Inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards Ceremony Marks Sri Ramoji Rao's 89th Birth Anniversary

Hyderabad: Inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards were presented at a grand affair at the Ramoji Film City, marking the 89th birth anniversary of Sri Ramoji Rao, on Sunday. Two dictionaries, English to Telugu and Telugu to Telugu, were also released on the occasion.

A host of dignataries, led by Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan, were present on the occasion and lauded Sri Ramoji Rao for his contributions to society. Ramoji Group Chairman and Managing Director Ch. Kiron felicitated the dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Radhakrishnan said that the Ramoji Excellence Awards were a living tribute to Sri Ramoji Rao, whom he described as a visionary. The Vice President said that Ramoji Rao, who hailed from a small village, created a kingdom.

"He was not only a pioneer in the media but a visionary," the Vice President said. "There are two types of inspirations and spirit in the world, group and team, both look the same, but there is a huge difference. A group cares for a group within a team, whereas a team cares for the entire team. Ramoji Rao Garu developed a team spirit," Radhakrishnan said.

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also lauded Ramoji Rao garu. He described Ramoji Rao garu as a titan of imagination and nation-building. The Governor also said that the Ramoji Excellence Awards highlight excellence. "Each awardee illuminated the path of growth, " he quipped.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the awards instituted in the name of Sri Ramoji Rao will be at par excellence in the likes of Pulitzer and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Recalling his long association with Sri Ramoji Rao, the Chief Minister said the media moghul shaped the lives of people of Telugu states beyond cinema through his service to the distressed at times of natural calamities.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy showered his accolades on Sri Ramoji Rao, remembering how good a host he was to everyone. He recalled an anecdote wherein the founder chairman of Ramoji Group suggested Reddy to be a good MLA before becoming a Minister. Reddy and three other legislator-elects had visited him hoping, that they would be able to get his recommendation stamp to get in the cabinet. He praised Sri Ramoji Rao for making the Ramoji Film City as the fourth wonder of Hyderabad after Golconda Fort, Charminar and the Hitec City.

Former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Chief Justice of India NV Ramana also recalled at length their associations with Sri Ramoji Rao and the values he stood for. Union Minister of Civil Aviation K Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Minister for Mines G Kishan Reddy were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message for the Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 was read out. The Prime Minister, in the message, said, "It is heartening to learn about the launch of Ramoji Excellence Awards to mark the birth anniversary of Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. It is only befitting that these Awards have been instituted in the name of a visionary who left behind an indelible mark on the Indian media and entertainment landscape."

"That these awards are being conferred on those who have made a significant contribution to further the spirit of Viksit Bharat across

diverse spheres of activity is particularly gladdening. Honouring individuals devoted to public service inspires the nation and fosters a culture of positivity and participation in nation-building. These awards affirm that sincere dedication and selfless service are deeply valued and essential to collective progress. In the last decade, there has been a growing emphasis on recognising people who work at the grassroots level. Their contribution, often with limited resources, but immense resolve, are now being widely acknowledged," the Prime Minister said.

"Be it honouring them with prestigious Padma Awards, or sharing their remarkable stories on Mann Ki Baat, we are demonstrating the commitment to celebrating these unsung heroes. Their experiences stand as powerful reminders of how individual initiative can trigger a meaningful, collective social change. The vision of building Viksit Bharat by 2047 will be realised only through the collective participation of all. Every individual, in every sphere of life is crucial in this endeavour to ensure that India not only achieves inclusive growth, but also emerges as an exemplary model for the world. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the award winners, who will surely inspire countless people to strive in the service of Maa Bharati. Best wishes for the success of the Ramoji Excellence Awards," PM Modi said.

Awardees of the Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025

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.

A major milestone of the programme was the formal unveiling of the Ramoji Dictionary, under the aegis of the Ramoji Foundation. The English-to-Telugu edition was unveiled by M. Venkaiah Naidu, while the Telugu-to-Telugu edition was unveiled by Justice N. V. Ramana.

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