Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, an aerospace engineer from Telangana, led the development and deployment of the Akash Missile System in Operation Sindoor, contributing significantly to national security. In total, seven individuals from Telangana and four from Andhra Pradesh have been chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri awards by the Government of India.
Maganti Murali Mohan, a veteran actor from Andhra Pradesh, has been recognized for his remarkable career in Tollywood, spanning over 60 years with more than 350 films. Known for his philanthropic endeavors in healthcare and education, Mohan has left a lasting impact on the industry.
Rajendra Prasad, another veteran actor from Andhra Pradesh, has been honored for his extensive contribution to Telugu cinema, having appeared in over 240 films during his five-decade-long career. His work has been instrumental in shaping the regional film industry.
Deepika Reddy, a renowned Kuchipudi dancer from Telangana, has been acknowledged for her exceptional achievements in promoting Indian classical dance globally. With a career spanning five decades, Reddy has been a cultural ambassador, elevating the art form to new heights.
Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, posthumously awarded from Andhra Pradesh, was a distinguished classical vocalist, composer, and writer known as ‘Asthana Vidhwan’. His musical legacy includes setting tunes for numerous Annamacharya Sankeerthanas and delivering over 5,000 concerts.
Guduru Venkat Rao, a medical professional from Telangana, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in gastroenterology. Rao’s pioneering work includes performing a Transoral Endoscopic Appendectomy and developing innovative solutions for diabetes management.
Krishnamurty Balasubramanian, a material scientist from Telangana, has been instrumental in advancing India’s defense and space capabilities through his groundbreaking research on critical minerals. His work extends to prosthetic implants, cryogenic engine materials, and advancements in electric mobility and biomedical devices.
Kumarasamy Thangaraj, a geneticist from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, is renowned for his pioneering research in genetics and genomics, particularly in Indian population science. Thangaraj’s work has shed light on genetic origins and migration patterns of Indian populations.
Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, an oncologist from Telangana, has been honored for his innovative approaches in cancer treatment, including the introduction of ‘Perioperative Brain Interstitial Implant’ and advancements in radiotherapy techniques. Reddy’s work at the CURE Foundation has significantly impacted cancer care.
Rama Reddy Mamidi, a social worker from Telangana, has been posthumously awarded for his impactful contributions to rural cooperatives and women’s empowerment. Mamidi’s legacy includes establishing the Women’s Dairy Cooperative and advocating for cooperative laws to empower marginalized communities.
Vempaty Kutumba Sastry, a Sanskrit scholar from Andhra Pradesh, has dedicated five decades to promoting the language globally through his scholarly work and administrative leadership. Sastry’s contributions to Sanskrit education and literature have been significant, shaping the field for future generations.
