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Way2news ropes in Telugu media veterans to lead AP, Telangana sales
MUMBAI: From press powerhouses to digital disruptors Telugu media veterans take the hyperlocal highway. In a strategic move to cement its dominance in the Telugu-speaking heartland, Way2news, India’s leading vernacular hyperlocal news platform has appointed three seasoned professionals to lead business operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Collectively bringing over 90 years of experience from marquee media brands like Eenadu, Sakshi Media, Andhra Jyothi, and Vartha, the new sales leaders will spearhead advertising growth, strengthen client relationships, and scale regional revenues.
Meet the new power trio:
. Bhatlapenumarthy Ranganath, with 37 years of experience, most recently served as deputy general manager at Sakshi Media. He joins Way2news as head of sales for Key and Enterprise Accounts in Andhra Pradesh, where he will focus on large-scale revenue partnerships.
. Ajjarapu Bhanu Venkatesh, a 30-year veteran of Eenadu, now takes charge as head of sales for the Urban SMB Market in Hyderabad. His deep understanding of urban media behaviour and administration makes him ideal for driving advertiser value in the state capital.
. Adapa Venkateswara Rao, who spent 32 years with Eenadu, assumes the role of head of sales for Andhra Pradesh’s SMB Market. Known for his expertise in promotional and government advertising, Rao brings unmatched regional know-how.
The appointments come as Way2news continues to expand across the South, delivering real-time news coverage across 1,292 mandals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The platform’s mobile-first model and scalable ad tech make it a compelling proposition for advertisers aiming to reach deep into vernacular markets.
“These appointments mark a big leap in our ambition to lead the regional digital news economy,” said Way2news founder & CEO Raju Vanapala. “The collective experience of these leaders will deepen our advertiser relationships and accelerate monetisation across our strongest markets.”
Ranganath noted the shift towards digital-first strategies among enterprise clients: “Way2news combines editorial credibility with innovation. I look forward to driving impactful campaigns tailored to Andhra Pradesh’s fast-evolving market.”
Venkatesh added, “The rise of hyperlocal vernacular consumption has transformed urban marketing. Our goal will be to harness Way2news’ scale and mobile reach to help SMB advertisers thrive.”
Rao echoed the sentiment, “Advertisers today want more than eyeballs, they want relevance and reach. Way2news delivers both, and I’m thrilled to lead the sales charge for SMBs in Andhra Pradesh.”
With a growing user base and renewed leadership, Way2news is not just reporting local stories, it’s rewriting the playbook for digital news monetisation in regional India.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
