Venkaiah Naidu Hails Ramoji Rao as a “Powerful System” at Ramoji Excellence Awards

Hyderabad: Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday paid a glowing tribute to Ramoji Group founder Ramoji Rao, describing him not merely as an individual but as a “powerful system” whose influence transformed multiple sectors in Indian public life. Naidu was addressing the inaugural Ramoji Excellence National Awards ceremony held at Ramoji Film City, marking the birth anniversary of the late media baron.

Calling Ramoji Rao a visionary who rose to extraordinary heights through discipline, innovation, and sheer determination, Naidu said his contributions stood as an enduring inspiration for future generations. “I cannot imagine his organisations without him. He was not just a person; he was a force,” he said. Ramoji Rao, he noted, believed that journalism must remain rooted in public interest, and his journey from a modest farming family to global recognition demonstrated the values of hard work and integrity.

Naidu added that few individuals in recent history had left as deep an imprint on society as Ramoji Rao. His enterprises—spanning media, film, hospitality, and more—had touched the lives of countless people, directly and indirectly, across the country. He also lauded the initiative to honour eminent personalities on Ramoji Rao’s birth anniversary, saying that the awards reflected the late icon’s belief in celebrating excellence and public service.

The former Vice President further observed that promoting and preserving the Telugu language would be the most meaningful tribute to Ramoji Rao, who had used his newspaper Eenadu as a tool for a “righteous war” in the pursuit of truth and public good.

A Warm Moment Between AP and Telangana Chief Ministers

The Ramoji Excellence Awards ceremony also became a stage for an unexpected moment of camaraderie between the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy were seen seated together, sharing smiles and light-hearted conversation. Their friendly interaction drew considerable attention, with visuals quickly circulating on social media.

Top Dignitaries Attend the Grand Ceremony

The event saw an impressive turnout of national and regional leaders. Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan attended as the chief guest, while Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy, Rammohan Naidu, and Bandi Sanjay were also present. Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana and film personalities Murali Mohan and Brahmanandam were among the distinguished guests.

Honouring Excellence Across Seven Key Fields

The Ramoji Excellence National Awards were instituted to recognise outstanding contributors in seven fields:

• Journalism
• Rural Development
• Social Service
• Science and Technology
• Arts and Culture
• Women Empowerment
• Youth Inspiration

The initiative aims to carry forward Ramoji Rao’s legacy by celebrating individuals whose work embodies excellence, social impact, and nation-building—values that defined his life and career.

Held at the iconic Ramoji Film City, the ceremony not only honoured achievers across diverse fields but also showcased the unifying legacy of Ramoji Rao, whose vision continues to influence media, culture, governance, and public life in India.