Danseuse Kunchipudi Deepika Reddy is among the seven eminent personalities from Telangana to be named after the Padma Shri this year. | Photo credit: File Photo
Seven personalities from Telangana have been selected for the Padma Shri this year in recognition of their outstanding contributions in various fields including science, engineering, medicine, arts, research and the cooperative movement.
Among the awardees is distinguished scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, who served as a project director at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). With a career spanning over three decades, he played a key role in the development of the Akash missile system, which showcased India’s indigenous defense capabilities.
Senior Scientist Krishnamurty Balasubramanian was honored in the science and engineering category for pioneering work in advanced materials and engineering components. He is widely recognized for advancing the country’s advanced materials research.
On the medical front, Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, director and chief oncologist at Apollo Cancer Center, has been appointed. The list also features GV Rao, director and head of surgical gastroenterology, GI oncology and minimally invasive surgery at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad.
The award was also given to Kumarasamy Thangaraj, a senior scientist at the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), who leads the research group and is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in human genetics and population studies.
Rama Reddy Mamidi, known for his efforts to modernize animal husbandry practices and strengthen the cooperative movement in Telangana, was also selected. Eminent Kuchipudi dancer Deepika Reddy has been named for her contribution to the promotion and popularization of the classical dance form on national and international platforms.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy congratulated the award winners and said they would be honored by the state government after returning from the US. He expressed deep happiness that government advisor and renowned oncologist Nori Dattatreyudu was awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Former Chairperson of the University Grants Commission Mamidala Jagadish Kumar, a native of Telangana, is getting the award under the Delhi state quota.
Actors Murali Mohan and Rajendra Prasad are other prominent Telugu people who won the awards.
Published – 25 Jan 2026 21:24 IST
