Hyderabad: Renowned gastroenterologist Dr D Nageshwar Reddy was on Saturday named for Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian award, while social activist Manda Krishna Madiga, a champion of the rights of the SC community, was conferred the Padma Shri in public affairs.
Both these individuals from Telangana have made significant contributions in their respective fields, embodying the values of dedication, service, and leadership that the Padma awards celebrate. While these awards are a well-deserved recognition of their tireless efforts, the state’s limited representation raises questions about the broader scope of recognition for its citizens.
Dr Nageshwar Reddy, already a recipient of the Padma Shri in 2002 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016, expressed deep gratitude upon receiving the Padma Vibhushan. At 68, he credited his success to his patients, his team at AIG Hospitals, and the broader healthcare community. “This is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of the spirit of Indian medicine and its potential for innovation,” he said. He emphasised that healthcare is not only about curing illness but also about serving humanity with dignity and compassion.
A pioneer in gastroenterology, Dr Nageshwar Reddy founded the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in 1994, which has grown into one of Asia’s largest referral centres for therapeutic endoscopy. The institute introduced the concept of day-care units for major endoscopic surgeries, and today, patients come from across India and neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including the BC Roy Award in 1995.
Manda Krishna, a prominent social activist and leader of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi, was recognised for his tireless fight for the rights of the Madiga community. A passionate advocate of the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes, Manda Krishna has been at the forefront of the demand to ensure equitable representation for his community. He has also contested elections and forged alliances with major political figures, including PM Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, to push his cause. When the awards were announced, he was in Nizamabad addressing a gathering of his supporters.
