Vice-President Radhakrishnan Attends Inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025, Calls for Ethical Journalism

Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday graced the inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, paying rich tributes to media icon Shri Ramoji Rao and urging the media fraternity to champion truthful and ethical journalism in an age of misinformation.

The ceremony coincided with both the Foundation Day of the Ramoji Group and the birth anniversary of its founder, whom the Vice-President described as a “visionary nation-builder” who transformed ideas into enduring institutions.

The Ramoji Excellence Awards, instituted to honour individuals who inspire and contribute meaningfully to society, were presented in seven categories:

• Rural Development: Smt. Amla Ashok Ruia
• Youth Icon: Shri Srikant Bolla
• Science & Technology: Prof. Madhavi Latha Gali
• Service to Mankind: Shri Akash Tandon
• Art & Culture: Prof. Sathupati Prasanna Sree
• Journalism: Shri Jaideep Hardikar
• Woman Achievers: Smt. Pallabi Ghosh

In his address, the Vice-President said Shri Ramoji Rao revolutionised Indian journalism and entertainment through institutions such as Eenadu, ETV Network, and Ramoji Film City, which continue to shape the nation’s communication landscape. He said the awards are a fitting tribute to this legacy, converting “remembrance into inspiration and legacy into purposeful action.”

Highlighting the role of the media as the “fourth pillar of democracy,” he underscored the importance of credible, ethical, and responsible journalism, especially amid challenges posed by misinformation and rapid technological advances like AI. He urged media organisations to support the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, spotlighting stories of innovation, start-ups, women’s empowerment, and rural transformation.

He also stressed the media’s role in creating a Drug-Free Bharat and helping citizens distinguish between real and fake news.

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Governor of Telangana Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Former Vice-President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, and several Union Ministers, film personalities and senior officials of the Ramoji Group.

The Vice-President congratulated all awardees, calling them “torchbearers of excellence” whose achievements would inspire countless others. He said the ceremony not only recognised outstanding contributions but reaffirmed that sincere pursuit of excellence ultimately serves both the nation and humanity.