Media with its objectivity and honesty should be a partner in nation building: Vice President Radhakrishnan

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan urged media houses to become partners in nation building through their constructive role as the fourth pillar of the democratic system. He also stressed the urgency to combat the spread of fake news and disinformation in the digital age.

Speaking at the inaugural event of Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 at Ramoji Film City, the Vice President lauded the efforts of late media baron Ramoji Rao in the field of values-based journalism.

“Truth, objectivity and fairness should be the mainstays of media houses,” he said. He lauded late Ramoji Rao for achieving great heights in the field of journalism and film industry and lauded the establishment of Ramoji Film City, stating that you can come to the Film City with a script and with a print. He commended the Ramoji Group for instituting the Excellence Awards in his memory.

On the other hand, he lamented the growing drug menace across the country and urged the people to combat the menace. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu and Chief Minister of Telangana A. Revanth Reddy recalled their association with Ramoji Rao and his commitment to the people’s issues.

“Ramoji Rao, as the owner of a media house, stood up for the problems of the people. He played the role of an opposition to solve their problems,” said Mr Naidu, calling the late media baron a maverick in many areas.

Terming the Ramoji Film City as the fourth wonder of Hyderabad, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the state government would extend all support to sustain the legacy of the “Ramoji” brand in various sectors, mainly journalism and promotion of the ultra-modern Ramoji Film City, which has emerged as the center of filmmaking in the world.

Maintaining credibility is the hallmark of the Eenadu newsgroup. Ramoji Rao has also made his own mark in selling pickles and news content in the competitive market.

The Prime Minister congratulated all the recipients of the Ramoji Excellence Awards and asserted that they should all strive to pass on Ramoji’s ideas to future generations. The Ramoji brand should live forever.

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and former Chief Justice of India NV Ramana called Ramoji Rao a true inspiration for generations to come and recalled his services in the field of journalism.

Mr. Venkaiah Naidu and Mr. NV Ramana emphasized the need to promote Telugu, the mother tongue, in all areas, giving due importance to English and Hindi. The winners include Pallabi Ghosh in the Women Achievers category, Sathupati Prasanna Sree in Arts and Culture, Akash Tandon in Service to Humanity, Jaideep Hardikar in Journalism, Madhavi Latha in Science and Technology, Srikanth Bolla in Youth Icon and Amla Ruia in the Rural Development category.

Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and K Ram Mohan Naidu were present while Ramoji Group CMD Kiron Kumar welcomed the meeting.