In 2025, Visakhapatnam witnessed remarkable contributions from individuals who ignited hope, fostered progress, and embodied the city’s resilient spirit. This list honors seven exceptional people whose dedication, innovation, and compassion left an indelible mark on our community. From groundbreaking achievements in sports and healthcare to transformative social initiatives and inspiring displays of perseverance, these individuals have not only enriched our city but also served as beacons of inspiration, reminding us of the extraordinary potential within us all.
Bharadwaj Dayala, a Vizag adventurer, launched “Million Amazing Women,” a project to photograph one million women worldwide. Starting March 8, 2025, he traveled to 195 countries, capturing diverse stories. Inspired by his 2006 motorcycle journey across 16 countries, he aimed to empower women and foster global understanding. His project, reminiscent of Dorothea Lange’s iconic photo, highlighted women’s challenges and triumphs. The portraits were shared online, creating a visual documentary. Bharadwaj, who advocated for social causes, believed this ambitious project would leave a lasting legacy.
Jyothi Yarraji, a 25-year-old athlete from Visakhapatnam, received the Arjuna Award. She had made history by qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 100m hurdles. Despite facing financial challenges, she excelled, breaking national records. Her journey, from Port High School to the Olympics, had inspired many. The President of India presented the award on January 17, 2025. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and other leaders congratulated her, praising her hard work and dedication. Vizag MP M. Sribharat highlighted her role as an inspiration to young athletes.
Dr. Meenakshi and Anantram Ganapati, a couple from Visakhapatnam, received the Mahatma Gandhi Desh Seva Puraskar 2025. They use “medical clowning” to bring joy to sick patients, a tribute to their son Rohit. After losing him to cancer in 2007, they started the Rohit Memorial. They dress as clowns, using humor to help patients in hospitals, orphanages, and old-age homes. Their work, new to Andhra Pradesh, shows how laughter can heal. They hope to inspire others to use this method in healthcare.
Saritha Malla, from the Gardeners’ Society of Vizag, highlights how women in Visakhapatnam are transforming their city through terrace gardening. Driven by a desire for fresh, organic food, they’re creating green spaces on rooftops. Women grow vegetables and herbs, improving their health and environment. They finds joy and stress relief in her garden. Social media helps them share knowledge and support each other. The GVMC’s goal to turn 50% of rooftops into gardens shows the movement’s success. This initiative demonstrates how women are leading a positive change in urban living.
Usha Sri Peddishetty from Visakhapatnam won big at the Andhra Pradesh State Masters Badminton Championship in February 2025. She achieved the “Triple Crown,” winning in Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Women’s Doubles. In Women’s Singles (50+), she beat Indrani from Vijayawada. Teaming up with B.V.S.K. Lingeswara Rao, she won Mixed Doubles (50+). Partnering with Padma from Vijayawada, she also secured the Women’s Doubles title. Her amazing performance brought her great success at the Vijayawada Club Stadium.
Vallabhajosyula Sriramulu, at 101 years old, won three gold medals in Sweden’s World Masters Athletics Championship. He competed against athletes from 110 countries, winning in javelin, discus, and shotput. Born in 1923, he celebrated his birthday shortly before his win. He had also won medals at the same event in 2011. Upon returning to Visakhapatnam, he received a warm welcome. Sriramulu’s story shows that hard work and dedication can overcome age barriers.
VIMS doctors in Visakhapatnam achieved a historic first by performing Andhra Pradesh’s first government hospital liver transplant in March 2025. A 40-year-old man received the life-saving organ, donated by a brain-dead person from Srikakulam. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav commended the team, noting this procedure was previously limited to private hospitals. Dr. K Rambabu, VIMS director, highlighted the smooth coordination between medical departments. The successful transplant demonstrates the growing capabilities of government hospitals in providing complex medical procedures.
