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Celebration

Seven from Telangana, Four from Andhra Pradesh Receive Padma Shri Honours

Hyderabad:
In recognition of their outstanding contributions across diverse fields such as science, medicine, arts, research, engineering, and social service, seven eminent personalities from Telangana have been selected for the Padma Shri Awards this year.

Among the awardees is Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, a distinguished scientist and former Project Director at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He devoted over three decades to the development of the Akash missile system, significantly strengthening India’s defence capabilities.

Another prominent scientist, Krishnamurty Balasubramanian, has been honoured for his contributions to science and engineering, particularly in advanced materials and engineering components. He previously led the Nonferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) in Hyderabad.

In the field of medicine, renowned oncologist Dr Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, Director and Senior Oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centre, Jubilee Hills, has been named for the prestigious honour.
Also receiving the Padma Shri is Dr GV Rao, Director and Chief of Surgical Gastroenterology, GI Oncology, and Minimally Invasive Surgery at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Dr Kumarasamy Thangaraj, a senior scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), has been recognised for his contributions to scientific research.
Rama Reddy Mamidi, known for modernising animal husbandry practices in Telangana, has also been selected.

In the field of arts, renowned Kuchipudi dancer Deepika Reddy, a prominent figure in Indian classical dance, has been conferred with the Padma Shri.

Andhra Pradesh Awardees

Apart from Telangana, four individuals from Andhra Pradesh have also been honoured with the Padma Shri awards:

  • Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad – Art
  • Garimella Balakrishna Prasad – Art
  • Maganti Murali Mohan – Art
  • Vempaty Kutumba Sastry – Literature and Education

The Padma Shri awards are among India’s highest civilian honours, celebrating excellence and distinguished service across various domains.

IPS Officer and Trainee IAS Marry in a Simple, No-Frills Ceremony on January 24, 2026

Despite holding prestigious government positions, IPS officer Sheshadrini Reddy and trainee IAS officer Srikanth Reddy set an inspiring example by choosing a simple and modest wedding.

IPS officer Sheshadrini Reddy, a native of Lingarareddygudem in Choutuppal mandal of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, married trainee IAS officer Srikanth Reddy from Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, in a legally registered ceremony on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

The marriage took place in a very simple manner at the Choutuppal Sub-Registrar Office in the presence of close family members and a few friends. Avoiding any grand celebrations or extravagance, the couple completed the formalities by signing the marriage register before the registrar.

Sheshadrini Reddy is currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Quthbullapur, while Srikanth Reddy is undergoing IAS training. Their decision to opt for a modest wedding has drawn widespread appreciation on social media.

At a time when lavish weddings involving huge expenses have become common, the couple’s humility and simplicity have inspired many. Netizens have praised the officers for proving that rising in status does not mean losing modesty.

Several senior officials who attended the ceremony conveyed their blessings to the newlyweds.

107th Birth Anniversary of Late Dr. Marri Channa Reddy Garu – Successfully Completed

The 107th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Late Dr. Marri Channa Reddy Garu — Visionary | Administrator | Statesman | Man of the Masses — were successfully conducted at Dr. M. Channa Reddy Memorial Rock Garden, Indira Park, Hyderabad.

The programme was held with great reverence and public participation, reflecting the enduring legacy of a leader who truly understood the pulse of the people.

🗓 Event Details

📅 Tuesday, 13 January 2026
⏰ From 9:00 AM onwards
📍 Indira Park – Lower Tank Bund Road, Hyderabad

✨ Programme Highlights

🙏 Bhajans & Floral Tributes were offered in remembrance of the great leader
🌸 Muggula (Rangoli) Competition was beautifully organized, showcasing culture, creativity, and tradition
🤝 Enthusiastic participation from citizens, volunteers, and admirers of Dr. Channa Reddy Garu
🌹 The event echoed his values of public service, leadership, and people-centric governance

The programme was jointly organized by
Dr. M. Channa Reddy Memorial Trust,
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC),
with support from Hello Hyderabad and APSA Foundation.

🌹 A leader who lived for the people. A legacy that continues to inspire generations. 🌹

19th Mulam Santha – Successfully Completed

🌱 19th Mulam Santha – Successfully Completed! 🌱
📅 Date: 10 January 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Venue: Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka

The 19th Mulam Santha, jointly organized by CSR Memorial Foundation and Grama Bharathi, was successfully conducted at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka. The event turned into a vibrant celebration of sustainability, rural livelihoods, and eco-friendly living.

✨ Event Highlights

🌾 Active participation from farmers, artisans, khadi workers, and millet producers
🛍️ 100+ stalls from three states, showcasing traditional and natural products
🌿 500+ varieties of eco-friendly and sustainable goods on display
🌱 High interest in seeds, saplings, bio-enzymes, khadi garments, and millet-based foods
🤝 Huge turnout from nature lovers and conscious consumers, making the event lively and inspiring

The fair strongly promoted eco-conscious lifestyles, traditional livelihoods, and rural empowerment, offering a meaningful platform for sustainable choices and community connection.

🌿 Let’s strengthen our roots and grow with nature! 🌿

Sankranthi Special Gomatha Puja – 10 January 2026

The Sankranthi Special Gomatha Puja, conducted as part of the Mulam Santha Event, was successfully held on 10 January 2026 at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka Gate. Devotees participated in large numbers and offered prayers to Gomatha, seeking divine blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being.

The event was carried out in a serene and devotional atmosphere with special rituals, aartis, and mantra chanting. We sincerely thank the organizers, volunteers, and all devotees for their support in making this sacred occasion a grand success.

🙏 May the blessings of Gomatha bring peace and prosperity to all.

With Swami’s Blessings, New Skill Development Batch Commences on 05 January 2026

Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Center, Khairatabad

Pranaams to the Divine Feet of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba varu. 🙏

With Swami’s boundless grace, the Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Center continues its mission of empowering unemployed youth through value-based, industry-relevant education.

After the successful completion of two batches of the Data Engineer course, where 220 unemployed youth were trained and 70 candidates secured placements in reputed organizations, we had planned to launch yet another Data Engineer batch. However, as always, Swami had other divine plans.

Recently, IBM Senior Management approached us with a special request—to design a focused training program for unemployed MBA Finance and Commerce graduates. Their requirement was clear: equip youth with strong foundations in

  • Financial Mathematics
  • Economics
  • Data Literacy (Excel)
  • Communication Skills
  • Positive Attitude and Professional Mindset

In response, our team has thoughtfully designed an intensive 3-week training program tailored specifically to meet IBM’s expectations and industry standards.

📅 Program Details

  • Course Start Date: 05 January (Monday)
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Venue: Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Center, Khairatabad
  • Batch Strength: 25 unemployed youth

From this batch, 10–15 eligible and well-performing candidates are expected to be considered for opportunities aligned with IBM’s requirements.

We extend our heartfelt wishes to all the students embarking on this new journey of learning and transformation. May this program open doors to meaningful employment and a brighter future.

May Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba bless these students with knowledge, confidence, and success, and guide us always in our efforts to serve more youth.

Jai Sairam 🙏

Sai Anandham – Marri Savitradevi 101st Birth Anniversary | 4 Jan 2026

Hyderabad, January 4, 2026:

The 101st birth anniversary of Smt. Marri Savitradevi, wife of former united Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy, was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur under the banner of “Sai Anandham” at the Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Memorial Rock Garden, Indira Park, Hyderabad.

As part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered to the statue of Savitradevi followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. Her life, values, and commitment to social welfare were fondly remembered, and heartfelt tributes were paid. The event was organized by the CSR Memorial Foundation.

The program was coordinated by Sri K. Krishna Reddy, grandson of Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy and Smt. Savitradevi, and a Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba alumnus (MBA 1992–94 batch).

Sai Anandham – A Celebration of Devotion and Service

The “Sai Anandham” program stood as the highlight of the celebrations, bringing together devotees from various Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithis across Hyderabad, including Tarnaka, Kushaiguda, and Nagaram.

A variety of recreational and cultural activities such as Lemon Spoon, Book on Head, Musical Chairs, Carroms, Chess, and Dadi were organized. Senior citizens enthusiastically participated and expressed immense joy. Winners were felicitated with prizes.

Sai devotees shared their spiritual experiences and long association with Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. A photo exhibition depicting Sathya Sai service activities was arranged, and Annadanam was provided to devotees.

The event was graced by distinguished guests including P. V. Subrahmanyam, Meenakshi Devi, I.G. Dora, and Vasudeva Rao.

The Sai Anandham program concluded successfully in an atmosphere filled with devotion, service, and spiritual joy, reflecting the timeless message of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
“Love All – Serve All; Help Ever – Hurt Never.”

Jai Sai Ram 🙏

NMDC–The Hindu FIC Chess Tournament to Be Held in Hyderabad on January 3

The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), in association with The Hindu, will organise the FIC Chess Tournament in Hyderabad on Saturday, January 3. The one-day tournament will take place at the State Art Gallery, Madhapur.

The competition will feature multiple age categories — Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 — for both boys and girls. Matches will be conducted on a Swiss League format and played under the latest FIDE Rapid Rules.

Players born on or after January 1, 2011, are eligible to participate. The tournament is being organised under the aegis of the Telangana Chess Association.

Registration Details

  • Registration is free of cost
  • Online registration only (no spot registrations)
  • Participants must carry a photocopy of their Aadhaar card, which is mandatory and must be produced on demand
  • Registered players are required to report at the venue by 9.30 a.m.

Prizes

The top three finishers in each category will receive prizes, certificates, and a shield.
The prize distribution ceremony will be held at the NMDC Office, Masab Tank, on January 26, 2026. Winners will be informed separately about the ceremony timings.

For further information, participants may contact the organisers at 9989912645.

Grand Calendar Opening & Senior Citizens’ Gathering at Boduppal 27-Dec-2025

The Senior Citizens Meeting and Calendar Opening Program was conducted successfully in Boduppal, marked by the presence of several eminent personalities and association leaders.

The program was graced by Sri Krishna Reddy, grandson of the late Sri Marri Chenna Reddy, as the Chief Guest. Former Mayor Sri Amar Singh attended as a Special Guest, adding prestige to the occasion.

Other distinguished attendees included Sri Bandi Srinivas, Sri Jalandhar Reddy, Sri Mahesh, Sri Bhaskar Reddy (President of Chennareddy Colony Paste), Sri E. Narasimha Rao (Tasker President), Sri P. S. N. Chowdary (General Secretary), Sri Ramachandra Rao (Tasker Medchal President), Sri Bandi Sheenu, Sri Jalandhar Reddy, Sri Venkatesh (TASCA), and Sri Chiranjeevi (TASCA President, Medipally Unit).

The event was further enriched by the presence of Sri Salla Surender, Sri Mohan Rao, Sri Murali, and TERA members from the Medipally Unit.

Office bearers in attendance included Sri J. Lakshma Reddy (Vice President), Sri Narayana (General Secretary), Sri B. Mohan Reddy (Joint Secretary), and Sri K. Lakshmaiah, along with several other senior and important members.

All guests and members actively participated in the meeting, contributing to making the event a grand success.

Sanghamitra Meet – Release of Handbook for Volunteer Engagement | 28 December 2025

At the recent Sanghamitra Meet, hosted by Pragathi Welfare Society, the Sanghamitra Team proudly released the Handbook for Volunteer Engagement, published by Youth For Seva as part of the United Nations’ International Volunteer Year 2026 initiative.

This practical and insightful handbook serves as a valuable resource for NGOs and non-profit organizations, offering guidance on how to effectively engage volunteers in development and community-driven initiatives. It emphasizes building meaningful volunteer participation and integrating community engagement into the very fabric of organizational culture.

We encourage all NGOs, non-profits, and social sector organizations to explore this handbook and leverage its learnings to strengthen volunteer involvement and impact.

Handbook for Volunteer EngagementDownload

Warm regards,
Team Sanghamitra