Kalavedika: A Sixty-Year Journey of Cultural Service – Late Sri R. V. Ramanamurthy Garu
A Life Dedicated to Culture, Commitment, and Legacy
Late Sri R. V. Ramanamurthy Garu was not merely a cultural organizer; he was a torchbearer of India’s artistic soul and a silent architect of cultural continuity in Hyderabad. For over six decades, he devoted his life with unwavering commitment to the promotion, preservation, and celebration of arts and culture, leaving behind a legacy that time can only deepen, never diminish.
In 1966, guided by a profound vision and a deep reverence for Indian culture, he founded Kalavedika—an institution that would grow into a revered cultural platform of national importance. Kalavedika was not just an organization; it was his life’s mission. Through it, Sri Ramanamurthy Garu nurtured talent, honoured excellence, and created cultural milestones that became part of the collective memory of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
A man of integrity, innovation, selfless service, and honour, he believed that recognizing greatness was itself a sacred duty. Under his stewardship, Kalavedika had the rare distinction of felicitating the highest constitutional dignitaries of the nation. Presidents of India—H.E. Sri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, H.E. Sri Zail Singh, and H.E. Sri Shankardayal Sharma; Prime Ministers—H.E. Smt Indira Gandhi, H.E. Sri P. V. Narasimha Rao, and H.E. Sri Rajiv Gandhi; Governors—H.E. Smt Kumudben Manishankar Joshi, H.E. Sri Krishan Kant, H.E. Sri Sushil Kumar Shinde, and H.E. Dr. K. Rosaiah; and Chief Ministers including Sri Jalagam Vengala Rao, Sri Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy, Sri Tanguturi Anjaiah, Sri K. Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy, Sri N. T. Rama Rao, Sri N. Bhaskara Rao, Sri N. Janardhana Reddy, and Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu were all honoured through the dignified platform of Kalavedika.
Equally close to his heart were the artists—the true custodians of culture. With deep humility and reverence, Sri Ramanamurthy Garu honoured global icons such as Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, and Nobel Prize laureate Mother Teresa, as well as cultural visionaries like Kala Bandhu Dr. T. Subbi Rami Reddy. Kalavedika also felicitated legendary stalwarts of cinema and music including Sri N. T. Rama Rao, Sri Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, Sri Chelam, Sri Gummadi, Smt Hema Malini, Smt Vanisri, Smt Savithri, Dr. Anjali Devi, Smt Kanchana, Dr. Ghantasala, Sri Mohammed Rafi, Sri S. D. Burman, Sri R. D. Burman, Sri Manna Dey, Sri O. P. Nayyar, Smt Asha Bhosle, Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Dr. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Smt Anuradha Paudwal, Sri Shankar Mahadevan, Sri Hariharan, Smt Jikki, and Smt K. S. Chithra, among countless others who shaped India’s cultural identity.
In recognition of his lifelong service, Dr. K. Rosaiah Garu appointed Sri R. V. Ramanamurthy Garu as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Cultural Council (2010–2013). This honour stood as a formal acknowledgment of a life already dedicated to cultural excellence long before titles followed.
His vision transcended geographical boundaries. By organizing cultural programmes in the USA, UK, and UAE, he carried the fragrance of Indian culture to global audiences, earning admiration and respect from the international cultural fraternity and the Indian diaspora worldwide.
The passing of Sri R. V. Ramanamurthy Garu on 8th September 2013 created a void that can never truly be filled. Yet, his spirit continues to resonate through Kalavedika, which stands today as a living tribute to his dreams, discipline, and devotion.
As Kalavedika proudly celebrates its Diamond Jubilee—60 Glorious Years, this moment is not merely a commemoration of time but a reverent remembrance of a visionary whose life transformed cultural service into a sacred legacy. Late Sri R. V. Ramanamurthy Garu’s journey reminds us that true immortality lies not in years lived, but in values upheld and lives inspired.
