Rev. Dr P. Joshi (lovingly known as “Joshi Anna”) was a humble yet powerful servant of God, raised by poor but godly parents in Gutala, Andhra Pradesh. The Lord used him to reach millions of Telugu-speaking people worldwide through radio, television, crusades, and church-planting ministries. His life continues to inspire believers to say, “Here am I, Lord; send me.”
Early Life and Calling
Born in 1947 as the only child of Mr John and Mrs Kamalamma Ponukumati, Joshi Anna excelled academically, completing his degree in Mathematics, Science, and Electrical Engineering in 1969.
At the age of 15, after hearing the Gospel through a ministry connected to Bro. Sadhu Sunder Singh, he surrendered his life to Christ and began sharing the Good News wherever God opened doors.
In 1982, while serving as an engineer, he responded to God’s call and entered full-time ministry.
Global Evangelist and Broadcaster
In 1984, God led him to Trans World Radio, where, through the Telugu program Premadhara, he taught the entire Bible verse by verse over seven years, reaching more than 10 million listeners—a historic milestone in Telugu Christian broadcasting.
He continued radio ministry for 14 years and later expanded to television through programs such as Samadhana Samayam – The Time of Peace, strengthening prayer, counselling, and discipleship among viewers. His clear and compassionate voice became a familiar presence in homes across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, India, and the global Telugu diaspora.
Jesus Followers Ministries (JFM)
In 1998, after over 15 years of missionary and media work, the Lord led him to start Jesus Followers Ministries with a vision to reach the unreached Telugu people—approximately 80 million worldwide.
Based in Hyderabad, JFM has focused on outreach evangelism, radio and television ministry, spiritual literature, telephonic prayer, and church-planting among the poor and in remote villages. Supported by the sacrificial giving and prayers of simple believers, the ministry continues to shine the light of Christ among Telugu-speaking communities around the world.
Recognition and Impact
God opened doors for Joshi Anna to preach across India and abroad, including at Telugu conferences in the United States, the Middle East, and other nations. He also led believers on pilgrimages through the Holy Land.
In 1986, he served as a staff member and Telugu translator for Dr Billy Graham at the Itinerant Evangelists’ Conference in Amsterdam. He was later ordained as a “Reverend of the Lord” by the Baptist Church in Hyderabad and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Theology in evangelism by a U.S.-based institution.
He was popularly known as the “Billy Graham of India” among Telugu believers for his large open-air crusades, where thousands responded to the Gospel.
Legacy and Homegoing
After nearly six decades of faithful, sacrificial service, Rev. Dr P. Joshi went to be with the Lord on 25 September 2021, leaving behind his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as a worldwide spiritual family who dearly loved their “Joshi Anna.” His homegoing was honoured by multiple denominations, reflecting the deep respect he held across the Body of Christ.
Today, his legacy continues through his family and Jesus Followers Ministries as they carry forward his burden to take the Gospel to the unreached Telugu people and beyond.