How was Ramoji Rao a visionary nation-builder?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ramoji Rao was a pioneer in the Indian media landscape.
- The Ramoji Excellence Awards honor significant contributions across various fields.
- Ethical journalism remains a cornerstone of Ramoji Rao's legacy.
- The Ramoji Film City is a crucial asset for filmmaking in India.
- Leadership figures emphasized continuing Rao's commitment to excellence.
Hyderabad, Nov 16 (NationPress) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan remarked on Sunday that Ramoji Rao was a remarkable nation-builder who revolutionized Indian media, advocated for ethical journalism, and established institutions grounded in truth, integrity, and excellence.
The Vice-President made these comments during the inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025, held at the Ramoji Film City here.
These awards, named in honor of Ramoji Rao, the founder and Chairman of the Eenadu Group who passed away last year, were presented in seven categories to distinguished individuals.
The recipients included Amla Ashok Ruia (Rural Development), Srikant Bolla (Youth Icon), Madhavi Latha Gali (Science and Technology), Akash Tandon (Service to Mankind), Sathupati Prasanna Sree (Art and Culture), Jaideep Hardikar (Journalism), and Pallabi Ghosh (Woman Achiever).
Notable attendees included Governor of Telangana Jishnu Dev Varma, Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Minister of Telangana A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Former Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana, and Kiron, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Ramoji Group, along with various film industry figures.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that the Telangana government would provide all necessary support to uphold the legacy of the Ramoji brand across various sectors, particularly in journalism and in promoting the Ramoji Film City, which has become a global hub for filmmaking.
The Chief Minister commended the Ramoji Group for upholding the values and traditions established by Ramoji Rao.
He acknowledged the challenges of managing such a large organization, emphasizing that the Ramoji Film City is a significant asset for the state, especially for the city of Hyderabad.
He described Ramoji Film City as the fourth wonder of Hyderabad, alongside the Charminar, Golconda, and Hitech City.
He noted that the visionary Ramoji Rao constructed the film city equipped with comprehensive film production facilities, enabling creators to enter with a script and exit with a finished film ready for screening.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his commitment to preserving the Telugu language, drawing inspiration from Ramoji Rao, who instilled pride in the Telugu community.
He referred to Ramoji Rao as the embodiment of excellence.
He noted how an ordinary individual transformed into an extraordinary force.
He dedicated everything to the ideals he upheld.
Reflecting on his 40-year relationship with Ramoji Rao, CM Naidu shared the valuable lessons he learned from him.
He emphasized that Ramoji Rao never requested even the smallest favor from anyone.
"He communicated openly with any party leader for the public good. His contributions to the Telugu language through impeccable journalism are unforgettable. In the face of corruption and injustice, he stood up for the people with his writings. When opposition was lacking, Ramoji Rao was the singular voice for the public. In times of weak opposition, he asserted he would act as the voice of the people," stated CM Chandrababu Naidu.