Category Archives: Leaders

Women Making Their Presence Felt: Vizag DRM

Business & Economy, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders
Waltair DRM Chandralekha Mukherjee inaugurating the WIPS Foundation Day celebrations at the Steel Plant in Visakhapatnam on Friday. RINL CMD P Madhusudan and other directors are seen | EPS
Waltair DRM Chandralekha Mukherjee inaugurating the WIPS Foundation Day celebrations at the Steel Plant in Visakhapatnam on Friday. RINL CMD P Madhusudan and other directors are seen | EPS

Visakhapatnam  :

Divisional railway manager, Waltair, Chandralekha Mukherjee said that modern women were very competitive and had strong presence in society. She exhorted women employees to work with discipline, and work hard with commitment to scale greater heights in their profession.

Chandralekha was the chief guest at the Women in Public Sector (WIPS) formation day celebrations held at Ukkunagaram Friday. Sharing her experiences, she said government departments and PSUs were actively empowering and supporting women’s growth. If women prove their worth, the system would automatically support them. The spread of education and western thinking were rapidly aiding women, she said. Chandralekha appreciated the social support activities of WIPS and the encouragement provided by the RINL management.

RINL CMD P Madhusudan complimented WIPS cell for the laurels it won at the national level and promised support to women in career development, initiation of women supportive policies, training and  other infrastructure support.

He said that the WIPS was one of the active divisions of the company and expressed pleasure that women employees at the RINL were working in critical operation areas with dedication and commitment.

Directors (Projects) PC Mohapatra, (Personnel) GBS Prasad, (Operations) DN Rao and (Finance) TVS Krishna Kumar of the RINL and Visteel Mahila Samiti vice-president C Gargeyi were present.

On the occasion, AGM (QA) G Seshamma, who received PhD and the MESA award from Andhra University for her technical paper on treatment of industrial water, and another official Ramya who secured 893 rank in civil services, were felicitated by Chandralekha Mukherjee and P Madhusudan.

DGM (HR) and WIPS coordinator V Padmavathi presented the coordinator’s report and expressed her gratitude to the management for its all-round support. She also stated that the management had accorded permission to organise the 26th National Meet of WIPS in Visakhapatnam on February 12 and 13, 2016.

Earlier, forewoman Annapoorna rendered the invocation song. The programme was conducted by junior manager V Soumya and general secretary C Sheeba Rani conducted the felicitation proceedings. WIPS vice-president Ruchira Guptha and deputy manager Kameswari were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com  The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / August 15th, 2015

Noted atheist G. Lavanam dead

Leaders
Noted atheist G. Lavanam, 86, died on Friday. - A File Photo. / The Hindu
Noted atheist G. Lavanam, 86, died on Friday. – A File Photo. / The Hindu

Noted social reformer and atheist G. Lavanam, 86, breathed his last in Vijayawada on Friday morning and last rites performed on Saturday, announced family members.

Social reformer and prominent atheist leader Goparaju Lavanam, 86, died of cardiac arrest at 9.50 a.m. here on Friday. The end came after a brief illness that saw him fighting a losing battle at Ramesh Hospitals, where he was shifted three weeks ago after he complained of uneasiness.

His body has been brought to the Atheist Centre near Benz Circle where people from various walks of life gathered in large numbers to pay their last tributes to the departed soul.

Born on October 10 in 1930, Lavanam was the eldest son of freedom fighters and social reformers Gora (Goparaju Ramachandra Rao) and Saraswathi Gora. He married Hemalata, daughter of renowned poet Gurram Joshua. He is brother of noted sexologist and former IMA president G. Samaram.

At a very young age of 12, he discontinued school to join his father Gora and participate in the freedom struggle and propagation of positive atheism. Lavanam’s radical thoughts on social change could be attributed to the vast exposure he had at a young age of meeting national and international leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Vinobha Bhave, Jayaprakash Narayan, King Martin Luther (Jr.), George Willoughby, Paul Kurtz (USA), Sir Herman Bondi (UK) and of course his father Gora.

An atheist, an unconventional scholar, a social philosopher and a Gandhian scholar, Lavanam firmly believed and worked relentlessly for spread of positive atheism, Gandhian humanism and social reform all his life. His and his wife had done social service among the Stuartpuram criminals and Joginis of Nizamabad District for over four decades.

Lavanam means ‘salt’. As he was born at the time of Salt Satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi, his father Gora named his new-born son ‘Lavanam’ to commemorate the significant event.

His family members said as per Lavanam’s wish, his eyes would be donated to Swetcha Gora Eye Bank and he body will be donated to Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada based on his wish after the last journey on Friday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Sujatha Varma / Vijayawada – August 14th, 2015

Rammohan Library geared up to attract students

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
Booklovers at Ramamohan Library in Vijayawada on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)
Booklovers at Ramamohan Library in Vijayawada on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada:

The century-old Rammohan Dharma Pusthaka Bhandagaram, better known as Rammohan Library located near Bandar Locks on MG Road is going through a new phase of upgradation for the youth of Vijayawada.

The library, a two-storied building, built in 1911 is a monument that reflects history of the city and literary works of various authors of the 18th and 19th centuries. However, till recently, the library was left unattended for decades due to lack of financial support. The library at present has over 10,000 books relating to independence, history, science, politics and others written in Telugu, English and Sanksrit languages besides a few Hindi classics.

Ayyanki Venkataramanaiah, who is known as the Architect of Library Movement  in India, helped establishing the library along with Suri Venkata Narasimha Sastry. The duo were the first secretary and president of the trust that runs the library. Speaking to DC, library incharge and trust member Mr Ch. Koteswara Rao,  said that already a set of books relating to engineering subjects were acquired through donations. “Once a good collection is made we would start a separate section for books relating to education where youngsters can come and utilise them,” he said.

“We repaired the building to an extent and refurbished the books that are about to turn into powder. Hopefully, we would get the building protected with fencing soon,” Mr Rao added.

“We also plan to start skill development classes for interested students and already a couple of senior citizens agreed to serve as mentors,” Mr Rao said.

The treasure house is of historical importance for being visited by Mahatma Gandhi, former President V.V. Giri and many freedom fighters. The first floor of the building has an auditorium, where the legendary actress Savithri has performed her first-ever stage play decades ago. Earlier, it was a centre for literary, social and cultural activity in the district but now just around 50 people visit it each day and go through newspapers.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Deccan Chronicle / August 06th, 2015

Raja Durbar held to continue legacy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
Pontiff Sri Vidyamanohar Teertha of Vyasaraja Math conducts Raja Durbar in Anantapur. (Photo: DC)
Pontiff Sri Vidyamanohar Teertha of Vyasaraja Math conducts Raja Durbar in Anantapur. (Photo: DC)

Anantapur:

A 494-years of spiritual legacy of a saint ruler saved not just the life of Vijayanagar emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya but also a dynasty. The saint was none other than Guru Vyasaraja Swamy, who was mentor for five generations of Vijayanagar kings.

Guru Vyasaraja Swamy had saved Sri Krishnadevarya on 30-01-1521 from Kuhu Dosha (adverse impact on king’s personnel horoscope). The adverse impact of it would have resulted in a snake biting the emperor at his throne.

But, Vyasaraja Swamy burnt the snake with his extreme power as he sat on the simhasan during a particular kuhudosa period. The Vyasaraja math of Sosale celebrates Raja Durbar every day since 1521 to commemorate the incident. Anantapur Vyasaraja Math was venue for grand celebration of incarnation of Saint Vyasaraja Swamy of his 494th year on Sunday.

Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya offered his throne to the saint, who ruled for 36 minutes in which he passed orders for construction of many tanks and 732 temples of Lord Hanuman in the country.

JNTUA principal K. Prahlada Rao said the durbar has been conducted every day for 494 years by pontiffs of Sri Vyasaraja math, whose period was golden age in south India. Pontiff Sri Vidyamanohar Teertha of Vyasaraja Math conducted Raja Durbar at Anantapur after occupying the Simhasan on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, Swamiji hoped good rains in Rayalaseema region.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Deccan Chronicle / August 04th, 2015

Andhra Pradesh man appointed BITS Pilani Vice-Chancellor

Education, Leaders, Science & Technology
V. Sambasiva Rao
V. Sambasiva Rao
Guntur:
Prof. V. Sambasiva Rao, native of Tullur in the new capital region in Guntur district, has been appointed as the acting vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani. Prof. Sambasiva Rao, an alumunus of BITS Pilani, took the charge on Friday.
Born in Tullur, Mr Sambasiva Rao completed his primary education at Tullur. He completed intermediate and degree from Andhra Christian College at Guntur. Later, he joined BITS Pilani and completed M. Sc (Chemistry) and joined there as a faculty.
Prof Sambasiva Rao said that he has been associated with BITS Pilani for over four decades in various capacities such as dean of Practice School, deputy director, off campus programmes and director, BITS  Pilani, Hyderabad campus. Besides obtaining a Ph. D from BITS Pilani, he obtained a certificate on Educational Economics and Research from  University of Bielfeld, Germany.
Prof. Sambasiva Rao recalled that as a Director, he established BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad campus in a sprawling 200 acres of land making it fully residential that accommodates 3,200 students and 160 faculty members.
He expressed happiness over the inclusion of his birth place in the new capital region of AP and expressed hope that Tullur will emerge as a world class capital.
The residents of Tullur who don’t know much about Prof. Sambasiva Rao due to the migration of his family years ago, are now inquiring about him and expressing happiness over his taking charge as the VC of the prestigious institution.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs /  Deccan Chronicle / August 02nd, 2015

Chalasani Prasad passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
Chalasani Prasad was scheduled to attend Virasam’s 45th anniversary meeting on Saturday evening.
Chalasani Prasad was scheduled to attend Virasam’s 45th anniversary meeting on Saturday evening.

One of the founders of Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Virasam), a revolutionary writers’ association, Chalasani Prasad, passed away at his residence at HB Colony in Seetammadhara here on Saturday.

He suffered a heart attack and passed away before an ambulance reached his home.

He was 83 and is survived by two daughters.

Prasad’s wife passed away a few years ago.

Incidentally, Saturday was the 45th anniversary of Virasam, and he was to preside over a meeting scheduled to be held in the evening.

Born at Bhatlapenumarru in Krishna district, Chalasani Prasad was influenced by his paternal uncle, a Communist who was killed during an agitation, and lived all through his life as an unwavering Marxist.

He was detained during Emergency and arrested several times later due to his Marxist thought and pronouncements, and because Virasam was considered as a front organisation of the CPI (Maoist).

Prasad retired as a lecturer of politics at Mrs. A.V.N. College here. He had endeared himself to the students not only because he was an excellent teacher but also as one interested in improving their personality. He was very close to Sri Sri, Raavi Sastry, Ranganayakamma, and several others.

A voracious reader, Chalasani Prasad’s house is packed with thousands of books, many of them rare titles. This is considered as one of the biggest private collection.

He could discuss in depth many issues and would appreciate a good piece of writing, whatever might be the stature of the writer and, at the same time, not spare even a well established author if he or she made a mistake or wrote something that was against society’s interests.

He may have been a Leftist, but read what was written by others too. He would not miss a literary meeting on Viswanadha Satyanarayana, because he appreciated his writings. A few days ago, he presided over a literary meeting on Viswanadha Satyanarayana’s works.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – July 26th, 2015

Bhattam Srirama Murthy passes away

Leaders
Bhattam Srirama Murthy was responsible for getting better compensation package for VSP-displaced persons.
Bhattam Srirama Murthy was responsible for getting better compensation package for VSP-displaced persons.

Former Minister, MP, and freedom fighter Bhattam Srirama Murthy passed away at a private hospital here on Monday. He was ailing for some time. He was 89 and is survived by a daughter and a son.

Bhattam Srirama Murthy was a politician known for his shrewdness and taking on big leaders and running long battles with a few of his contemporaries.

He was a good speaker, a well-read man, and a writer. He also worked on the desk for some newspapers in his early days.

Bhattam Srirama Murthy was initially with the Socialist Party and later joined the Congress. He was elected to the Assembly four times. He was Minister three times. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Visakhapatnam on the Telugu Desam ticket in 1984 at a time the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was taking shape. He later went back to the Congress.

He was responsible for appointing M.S. Subbulakshmi official State singer and also of the TTD. He was born at Dharmavaram in Vizianagaram district on May 12, 1926.

He was State general secretary of the Socialist Party in 1957 and later joined the Congress. He was elected to the Assembly from Vizianagaram from 1957 and 1962 and from Parawada in 1972 and 1978. Later, he joined the TDP and was elected to the Lok Sabha.

Bhattam’s last rites were performed late in the afternoon with State honours.

MLC M.V.S. Sarma, MLA P.V.G.R. Naidu, former MLAs Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao and S.A. Rehaman, former Mayor Sabbam Hari, CPI(M) leaders Ch. Narasinga Rao, K. Lokanadham, and G. Ganga Rao, president of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations of AP and Telangana G.S. Chalam, and a large number of people visited Bhattam’s residence and paid floral tributes to his mortal remains.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, president of YSRC Y.S Jaganmohan Reddy, Minister for Panchayati Raj Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu (in a statement from the U.S.) and HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, MP T. Subbarami Reddy, and others and organisations like the Uttarandhra Journalists’ Front mourned the death of Bhattam Srirama Murthy.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – July 07th, 2015

Services of ‘messiah of the downtrodden’ hailed

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
Children take part in a procession organised during the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr.B.R. Ambedkar in Tirupati on Tuesday.—PHOTO: K.V. Poornachandra Kumar
Children take part in a procession organised during the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr.B.R. Ambedkar in Tirupati on Tuesday.—PHOTO: K.V. Poornachandra Kumar

People should work for achieving goals set by the Constitution, says Kodela

The pivotal role PLAYED by the principal architect of Indian Constitution B.R. Ambedkar in emancipation of the poor and the downtrodden in society was brought to the fore by leaders of political parties and other organisations across Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday.

MARKING his 124th birth anniversary celebrations, leaders paid glowing tributes to a ‘true son of the soil’.

In Ongole, State Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao led the celebrations.

Paying floral tributes to a statue of the Dalit icon at Thuravagunta along with TDP farmers wing State president Karnam Balarama Krishnamurthy and others, Dr. Rao said the Indian Constitution was “one of the best in the world,” which had laid the foundation for modern India’s rightful place in the comity of nations.

He exhorted fellow countrymen to rededicate themselves on this “NATIONAL festival” to relentlessly work for achieving the goals set by the Constitution. “This alone will be a fitting tribute to the Constitution architect,” he said.

In Chittoor, Minister for Forests Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy said that revolutionary developments in EDUCATION SECTOR alone could drive away social inequalities.

“As part of implementing the Central and the State PROGRAMMES for uplift of SC/ST communities, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has formulated the best policies in the State. The officials should strive sincerely to distribute the fruits of the development to target groups by judiciously spending the funds meant for the SC/STs,” he urged.

At ONGC Rajahmundry asset, Executive Director-Asset Manager Debashish Sanyal, led the celebrations at the Corporation’s base complex. He said as a responsible citizen of the country, Dr. Ambedkar had actively involved himself in emancipation of the downtrodden. He had waged ‘academic battles’ and had taken to activism to realise his goal. Cutting across PARTY lines, public representatives in Srikakulam offered floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar. Local MP K. Rammohan, Srikakulam Collector P. Lakshmi Narasimham and others garlanded statue of Ambedkar near RTC Complex. Palakonda MLA Viswasaraya Kalavati, Lok Satta Party vice-president P. Rambabu and others attended.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Andhra Pradesh Bureau / Vijayawada – April 15th, 2015

Masonic temple coming up in Vijayawada

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Grand Master of Grand Lodge of India Vasudev Jamnabihar Masurekar on Saturday exhorted the members of Freemasons Lodge to add more love and affection in whatever they gave to the society.What matters is not how much we give but how much care we put while giving it to others, he said while speaking at the foundation stone laying function of the Masonic temple at Ibrahimpatnam.

Mr. Masurekar also inaugurated a Masonic library along with Mr. Arvind Prasad Chitra, Regional Grand Master of the Southern India. He released the members’ directory for the benefit of the lodge members. He inspected the drinking water plant built by Lodge Burroughs Strange No. 87 for the neighbourhood locality and commended the work done by lodge members who generated Rs. 60 lakhs for the Huhhud cyclone victims . Grand Master B. Amarnaath, P.V. Krishnaiah, G. Harisiva Kumar and others took part in the both the functions.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – April 05th, 2015

Workshop for Ryots on Organic Farming

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders

Visakhapatnam :

Prakruti Vyavasaaya Raithangam, an organisation working for the welfare of farmers, will organise a workshop on ‘organic farming’ for farmers of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts, at Ambedkar Assembly Hall in Andhra University on May 4 and 5. Subhash Palekar, the pioneer of this  methodology, will brief the farmers on the advantages of bio-fertilisers and pesticides against the chemical ones. On May 4, from 10 am, Palekar will educate the farmers about ‘zero-budget farming’, and on  May 5, he will talk on the ‘back to nature’ policy towards farming.

Subhash Palekar, born in a farmer’s family in Maharashtra, conducted experiments in 154 regions, including farmland and forests, and has come up with a natural substance named ‘Jeevamrutha’ that can be used to improve soil fertility in arid and semi-arid regions. He launched it 15 years ago and had been promoting it ever since.

M Pavan Kumar, the convenor of Prakruthi Vyavasaaya Raithangam, told mediapersons here Sunday that the workshop would include farmers who had already benefited from the nature methodology. They will interact with the farmers who are not aware of it. The farmers will also be provided practical training.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / April 06th, 2015