The Andhra Pradesh Government has appointed three new Advisors across different departments. The move brings together professionals from health, media, and religious administration. These appointments aim to strengthen advisory support in key public-facing areas.
The appointments include naturopathy doctor Manthena Satyanarayana Raju as Natural Medicine Advisor. Renowned cartoonist Pochampally Sridhar Rao, also known as Sridhar, has been named Mass Communications advisor. Chunduri Sitaramanjaneya Prasad from Prakasam district will advise the Endowments Department.
Sitaramanjaneya Prasad earlier served as chairman of the Hindu Dharma Parirakshana Trust during the TDP government in 2018. Among the three appointments, Sridhar’s inclusion has drawn the most attention due to his long and influential media career.
Sridhar reshaped political cartoons at Eenadu for over four decades. In 2021, he parted ways with the media house, which later continued publishing cartoons through other artists. Reports at the time suggested differences between Sridhar and the management.
There were strong rumours that Sridhar would join another organisation. Despite his reputation, he chose not to take up any new media role. He also stayed silent about his exit and remained active mainly on social media platforms.
Over the years, Sridhar has shared cartoons online and run a YouTube channel. He analyses news and teaches cartooning. However, his digital presence has not matched the influence he once commanded in print media.
Many assumed this phase marked a quiet retirement. The advisory appointment has therefore come as a surprise. It remains to be seen how the Andhra Pradesh Government plans to utilise Sridhar’s experience and creative insight.
