Hyderabad: On Sunday, a new biography titled ‘Standing Tall’ about Dr. AVS Raju, the founder of Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC), was launched. The event was led by M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India, and P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, former Union Minister of Civil Aviation.
Venkaiah Naidu spoke about how the book highlights the various facets of AVS Raju as an entrepreneur, poet, and family man. He praised Raju’s commitment to both development and environmental conservation, noting that his company not only worked on developmental projects but also focused on planting trees and respecting natural resources. Naidu emphasized Raju’s humility and dedication to sustainable practices.
The former Vice President also discussed India’s potential to become a global leader by embracing traditional values. He criticized those who overly admire English culture, despite its colonial history in India. Naidu suggested that figures like Shivaji and Rana Pratap should be celebrated to help younger generations appreciate India’s heritage. He expressed confidence that India can become a global example by upholding its values.
The event in Gachibowli attracted notable figures from business, politics, and literature. The biography, written by journalist Pattabi Ram, details AVS Raju‘s rise from modest beginnings to becoming a pioneer in India’s infrastructure sector. A. Ranga Raju, MD of NCC Limited, remarked that the book reflects Dr. AVS Raju‘s life and values, offering inspiration to future generations to dream big, work hard, and positively impact society.