Visakhapatnam: Lok Nayak Foundation on Saturday marked the 28th death anniversary of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao and celebrated the centenary of film star Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
Distinguished writer and motivational speaker Yandamoori Veerendranath received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony.
On the day, the foundation also recognised the outstanding contributions of Bangalore Telugu Samakhya president Radhakrishnam Raju, psychiatrist Indla Ramasubba Reddy, and poet Wilson Sudhakar Tullumilli.
Cinema star Chiranjeevi, the chief guest, expressed gratitude to legendary actors NTR and ANR for receiving invaluable guidance from them during his formative years. Chiranjeevi fondly recalled the wise counsel of NTR and the amiable nature of ANR, highlighting the profound impact their mentorship had on his journey in the film industry.
Chiranjeevi commended Yandamoori Veerendranath for his captivating stories that catapulted him to stardom in the 1980s.
Receiving the award, Veerendranath shared insights of the challenges he faced over the years. He donated the prize money of Rs 2 lakh he received on the occasion to two associations dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged individuals.
Psychiatrist Ramasubba Reddy emphasised the role of films in destigmatising mental health issues.
Others present included Justice A.V. Sesha Sai, Senior Judge of AP High Court, and Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu, MP from Narasaraopeta.
