New Delhi/Hyderabad. On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, seven distinguished personalities from Telangana have been honored with the Padma Shri in the announcement of the country’s prestigious civilian awards. These figures, who have made remarkable contributions in diverse fields such as science, medicine, arts, engineering, and animal husbandry, have brought pride not only to the state but to the entire nation.

President to Confer a Total of 66 Padma Awards

Three distinguished personalities associated with Telangana state will be presented with the prestigious Padma awards at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, May 24. Dr. Palakonda Vijay Anand Reddy, Deepika Reddy, and Dr. Guduru Venkata Rao, who have made notable contributions in the fields of medicine, arts, and healthcare innovation, will be honored with this award. According to official information, Dr. Palakonda Vijay Anand Reddy, director and senior oncologist at Apollo Cancer Center, Hyderabad, will be awarded the Padma Shri by the President for his outstanding contributions to the medical field. He has treated over 15,000 cancer patients in the past 33 years. His expertise in head and neck cancer and ocular oncology is internationally recognized. He has played a significant role in cancer awareness, treatment of poor patients, and anti-tobacco campaigns.

In this series, renowned Kuchipudi dance artist Deepika Reddy will be honored with the Padma Shri for her invaluable contribution to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical dance. Deepika has performed on many prestigious stages in India and abroad over an artistic journey spanning more than five decades. She is the founder of the Kuchipudi Deepanjali Institute and has trained thousands of students. Her contributions to the field of arts have also been recognized with many national and international awards.

Dr. Guduru Venkata Rao, director of AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, and a leading surgical gastroenterologist in the country, will be awarded the Padma Shri for his innovations in healthcare and minimally invasive surgery. He has successfully performed over 12,000 complex gastrointestinal surgeries and approximately 16,000 advanced endoscopic procedures. His contributions in the field of ‘no scar surgery’ have been appreciated globally. It is noteworthy that the Padma awards were announced in January.

The President will confer the Padma awards for the year 2026 at a civil investiture ceremony at the Republic Mandapam in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The ceremony will also be attended by the Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, several Union ministers, and other dignitaries. The President will confer a total of 66 Padma awards. These include 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan, and 58 Padma Shri awards. The remaining Padma awards will be presented at a later ceremony.

The names included in this honor list announced by the President are considered examples of decades of hard work, research, service, and dedication. There is an atmosphere of happiness and pride in Telangana over these achievements.

Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, Who Strengthened National Security with the Akash Missile

Former project director of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, was honored with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contributions in the field of science and engineering. He played a crucial role for over three decades in the development and production of the indigenous ‘Akash’ missile system. His contribution is considered extremely important in making the country’s defense capabilities self-reliant.

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Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, located in New Delhi. Designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens, its construction was completed in 1929, and it originally served as the Viceroy’s House during British colonial rule. After India gained independence in 1947, it became the presidential palace, symbolizing the country’s democratic governance and rich architectural heritage.

Apollo Cancer Center, Hyderabad

The Apollo Cancer Center in Hyderabad is a premier oncology facility that is part of the larger Apollo Hospitals Group, founded by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy in 1983. It has grown to become a leading center for cancer treatment in India, offering advanced therapies like proton therapy and robotic surgery. The center is known for its multidisciplinary approach, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to treat a wide range of cancers.

Kuchipudi Deepanjali Institute

Kuchipudi Deepanjali Institute is a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the classical Indian dance form of Kuchipudi, which originated in the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. The institute focuses on training students in this traditional dance style, blending rigorous technique with expressive storytelling. While specific historical details about the institute itself are limited, it plays a key role in continuing the centuries-old legacy of Kuchipudi dance.

AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad

AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad is a prominent multi-specialty healthcare institution known for its advanced medical technology and specialized care. It was established in 2017 by the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, which has a long history dating back to 1992 as a leading center for gastroenterology and liver diseases. The hospital has since expanded into a major quaternary care facility, offering comprehensive treatments across various medical fields.

Republic Mandapam

Republic Mandapam, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a historic hall built in the 19th century within the Thiruvananthapuram Fort complex. It was constructed during the reign of the Travancore royal family and served as a venue for royal gatherings and public meetings. Today, it stands as a notable example of traditional Kerala architecture and a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage.

Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is the premier military research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India, established in 1958. Its primary mission is to equip the Indian armed forces with state-of-the-art defense technologies and systems, ranging from missiles and aircraft to electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. Over the decades, DRDO has played a crucial role in India’s strategic autonomy, notably through landmark projects like the Agni and Prithvi missile series and the development of the Tejas light combat aircraft.

Akash missile

The Akash missile is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. It was designed to provide air defense for military assets and has been in service with the Indian Army and Air Force since the 2010s, with its development dating back to the 1980s. The missile can engage multiple targets at ranges up to 25 kilometers and is known for its all-weather capability and versatility.