Remembering Media Mogul Shri. Ramoji Rao: A Beacon of Inspiration for Future Leaders
Shri. Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, who was born on November 16th, 1936, stood as a prominent Indian personality celebrated for his diverse contributions. With roles as a respected businessman, media magnate, and film producer, he led the esteemed Ramoji Group, a conglomerate housing various renowned entities. Among these were the globally acclaimed Ramoji Film City, the widely circulated Eenadu newspaper, the extensive ETV Network comprising multiple television channels, and the prolific film production company Usha Kiran Movies.
Beyond media and entertainment, Shri. Ramoji Rao ventured into multiple industries, leaving his mark in finance through Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Priya Pickles, Margadarsi Chit Fund, hospitality with the Dolphin Group of hotels, retail with the Kalanjali shopping mall, food products with Priya, and film distribution with Mayuri Film Distributors.
His contributions to Telugu cinema were especially noteworthy, earning him prestigious awards such as four Filmfare Awards South, five Nandi Awards, and the revered National Film Award. Recognizing his significant impact on journalism, literature, and education, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India’s second-highest civilian honor. Throughout his illustrious journey, Ramoji Rao reshaped Indian media, entertainment, and business realms, leaving behind a legacy characterized by innovation and excellence.
Personal Life
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, born on November 16th, 1936, in Pedaparupudi, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India, hailed from an agricultural background. He was at the helm of the Ramoji Group, which owned a range of enterprises including Margadarsi Chit Fund, Eenadu newspaper, ETV Network, Ramadevi Public School, Priya Foods, Kalanjali, Ushakiran Movies, and the iconic Ramoji Film City near Hyderabad. Additionally, he held the position of chairman in the Dolphin Group of Hotels in Andhra Pradesh.
Tragically, Shri. Cherukuri Ramoji Rao faced the heartbreak of losing his younger son, Cherukuri Suman, to leukemia on September 7, 2012. The journey of this legend came to an end on June 8th, 2024, at the age of 87.
An Inspirational Entreprenuer
Shri. Ramoji Rao rose to prominence with the launch of Eenadu newspaper in 1974 in Visakhapatnam, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the media landscape. With the motto “Let truth reverberate at each dawn,” the newspaper swiftly became a household name in the state, pioneering various innovations and setting new standards in language media. Notably, Eenadu introduced investigative journalism and revolutionized news coverage by introducing district newspapers, providing exclusive news to readers in each of the 294 assembly constituencies of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This approach, focusing on local news even at the village level, reshaped the way newspapers reported events.
The success of Eenadu was not limited to its circulation in the state alone; it expanded its reach to 29 centers across the country, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. This widespread presence underscored its immense popularity and impact. Mr. Ramoji Rao’s commitment to the farming community led to the launch of Annadata, an agricultural magazine, in 1969. Serving as a vital link between farmers and agricultural knowledge centers, Annadata garnered a loyal subscriber base of 3 lakh annually and received numerous accolades.
In addition to Annadata, Mr. Ramoji Rao initiated Telugu Velugu, a literary magazine, and Bala Bharatam, aimed at fostering knowledge and scientific thinking among children. In 1995, Shri. Ramoji Rao ventured into electronic media with the establishment of ETV, which rapidly grew into one of India’s largest regional language television networks, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in regional language television.
Despite his monumental achievements, Shri. Ramoji Rao always remained grounded, maintaining accessibility to all employees within his organization and addressing them by name, showcasing his humility and commitment to fostering a cohesive work environment.
Shreyas Web Media Solutions pays tribute to the extraordinary visionary leader whose legacy will endure in the hearts of the people and future leaders alike, motivating them to leave a lasting impact on the world.
