Statesman Excellence Awards – A Historic First-of-Its-Kind Initiative to Honour Democratic Leadership

Every society celebrates excellence in fields such as science, medicine, education, business, sports, arts, literature, and social service. Individuals who excel in these domains are often recognised for their extraordinary contributions to nation-building. However, despite carrying the immense responsibility of shaping public policy, strengthening democratic institutions, and influencing the lives of millions, political leaders and policymakers seldom receive recognition through a neutral, non-partisan platform that honours their commitment to public service.

With this vision, the Statesman Excellence Awards has been conceived as a pioneering initiative—the first-of-its-kind awards platform in the Telugu States dedicated to recognising exemplary leadership in public life. Scheduled to be held in Hyderabad during the month of August, the awards aim to celebrate political leadership that has demonstrated integrity, vision, governance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.

The Statesman Excellence Awards has been envisioned with a singular objective: to honour statesmanship beyond political affiliations. The initiative will recognise deserving leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, irrespective of their political party, ideology, or position. The emphasis is solely on meaningful contributions to governance, public administration, policymaking, and the betterment of society.

In a democratic nation, politics is one of the noblest instruments for social transformation. Every law enacted, every welfare programme introduced, every infrastructure project undertaken, and every policy that shapes the future of citizens originates from public leadership. While political discourse often dominates headlines through differences and debates, the countless instances of dedicated public service, ethical leadership, and visionary governance deserve equal recognition.

The Statesman Excellence Awards seeks to create a positive narrative around democratic leadership. Rather than focusing on political divisions, the initiative intends to celebrate excellence in governance and public service while encouraging healthy democratic conversations. It believes that recognising good leadership inspires accountability, strengthens public confidence, and promotes a culture where merit and service are appreciated beyond partisan boundaries.

One of the central missions of the initiative is to inspire the younger generation. Today, many young people perceive politics largely through the lens of conflict, controversy, and negativity. As a result, capable and socially conscious youth often distance themselves from public life. The organisers believe that this perception must change.

By highlighting inspiring stories of visionary leadership, ethical governance, public welfare initiatives, and transformative policymaking, the Statesman Excellence Awards aims to encourage young minds to appreciate politics as an honourable avenue of public service. The platform seeks to reinforce the belief that politics, when guided by integrity, compassion, and constitutional values, has the power to transform societies and improve countless lives.

The initiative is being mentored by Shri P. Vijaya Babu Garu, Former RTI Commissioner, whose distinguished career in public service brings immense credibility and guidance to the awards. Under his mentorship, the organising committee is committed to ensuring that the recognition reflects fairness, transparency, and the true spirit of democratic values.

The Statesman Excellence Awards Organising Committee is led by J Sudhakar Reddy and Giri Sivala, who is leading the initiative with a vision to establish a prestigious platform that honours excellence in public leadership. The operational management of the event is being coordinated by Chandrashekar Botti and Nagesh Sangu, who are overseeing the planning and execution of the programme.

Adding significant strength to the initiative is the support of 99TV, together with UMedia, led by Kalyan Sunkara, ensuring that the message of responsible leadership and democratic excellence reaches audiences across the Telugu-speaking states.

The event is also privileged to have Dr. Sudha Jain, Former Miss Asia Pacific India, as the Creative Partner. Her association brings a unique blend of cultural excellence, creativity, and public engagement to the initiative, reflecting the event's commitment to celebrating leadership with dignity and elegance.

The initiative is being presented by Lorven Crafts, a Hyderabad-based organisation with over five years of experience in corporate branding, CSR initiatives, public outreach, integrated marketing, and political communication.

Speaking about the initiative, Giri Sivala, Managing Partner of Lorven Crafts, said:

"The Statesman Excellence Awards is more than an awards ceremony. It is a movement to recognise those who dedicate their lives to public service and democratic governance. Every great society progresses because of visionary leadership and responsible policymaking. Through this platform, we aspire to honour leaders who have worked selflessly for the people, irrespective of political affiliations. We also hope this initiative inspires young citizens to look at politics not merely through the prism of criticism but as a noble profession capable of bringing meaningful change. By celebrating exemplary leadership, we strengthen public trust in democratic institutions and encourage future generations to participate positively in nation-building."

The organisers believe that democracy flourishes when exemplary leadership is recognised and celebrated. By acknowledging outstanding public servants, the initiative seeks to foster a culture of accountability, integrity, innovation, and service-oriented governance.

The inaugural edition of the Statesman Excellence Awards aspires to become an enduring institution that celebrates statesmanship, encourages constructive public discourse, and honours leaders whose contributions transcend politics and leave a lasting impact on society.

As Hyderabad prepares to host this landmark event in August, the Statesman Excellence Awards promises to set a new benchmark in recognising democratic leadership and reaffirming the values of public service, constitutional responsibility, and inclusive governance.

Statesman Excellence Awards is not merely an event—it is a tribute to leadership, democracy, and the enduring spirit of public service.