Lok Nayak Foundation honours ex-AU Telugu HoD Velamala Simmanna
Velamala Simmanna, former Head of the Department of Telugu at Andhra University, received the Lok Nayak Foundation’s literary award on Sunday. He has authored over 100 books. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
The Lok Nayak Foundation presents the awards every year on January 18. It observes the death anniversaries of former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao and noted poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, father of actor Amitabh Bachchan.
This year, the foundation also honoured several other personalities. Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, a renowned cancer specialist, received an award. Aarien Uday Areti, Deputy Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea in the UK, also figured among the winners. In addition, Dr. Vemulapalli Raghavendra Choudhary, a Henry Ford Medical Award recipient, won an honour. Thotakura Prasad, former president of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), was another awardee.
Meanwhile, Justice Gannameni Ramakrishna Prasad, Judge of the AP High Court, attended the programme as a guest. He urged parents to encourage children to speak in their mother tongue at home. He said this helps them stay connected to their roots, culture, and traditions. He added that the message matters even more for families settled abroad.
Justice Prasad also praised Lok Nayak Foundation chairman Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. He highlighted his role in promoting the Telugu language.
Later, Mr. Lakshmi Prasad said the foundation recognises people who strengthen the Telugu language and literature. He said the awards honour meaningful contribution and long-term service.
Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju, Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, and veteran Telugu actor Prabha attended the event.