Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy congratulated the prestigious Padma award winners from the state, including thespian Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Indian cricketer V V S Laxman.
In a message this evening, Reddy said the Padma awardees made the state proud with their professional excellence and meritorious services in different fields. He hoped the award winners would be a source of inspiration for one and all in the society.
Reddy, in particular, lauded the services of veteran Telugu film actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao on being chosen for the country's second highest civilian honour Padma Vibhushan. He recalled Akkineni's yeoman services to the Telugu film industry for over 60 years.
The Chief Minister had a special word of praise for V.V.S. Laxman saying his contribution to Indian cricket has now been recognised. He also recalled the services of Palle Rama Rao, who was chosen for Padma Vibhushan for his meritorious services in the field of Science & Engineering.
The Chief Minister also congratulated K. Anji Reddy of Dr Reddy's Labs (Trade & Industry-Pharma), G.V.K. Reddy (Trade & Industry), Waheeda Rehman (Art-Cinema) and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (Art-Playback singing, Music Direction & Acting) on being chosen for the Padma Bhushan honour. Besides, Reddy congratulated Padma Shri winners Gajam Govardhana (Handloom weaving), E A Siddiq (Agricultural Science), N S Bhati (Civil Services), Gagan Narang (Sports-Shooting), Pullela Sriramachandrudu (Literature & Education) and Prof. Koneru Ramakrishna Rao (Literature & education).