Sun Jan 18 17:18:11 UTC 2026: ### Lok Nayak Foundation Honors Telugu Language Promoters in Visakhapatnam

The Story:

The Lok Nayak Foundation (LNF) held its annual award function in Visakhapatnam on January 18, 2026, honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of Telugu language and literature. The awards ceremony, held on the death anniversaries of former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao and poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, recognized five distinguished individuals including writer Prof Velamala Simmanna, cancer specialist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, Deputy Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea Aarien Uday Areti, Henry Ford Medical Award recipient Dr. Vemulapalli Raghavendra Choudhary, and past president of Telugu Association of North America (TANA) Thotakura Prasad.

The event saw participation from notable figures such as Justice Gannameni Ramakrishna Prasad of the AP High Court, Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, and veteran Telugu actor Prabha. Justice Prasad emphasized the importance of children speaking their mother tongue, particularly for those living abroad, to maintain their cultural roots. LNF chairman Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad reiterated the foundation’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who contribute to the Telugu language and literature.

Key Points:

  • The Lok Nayak Foundation’s annual award function was held on January 18, 2026, in Visakhapatnam.
  • Prof Velamala Simmanna received the literary award, which included a cash prize of ₹2 lakh.
  • Other award recipients included Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, Aarien Uday Areti, Dr. Vemulapalli Raghavendra Choudhary, and Thotakura Prasad.
  • The awards ceremony commemorates the death anniversaries of N. T. Rama Rao and Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
  • Justice Gannameni Ramakrishna Prasad stressed the importance of children speaking their mother tongue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lok Nayak Foundation plays a vital role in promoting and preserving Telugu language and literature.
  • The awards highlight the contributions of individuals from various fields to the Telugu language and culture.
  • Maintaining linguistic and cultural identity, especially for those living abroad, is seen as a crucial factor.
  • The event coincided with calls to honor N.T. Rama Rao with the Bharata Ratna, underscoring his lasting legacy in the region.

Impact Analysis:

The LNF awards serve as a significant cultural event, reinforcing the importance of Telugu language and literature within the community and diaspora. By recognizing and rewarding individuals who contribute to the language, the foundation encourages continued efforts in preserving and promoting Telugu culture. This event likely strengthens the connection of Telugu-speaking individuals, both in India and abroad, to their heritage. It helps to maintain the cultural identity for the younger generation.

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