Hyderabad: A torchbearer of media revolution, a champion of cinema, a doyen of entertainment, a magician of words and a wizard of entrepreneurship - all rolled into one. That is Ramoji Rao, the late Chairman of Ramoji Group. While he stood up for press freedom, he breathed professionalism into each of his endeavours.
A Legacy That Lives Forever
Born into a farmer's family on November 16, 1936, at Pedaparupudi village near Gudivada in Andhra Pradesh, Ramoji Rao rose from humble beginnings to dizzying heights. He passed away on June 8, 2024, at the age of 87 years, leaving behind a multi-faceted and lasting legacy, marked by his outstanding contributions in every field he ventured into.
Over decades of excellence, Ramoji Rao became a beacon of entertainment, who turned dreams into reality. A champion of cinema, he founded the majestic Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, a must-visit for film buffs, holidaymakers and fun seekers. A committed film producer, he put storytelling above star power. He was a philanthropist with an unwavering commitment to social responsibility. Always a farmer's son, he never forgot his roots and took up service activities, adopting his native village.
A Karma Yogi In Word and Deed
Ramoji Rao remained a man of action and dynamism all through his life, touching millions of lives through his lifelong entrepreneurial achievements in diverse sectors - media, cinema, hospitality, financial security and the food industry. He was a rare visionary who stopped at nothing to transform dreams into reality. A trendsetter in media in his own right, he defied the stereotypes and challenged them through his bold steps in setting the course of Eenadu, serving all sections of readers.
Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, popularly known as Ramoji Rao, has a warmer side to his multifarious personality. To those close to him, he remained a friend, philosopher and guide. He planned everything well in advance, including his funeral at the Ramoji Film City, where he was laid to rest with State honours.
A Versatile Entrepreneur
A born entrepreneur, Ramoji Rao was full of ideas always with a burning desire to create something for every section of people - readers, film buffs, food enthusiasts, money savers. Through his numerous media publications, he had reached out to all sections of society - farmers, women, children, youth and job aspirants.
He founded Margadarsi chit funds in 1962, Eenadu in 1974, Priya Foods in 1980, Dolphin Group of Hotels in 1980, Ushakiron Movies in 1983, ETV Channels in 1995, Ramoji Film City in 1996, Ramadevi Public School in 2002 and ETV Bharat in 2019.
A Crusader Of Press Freedom
Ramoji Rao, who founded Eenadu, stood up against the censorship of the press during the emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975. Under his leadership, Eenadu consistently stood by the people in their various struggles during its 50-year journey. The daily has been strongly advocating truth, fairness and justice, often challenging misgovernance, graft and threats to democratic institutions. Ramoji Rao served as the Editors Guild of India president in the late 80s.
A Media Baron
Over five decades, Ramoji Rao had set up a large set of newspapers, magazines and electronic platforms. These include Eenadu Telugu daily newspaper, ETV, ETV Bharat, Annadata, Balabharatham, Chatura and Vipula. The Eenadu daily, which was started in 1974, has become the heartbeat of Telugu readers and is celebrating the Golden Jubilee this year.
Ramoji Rao has drawn accolades from a plethora of luminaries, political leaders, intellectuals and civil society leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Ramoji Rao's efforts, saying that the Ramoji Group Chairman had not only revolutionised the Indian media but also exhibited a passion for the country's development. "I am fortunate to have got several opportunities to interact with him and benefit from his wisdom," the Prime Minister had said in a post on X.
Here is the English translation of my tribute to Ramoji Rao Garu.https://t.co/DA4uUnULQo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2024
Senior Journalist and The Hindu Publishing Group Director N Ram, addressing a commemorative meeting organised by the Andhra Pradesh government, recalled how Ramoji Rao has turned Eenadu into a strong advocate for truth and justice, "consistently standing up against government overreach, corruption and threats to democratic values."
To commemorate Ramoji Rao's legacy, on behalf of the group Eenadu Managing Director and Ramoji Rao's elder son Cherukuri Kiron made a Rs. 10 crore contribution towards the construction of Andhra Pradesh's capital city Amaravati.
Ramoji Rao's Brainchild Celebrates Golden Jubilee
While helming the vibrant media conglomerate, Ramoji Rao made countless experiments in journalism and mass communication. Under his leadership, Eenadu rose to become the crowning glory of Telugu journalism. He also started Eenadu Journalism School to create opportunities to teach journalism for posterity. He touched millions of hearts cutting across young and old, students, children, women, farmers and so on through his service to journalism.
Eenadu symbolised Ramoji Rao's commitment to the public cause and common good, holding governments accountable for their actions. In 2004, Eenadu Daily brought to light the corruption during the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government, unearthing how the resources belonging to the public were used for the benefit of individuals. He put credibility above everything else, thereby putting Eenadu on top of all Telugu newspapers within four years of its launch. Eenadu was there behind every people's movement like the 1984 revival of democracy agitation. Ramoji Rao's vision is evident from how he established ETV channels in many Indian languages, capturing the attention of the whole country. Also, he set up the ETV Bharat app - a digital platform with 23 news portals in 13 Indian languages.
A Champion of Democracy
When the United Andhra Pradesh's NTR government was overthrown in 1984, Ramoji Rao-led Eenadu firmly opposed the undemocratic act and gave the much-needed morale booster to the people's movement which eventually led to the restoration of democracy in the state. The daily has always been in sync with the people's pulse since its launch.
A Helping Hand To Disaster Victims
When three back-to-back storms pounded Andhra Pradesh in 1976, Rao stepped in and started a relief fund contributing Rs. 10,000 and ran an awareness campaign seeking help through Eenadu which was about 2 years old. He institutionalised the 'Eenadu Relief Fund'. Through this fund, he extended assistance to build schools, provide looms to weavers, and construct houses in affected villages across Telugu states, Gujarat, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala ravaged by other cyclones that followed.
On 19 November 1977, a severe cyclone and a storm surge hit Diviseema in the Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, causing a huge loss of life and property. Ramoji Rao stirred the Eenadu Relief Fund to life, collecting Rs 7.5 lakh and building 112 houses in the affected areas.
In 2014, cyclone Hudhud wreaked havoc in Andhra Pradesh. He contributed Rs. 3 cr to the Eenadu Relief Fund and the daily's readers soon joined him in raising a total of Rs. 6.18 cr for relief works. Ramoji Rao built the 'Hudhud Cyclone Rehabilitation Colony' and the victims from Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts were helped through these housing projects.
In the 2018 Kerala floods, Ramoji Rao mobilised a relief fund of Rs. 7.71 cr which helped in constructing 121 houses in Alappuzha district with the help of Collector Krishna Teja.
The Ramoji Group of companies always stood at the forefront of helping the victims of natural calamities. It rebuilt the Kavda village which was flattened in the Gujarat earthquake on the Pakistan border. Help was given to tsunami victims of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. Rehabilitation activities were taken up in the then-united AP and Odisha when the people were hit by cyclones and floods.
Ramoji Foundation- Transforming Society
Ramoji Rao, through Ramoji Foundation, the group’s CSR arm, had so far spent Rs. 131 cr on various initiatives under Rural Development (adoption of two villages under the smart village concept, including Pedaparupudi, his native village and Naganpally, for Rs. 40 cr). He contributed Rs. 13 cr towards the construction of government buildings in Abdullapurmet, Ibrahimpatnam and Hayathnagar mandals, and Rs. 9 cr towards building old age homes in Mancherial, Bhadrachalam and Kurnool. During Covid, the Ramoji Foundation donated Rs. 20 crore to the two Telugu states and Rs.3 crore to Tamil Nadu for Flood relief activities. Other contributions include Rs.10 crore to AP Connect for Rural Development, Rs.8 crore to medical institutions, Genome Foundation, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Cancer Foundation for establishing hospitals and for research.
Following his footsteps, his family continues philanthropic work, making significant contributions to skill development and promotion of art, culture and sports. Also, the foundation doled out Rs. 30 cr to the Indian School of Business towards building a State-of-the-Art Auditorium, to host global conferences and research seminars, and promote excellence in learning and thought leadership, among others.
Ramoji Film City (RFC) - A Dream Project
Ramoji Rao has also excelled as a film producer, distributor and studio owner. His message-oriented films like Mayuri, Pratighatana, Chithram and Nuvve Kavali were huge successes at the box office. Ramoji Film City (RFC) has become a focal point for the film industry where more than 3000 films including Baahubali, Ghajini, Chandramukhi, Robot and Pushpa were made and counting. RFC has emerged as a vibrant hub of entertainment and fun with a variety of events being held to entertain visitors during holidays, festivals and special programmes of diverse organisations.
Some Life Lessons From Ramoji Rao
- Always think about tomorrow. Don't dwell on yesterday.
- Change and progress are twins. Development is possible only with change. If you want development, come up with new thoughts.
- No matter how many difficulties you face, live your own life. Don't wait for anyone's help.
- There is no secret to success other than discipline. Without it, no talent can flourish.
- The true wealth of an individual or an organization is credibility. Protect it like the apple of your eye!
Read More:
