Pothuraju awarded Telugu Jaati Keerti Pataka

Tatha Pothuraju, recipient of Veer Chakra, was felicitated with ‘Telugu Jaati Keerti Pataka’ award by Sri Mythri Foundation at Vellanki of Veerulapadu mandal on Monday.

Several speakers recalled the sacrifices of Gandhiji, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and other freedom-fighters who freed India from the British rule. They termed all those who sacrificed for the country as real heroes.

Responding to felicitation, Pothuraju said that this was a memorable day in his life. He recollected all those memories of 1966 which he spent with the then President Dr Sarvepali Radha Krishna. He thanked Sri Mythri Foundation for felicitating him on his 76th birthday.

RTI Commissioner Vijaya Babu said services of Pothuraju were priceless. They said every citizen should be a patriot and prepared to make sacrifices for the nation. Instead of seeking something from the country, they should try to offer everything for the country, he said.

Referring to merits of RTI Act, the Commissioner said that corruption could be eliminated by active thinking of every citizen. The citizens should imbibe quality of questioning. By questioning State and Central governments on the spending of the governments, the citizens could fight against the evils of bribe and corruption.

MLA Tangirala Sowmya said that it was appreciable to honour the people who fought for the country. She patted Sri Maithri Foundation for honouring Pothuraju. Lt Col Paleti Rambabu, in his speech, called upon the youth to be loyal to the country and ready to face challenges. He said armed forces would have better future in store for them.

Web designer Narsinga Rao, a special invitee was also felicitated for his excellent skills even though he was physically challenged. He had received an award from actor Amitabh Bachan for his web designing skills. He urged youth not to commit suicides over petty matters and face the situations with courage and will power.

Sri Mythri Foundation president Thrinath Reddy announced that they would present the award every year for those who belongs to the Telugu states and extended contribution to India. He explained that his foundation was adopting a village every year. This year it changed Vellanki ZPHS into a model school with digital infrastructure.

Aduri Venkataratnam, HM/writer monitored the event. Tahsildar V Rajakumari, Sub-Inspector P Kishore, Sri Mythri Foundation members, social media expert Madhava Reddy, educationist CBR Prasad, sarpanches of Veerulapadu mandal and others took part in the programme.

Cultural programmes were held on the occasion. Drillman Kranti mesmerised the audience with his feats. Mimicry artist Sudhakar also entertained the crowd. Rhythm music events attracted the attention of audience.