Hyderabad, August 19, 2025: The Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) has announced the winners of the FTCCI Telangana Tourism Photography Contest 2025, conducted on the occasion of World Photography Day.
In a brief meeting held at FTCCI, Red Hills, Hyderabad, Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, declared the contest results in the presence of Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu, Chairman; Mr. D. Ramchandram, Co-Chairman of the Tourism Committee; Ms. P. Sangeetha, Director, FTCCI, and Ms. Vishala, Senior Officer, FTCCI.
The Prize Winners are: First Prize: Mucharla Srinivas, Photojournalist, Hans India, Nalgonda – for his evocative image of the Sri Eleshwara Mallikarjuna Swami Temple in Nagarjuna Sagar’s Hill Colony, known as Dakshina Kashi. The shrine opens to devotees only once a year on Maha Shivaratri. Second Prize: Putla Ashokudu Yadav, Photojournalist, Andhra Jyothi – for his picturesque shot of Durgam Cheruvu Lake, Hyderabad’s hidden gem. The Third Prize: Shalini Jain, member of the Telangana Photographic Society and passionate wildlife and travel photographer, for her dramatic capture of Bogatha Waterfall, dubbed the Niagara of Telangana
“Tourism photography plays a powerful role in promoting the unseen and untold stories of our land. Through a single frame, a photographer can transport Telangana into the heart of the world—its heritage, landscapes, traditions, and vibrant culture. This contest was not just about capturing moments; it was about projecting Telangana’s tourism potential to the world. FTCCI is proud to support and spotlight such talent that contributes to the state’s growing visibility on the global tourism map. The Tourism Committee has done a wonderful job in this regard.” Said R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, speaking on the occasion,”
A two-member expert jury comprising veteran photojournalist Mr. H. Satish and landscape photographer Mr. Satyaprasad evaluated over 500 photographs submitted by more than 100 participants. The selection was based on the contest theme:
“Explore, Experience, and Exhibit the Spirit of Telangana Tourism”, with judging criteria including creativity, composition, theme relevance, and visual impact.
The jury dedicated over five hours to reviewing the 144 shortlisted entries.
In the words of Mr. H. Satish, Jury member, it was the most transparent process adopted. Satyaprasad, another jury member, expressed his happiness at the quality of the pics, and that made judging that much more difficult. I am happy to note that all the pics that qualified for the prizes promote tourism.
All winners will receive certificates and cash awards of ₹10,000/-, ₹7,500/-, and ₹5,000/- respectively, in a special felicitation ceremony scheduled for September 1, 2025, at the FTCCI headquarters, Hyderabad.
Eight participants announced consolation prizes of ₹1,000/- each: They include Gokarapu Shyam Kumar – Thousand Pillar Temple with Nandi, Hanmakonda; G. Balaswami – Telangana Secretariat with Buddha Statue; Peeranayakam Saidulu – Bathukamma Festival; N. Rajesh Reddy – Bird’s-eye View of Mozam Jahi Market; N. Pradeep Kumar – Chowmahalla Palace; Firdaus F. Mistri – Qutb Shahi Tombs, and Ms. M. Sandhya Shalivahana – Golconda Fort
Speaking on the success of the initiative, Ms. P. Sangeetha, Director, FTCCI, noted the overwhelming response and the wide range of perspectives captured.
Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu, Chairman, FTCCI Tourism Committee, added, “Though this was our maiden contest, the participation was both rich in quantity and outstanding in quality. Each entry has helped position the participant as an ‘Ambassador of Telangana Tourism’. Such initiatives have great potential in promoting the state’s tourism through authentic, visual storytelling.”
Additionally, a few unsung heroes—good Samaritans who uphold and practice core human values in their everyday lives—will also be recognized during the event.