The members of the Telugu Film Journalists Association were on Thursday given insurance cards at the hands of Megastar Chiranjeevi at an event held in Prasad Labs, Hyderabad. The event was also graced by Telangana Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, star director Anil Ravipudi, Ethika Insurance CEO Rajendra, TFJA President V Lakshminarayana, General Secretary YJ Rambabu, Treasurer Naidu Surendra Kumar and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Megastar Chiranjeevi said, "Journalists are like my relatives. When I was doing 'Pranam Khareedu' early on in my career, I was waiting for someone to write about me. When I read an article written by Pasupaleti Ramarao garu mentioning me, I was overjoyed. I offered him a couple of hundred rupees as a gift. He refused to take the money and told me that it is his responsibility to encourage artists like me. The incident increased my respect for journalists. I also respect frank and forthright journalists like Gudipudi Srihari, VSR Anjaneyulu, Nandagopal and others. During the pandemic, besides members of the 24 crafts belonging to the film industry, journalist friends were also given the supply of essentials through CCC. A benefit of Rs 1 lakh will be given to TFJA per film under the aegis of Talasani Srinivas garu. I will always be there for the Association in the future. Ever since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, state cine awards haven't been there. In this context, the initiative by the TFJA to hold South Indian Film Festival in November is appreciable. I will extend my support for it."

Telangana Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav said, "Film journalists are apolitical. They are disciplined. Chiranjeevi garu has been supportive during the pandemic. Hundreds of needy people have received a free supply of groceries under my aegis as well. I feel TFJA should be given Rs 1 lakh per film. I am going to donate Rs 5 lakh in this regard. Dil Raju, Anil Ravipudi and producer Radhakrishna are supporting the Association already. The KCR government, too, has been lending a helping hand in a number of ways. The film industry has been given benefits like single window approvals, an extra show per day and ticket price hikes. Arogya Sri benefits have been extended. Film journalists will also be included in it. The concerned department will be working on the issue."

Director Anil Ravipudi said, "Any telling of history starts with journalists writing down something. That's why they are respected. Health card is of great use for them. I appreciate the leadership of TFJA for this concerted action. Chiranjeevi garu has been the film industry's strength. His backing gives journalists a lot of support. I wish 'Acharya' a great success."

Ethika Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd. CEO Rajendra said, "The initiative to provide health insurance facility for journalists started four years ago. We have tried our best. We wish everyone good health and well-being. We will always be there when the members need our support."

President V Lakshminarayana explained the services offered by TFJA for journalists and families.

Treasurer Naidu Surendra Kumar said, "In total, 110 individuals are eligible for medical insurance benefits this year. Everyone has the assurance that Rs 3 lakh insurance can be availed of. The family of a member who passed away recently was given Rs 15 lakh. We want everyone to be happy."

General Secretary YJ Rambabu said, "During the Covid-19 pandemic, director Anil Ravipudi garu helped the association voluntarily. Minister Talasani garu is urged to extend a helping hand from the government side in case of any need. We thank Chiranjeevi garu for being there for journalists during the pandemic."

Here is the Telugu Film Journalist Association Newly Elected Body List

President
V Lakshminarayana

Vice Presidents
1. M Chandra Sekhar
2. G Srinivas Kumar

General Secretary
Y J Rambabu

Joint Secretarys
1.G V Ramana
2. Vamsi Kaka

Treasurer
Naidu Surendra Kumar

Executive Committee
1. P Raghu
2. Y Ravichandra
3. G Jalapathy
4. K Phani
5. K Sathish
6. Rentala Jayadev
7. Vaddi Om Prakash
8. Suresh Kondi