- Statue of Journalist M.S. Acharya in Hyderabad
- Unveiling of the book “Newspaper Boy nunchi Daily Editor daakaa”
On the occasion of the birth centenary of the legendary journalist, freedom fighter, and founder of Janadharma and Warangal Vani, late M.S. Acharya, the book “Newspaper Boy nunchi Daily Editor daka.. M.S. Acharya” (From Newspaper Boy to Daily Editor) authored by Madabhushi Sridhar was released. The launch took place during the 38th Hyderabad Book Fair (Kompelli Venkat Goud Stage) on the evening of December 22, amidst a gathering of eminent journalists. The speakers unanimously declared that the installation of M.S. Acharya’s statue in the Hyderabad Journalists’ Colony is the most fitting tribute to his life and legacy.
The ceremony featured distinguished guests, including veteran editor K. Ramachandra Murthy, senior journalist Pasham Yadagiri, former Andhra Jyothy Editor K. Srinivas, Emesco Editor G. Vallishwar, Sundara Vignana Kendram Director S. Vinay Kumar, Journalists’ Cooperative Society President Brahmandabheri Goparaju, GV Shyam Prasad Lal (Joint Secretary, MJPTBCWREI Society), and the event organizer and film critic Ponnam Ravichandra. On behalf of those who could not attend, Sridhar’s brother-in-law, Kovela Gopal, and Mana Telangana Editor Devulapalli Amar received the copies.
Social Initiatives and Academic Honors: A free clinic, built by Madabhushi Sridhar at Rs. 10 lakh in the Gorrekunta Old Age Home (Warangal), was inaugurated last year and continues to serve the needy. Additionally, the ‘M.S. Acharya Memorial Lectures’ are being held annually at Kakatiya University. The university, which previously awarded gold medals to Professors M. Rajagopalacharya and Madabhushi Sridhar, has officially announced the establishment of the ‘M.S. Acharya Gold Medal’ with the support of these two professors.
Perspectives from the Speakers:
- K. Ramachandra Murthy: Acharya’s life was not a simple story; it was a saga of immense hardship. During the anti-Nizam struggle, distributing newspapers was an act of bravery. Rising from a paperboy to an agent, navigating the streets of Warangal on a bicycle to collect subscriptions while evading the Nizam’s police, and eventually launching Warangal Vani is an extraordinary feat. This book vividly captures those historical moments.
- G. Vallishwar (Editor, Emesco): Acharya was a man of unwavering commitment. Managing Janadharma from Warangal amidst financial and political pressures was nothing short of penance. While the father awakened society through journalism, the son, Sridhar, has been questioning the systems through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Sridhar’s contributions as Information Commissioner are a continuation of his father’s legacy of transparency.
- S. Vinay Kumar: Acharya was a warrior who, though he didn’t wield a weapon, provided sanctuary to freedom fighters against Razakar atrocities. It is remarkable how he increased the circulation of Andhra Patrika in Warangal to 1,200 copies. He also highlighted Sridhar’s bold decisions as CIC, particularly the orders regarding the disclosure of educational degrees of high-ranking public figures, which challenged the status quo.
- Ponnam Ravichandra: Sridhar is carrying forward his father’s legacy not just as a son, but as a disciple. The tenacity and integrity inherited from his father are evident in his RTI crusades. This book is a mirror to the social and political landscape of that era.
- GV Shyam Prasad Lal: In an age where journalism is becoming a commercial business, Acharya’s values are essential. He was the voice of the people during the Telangana movement.
- K. Srinivas: Warangal and other district centers were the true foundations of Telangana journalism. Acharya remains a giant in the field of Telugu media, and honoring him with a statue is a commendable step by the Society.
- Pasham Yadagiri: Reiterating his 1988 tribute, Yadagiri said, “It was Warangal’s fortune that Acharya was born there, but a misfortune that he wasn’t known enough outside.” He described Acharya as an institution who stood by the people against all odds.
- Brahmandabheri Goparaju: The Journalists’ Society unanimously resolved to install Acharya’s statue. A six-foot statue depicting him in a seated posture reading a newspaper has been completed and is ready for installation.
- Baisa Devadas (Editor, Neti Nijam): Recalling a 40-year association, Devadas shared how Acharya encouraged him to start a newspaper in Nizamabad. Acharya believed that “the written word should not be a commodity for sale, but a weapon for social consciousness.”
In his concluding remarks, Madabhushi Sridhar shared a moving account of his journey. He mentioned that after suffering a stroke three years ago, he had lost most of his memories. However, by divine grace and his father’s blessings, he painstakingly recalled these events to complete the book as a tribute to his father’s legacy.
Installed Gold Medal in journalism, in the name of ‘MS Acharya’.
Kakatiya University, Warangal, officially announced on 24 December 2025 the institution of a Gold Medal for students of Journalism. Prof. M. Rajagopalacharya and Prof. Madabhushi Sridhar, who had earlier received Gold Medals from Kakatiya University for their LL.B. studies, jointly instituted this Journalism Gold Medal in the name of Late M. S. Acharya, a freedom fighter and the distinguished editor of Janadharma Weekly and Warangal Vani Daily.
Law professor and eminent columnist
Madabhushi Sridhar Acharyulu, author of 63 books (in Telugu and English), Formerly Central Information Commissioner, Professor of NALSAR University, Bennett University (near Delhi), presently Professor and Advisor, Mahindra University, Hyderabad. Studied in Masoom Ali High School, AVV Junior College, CKM College, and Kakatiya University in Warangal. Madabhushi did LL.M., MCJ., and the highest law degree, LL.D. He won 4 Gold Medals at Kakatiya University and Osmania University.
