Civic leader from Nellore earns prestigious Padma Shri award

Nellore City News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-11 06:56:14 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-11 10:51:52

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Subheading: Recognising contributions to education and women's empowerment

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Kotaiah Naidu, a respected civic leader from Nellore, has been awarded the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian honour. The award recognition comes honouring his contributions to education and women's empowerment in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Born in 1936, Naidu has dedicated his life to educating the children of his home district, Nellore, and transforming women's rights. Naidu became a social activist after witnessing the hardships faced by his mother, a widow. He established the Kotaiah Naidu Charitable Trust in the memory of his father. The trust focuses on providing education and vocational training to girls and women from impoverished backgrounds, rendering them with skillsets that provide them agency and opportunities for employment and financial independence.

Over the past five decades, the trust has supported countless initiatives, ranging from establishing schools and colleges to providing interest-free loans to women who wish to start their own businesses. Reflecting on his achievements, Naidu attributes his motivation to his mother's struggles and insists that "every woman should have the opportunity to live with dignity and fulfil her potential, regardless of her background."

In an interview, Naidu shared his optimism for the future, stating that "the times are finally changing for the better, and it brings me great joy to see my efforts bear fruit and see so many young women rising to the top locally and nationally. It is heartening to see them recognise their potential and know that they can achieve anything."

The Padma Shri award is a testament to Naidu's long-standing commitment to fostering opportunity and empowering women in his community. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to effect change and promote equality.

Conclusion:

Kotaiah Naidu's recognition through the Padma Shri award is a moment to celebrate his tireless dedication to educating and empowering women in Andhra Pradesh. Through his initiatives, countless women have broken barriers, achieving financial independence and societal recognition. This award only solidifies the importance of social work and serves as a call-to-action for more initiatives to support women's empowerment across the country.

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