Velama Dora History:

The history of Velama's is as old as Telugu bravery. Their military exploits form an important part of Telugu tradition, history and folklore.
The battle of Palnadu, battle of Bobbili, Balanagamma Charitra etc speak volumes about their chivalry. They are known to be fearless and battle hardy warriors. 
The lives of popular velamas such as Thandra Papa Rayudu, Palnati Brahmanaidu and Rani mallamamba are synonyms of bravery. 
Their heroic traditions such as 'Sati' prove that they are of Aryan descent with extensive inter mingling with other martial races of India. 
Velamas are well known for their liberal outlook, which is obvious from the war of Palnadu.

The Velamas are described by that name from the 17th century and in the following century some held zamindari positions under the kings of Golconda, which gave them considerable powers over small regions in Andhra Pradesh. The kings chose to distinguish between these various Velama groups by adopting a system of ranks. 
This caused a competitive emphasis to be placed on the status and trappings of Velama communities, resulting in rivalries based on recognition of wealth and honours that had been historically granted. Among those that came to dominate were the Velugotis of Venkatagiri, in the coastal Nellore district, and the Appa Raos of Nuzvid. Both of these laid claims to be recognised as royal clans, while other significant groups included the Pittapore Raos and the Ranga Raos.
 The Velugotis traced their history to the 12th century and had lived in various places before settling in Nellore district in 1695; their prestige became such that in the 1870s their sons were adopted as heirs by rival Velama clan leaders, such as the Pittapores, whose own lineage otherwise faced extinction due to infertility or early death of male children. Such arrangements enhanced the status of the adopter and the influence of the Velugotis.



Prominent Kings Who Ruled in Indian History From Velama :

 1.'Palanati' Recherla Brahma Nayudu : ( Battle of Palnati yuddam between Velama VS Reddy)

 Strived for progressive and egalitarian ideals in medieval times.

•               Recherla Brahma Naidu' 'was born in 12th-century historically known as Palanati Brahmanaidu was the minister in a small Andhra kingdom of Palnadu (part of present Guntur district). He was responsible for the administration of Palnadu ruled by Haihaya King Nalagama.
• Anuguraju belonged to Haihaya dynasty which migrated to Andhra region from Jabalpur area in Madhya Pradesh. They claimed lineage from Kartyaveeraarjuna and new to the local language and culture.They clashed with the powerful Velanti Chodas who ruled from Chandavolu in Velanadu area of coastal Andhra.The peace treaty and matrimonial alliance.Velanati Gonkaraja of Chandavolu installed Anuguraju as king in Palnadu after giving his daughter Mailama Devi in marriage. Since the Haihaya Dynasty to which Anuguraju belonged was a recent non Telugu speaking military clan which migrated to and settled in Palnadu, Gonkaraju appointed Dodda Nayudu of Recharla lienage as the minister to guide the Kingdom of Palnadu. Anuguraju had two more wives Viravidya Devi and Bhurama Devi. Being childless for few years, Anuguraja adopted Pedda Nayudu the eldest son of his minister Doddanayudu Soon after Mailama gave birth to a son Nalagamaraju. Disillusioned with the turn of the events, Dodda Nayudu stepped down and made his younger son Brahma Nayudu the minister. Nalagama was anointed as King after the death of his father Anuguraju.

2 . Thandra Papa Rayudu - Valiant fighter.(Bobbili Yuddam Fame)

The battle of Bobbili, and the attack on the fort of Bobbili on 23 January 1757, is a significant historical event in southern India, particularly in state of Andhra Pradesh. The battle also has significant cultural impact due to the sacrifices, bravery, valour and courage of people involved and it has since became a subject of folklore which is prevalent even today.

The attack on the fort at Bobbili fort made by French General Bussy in 1757 is one of the most memorable episodes in Indian history. There was a constant feud between the chiefs of Bobbili and the Rajas of Vizianagram; and when Bussy marched to restore order the Raja Vijaya Rama Raju persuaded him that the fault lay with the chief Ranga Rao of Bobbili and joined the French camp with 11,000 soldiers who were ably supported by Nizam's troops against his arch rival. Although the French artillery field-pieces at once made practicable breaches in the mud walls of the fort, the defenders held out with desperate valour. Two assaults were repulsed after hours of hand-to-hand fierce fighting; and when, after a fresh bombardment, the garrison saw that their case was hopeless, they killed their women and children, and only succumbed at last to a third assault because every man of them was either killed or mortally wounded. An old man, however, crept out of a hut with a child, whom he presented to Bussy as the son of the Ranga Rao. Three nights later three followers of the chief of Bobbili along with their general Tandra Paparayudu crept into the tent of the raja of Vizianagram and stabbed him to death. The child, Chinna Ranga Rao, was invested by Bussy with his father's estate, but during his minority it was seized by his uncle. After a temporary arrangement of terms with the raja of Vizianagram the old feud broke out again, and the Bobbili chief was forced to take refuge in the nizam's country. In 1794, however, on the break-up of the Vizianagram estate, Chinna Ranga Rao was restored by the British, and in 1801 a permanent settlement was made with his son. The title of raja was recognized as hereditary in the family; that of maharaja was conferred as a personal distinction on Sir Venkataswetachalapati Ranga Rao, K.C.I.E., the adopted great-great-grandson of Chinna Ranga Rao.

3.Bobbili Raja - Former chief minister of Tamilnadu.

Ramakrishna Ranga Rao was born in the royal family of Bobbili zamindari in 1901. He succeeded his father Venkata Kumar Krishna to the throne of Bobbili and ruled as zamindar from 1921 to 1948 and as the titular "Raja of Bobbili" from 1948 to 1978. He set up trusts and patronized sports and education.

Ramakrishna Ranga Rao joined the Justice Party in 1930 and was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly. He served as the Chief Minister or Premier of Madras Presidency from 1932 to 1936 and 1937. He resigned as Chief Minister in 1937 when the Justice Party lost the elections. From 1946 to 1951, he served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India which framed India's Constitution. In his later years, he also served a term as a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly for the Bobbili assembly constituency.
Ramakrishna Ranga Rao married Lakshmi Subhadrayamma in 1921. He had a son Venkata Gopala Krishna Rao who succeeded him as Raja in 1978. Ramakrishna Ranga Rao is mostly remembered for his contribution towards framing India's constitution and for his service to society in establishing colleges. He is also held responsible by analysts for the defeat of the Justice Party in the 1937 assembly elections which is blamed upon his despotism and anti-people measures.

4.Panagal Raja - Former chief minister of Tamilnadu

The Raja of Panagal, was a zamindar of Kalahasti, a Justice Party leader and the Chief Minister or Premier of Madras Presidency from 11 July 1921 to 3 December 1926.

Ramarayaningar was born in Kalahasti, Chittoor District ,Madras Presidency on 9 July 1866. He was educated in Madras and obtained degrees in Sanskrit, law, philosophy and Dravidian languages before entering politics. He was one of the founder-members of the Justice Party and served as its President from 1925 to 1928.

From 17 December 1920 to 11 July 1921, Ramarayaningar served as the Minister of Local Self-Government in the first Justice Party government led by A. Subbarayalu Reddiar. He served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from 11 July 1921 to 3 December 1926. He introduced a number of reforms during his tenure. The Theagaroya Nagar locality in Chennai was developed during his Chief-Ministership. Ramarayaningar resigned as Chief Minister in 1926 when the Justice Party failed to obtain a majority in the 1926 elections to the Madras Legislative Council. He, however, continued to remain active in politics and served as the President of the Justice Party until his death on 16 December 1928.

Ramarayaningar was regarded as an advocate of democracy and a staunch supporter of empowerment of the depressed classes. Historians generally attribute the decline of the Justice Party in the mid-1930s to the absence of charismatic leaders in the Justice Party following his death.

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5. Rani Rudramma Devi

Rudrama Devi was known as Rudrāṃbā at birth in Padmanayaka Velama Community Family. Her father was Ganapatideva. 

Ganapatideva married Naramma and peramma. Ganapatideva brother-in-law was Jayapanadu, he was military commander of kakatiya ganapatideva. They were from Durjaya vamsa, the emperor of the Kakatiya dynasty who ruled from Orugallu, now known as Warangal, in Telangana. Rudrama was formally designated as a son through the ancient Putrika ceremony[2] and given the male name of Rudradeva.

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6.

Rao Venkata Kumara Mahipati Surya Rao(pitapuram)

(Padhagaya- Philgrim)

Rani sitha Devi and 

Rao Venkata Kumara Mahipati Surya Rao and Daughter Queen of Meerjapur.

This is a famous Velama kingdom that is now part of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Poets like Vinjamuri Somesha who wrote Ragahvayadaveeyamu were at the court of Pithapuramu. Vakkalanka Veerabhadrakavi wrote 'vasavadattaaparinayamu' and dedicated to the King of Pithapuram, Nayani Madhavarao (1679-1704). Famous poet Kuchimachi Timmakavi was honored by king Madhavarayalu (1710-1755) with the title, 'kavisarvabhouma' (emperor of poets). The following are the poets of Pithapuram kingdom and their works. Author Literary Work Kuchimanchi Jaggakavi Subhadraaparinayamu Kuchimachi Gangana Satakanttharamayanamu Devulapalli Bapanna Taravali Pindiprolu Lakhmana Ravanadhammeeyamu Allamaraju Subrahmanyakavi Bhadraparinayamu Devulapalli Subbarayasastri and Devulapalli Venkatakrishnasastri Ravuvamsamuktavali in Sasnkrit and Telugu. Devulapalli Subbarayasastri Sriramapanchasattu, Mahendravijayamu, Ramarayavilasamu, Malhanastavamu, Kumara Satakamu, Mandeswara Satakamu Kings of Pithapuram and their descendents had invested a lot of money to support Telugu literature and established literary organizations like "Andhrasahitya Parishattu.".

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7.Sri KalaHasthi:

Sri Kalahasti

Damerla family of Velama tribe/caste ruled Kalhasti. Damerla Vengalabhupaludu (late 1500) Bahulasva Charitramu Damerla Ankabhupaludu Ushaparinayamu Nadiminti Venkatapati Abhishiktaraghavamu Ravukondalarayudu Chitrakavitvadarpanamu Lingaraju (Kumara Dhurjati) Kalhatimahatmyamu, Dvipada bhagavatamu Venkatapati Ratnavali Parinayamu Munipalle Subrahmanyasastri Adhyatmramayan Kirtanalu Sishtu Sarvasastri (1830-1880) Amarukamu and Jnanaprasunambika Satakamu Kotra Lakshminarayanasastri Lakshminarayaniyandhra Dictionery Kalatturi Vikrala Raghavacharylu(1840-1890) Vedasamrajyamu, Sikshabhashyamu, Sulbasutramu, Rahsyatrayabhashyamu, Suryasiddhanta Vyakhyanamu, Grahadarshamu, Dharmanirnayamu, Vruttisngrahamu, Andhrabhasha Mahima Varnanamu Damerla Venkatabhupaludu Setukhandamu

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Annavram East Godavari: 

     Annavaram  is the great Philgrim in East Godavari, this Temple was Constructed by  Velama Jamindur, Sri Raja I.V.Ramarayanam, the then Zamindar of Gorasa of kirlampudi Estate.

Present this family is ruling as a Chirmanship by grand child.

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Madhuri(Tamil Nadu):

Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

It is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar.

Temple was Constructed by a Former Velama Tributes The King Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records.

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Legendary Rivalry :

                               Velamas are considered traditional enemies of Reddys. Both the groups got along fine as feudatories of the Kakatiyas but to gain prominence in the royal court the professional rivalry went to the extremes:

The Padmanayakas were favorites of the King. Commander Bobba/Bhoji Reddy decided to show the King who exactly were the valorous fighters. He decided to wait till the Velama contingent got mauled by the Muslim army and then jump in to save the Velamas as well as the King. Unfortunately his timing was not good and both got beaten leading to the downfall of Kakatiya empire. Ever since, the Velamas blamed the Reddys for the historical blunder and continuously waged battles against Reddy kings. Later they managed to found independent states of Rajakonda and Devarakonda.

On the other hand, Reddys accuse the Velamas of colluding with alien Bahamanis to keep their state intact and indulge in attacking the Reddy kingdoms at every given opportunity. The Velamas say if not for Reddy cleverness and opportunistic attitude during the battle with Delhi Sultan's army, Kakatiya empire would have been intact at least till the British colonial period.

After the defeat of Prataparudra, Andhra Pradesh and Hindu religion succumbed to bad times. Annaya Mantri and Kolanu Rudradeva tried to unify the remaining Nayaka Chieftains belonging to various communities such as Velama, Reddy, Kamma, Balija and Telaga communities and appointed a Chief, Musunuri Prolaya Nayaka as the leader. The Nayaka confederation rebelled and recaptured Warangal. Prolaneedu was succeeded by his cousin Kaapaanedu which was resented by the Velama Nayakas. They again sought the help of the Bahmani sultan and killed Kaapaya Nayaka. Thus ended the unity of Telugu land.

The Velamas subsequently fought the Reddy Kingdom and Vijayanagar Empire on behalf of Bahmanis. Ultimately, Krishnadevaraya vanquished all and unified Andhra Pradesh. Velamas had to join the imperial service of Vijayanagar as military contingents and regional governors. Many Velamas thus settled in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere.

Origin theories

There are four conflicting theories as to the origin of the community.

Many believe Velamas migrated from Bihar when they were banished by Chanakya for supporting the Nanda dynasty.

Some linguists trace the root of the word Velama to similar sounding Vellalars of Tamil Nadu and assume they are Vellala soldiers and administrators who followed in the footsteps of the Chola expansion to Andhra. The Andhra branch known as Velanati or Velanadu (Tamil/Telugu) Cholas who are also known as Telugu Cholas could have been instrumental in the genesis of the Velama community in Andhra

It is believed that Velamas belong to one of the Original Aryan races of north India who migrated to south India during Chanakya times.

But it is also possible that Velama and Vellala are derived from lance wielders where Vel in Tamil stands for a lance. Hence, they could be an indigenous group directly derived from a Neolithic agrarian community.

It is possible that they were simply lance wielding soldiers of one of the many local Kingdoms such as Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas or Cholas who came to dominate the land through their service to the kings

It is also believed that Velamas came from Bengal area. Even today, Velama brides wear saris in the Bengali style. During the wedding the Velama concept of having a mango twig over the heads of the bride and groom is also unique to the Bengali culture. It is believed that a ship load of people from Bengal got shipwrecked in the Bay of Bengal and two groups of survivors managed to reach two points on the Coromandel Coast. The first one was headed by a person called Adiraju and therefore came to be called Adi Velamas and the second group was headed by Padmaraju and therefore called Padma Velamas. Also, these new people were good at counting and arithmatic and attracted local landlords and kings to hire them as accountants.

Introduction to origin and importance of family names and / or gothra:

The Telugu family names in Andhra Pradesh are said to have originated around 1250 AD onwards until they took the final shape somewhere around early 1400 AD. They were said to have come into existance along the lines of names of villages where the family lived around that time, examples are those family names which ended in 'palli' and some other village names ( few examples in our community ), or styled after a prominent person, like a warrior or some other forefather in the family, such names are said to have ended in 'neni' ( many examples in our case ), or some other significant event or unknown criteria specific to that family or circumstances. ( Reference: Talbot, Cynthia, 2004 )

Before 1250 AD, Velama clans probably must have been identified only through gothra as there were no family names existing around that time ( that is why we have only Recherla Brahma Naidu and Recherla Prasadithya etc who were identified only through their gothra ). Obviously gothra were older than family names and a particular gothra represents the genetic heritage of that clan as a whole (each such clan later might have split into various family names but all the descendants are of same genetic heritage or gothra ).

The family names and gothra are significant as you already know at least for marriage purposes as we Velama's like many other communities do not marry into the Velama's of the same family name as well as same gothra as those Velama's are considered to be genetically closer compared to the Velamas with a totally different family name and gothra. Since ages Hindus are known to have married always into different clans with the hope that such a marriage will lead to production of better off springs with no genetic disorders and Velama's are no exception to this general rule. For example, Rajputs in North India, who are numerically large in number and spread across several Indian states, are known to scan and marry into an entirely different clan of which they are not related for past fourteen generations.

It is also a proven fact scientifically from genetics perspective as to why it is ideal for one to marry into a different genetic pool. Incidence of genetic and hereditary disorders are known to be very high among the children born from marriages between closer genetic pools. Ancient Hindus, thousands of years back are known to have married initially Swa-gothra ( same gothra ) for some time and later on at some point of time switched to marriages into an entirely different gothra going by their previous bad experiences. In this context, it is interesting to note that Kashmir Pandits, who are Brahmins and are numerically small in number, are said to marry even today Swa-gothra. Similar problem also exists today among Parsis of India who are Zoriashtrians by religion and have immigrated from Iran in small numbers.

Velama sub divisions

All the divisions are based on their original living location. Major divisions in Andhra Pradesh are

* Adi Velama

* Koppula Velama

* Padma Velama

* Polinati Velama 

Adi Velamas are seen in Machilipatnam,Rajamundry,Hyderabad etc..,

Polinati Velamas are seen in Srikakulam and other coastal Andhra districts. Most Polinati Velamas have Naidu as middle name i.e. suffix in their names and their primary occupation is farming. They play dominant role in Srikakulam district politics and backbone of this district's economy.

Koppula Velamas are living in Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and other coastal Andhra districts. Most Koppula Velamas have Naidu as middle name i.e. suffix in their names and their primary occupation is farming. They play key role in Vizianagaram and East & West Godavari and  Visakhapatnam district politics and vital to these district's economy.

Padma velamas are also called as padmanayaka velamas. They are mostly seen in Telangana districts like Karimnagar, Warangal, Adilabad, Nizambad, Rangareddy, Medak, Mehboobnagar and Hyderabad. They are also prominently seen in places like Addanki(Ongole),Vijayawada,Kakinada, Nuzvid, and the villages surrounding these places. Politically, socially and economically, they played a prominant role in the growth of Andhra Pradesh.

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(12th and 13th Century)

* Various Generals who worked for different Kakatiya Kings in and around Capital Orugallu(now Warangal City), in AP.

* Recherla Rudra, Army General, who has supervised the construction of Ramappa Lake (1156) and Ramappa Temple(1213), both are intact even now and located 60 km from capital Orugallu (now Warangal City) in Palampet village in Mulugu Taluq, of Warangal Dist, during the period of great Kakatiya king Ganapathi Deva of Orugallu.

(12th Century)

* Palnadu region is located in current Prakasham and Guntur Districts, in AP

* Battle of Palnadu - (1176-1182)

* 'Palanati' Recherla Brahma Nayudu - Strived for progressive and egalitarian ideals in medieval times

* Palanati Balachendrhrudu, Kaliyuga abhimanyu.

(14th Century) - (A.D 1325 to 1473)

* Recherla Singa Bhoopala of Rajakonda / Rachakonda (Fort is in ruins in Samstan Narayanpur Mandal, Nalgonda Dist, AP) - A great patron of art and literature

* Recherla chiefs of Devarakonda Fort, now Deverakonda town and Mandal, in Nalgonda dist, AP (near to Nagarjuna Sagar)

* Padma Nayaks also captured and ruled for a short duration Bhuvanagiri Fort also(now Bhongir Fort and town in Nalgonda Dist, AP).

(??th Century)

* Velugoti Family - Capital Velugodu (Now in Kurnool Dist close to Atmakur, near Mahabubnagar dist border)

* Descendants of Recherla chiefs of Rachakonda / Rajakonda / Devarakonda, after they lost their kingdom to muslim invaders.

* Well known Sixteen Velama Samstanams / Zamindaris in Mahboobnagar dist, came up during their time in and around present Kolhapur area (close to Velugodu capital) in Mahaboobnagar dist.

(??th Century)

* Padma Nayaka Velama Generals also fought for Vijayanagara Empire after loosing their Kingdoms and supremacy in Telangana regions. As this Empire expanded some of the Nayaks were sent to far away lands in southern Tamil Nadu like Madurai, Tanjavore, and Arkot districts of Northern Tamil Nadu to control those territories and collect and send revenue to the King at Hampi, the Capital of Vijayanagara Empire. Thus various Padma Nayaka Velamas have settled in the villages of those newly aquired territories and today they are referred to as Velama Naidus or simply Padma Velamas. For no reason there are about forty such Velama Naidu villages in and around Madurai town alone for even today. They hold huge tracts of land in Tamil Nadu and most of them were big Zamindars. On decline of Vijanagara Empire, they declared independence and thus become rulers themselves in some of those areas.

* Madurai Nayaks - Capital Madurai - Ruled most of Southern Tamil Nadu.

* Tanjavore Nayaks - Ruled Tanjavore region of Tamil Nadu.

(17th Century)- A.D. 1600+

* Velugoti Venkatagiri Samstanam, in Nellore district

* Descendants of Velugoti Family, of Velugodu region, bordering Mahabubnagar and Kurnool. 

(??th Century)

* Rulers of Sri Kalahasti Samstanam, now in Chitoor dist, Andhra Pradesh.

* Rulers of Pithapuram Samstanam, now in East Godavari dist, in Andhra Pradesh.

* Rulers of Panagal Samstanam, now in ?Godavari dist, in Andhra Pradesh.

* Rulers of NarsaRao Pet Samstanam, now in Guntur dist, in Andhra Pradesh.

* Rulers of Nuzvid Samstanam, now in Krishna dist, in Andhra Pradesh.

(18th Century)

* Bobbili family - Capital Bobbili, now Bobbili town in Vizianagaram dist

* 15th generation Descendants of Venkatagiri Samstanam

* Rao Venkata Gopala Krishna Ranga Rao - Raja of Bobbili - of Bobbili Yuddam fame

* Rani Mallamma Devi - Wife of Ranga Rao and sister of Tandra Papa Rayudu, of Bobbili Yuddam fame, brave Velama woman who preferred to fight the bobbili yuddam along with the men folk and die rather than commit suicide or killed by her own army, but unfortunately then prevalent Velama customs were too rigid and very conservative, and she has to be stabbed by her own body guard as per the orders of her husband Ranga Rao, similar is the fate of many Velama women and children in the fort. 

* Thandra Papa Rayudu - Valiant fighter and brother of Rani Mallamma Devi, who was away at the time of famous Bobbili Yuddam, and ultimately avenges the killing of all his relatives in the war by killing Vijaya Rama Raju of Vizianagaram and then kills himself along with his two accomplices after gheraoed by the combined enemy forces of Vijaya Rama Raju and Bussy.

(20th Century)

* Rao Ramakrishna Ranga Rao - Raja of Bobbili - (1932 -36) and again (1936 -37)- former Chief Minister of United Tamilnadu and Andhra (then Madras Presidency and State) and Member of Commission for Indian Constitution.

* Damera Panagal Raja - Raja of Panagal - (1921-1926)- former Chief Minister of United Tamilnadu and Andhra (then Madras Presidency and State).

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* Present Elected Political Leaders:

Jalagam Vengala RAo- Andra pradesh Cheif Minister :

Kalvakuntla Chandra Shekhar Rao (K.C.R) - TRS founder, MP(Karimnagar),former Union cabinet minister for Labour and Employment generation):

                               KVP Rama Chandarao-Congress Floor Leader:

Yarrabelli Dayakar Rao-Telangana TDP Floor Leader

Erranna Naidu-TDP MP

Ayyana Patrudu-TDP MLA

Achin Naidu-TDP MLA

Harish Rao -Telangana Irrigation Minister

KTR -Telangana IT Minister

Kavitha Rao-Telangana MP.

Sabbam Hari-Anakapalli MP

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Velama Legendz in Cinema Industry:

Rao Gopal Rao Garu

Rao Ramesh (Son Of RAo Gopal RAo)

puri Jagannadh

VIjay DevaraKonda

Jupally Rameshwar Rao-(Industrialist)

Ravi Prakash (TV9 MD)

Present Elected Political Leaders

*Boinapally Vinod Kumar - MP, TRS leader, Hanumakonda, Warangal Dist

* Kinjarapu Yerram naidu - MP, Leader of TDP in Indian parliament and                                                                      Former Union Minister for Ruraldevelopment

* Meneni SatyaNarayan Rao(MSR)- Ex MLA / MP, former PCC President, AICC general Secretary and Party Incharge for Several states.

* Chennamaneni Rajeshwer Rao, MLA (Sirisilla)-Deputy Leader TDP in AP assembly, former CPI leader

* Dharmana Prasada Rao - MLA, Andhra Pradesh govt. cabinet minister

* Errabelli Dayakar Rao- MLA(Wardhannapet), Warangal Dist, WHIP for TDP, A.P.State TDP in-charge

* T. Harish Rao - MLA(Siddipet)Medak Dist, TRS leader, former A.P. govt. cabinet minister

* Juvvadi Ratnakar Rao - MLA, Buggaram, Karimnagar Dist

* Jalagam Venkat Rao - MLA,sathupalli, Khammam Dist

* Chinthakayala Ayyannapathrudu - MLA, Narsipatnam

* Gorle Rama Murthy Naidu - ZP chairperson, Visakhapatnam

* Marichela Simhachalam Naidu - DCCB president Vizianagaram

* Errabelli Swarna - Mayor, Warangal city

* Rao Venkata Sujay Krishna Ranga Rao - MLA, Bobbili, Scion of Bobbili Raja

* Thentu Jaya Prakash - MLA, Therlam

* Pudi Mangapathi Rao - MLA, Uttarapalli

* Kinjarapu Atcham Naidu - MLA, Harichanadrapuram

* Dharmana Krishna Das - MLA, Narasannapeta

* Dugyala Srinivasa Rao - MLA, Chennuru, Warangal Dist.

* Meka venkat Appa Rao- MLA, Nuziweedu, Krishna Dist.

* Divaker Rao, MLA - Laksettipet, Adilabad Dist

* Jupally Krishna Rao-MLA Kollapoor,Mahaboobnagar Dist

* Gandi Babji - MLA, Paravada, DCC President Visakhapatnam rural district.

* Sugnana Kumari Devi (Kallikota Rani)- MLA from Kallikota, Orissa

Late Elected Politicians

* Late Jalagam Jalagam Vengala Rao - Former Chief Minister of AP, former Union minister for Industry and PCC President

* Late Joginapally Venkat Narsing Rao (J.V. Narsing Rao), Adilabad, deputy chief minister of A.P.

* Late Juvvadi Chokka Rao - MLA, MP, Karimnagar, former deputy chief minister, A.P.

* Late Kamalumpundi Sriramulu Naidu - Former mayor of Madras

* Late Maknoor SriRanga Rao - MLA, Jagtial (Anthargam), Karimnagar dist

* Late Maknoor Dharma Rao - MLA, Jagtial (Anthargam), Karimnagar dist

* Late Ponnamaneni Narayan Rao - MLA, Huzurabad, Karimnagar dist

* Late Bolneni Sampath Rao - Chairman-Single Window,Laxmidevi Pet, Warangal dist

* Late Dr. Cheeti Venkat Rama Rao - MLA, Karimnagar

* Late Nemarugommula Yethiraja Rao - MLA, Chennur (7 times), Warangal dist, former A.P. govt. minister.

* Late Errabelli Venkat Ram Narasaiah of Kalleda village, MLA, Wardhannapet, Warangal Dist.

* Late Prof.Gona V. Sudhakar Rao - MLA/MLC, Laxettipet, Adilabad Dist,Cabinet minister for Major irrigation govt. of A.P.

* Late Reddi Jagannatham Naidu - Former MLA, Madugula

* Late Gorle Krishnam Naidu - Former MLA, Chodavaram

* Late Vasireddi Krishna Murthy Naidu - Former MLC, former minister govt. of A.P.

* Late Peddinti Rama Swamy Naidu - Former MLA, Bobbili

* Late Thentu Lakshunam Naidu - Former MLA, Therlam

* Late Cheekati Parasuramu Naidu - Former MLA, Parvathipuram

* Late Ruthala Latchapathrudu - Former MLA, Narsipatnam

* Late Pyla Appala Naidu Former MLA, Paravada

* Late Vechalapu Palavelli - MLA, Chodavaram, former DCCB president Visakhapatnam

* Late Yerra Krishna Murthy - MLA, Parvathipuram

* Late Chokkapu Suryanarayana Former ZP chairperson Vizianagaram and former TDP state organizing secretary

* Late P. Puroshotam Rao - MLA, Kagaznagar, Adilabad Dist

* Late Rokanla Ganganna Venkanna (Patil), Kodduri, first president of Panchayat Samiti Pandharkawda, Maharashtra

* Late Remella Thirupathi Rao - MLC, minister govt. of A.P.

* Late Bolleni Krishnarao (Patil), Chalbardi. first MLA of Kelapur constituency (Pandharkawda) Maharashtra

* Late Gorrupati Butchi Appa Rao - Former MLA, Jami, former ZP chairperson of combined Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram

* Former Elected Political Leaders

* G. Narayan Rao - Former MLA, former speaker of A.P. legislative assembly

* Thangi Satyanayana - Former MLA, Srikakulam, former speaker of A.P. legislative assembly

* Kolla Appala Naidu - Former MLA, Uttarapalli, former minister and pro term speaker of 11th A. P. legislative assembly

* Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao - Former BJP President AP unit,BJLP Leader for AP assembly, MLA/ MP, Karimnagar, Union minister for Home and Commerce

* Chalimeda Anand Rao - Former MLA, former A.P. govt cabinet minister and former leading attorney

* Kotagiri Vidyadara Rao - Former MLA, former A.P. govt. cabinet minister for Panchayath Raj, Agriculture and Major Industries

* Jalagam Prasad Rao - Former MLA, former A.P. govt. cabinet minister for Panchayath Raj

* Raja Yachendra Raja - MLA, Venkatagiri, former A.P. govt minister

* Thakkallapally Purushottam Rao,MLA (Warangal)-Former R&B Minister, and present chairman Rural Development Commission

* Gunda Appala Suryanarayana - Former MLA, Srikakulam, former A.P. govt. minister

* Baggu Lakshmana Rao - Former MLA, Narasannapeta, former ZP chairperson Srikakulam

* Sambhangi Chinna Appala Naidu - Former MLA, Bobbili, former Whip of TDP

* Dr. Peddinti Jagan Mohan Rao - Former MLA, Bobbili, former minister

* Reddi Satynanarayana Former Former MLA, Madugula and former minister

* Gandi Babji - Former MLA, Paravada, DCC President Visakhapatnam rural district.

* Allu Bhanumathi - Former MLA, Visakhapatnam -1, Former DCCB President Visakhapatnam

* Manikonda Laxmi Kantha Rao - Former ZP chairperson, Medak

* Jagapathi Rao-Former -Former ZP chairperson, Medak

* KV.Rajeshwer Rao-Former ZP chairperson, Karimnagar

* Lagudu Simhadri - Former ZP chairperson, Vizianagaram

* Y. Appala Suryanayana - Former ZP chairperson, Srikakulam

* Vakada Nageswara Rao - Former ZP chairperson, Vizianagaram

* Regulapati Papa Rao - Former MLA, Siricilla, Karimnagar District

* Dr. Nemurugommula Sudhakar Rao - MLA - Chennur, Warangal dist (Son of Late N.Yethiraja Rao)

* Maradani Rangarao - Former MLA, Eluru, West Godavari Dist

* Poori jagannath and Raviteja - director and Actor West Godavari Dist

* Dr Thakkallapelly Rajeshwar Rao - Former MLA, former mayor of Warangal city

* Juvvadi Chandrashekhar Rao - Former MLA, Karimnagar

* M.Muralimanohar Rao - Former MLA, Luxettipet, Adilabad dist

* Bolleni GopalKrishna Patil, Ex. Panchayat Samiti President & Senior Congress Party Leader, Pandharkawda, Maharashtra

* Katari Devender Rao - former MLA Karimnagar.

* Martineni Dharma Rao - Former MLA, Hanamkonda, Warangal Dist

* Suryaneni Rajeshwar Rao, Ex MLA, Mulugu (1970's), Warangal dist, former CPI Leader.

* Errabelli Varadarajeshwar Rao - Former MLA, Wardhannapet, Warangal dist

* Vasireddi Varada Rama Rao - MLA, Therlam, former DCCB president and DCC president Vizianagaram

* Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy - Former MLA, Paravada, former minister and president TDP rural district committee, Visakhapatnam

* Pokala V. Chalapathi Rao - Former MLC, member BJP National Executive Council

* Simma Prabhakar Rao - Former MLA, Narasannapeta

* Mariserla Venkata Rami Naidu - Former MLA, Parvathipuram

* Gunuru Yerru Naidu - Former MLA, Chodavaram

* Kurucha Ramu Naidu - Former MLA, Madugula

* Yerra Annapurnamma - Former MLA, Parvathipuram

* Vangapandu Narayana Appala Naidu - Former MLA, Gajapathinagaram

* Vechalapu Sreerama Murthy - Former MLA, Narsipatnam

* Sankineni Venakteshwar Rao - Former MLA Thungathurty, Nalgonda

* Venepally Chander Rao - Former MLA Kodad, Nalgonda

* Sabbam Hari - Former mayor, Visakhapatnam City

* Yandrapu Mariadas - Former VUDA chairperson, Visakhapatnam City

* Gullipalli Sudarsana Rao - Former in-charge ZP chairperson, Vizianagaram

* Mechineni Kishan Rao,ex MLA,Secunderabad - Former minister for Education in Nadella Bhasker Rao Govt.

* Martineni Dharma Rao - Former MLA, Hanamkonda, Warangal dist.

* Vardhineni Venkateshwer rao-Former minister.

* Kotagiri Hanmantha Rao- Former MLA, Nuziveedu, Krishna dist.

* Madhavaram Ramchender Rao-Former minister for Labour

* Velichala Jagapathi Rao- Former Convenor for Telangana Development Forum and MLC

* Duggirala Venkat Rao- Former Chairman Karshaka Parishad AP

* Katikaneni Madhusudhan Rao- Former MLA (TDP) from Kollapur, Mahabhoob Nagar dist

* Thakkallapally Narayana Rao-Former Chairman of Warangal Market Committee

* Dwarapureddi Jagadeesg - Former Chairman of Parvathipuram Market Committee

* Chokkapu Lakshmana Rao - Former Chairman of Salur Market Committee

* Dokula Naidu Babu - Former Chairman of Kottavalasa Market Committee

Civil Services

* S.Narsinga Rao IAS- Chairman and Managing Director Singareni Corporation.

* Maddadi Ravi Chandra IAS - Collector, Nellore district

* Biyyala Paparao IAS

* Reddi Subramanyam IAS, presently secretary in New Delhi

* Errabelli Prabhakar Rao, former IPS, Kalleda Village, Warangal Dist

* Kakulamarri Vijaya Rama Rao, IPS, Eturnagaram village, Warangal Dist, former CBI Director, .

* Ponnamaneni Kishan Rao, IPS

* Rammohana Rao-Chief excutive officer, Hyderabad Region APSRTC

* Ponugoti Ravinder-District Panchayat officer

Indian Armed Forces (IAF)

* Capt Late Bonala Vijay Raghunandan Rao (Veer Chakra), Karimnager

* Capt Jalagam Rama Rao

* Capt Madhavarapu Vijay Kumar, Adilabad

* Capt Bongu Anand Rao

* Major General Madhava Rao, Adilabad

Nominated & Appointed People & Educationists

* K.V.P.Ramachandra Rao - Current chief advisor to government of A.P.

* Kalakuntla Sudhakara Rao (Mandamari) - Commissioner Right to Information Services

* Gone Prakash Rao - APSRTC chairman.

* Mariserla Shivunaidu- Corporation chairman (Khadi Grameena Board)

* Capt. J.Rama Rao - Founder Chairman, forum for better Hyderabad

* Manikonda Veda Kumar - Chairman A.P. children film society, president for forum for better Hyderabad

* Datthi Laxmana Rao - Chairman, Zilla Grandhalaya Samstha, Vizianagaram.

* Vaddepally Narsingha Rao-Chairman, AP Mining Corporation.

* Konduri Ravinder Rao- DCCB Chairman, Karimnagar.

* Premsagar Rao-DCCB Chairman, Adilabad

Former Nominated & Appointed People

* Late Polsani Narsing Rao - Former APSRTC chairman, MLA/ MLC

* Late M.R. Appa Rao - Vice-Chancellor Andhra University for two times, cabinet minister in Neelam Sanjeev Reddy and Brahmananda Reddy cabinets

* Kakulamarri Vijay Rama Rao - Former CBI Director, former minister govt. of A.P.

* Reddi Satyanarayana Murthy - Retired chief engineer

* Gorle Suryanayana - Former member/ in-charge chairperson APPSC

* Kotagiri Kesava Rao - Retired chief engineer

* Kota Jogi Naidu - Former chairman, Zilla Grandhalaya Samstha, Vizianagaram

* Kurucha Narasimham Naidu - Former Member AP Official Language Committee.

* Venkat Narayana Rao-Retired chief engineer. Verma-Commision for Water Resources.

* Chelikani Anna Rao- Former CEO and Chairman TTD

* Nagireddi Venkata Ramana (adduru naidu babu) - Former chairperson rural electrification corporation (REC), Anakapalli

* Allu Appa Rao - Retired chief engineer

Sports

* Rajini Venugopal, Vijayawada, former Woman Test Cricketer, Captain, Coach

* Sankineni Vishnuvardhan Rao, Warangal, Cricket, Representing Hyderabad Team in Ranji Trophy. 

Legal Professionals

* Former Justice Koka Subba Rao-Former chief justice of Supreme court, India

* Justice Vujjini Bhasker Rao- Former Justice AP high court

* Justice Gorle Ramajula Naidu - Former Justice AP High Court

* Justice Immaneni Pandurange Rao- Former Justice AP High Court

* Judge Sabbavarapu Suryanayana - Retd District Magistrate

Engineering Professionals

India

* B Kishan Rao, Former Principal, REC (Regional Engineering College,(now NIT) Warangal)

* Ankala Saibaba, Dy Chief Engineer, SW Railway, Hubli

Abroad

* Sricharan Maruneni, Hybrid Electric Vehicle Systems Integration. Michigan, USA

* Murali Otthi, Systems Architect, Pittsburgh, USA

* Bearelly Jagan Rao Sr.Software Engineer ,Sanjose,California,USA.

* Polsani Vamsi Krishna, Software Consultant

* Sattu Prakash Rao, Software Engineer, Seattle, Washington

* Enaganti Manoj Kumar, Project Engineer, Nokia-Siemens Networks, Dusseldorf, Germany

* Vardhineni Srinivas Rao , Software Engineer, Dallas, USA

* Donakanti Prashanth Rao , software Engineer , Richmond, Varginia, USA.

* Miryala Kranthi Kiran ,software Engineer,Newyork.

* Palepu Vamshi Krishna , Software engineer, Chicago, USA

* Ponugoti Ashwin Kumar, Software Engineer, Newyork,USA.

* Kondal Rao Munagala, Satyam Computer Services Ltd, Melbourne, Australia 

Medical Professionals

India

* Dr Dayasagar Rao, Mahabubnagar dist, Leading Cardiologist in Hyderabad

* Dr G. SuryaPrakash, MD (AIIMS),Cardiologist, Care Hospitals, Hyderabad

* Dr Ankala Venkateswara Subbarao, Cardiologist, SV Heart Care Centre, Rajamundry AP

* Dr Sheshagiri Rao.Chief Dept Of Cardiology. NIMS Hyderabad.

* Dr Pinninti Kamala Manohar Rao, MD, Leading Physician in Hanumakonda, Warangal Dist

* Dr Gorle Satyanarayana (Sri Rama Hospitals), Leading Children Specilist in Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam Dt

* Dr Gedela Thirupathi Naidu Leading physician in Vizianagaram and TDP's candidate for MLC for uttarandhra graduates constituenancy for ensuing legistative council elections

* Dr Petla Ramachandra Leading physician in Narsipatnam and cong nominee in 2004 assembly elections for narsipatnam constituenancy

* Dr Rajana Appala Naidu, Leading physician in Chodavaram, Visakhapatnam Dt

* Dr Dali Naidu, Leading physician in Visakhapatnam

* Dr Nagireddi Ramana, Leading Children specilist in Sabbavaram, Visakhapatnam Dt

USA / UK / Canada / Australia

* Dr Ailineni Jagan Mohan Rao, Current President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), consisting of nearly 40,000 physicians from India practicing in US 2006.

* Dr Muralikrishna, Renowned Psychiatrist, Oklahoma, USA

* Dr Palep Narsing Rao, Gastoenterologist, Florida, USA

* Dr Rangineni Rajgopal Rao, Oncologist, Missouri, USA

* Dr Gopal Rao, Cardiologist, Georgia, USA

* Dr Bongu Sudershan Rao, Anesthigiolist, Georgia, USA

* Dr Guniganti Uma Rao, Cardiologist, Oklahoma, USA

* Dr Gandra Vidhyadhar rao, Cardiologist, Indiana, USA

* Dr Perala Sudhaker Rao. USA

* Dr Dwarapureddy Krishna Mohan Rao. Rochester General Hospital, USA

* Dr Gorle Vijaya Internal Medicine USA

* Dr Vinod Rao Miryala, Cardiologist, Florida, USA

* Dr Narsing Rao Damera, Cardiologist, Florida, USA

* Dr Sridhar Rao Vennamaneni, Internal Medicine, Florida, USA

* Dr Dilip Rao Bearelly, Internal Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

Young Leaders

* Polasani Muralidher Rao-All India general secretory Swadeshi jagaran Munch

* Polasani Pithamber Rao- Former president student Union JNU.

* Duggirala Pradeep Kumar- President BJYM AP unit.

* Mynampally Hanmantha Rao-Former All India general secretory youth congress.

* Babi Nayana (Bobbili Raja). Muncipal Cairman, Bobbili.

* Madhavaram Sudhershana Rao- TRS President Hyderabad Unit (Kukatpally)

* T.Harish Rao-MLA siddipet

* Gandra Venkateshwer Rao- Former president TDP Karimnagar

* Gandra satyanarayan Rao, from Ganpur warangal.

* Nemurugommula Praveen Rao- Warangal

* Gorle Mahesh - President Greater Washington Telugu Cultural Society (GWTCS), USA

* Kalvakuntla Vidhyasagar Rao- TDP from Metpally, karimnagar Dist

* Miryala Sathya Charan, well know leader in korutla, Mandal: Kathalapur, Duloor , Karimnagar Dist.

* Thakkallapally Ravinder Rao- Mahaboobabad, Warangal Dist

* Venepally Panduranga Rao from Nalgonda (Alagadapa)

* Manikonda Raghunandhan Rao from Medak

* Kalvakuntla Ramu from Medak

* Sunil Rao from Karimnagar (Karimnagar Market committee chairman)

* GV.Anshuman Rao from Laksettipet (Adilabad)

* AK.Gangadhar Rao from Medak

* Sugunaker Rao (Karimnagar)- President AP BJP kisan Morcha

Hostels

* Jalagam Vengal Rao (JVR) Velama Hostels, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad

* Jupally Women Velama Hostels, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad

* Padmanayaka Velama Hostel for Women, Karimnagar. AP

    http://www.aiva.org.in/about-us/hostels

Entrepreneurs, Business Magnets & Industrialists

* Joginapally Nrupender Rao (son of Late J.V. Narsing Rao) - Chairman of Pennar Group of Industries

* Jupally Rameshwar Rao - "My Home" & MAHA cement tycoon

* Gorukanti Ravender Rao MD (Yashoda Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad)

* Dr Gorukanti Surender Rao MBBS (Started Yashoda Group of Hospitals)

* Dr Rambhoopal, DM(Nephrologist)(Started Satya Kidney Center, Hyderabad)

* Polsani Sudhakar Rao (Chairman, Polsani group of companies)

* J.A.S. Giri (Chairman and Managing Director, Sangfroid Industries Ltd)

* Joginapally Bhaskar Rao - Businessman & Educationist

* http://www.ANLEXPRESS.INCH.N.V.krishna Rao - MD ANL PARCEL AND COURIER SERVICE, SAI KRISHNA FARMS

* Ch. Hymavanth Rao- Vice President ANL PARCEL SERVICE WWW.ANLEXPRESS.IN

* D. Arjun Rao - CEO, Valuelabs, Hyderabad

* Anugu Madhusudhan Rao Adilabad Petrol pump association President

* Dr.Gunaganti Prabhaker Rao, Prathima group of industries

* Bowenpally srinivas Rao, Prathima group of industries

* Rajeshwer Rao- Managing Director,Nirup synchrome

* Anoos Sisters- Anoo's beauty parlour and herbal products, Hyderabad

* Chelikani Achutha Rao.Chairmen and Managing Director- Bobbili jute mills and Former President The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI)

* Annamaneni Madhava Rao-President AP rice millers association President

* kalakuntla Vidyasagar Rao - Chairman Mancherial Cement Corporation

* Chalmeda Anand Rao - Chairman, Janaki Feeds, Hyderabad (Leading poultry feeds supplier in AP)

* Velichala Premchander Rao-Chairman, Frontier Institute of Technology

* Jupally Sathyanaryana Rao

* Janagama Prabhaker Rao- Kapil Chit Fund Private Limited and Group of companies

* Thandra Raja Narsigha Rao From Jagithyal - Travels

Fine Arts & Films

* Late Rao Gopal Rao (Popular film actor)

* Bongu Narsing Rao, Alwal (Internationally acclaimed film maker, painter, poet, and photographer)

* Gottimukkala Padma Rao(Film Producer)

* Amarapu Sathyanarayana (Popular Drama artist and famous for Krishna, Arjuna, Rama roles)

* Petla Puri Jagannath (Popular film director and produces movies under vaishno academy banner)

* Reddi Narayana Murthy (Film actor, producer and director)

* Petla Sairam Shankar (Film Actor)

* Nukarapu Suryaprakash Rao (Film producer Holi,Adirendeyya Chandram,Bharmastram)

* Saketh Naidu (Kannada film singer)

* Jogi Naidu brothers (Film comedians and anchors)

* Chinthakayala Padmavathi (Film producer)

* Vamshi Paidipalli (Director of the film Munna, starring Prabhas)

* Sita (Tamil and Telugu Film Actress)

* Bongu Ajith Nag (Young Film and Ad maker, Latest film "Brinda")

Academics

* Prof. Ch.Hanumantha Rao - Central University,Former member of planning commission of India (Padmavibhushan)

* Prof. Nayani Krishna Kumari-Former Vice-Chancellor, Telugu University

* Prof T. Navneeth Rao - Former Vice-Chancellor, Osmania University

* Dr. Velichala Kondal Rao-Former Director, Telugu Academy

* Prof. Biyyala Janardhana Rao (Telangana prominent person, Kakathiya University)

* Prof. Chiranjeeva Rao- Andhra University

* Prof. Pinninti Ramachender Rao- Former Dean OU Science College, OU

* Prof. Pramada Devi- Former Principal Koti Womens College, OU

* Prof. M.Bhagavantha Rao- Former Registrar, OU

* Prof. Venepally Prabhaker Rao- Former Registrar, NG Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad

* Prof. PV.Chalapathi Rao- Chairman for several national medical associations

* Prof. Ratnamala Rao, OU Former Member APPSC

* Prof. Rajeshwer Rao, OU Former Head Dept of Zoology

* Prof. Kalvakuntla Jeevan Rao,NG Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad

* Prof. Chennamaneni Ramesh - Germany

* Prof. Bhoopathi Rao- Osmania University

* Dr. Sudhaker Rao-Director Vathavarana kendra and member of scientific team for Antarctica

* Prof. Manoher Rao-OU,Former president All India Akila Bharathiya Vidhya Parishad (ABVP)

* Prof. Laxmi Venkat Rao Kalakuntla, Chemistry, Koti Womens College, OU

* Prof.Mechineni Ananda Rao- Dept of Chemistry, OU.

* Prof.Bhujanga Rao- Dept of Maths and Director for Distance education,OU

* Prof. Narsingha Rao-Former Principal Koti Medical College, OU