.

Informed citizenry is the foundation of democracy, he said, adding that more transparency will lead to better governance, which makes it more beneficial to the citizens.

Radhakrishnan urged the media to ensure authenticity and credibility through their source of news and information.

The Vice President expressed his worry about how misinformation spreads fast and urged everyone to use modern technology for the betterment of society. "The truth, objectivity and fairness should be the mainstay of the media houses as the country moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047," he said. Radhakrishnan appealed to the media houses to become partners in nation-building, highlighting the stories of innovation, startups, and women's empowerment. "Today, with the advancement in science, especially in the field of Artificial Intelligence, it is becoming difficult to find the difference between real and fake news. The media has a more responsible role now. We need to protect the innocent viewers and educate them about the truth," the Vice President said.

According to Radhakrishnan, the media also has a big role to play in making the country drug-free. He warned that drug habit is in vogue from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. "We all have to fight against it. We have to raise awareness that no to drugs. That is the movement I am thinking of starting. I am thinking it should be a people's moment. Everybody should participate in it, cutting across language, cast, creed or religion, or political affiliation," he quipped.

Radhakrishnan also welcomed Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's comments that he should help Telangana and Andhra Pradesh the way "former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu did". The VP was confident that the disputes between the two states would be resolved, as they were simply like those between siblings in a family. He also described Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy as "Guru and 'Shishya".

Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 Recipients

1. Excellence in Journalism
   Awardee: Jaideep Hardikar
   A distinguished journalist and author, Hardikar has spent over two decades reporting on India’s rural realities with deep empathy and insight. His work amplifies marginalised voices and brings the human dimensions of development to national attention.
2. Youth Icon Award
   Awardee: Srikanth Bolla
   Founder & Chairman of Bollant Industries and an MIT alumnus, Bolla has become a national symbol of resilience and inclusive leadership. His enterprise empowers people with disabilities while advancing sustainable manufacturing.
3. Excellence in Art & Culture
   Awardee: Prof. Sathupati Prasanna Sree
   A visionary scholar who created scripts for 19 tribal languages, Prof. Sree has revolutionised the preservation of India’s indigenous literary heritage. As Vice-Chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University, she continues to champion cultural identity and linguistic empowerment.
4. Excellence in Rural Development
   Awardee: Amla Ashok Ruia
   Popularly known as the “Water Mother,” Ruia has transformed drought-prone villages through innovative water-harvesting initiatives. Her work through Aakar Charitable Trust has restored livelihoods, water security, and hope across rural India.
5. Excellence in Service to Mankind
   Awardee: Akash Tandon
   Founder of Pehchaan – The Street School, Tandon has built a movement providing education to thousands of underprivileged children in Delhi-NCR. His mission nurtures dignity, opportunity, and empowerment for marginalised communities.
6. Women Achiever Award
   Awardee: Pallabi Ghosh
   A fearless crusader against human trafficking, Ghosh has rescued over 10,000 women and children and impacted more than 75,000 lives. Through the Impact and Dialogue Foundation, she leads national efforts in rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
7. Excellence in Science & Technology
   Awardee: Prof. Madhavi Latha Gali
   A pioneering geotechnical engineer at IISc Bengaluru, Prof. Latha contributed to major national infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Railway Bridge. As Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, she continues to drive innovation and mentor the next generation of engineering leaders.

Read More

1. Inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards Ceremony Marks Sri Ramoji Rao's 89th Birth Anniversary
2. Ramoji Film City Signs MoU With Telangana Govt To Set Up Global Tourism Village, Night Safari At Rs 2,000 Crore