The Ramoji Excellence Awards in Hyderabad brought together Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for a heartfelt tribute to the late media icon Ramoji Rao. Both leaders reflected on Ramoji’s unmatched integrity, influence, and disciplined approach to life. Their speeches emphasized that his impact on Telugu society extended far beyond the realms of media or business, resting instead on values that inspired generations.
Chandrababu Naidu spoke emotionally as he described Ramoji Rao as one of the most powerful yet principled individuals he had ever known. He recalled that Ramoji possessed the kind of influence that could shift political outcomes or resolve major issues with a single phone call, yet he never used that power to seek personal benefit. Naidu said that despite his reach, Ramoji never asked for any favor and consistently stood by public welfare. He added that during times when the opposition in Andhra Pradesh weakened, Ramoji stepped in as a moral force through his media networks, championing issues important to the public and demanding accountability from those in power.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy offered a mix of humor and heartfelt emotion as he recounted an incident from 2009. Before the united Andhra Pradesh election results, Revanth and a group of colleagues visited Ramoji Rao, hoping he would recommend them for ministerial positions in Chandrababu Naidu’s cabinet. Ramoji immediately understood their intentions without a word being spoken and quickly dismissed the idea. He told them he had never recommended anyone for a ministerial berth and explained that true political growth comes not from chasing posts but from serving people consistently as an MLA. Revanth said that this piece of advice stayed with him and helped shape his political understanding and maturity.
The event served as a remarkable tribute to a man whose legacy continues to influence Telugu culture, journalism, cinema, and social values. Both Chief Ministers agreed that Ramoji Rao’s strength came from his integrity, discipline, and unwavering ethical standards, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike.
