Media and business personality, late Ramoji Rao was given a befitting and rich tribute in the same region he hailed from. Krishna district is home to Telugu icons like late CM N.T. Rama Rao and Ramoji Rao. On Thursday, the Andhra Pradesh government held a grand commemoration ceremony at Anumolu Gardens in Vijayawada for Rao. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was in attendance, along with a host of notable figures from the film and political fields.
The representatives of all the NDA parties—TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena were present on the stage. Elaborate arrangements were made to accommodate 10,000 people with around 1,000 policemen ensuring security. A photo exhibition at the entrance depicted the life and times of of Ramoji Rao through portraits giving the visitors a glimpse of his unseen side.
There was also significant representation from the national media. Former Editor-in-chief of The Hindu, N. Ram spoke about his experiences with Ramoji Rao during his tenure as president of the Editors Guild of India in the 1980s. He highlighted Rao's leadership during a time of political upheaval and investigative journalism challenges, particularly for resisting against the Rajiv Gandhi government's defamation law. Ram praised Rao’s clarity and his interest to protect media freedom. In the face of stiff resistance against the media, the bill was withdrawn, he added.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu spoke at length and praised Rao as an institution and a powerful force who excelled in every field and who could inspire future generations.
Oscar winner and music director M.M. Keeravani shared his personal anecdotes.
“He supported the liquor prohibition by bringing together artists, singers, musicians and writers and making them record songs favouring the policy. When he asked me to record a song, I told him I will send four songs after reaching Chennai and he was free to choose one. He promptly replied that since he was not paying me remuneration, he shouldn't have a choice and he would be content with whatever tune I will send him. He had ethics. I always thought I should live like him for one single day but now I feel I should also face death like him."
Keeravani said he thought Ramoji Rao did not believe in God, his photo adorns his puja room as he believes he has been a guiding light for many like him.
Director S.S. Rajamouli says Rao rightfully deserved the Bharat Ratna and appealed to the state governments of AP and Telangana and the Centre to honour him posthumously.
Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan recalled his lunch meeting with Rao in 2019 and highlighted that after that interaction he firmly believed that Rao was all for protecting democracy and human rights.
Rao's family including his grandchildren were present on stage.
Rao’s son and Managing Director of the Eenadu group, Ch. Kiran, said that his father never clamoured for publicity but was only interested in achieving his goals. He recalled that Amaravati was named by his father and it was a dream for him to see a megapolis come up in Andhra Pradesh. As a token gesture, he announced a donation of Rs 10 crores for Amaravati's development. He assured the audience that the family will take forward the work and legacy of Rao.
