State Government's Ugadi Award for Gantla in the Field of Journalism and Service* *Received from the hands of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada* *Includes a 'Telugu Thalli' memento, a certificate of appreciation, cash prize, and felicitation* *23 awards received at National, State, and District levels* *All awards dedicated to fellow journalist friends*

Vijayawada | March 19 :On the auspicious occasion of the Ugadi festival, the Government of Andhra Pradesh conferred the prestigious Ugadi Award upon Gantla Srinu Babu—a senior journalist hailing from Visakhapatnam, the Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, and a prominent leader of the Andhra Pradesh Working Journalists Federation. Accordingly, during the official Ugadi celebrations held on Thursday at the Thummala Palli Kalakshetram, Gantla Srinu Babu received this award from the hands of State Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, State Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh, the State Minister for Endowments, and other dignitaries. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu grandly felicitated Srinu Babu by presenting him with a 'Telugu Thalli' memento, a cash prize of ₹10,000, and a certificate of appreciation from the State Government. On this occasion, Srinu Babu apprised the Chief Minister that, over the course of his three-decade-long career in journalism, he had covered numerous events and issues, including Chandrababu's *Padayatra* (foot march).*In the fields of Journalism and Service*  Gantla Srinu Babu was presented with the 2026 State Government Ugadi Award by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu in recognition of his services in the field of journalism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gantla Srinu Babu spent lakhs of rupees to provide assistance—to the best of his ability—to numerous journalists, as well as to the elderly, orphans, and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, he continuously organizes various service initiatives dedicated to the welfare of journalists. He also extends financial assistance—within his means—to several temples, orphanages, and old-age homes. Gantla Srinu Babu has rendered his services as a special invitee and a member of the Board of Trustees of the prestigious Simhachalam Temple. Additionally, he continues to serve actively as the Honorary President of numerous temples and as the President or Honorary President of various organizations.

*Three Decades, 23 Awards*

Gantla Srinu Babu has been active in the profession of journalism for three decades. Over this period, he has received 23 awards at the national, state, and district levels. (2016)  In 2018, the Andhra Pradesh government presented the Ugadi Awards at the hands of Chandrababu Naidu. Most recently, in 2026, the Andhra Pradesh government presented the Ugadi Award for the third time.
Similarly, in 2019—under the aegis of the Department of Language and Culture—the Telangana government presented an award; furthermore, Gantla Srinubabu has received the National Award from the Delhi Telugu Academy on four separate occasions. In May 2025, he received the 'Vishwadatha Award,' instituted in the name of Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao Pantulu—the founder of *Andhra Patrika* and the creator of Amrutanjan. Additionally, he has received awards recognizing him as the 'Best Journalist' on six occasions from the administrative authorities of the Visakhapatnam district. However, Gantla Srinubabu stated that he dedicates all the awards he has received to his fellow journalists who have offered him constant encouragement. He extended special thanks to his family members, who stood by him as pillars of support, as well as to his other friends within the journalistic fraternity. Srinubabu remarked that he has reached this elevated stature through the blessings of Lord Simhadrinatha, and that he considers having been born in the village of Simhachalam to be a blessing bestowed upon him from a previous life.

                   Sharma K.V. Editor