Category Archives: Inspiration /Positive News and Features

CM felicitates Naval officer

Amazing Feats, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu falicitating Lieutenant Commander Patarlapallil Swati of the Indian Navy in Vijayawada on Thursday | Photo Credit: ARRANGED
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu falicitating Lieutenant Commander Patarlapallil Swati of the Indian Navy in Vijayawada on Thursday | Photo Credit: ARRANGED

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu felicitated Patarlapalli Swathi, who circumnavigated the globe on a sailing vessel.

Swathi, Lieutenant Commander in the Indian Navy, was part of six-member team that circumnavigated the globe in eight months. The team started its journey on September 10 last year and returned to Goa on May 21. The voyage is christened Navika Sagar Parikrama. She hails from Visakhapatnam.

Showering praises on Lt. Cdr. Swathi, Mr. Naidu said that the youth should take inspiration from her courage and valour. Her voyage remains in the history. Despite hardships she and her team succeeded , he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – September 07th, 2018

Sindhu floors the gathering at Teachers’ Day celebrations

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Well done: Badminton champion P.V. Sindhu shows her medal to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Mangalagiri on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: T_VIJAYA_KUMAR
Well done: Badminton champion P.V. Sindhu shows her medal to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Mangalagiri on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: T_VIJAYA_KUMAR

She is a role model for every child in the State, says Naidu

P.V. Sindhu, badminton champion and silver medallist in Asian Games, was a star attraction at the Teachers’ Day celebrations held at CK Convention Centre in Mangalagiri on Wednesday. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu who showered lavish praises on the badminton player, described her as a role model for every child and promised all support to her as she pursues her passion.

‘Felicitation soon’

“If Sindhu can achieve the phenomenal success as a player at the age of 23 years, I have no doubt that she will go on to become the greatest badminton player in the world. I want to see a Sindhu emerge from every home in the State. She has done the country proud by winning silver in Olympics and in Asian Games and soon we will felicitate her after discussing in the Cabinet. She has shown what a child can do with the support from parents and motivation from within,” said Mr. Naidu.

Sindhu too expressed her gratitude and said that the support extended by Mr Naidu after the Olympics motivated her to perform and win a silver in Asian games. “I can not forget the support given by the CM. My parents are my first teachers and the role of teachers who have shaped me in school and coaches in the academies is tremendous. I feel that my career is just beginning to pick up and I am confident of scaling the peak with the support of all of you,” said Sindhu, whose father P.V. Ramana was a former volleyball national player. Minister for Human Resources Development Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Civil Supplies P. Pulla Rao and Minister for Social Welfare N. Ananda Babu were among those present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Guntur – September 06th, 2018

State bags 10 national MGNREGA awards

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Vizag, Prakasam districts, Kotabylu in Chittoor hog limelight

The State has won 10 awards in nine categories at the national level in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). West Bengal got seven awards.

A.P. stood in the No. 1 position in ‘transparency and accountability’ category followed by Telangana, Sikkim and Odisha and in the second position in ‘convergence and livelihood augmentation’ led by West Bengal. Visakhapatnam and Prakasam districts were placed first and secondrespectively among 18 high-performing districts in ‘effective implementation of MGNREGA by district teams’. A.P. stood in the 4th and 3rd places in ‘implementation of good governance initiative’ and ‘highest work completion’.

It was adjudged the third best in ‘implementation of barefoot technicians project’. Kotabylu in Chittoor district was recognised as the ‘best-performing gram panchayat in the implementation of MGNREGA’.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – September 03rd, 2018

Healing touch of ‘IRs.10 doctor’ in East Godavari

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Humane gesture: Doctor Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy with a patient at his nursing home in Anaparthi.
Humane gesture: Doctor Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy with a patient at his nursing home in Anaparthi.

Fee kept steady for the past 27 years

It’s rare for a doctor to be known by his consultation fee than the treatment he renders. However, the ‘₹10 doctor’ in Anaparthi in East Godavari district, has earned the name for providing deprived patients treatment for the same nominal fee for the past 27 years.

It was Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy’s father’s dream that he serve the poor. “This is to fulfil the last wish of my father, who passed away when I was pursuing medicine,” he recalls.

Seeing more than 200 patients, who make a beeline for the outpatient department every day, he spends 12 hours in the OPD and reserves another five for medical procedures.

Come weekends or public holidays, Dr. Reddy gives consultation to patients who mostly throng from surrounding villages and towns. Fee for poor patients from faraway villages, who typically spend everything on transport, is exempted.

He was among the first batch of students at Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, and later specialised in general surgery from the JJM Medical College at Davanagere in 1991, when he opened the nursing home in his native town.

Even then, ₹10 was lower than the average consultation fee charged by most doctors. “I preferred not to raise the fee, as I am here not for earnings. With my wife Adilakshmi extending her support, I am able to run the show this way,” he says, smiling.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by K N Murali Sankar / Kakinada – July 09th, 2018

A dependable ally of farmers, fishermen

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nature, Science & Technology
Reliance Foundation is bringing all the stakeholders of primary sector on one platform by using technology. | Photo Credit: SPECIALARRANGEMENT
Reliance Foundation is bringing all the stakeholders of primary sector on one platform by using technology. | Photo Credit: SPECIALARRANGEMENT

Reliance Foundation’s ICT initiative makes visible impact in East Godavari

Bridging the gaps among the stakeholders of the primary sector by making better use of the available Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is what the Reliance Foundation has been doing for the last six years.

From mere double digit, the number of its stakeholders has now touched the one million mark spreading in about 3,500 villages and hamlets. Launched as a pilot project in East Godavari district in 2012, the services of the foundation have now expanded to all the 13 districts of the State.

Weather updates

“We have been serving farmers and fisherfolk by making use of ICT. From providing weather updates and the satellite data pertaining to the potential fishing zones in the Bay of Bengal to arranging interactive sessions with scientists and subject experts in the video conferencing mode are the free services we are providing to the end users now,” says Chittibabu Nagulapalli, senior manager at the foundation.

Be it choosing the right time for plantation and harvest to the advice on the quantity of fertilizer and pesticide to be used, farmers are depending on the foundation’s call centre without any hesitation. Nearly 20% of the beneficiaries are from East Godavari district.

Video interaction

“Video interaction with the veterinary doctors is best among the services being provided by the foundation. Otherwise, it would be very difficult for us to cart the ailing cattle to the doctor and wait for our turn in the queue by postponing the day’s work,” explains Jalligampala Rambabu, who runs a mini-dairy at Kapavaram.

For fishermen, advance information about the potential zones is the major advantage. “It saves time and fuel as well. At the end of the day, we are able to get significant returns from fishing,” says Dooda Masenu, motorboat owner from Uppada. Information collected from the INCOIS is being disseminated to the stakeholders on their mobile phones. “We can also take the help of the call centre during the sudden climate change when we are in the sea,” he points out.

“All we are doing is to ensure coordination among the departments concerned and making better use of the available technology. Officials and scientists too are evincing interest in taking part in the virtual interactive sessions. We are playing the role of the facilitator,” explains Mr. Chitti Babu.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by K N Murali Sankar / Kakinada – July 03rd, 2018

Balayya opens cancer clinic

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N. Balakrishna with Speaker K. Siva Prasada Rao at the inauguration of BIACH’s clinic on Sunday. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR
N. Balakrishna with Speaker K. Siva Prasada Rao at the inauguration of BIACH’s clinic on Sunday. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR

‘Hospital will come up in Amaravati in three phases’

Hindupur MLA and Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (BIACH & RI) Chairman Nandamuri Balakrishna inaugurated the hospital’s information centre and clinic at Governorpet here on Sunday.

Mr. Balakrishna said that the institute would construct a cancer hospital at Amaravati in three phases. The State government has allotted 15 acres land at Amaravati for the hospital, which is being run on no-profit, no-loss basis. The hospital was offering concessions and free medical care depending upon the financial capabilities of the patients. The institute, doctors and staff work with a motto that the patients should be treated as guests, and instil confidence among them, he said.

According to a rough estimate, of the 10 lakh people diagnosed with cancer every year in India, 7 lakh people die. People tend lose hope as soon as they come to know about their condition. The patients would have to fight for their right to live.

‘Treatment within the reach of the poor’

A wrong impression had gained ground that the poor cannot afford cancer treatment as it was a costly affair. Many philanthropists were supporting the institute in providing medical care to the needy patients. Recently, the Telangana government also waived off the fee collected by GHMC from the institute, he added.

AP Assembly Speaker and former chairman of the institute Kodela Siva Prasada Rao said the hospital set up 18 years ago, has become one of the biggest institutes. The cancer hospital would come up at Amaravati in the next two years, he said.

Water Resources Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani), Vijayawada (Central) MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, BIACH & RI Board Trustee J.S.R. Prasad, Medical Director Subrahmanyeswara Rao, and CEO Prabhakar Rao spoke.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – July 02nd, 2018

1st in south, tiles to be made from plastic waste

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Scientists believe that the plastic tiles could be commercially viable as they are unbreakable and water-proof.

Visakhapatnam:

For the first time in South India, plastic waste will be recycled to manufacture tiles in Vizag.  The National Research Development Corporation’s Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre at Visakhapatnam and National Physical Laboratory of New Delhi has transferred the technology to the Vizag-based Vyzag Bio-Energy Fuel Private Limited, according to the centre’s Vizag head B.K Sahu.

Scientists believe that the plastic tiles could be commercially viable as they are unbreakable and water-proof. Promoting them would help combat the threat posed by plastic waste.  The technology was developed by scientist S.K. Dhawan and his team at the NPL, The technology was selected in the Smart Fifty innovations by the department of science and technology and IIM-Kolkata.   Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Dhawan said: “The idea was to evolve a solution to the huge threat looming on the environment due to plastic waste. Only 20 per cent of plastic waste is recycled and the rest is dumped, causing a huge impact all over including marine life. There is a huge scope to recycle these wastes.”

About 600 plastic bags are used to manufacture one tile and 42,000 plastic bags for a slab measuring seven foot by four foot. The plastic tiles cost Rs 50-60 per sq feet and could be used for pavements, jogger paths. Tiles are being manufactured with different designs and are commercially viable. “When plastic wastes are being recycled to lay roads, why we should not use them for tiles,” Mr Dhawan asked. “Plastic recycling is growing in India and the market is huge. We should focus more on how to get wealth from wastes,” said the scientist.

Waste plastic bags and bottles are shredded into small pieces. This is mixed with fillers and moulded into water-proof decorative colourful tiles. 600 plastic bags are used to make one standard size tile 42,000 plastic bags are used for a slab measuring seven foot by four foot. Plastic tiles cost Rs 50-60 per sq feet and could be used for pavements, jogger paths.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Viral & Trending / by Sumit Onka, Deccan Chronicle / June 29th, 2018

Bengaluru: Hearing impaired woman covers 8,300km on bike

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DRIVEN BY PASSION: Archana Timmaraju embarked on the tour to motivate the hearing impaired
DRIVEN BY PASSION: Archana Timmaraju embarked on the tour to motivate the hearing impaired

______________________________

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hearing impaired Archana Timmaraju is back in Bengaluru after completing a 8,300km bike ride to Ladakh.
  • Born with 40% hearing ability, Archana has been facing difficulties and disabilities in her speech

______________________________

Bengaluru :

She may be hearing impaired but that hasn’t stopped her from being adventurous. Archana Timmaraju, 33, is back in the city after completing a 8,300km bike ride to Ladakh .

Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Archana studied in St John’s School, Bengaluru, and later did her masters in metal sculpting from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. Other than sculpting, Archana also teaches art at Mallya Aditi International School.

“I started riding at 21 and haven’t looked back since. The aim of this tour — Journey to Inspire — was to motivate the hearing impaired and encourage more women to ride bikes,” she said.

Archana was accompanied by her friend and colleague Daniel Sundaram, a geography teacher, on the journey that began on April 29 and culminated at Freedom Park on May 29. She rode a Royal Enfield, while Daniel was on a KTM bike.

When asked about Archana’s feat, her mother Sita Mahalakshmi said: “We were not scared at all.Archana made video calls to us every day and shared her location live so we knew where she was. I am extremely proud of her.”

Born with 40% hearing ability, Archana has been facing difficulties and disabilities in her speech. She can hear to a certain extent with help of an aid. Archana, with Daniel, has also founded a community, Silent Expedition, for bikers,withspecialemphasison those with disabilities.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City> Bangalore / TNN / June 02nd, 2018

NRI couple returned to serve their village

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's

PrasadANDHRA29may2018

Guntur:

“The contribution of DVS Prasad and his wife to our village is massive. The couple funded construction of roads, community halls and setting up of drinking water facilities,” said Dr Prakasa Rao of Medical and Cultural Association of Repalle.

As a youth, DVS Prasad dreamt of making millions. Meritorious in studies, Prasad went to America to further his career after completing graduation in engineering. He worked with top multinational companies, including Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

By his own admission, Prasad felt uncomfortable with his growing bank balance. He realised that the solution for him was paying back to society. Prasad, who spent over two-decades in US, gained peace after returning to India and serving society. His wife Sunitha, a dental professional, backed him throughout and helped him start a trust in the memory of Prasad’s parents.

Prasad initially adopted Jillepalli village and wanted to expand activities to the neighbouring areas in a phased manner. The locals were overwhelmed with the initiatives of Prasad and his wife. The trust took up a number of activities, including developmental activities and welfare programmes.

DVS Prasad is keen on sponsoring students of underprivileged sections to pursue higher-education. “Education will help them beat poverty and help society. We need to help every child,” Prasad told TOI.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Vijayawada News / TNN / May 28th, 2018

This teenage designer is weaving urban story from traditional yarns

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Visakhapatnam:

At a time when the who’s who among Indian designers are returning to the grassroots and trying to revive traditional weaves and ancient weaving techniques, a youngster from the city is working hard to promote Andhra and Telangana weaves and put Visakhapatnam on the fashion map.
Aaron Borthwick (18) designs clothes using local weaves, using material from villages such as Bobbili, Mangalagiri, Chirala and others.

Some of his designs have been used by actors in the film industry of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Aaron, with his own team of traditional weavers, is trying to infuse a contemporary charm to the traditional designs.

Son of a merchant navy officer Captain Richard Borthwick and mother Supraja, who works for the terminally-ill patients at St Joseph’s Hospice, Aaron competed his schooling from Visakha Valley School last year and aspires to pursue fashion designing.

But Aaron did not set out to be a designer. He said, “It was not a planned career move. I was supposed to pursue International Business in Barcelona. With a few months to go, I started designing clothes using the local weaves from Bobbili, Uppada, Mangalagiri, Narayanpet, Pochampally and Chirala. My interest in travelling took me to villages where I started picking up handloom material for my clothing brand. I try to bring a contemporary charm to traditional handloom material. I find it encouraging to be able to take the traditional weaves to exhibitions in other states,” said Aaron.

It was during one such exhibition in Chennai in December 2017, when Tamil actor Aathmika, notices Aaron’s work and shared it with other actors on social media. Now, Aaron’s designs are worn by the likes of Manjima Mohan, Janani Iyer, Aahana Krishnan, Mehreen Kaur from Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil film industries.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Visakhapatnam News / by Sulogna Mehta / May 15th, 2018