Hyderabad: Renowned Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, recipient of the Arjuna and Padma Shri awards, was conferred the prestigious “Dhairya” award by former Vice President of India and minister M Venkaiah Naidu at the “Nada Brahmotsavam–2025” held at Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini, Annamayapuram. The event was organised under the guidance of Padma Shri Dr Shobha Raju on the evening of the tenth day of the festival.
The disciples of Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini, including Arjun, Krithika, Harini, Abhinav, Abhiram, Akshay, Manas Patel, Tanvi, Hitasvi, Moksha, Karnika, Suvarna, Padmashree, Janani Bhavishya, Chaitra, Ranvitha, Ashritha, Akshaya, Durgabhavani, Vasanthi, Janaki, Dr Shashikala, Maruthi Vijayalakshmi, Parvathi, B V Sharma, and Ahana, performed devotional Annamacharya Sankirtanas such as “Matrudevobhava,” “Ambike Jagadambike,” “Chittamu Koladi,” and “Kondalalo Nelakonna Koneti Rayutivadu” to Sri Swarasiddhi Venkateswara Swami. Sri Yukta Reddy also performed a Nritya Kainkaryam to the Sankirtana “Himagari Tanaye Hemalathe,” adding to the spiritual fervour of the evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Venkaiah Naidu said the success of the festival was due to the sincerity of Dr Shobha Raju and the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swami. He emphasised that pursuing one’s passion with hard work never fails and urged society to protect nature, uphold culture, and guide children responsibly. Highlighting the importance of Annamayya Keerthanas, he suggested their inclusion in school syllabi and said they instil self-confidence, courage, and constructive thought among young minds.
Retired IPS officer J D Lakshminarayana lauded Dr Shobha Raju’s efforts in spreading Annamacharya’s compositions and noted that devotional music helps reduce mental pollution while teaching noble values to children, shaping them into responsible citizens.
The program concluded with mangala harathi, the offering of Anganaleere Harathulu Sankirtana, and distribution of prasadam to all devotees present, marking the grand finale of the festival.
