HON’BLE CHIEF GUEST: PADMA VIBHUSHAN DR. AKKINENI NAGESWARA RAO
The Council for Industrial and Trade Development (CITD India) proudly hosted the prestigious Gems of Hyderabad – 1992, a landmark event organized to honour extraordinary individuals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to the cultural, industrial, and social landscape of Hyderabad. This celebration of excellence brought together visionaries and changemakers from various sectors, highlighting the rich heritage, dynamic progress, and enduring spirit of the city. It was a tribute not only to past achievements but also a call to inspire future generations.
The event served as a unique confluence of culture and industry, symbolizing CITD’s broader vision of inclusive development. By honouring achievers from different walks of life—artists, industrialists, entrepreneurs, educators, and social workers—CITD underscored its commitment to promoting a holistic model of progress where economic growth is intertwined with social responsibility and cultural enrichment. This inclusive approach reflects the organization’s belief that true development arises from synergy between tradition and innovation.
Gracing the event as the Hon’ble Chief Guest was none other than the legendary actor, humanitarian, and cultural icon Padma Vibhushan Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao. His presence elevated the occasion to new heights, bringing an aura of grace, dignity, and inspiration. A towering figure in Indian cinema and an enduring symbol of artistic excellence, Dr. Rao’s life and legacy exemplified passion, perseverance, and service to society. His words during the ceremony resonated deeply with the audience, particularly when he emphasized the need for cultural preservation alongside technological advancement.
The event served as a unique confluence of culture and industry, symbolizing CITD’s broader vision of inclusive development. By honouring achievers from different walks of life—artists, industrialists, entrepreneurs, educators, and social workers—CITD underscored its commitment to promoting a holistic model of progress where economic growth is intertwined with social responsibility and cultural enrichment. This inclusive approach reflects the organization’s belief that true development arises from synergy between tradition and innovation.
Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao, known for his transformative role in Indian cinema and the founding of Annapurna Studios, was a passionate advocate for using art as a tool for social upliftment. In his address, he lauded the efforts of CITD for recognizing unsung heroes and institutions whose work often goes unnoticed but has a lasting impact on society. He urged the youth to take inspiration from the awardees and channel their creativity and skills into nation-building.
The Gems of Hyderabad awards were presented in multiple categories, each highlighting a different dimension of excellence—from industrial innovation and educational leadership to cultural preservation and social entrepreneurship. The honorees shared stories of resilience, vision, and community service, inspiring the audience with their achievements and reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and commitment to Hyderabad’s progress.
The evening also featured cultural performances and audio-visual presentations that celebrated the city’s heritage, showcasing Hyderabad not just as a hub of commerce and technology, but also as a cradle of artistic brilliance and social harmony. The symbolic presence of Dr. Rao at this gathering reflected the seamless blend of art and industry, and how both play pivotal roles in shaping society.
For CITD, the event was more than a ceremony—it was a reaffirmation of its mission to empower, recognize, and connect individuals who are shaping the future of India. By bringing together stalwarts from various domains under one roof, the organization reiterated its commitment to fostering a culture of recognition, learning, and collaboration.
Decades later, Gems of Hyderabad – 1992 is remembered as a landmark initiative that bridged the past and future, tradition and innovation, fame and humility. It remains one of the most cherished events in CITD’s legacy, with Padma Vibhushan Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s presence forever etched in its history as a symbol of elegance, wisdom, and visionary leadership.