Popular singer and spiritual communicator LV Gangadhara Sastry, widely known for his Sapoorna Bhagavad Gita movement, is likely to be conferred the prestigious Padma Shri this year, according to inside sources from the TDP.
Sources reveal that despite his long-standing proximity to power centers following the launch of his Bhagavad Gita mission, Sastry had earlier missed out on the honour due to insufficient lobbying at key levels.
This time, however, the buzz is strong that the recognition is almost certain. Insiders say that Sastry’s enthusiastic support for the promotional campaigns of Akhanda 2 played a crucial role in turning the tide.
Reportedly, actor and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna has taken a personal interest in backing Sastry’s case.
Balakrishna is said to have already facilitated effective lobbying through Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, ensuring a strong recommendation from Andhra Pradesh and sustained follow-up at the national level. Whether these efforts culminate in the Padma honour remains to be seen.
The announcements happen on January 26. The insiders say that Balakrishna's influence in this is too big and it will be proved in a month.
