Ugadi Puraskar 2025
A Grand Cultural Revival Led by CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Unwavering Commitment
The Ugadi Puraskar 2025 and Kala Ratna Awards marked a historic celebration of Andhra Pradesh’s rich artistic heritage, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu personally spearheading the event despite his advancing years. At 75, his indomitable spirit and dedication to cultural preservation shone through as he reinstated these prestigious awards after a six-year gap, ensuring that legendary contributors in literature, music, dance, painting, folk arts, sculpture, tribal arts, and journalism received their due recognition.
A total of 86 Kala Ratna Awards and 116 Ugadi Awards were presented in a grand ceremony attended by distinguished figures from the cultural fraternity. The highlight of the event was CM Chandrababu Naidu himself taking the stage to personally honour each awardee, symbolizing his deep respect for the artistic community. His ability to revive and uphold Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity, even amid the challenges of governance, was widely lauded. His vision for strengthening traditional arts and fostering an environment where artists can thrive has been a defining aspect of his leadership.
This year’s Ugadi Puraskar stands as a monument to perseverance and passion. CM Chandrababu Naidu’s tireless efforts, despite his age, reaffirm his commitment to honouring Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage. The presence of Minister Kandula Durgesh alongside the state’s artistic luminaries, further underscored the government’s dedication to preserving and promoting traditional arts for future generations.
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