Seven from Telangana named for Padma Shri honour

Seven personalities from Telangana have been selected for the Padma Shri this year in recognition of their outstanding contributions across diverse fields including science, engineering, medicine, arts, research and the cooperative movement.

Among the awardees is distinguished scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, who served as Project Director at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). With a career spanning over three decades, he played a key role in the development of the Akash missile system that showcased India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Senior scientist Krishnamurty Balasubramanian has been honoured in the category of Science and Engineering for his pioneering work in advanced materials and engineering components. He is widely regarded for advancing high-end materials research in the country.

In the field of medicine, Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, director and senior oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centre, has been named. G.V. Rao, director and chief of Surgical Gastroenterology, GI Oncology and Minimally Invasive Surgery at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, also figures in the list.

The award has also been conferred on Kumarasamy Thangaraj, senior scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), who heads a research group and is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in human genetics and population studies.

Rama Reddy Mamidi, noted for his efforts in modernising animal husbandry practices and strengthening the cooperative movement in Telangana, has also been selected. Eminent Kuchipudi dancer Deepika Reddy has been named for her contribution to promoting and popularising the classical dance form on national and international platforms.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy congratulated the award winners and expressed profound delight that State government adviser and renowned oncologist Nori Dattatreyudu was awarded Padma Bhushan.

Former chairman of University Grants Commission Mamidala Jagadish Kumar, a native of Telangana, gets the award in the Delhi State quota.

Actors Murali Mohan and Rajendra Prasad are other prominent Telugu people to get the awards.