Thapi Dharmarao award presented

- Senior journalist RM Uma Maheswar Rao presented with the award for his contribution to Telugu literature and journalism
- Award instituted by Vijayawada-based Thapi Dharmarao Vedika in 2009
- Rao, is the fifth recipient of the award

Tirupati: Prominent journalist RM Uma Maheswar Rao was presented with the Thapi Dharma Rao award on Monday. Noted theatre and movie artiste Kakarala and Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam Registrar P Vijyalakshmi, handed over the award to Uma Maheswar Rao. The award was instituted by Vijayawada-based Thapi Dharmarao Vedika in 2009 and Rao is the sixth person to receive the award for his contribution to Telugu literature. A native of Tirupati, Rao has penned seven Telugu short stories and has been in the field of journalism for over three decades now.

Speaking on the occasion, Rao said that Dharmarao was a disciple of Gidigu Ramamurthy and had made pioneering efforts to promote colloquial language (Vaduka Basha). He said that Dharma Rao had made the task of journalists easy by popularising the spoken language which ultimately led to their works becoming more effective as the masses were able to connect with them better.

Despite the obstacles he faced, Dharmarao had remained unperturbed and went on questioning the established customs and practices and also challenged the norms of the day, said Rao and saluted Dharma Rao for his tireless and bold efforts to infuse rational thinking in society.

Rao called on writers and scribes to make use of their creative talents for the betterment of society and to help get rid of unfounded beliefs coming in the way of progress of the common man. Kakarala said that observation and research were a prerequisite for any journalist in order to make an impact on society.

Thapi Sujatha, granddaughter of Thapi Dharmarao, AIR Tirupati programme director Nagasuri Venugopal, Bhuman, Madhuranthaka Narendra and others were present at the event.