Hyderabad: The Ramoji Excellence Awards were presented at a grand ceremony at Ramoji Film City on Sunday to mark the 89th birth anniversary of Shri Ramoji Rao. Two dictionaries, English to Telugu and Telugu to Telugu, were also released on the occasion. The event honored distinguished individuals whose exceptional contributions have uplifted communities, advanced knowledge, and inspired the nation.
Attendees
Several prominent leaders, including Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, were present at this historic event held on the birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Ramoji Rao (November 16). These included Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
Several dignitaries, including Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, were present on the occasion and praised Ramoji Rao for his contributions to society. Cherukuri Kiran, Chairman and Managing Director of the Ramoji Group, greeted the dignitaries. The ceremony began with a grand welcome for the dignitaries, followed by cultural performances by students and artists that celebrated India’s diversity and paid tribute to Ramoji Rao’s legacy. The Ramoji Dictionary, presented under the auspices of the Ramoji Foundation, was formally unveiled at the event. Speaking on the occasion, Vice President Radhakrishnan said that the Ramoji Excellence Award is a living tribute to Ramoji Rao. He also described him as a visionary. Coming from a small village, Ramoji Rao built an empire.
The Vice President said that he was not only a pioneer in the field of media, but also a visionary. Radhakrishnan said that there are two types of inspiration and emotions in the world: groups and teams. The two appear similar, but there is a vast difference. A group cares for a group within the team, while a team cares for the entire team. Ramoji Rao Garu fostered team spirit.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also praised Ramoji Rao Garu. He described him as a great force for imagination and nation-building. The Governor also said that the Ramoji Excellence Awards highlight excellence. He said that each awardee has paved the way for development.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the awards, instituted in Ramoji Rao’s name, will be as prestigious as the Pulitzer Prize and the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards. Recalling his long association with Shri Ramoji Rao, the Chief Minister said that this media giant, in addition to cinema, shaped the lives of the people of the Telugu states through his service to those in distress during natural disasters.
Following this, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also praised Ramoji Rao, recalling how graciously he hosted everyone. He recalled an incident when the founder of the Ramoji Group advised Reddy to become a good MLA before becoming a minister. Reddy and three other elected MLAs had come to meet him hoping he would endorse their recommendation for cabinet berth. He praised Mr. Ramoji Rao for building the Ramoji Film City, considered the fourth pillar of Hyderabad after Golconda Fort, Charminar, and Hi-Tech City.
Former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramanna also recalled their association with Mr. Ramoji Rao and his values. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy were also present on the occasion.
Winners of the Ramoji Excellence Award 2025
Excellence in Journalism Award: The Excellence in Journalism Award was won by Jaideep Hardikar. A distinguished journalist and author, Hardikar has reported on India’s rural realities with deep empathy and insight for over two decades. His work amplifies marginalized voices and brings the human aspects of development to national attention.
Youth Icon Award: The Youth Icon Award was given to Srikanth Bolla. Bolla, founder and chairman of Bollant Industries and an MIT alumnus, has become a national icon of flexible and inclusive leadership. His venture promotes sustainable manufacturing and empowers people with disabilities.
Excellence in Art and Culture Award: Professor Sathupati Prasanna Sri won the Excellence in Art and Culture Award. He is a visionary scholar who created scripts for 19 tribal languages. Professor Sri has revolutionized the preservation of India’s indigenous literary heritage. As Vice Chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University, he continuously strives for cultural identity and linguistic empowerment.
