Hyderabad came together on Sunday to celebrate enduring contributions to society, as the Ponnam Sattaiah Lifetime Achievement Awards–2026 were handed out at Ravindra Bharati. The ceremony, rich with emotion and respect, honored three individuals whose lives have deeply impacted agriculture, literature, and folk arts.

  • M. Kodanda Reddy recognized for farmers’ rights and agriculture
  • Velichala Kondal Rao honored for literary contributions
  • Gotte Kanakavva celebrated for folk arts preservation

A Legacy Remembered

The awards, instituted by the Ponnam Sattaiah Charitable Trust alongside the Telangana Department of Language and Culture, commemorated the 16th death anniversary of Ponnam Sattaiah Goud—a farmer and social worker remembered for his humility and dedication. Each awardee received a memento and a cash prize of ₹50,000, symbolizing both honor and practical support for their ongoing work.

New Category Reflects Roots

This year saw the introduction of an agriculture category, a poignant addition suggested by Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao. It echoes Ponnam Sattaiah Goud’s own background in farming. Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, his son, shared how his parents—though not formally educated—instilled in their children the values of education, discipline, and social responsibility. His voice carried a mix of pride and nostalgia.

“My parents, though not formally educated, had instilled in their children the importance of education, discipline, good values and social responsibility,”

Prabhakar’s words resonated deeply, painting a picture of a family whose influence stretches far beyond their own household.

Leaders Laud Family Values

TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud praised the Ponnam family for upholding the joint family system, while Minister Jupally Krishna Rao emphasized that strong families build strong societies. The presence of Legislative Council chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and several ministers underscored the event’s significance. Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar highlighted Prabhakar’s commitment to marginalized communities, noting his recognition across Telangana.

The gathering included MLAs, academics, and journalist Ponnam Ravichandra, weaving a tapestry of community and shared purpose. In honoring Kodanda Reddy, Kondal Rao, and Kanakavva, Hyderabad didn’t just award past achievements—it celebrated a living legacy of service and culture.