Final Journey: Sacred Ashes Immersion in the Godavari River
Paying Homage: Condolence Assembly and Attendance of ITC Leaders
Dr. Busireddy Shankar Reddy—International Gandhi Patham representative, Bhadradri Region Protection Committee member, and senior State Congress leader paid rich tributes to the late Krishan Lal Chugh (K.L. Chugh). He commended the visionary leader for laying the foundation stone, commencing construction, and successfully establishing the Bhadrachalam Paperboards factory (now transformed into ITC PSPD).
Upon its completion in 1979, the factory provided direct employment to around 1,860 permanent employees and nearly 600 managers, along with livelihoods for about 3,000 contract workers and indirectly supporting another 3,000 to 4,000 families. Sankar Reddy said that as the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director, K.L. Chugh guided Bhadrachalam Paperboards to immense heights before successfully merging it with ITC Limited—one of the world’s largest conglomerates. Rising through the ranks, he eventually served as the Chairman of ITC Limited.
Dr. Shankar Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the recent passing of such a great personality. He remarked that the seed planted by Shri K.L. Chugh has grown into today’s ITC PSPD Bhadrachalam unit, earning a prominent place on the global map.
Ashes Immersion and Condolence Meeting
In honour of his legacy, the family members of the late K.L. Chugh have decided to immerse his sacred ashes (chita bhasma) in the holy waters of the Godavari River, flowing near the footsteps of Lord Sri Ramachandra and adjacent to the very factory he founded. Retired top officials of ITC Manjit Singh and A V Rao will also attend to the program in Bhadrachalam as part of recalling Chug services to the factory.
Dr. Busireddy Shankar Reddy called upon everyone who has benefited from the ITC PSPD factory to show solidarity and express their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He requested supporters to gather tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM at the ITC Colony Gate, join the family in a vehicle procession to the holy Godavari River, and participate in the immersion ceremony.
Following the ceremony, a condolence meeting will be held at 12:00 PM at the Kammavari Kalyana Mandapam in Bhadrachalam to pay formal homage to the late K.L. Chugh.
Distinguished Guests Attending
Dr. Shankar Reddy, a well-wisher of the factory and its workers, noted that several distinguished former leaders will be present to pay their respects, including. Pradeep Dhobale – Retired ITC Director, who worked under K.L. Chugh’s guidance to transform the plant into a world-class facility. Sanjay Singh – Retired senior official from ITC Limited, who followed in his footsteps and served dedicatedly to take the company to greater heights.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
CS Kulasekhar Reddy had thirty five years experience in journalism. He worked in Udayam and Andhra Bhoomi as reporter and sub-editor. He highlighted various social issues in Chitthoor, Ananthpur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts. He covered assembly sessions and Secretariat happenings.
Email: sangatiksr@gmail.com
Mobile: 9000400679
