Category Archives: About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh

New Dept for Development of Telugu Language Set Up

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A separate department for development of Telugu language was constituted. Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy cleared the related file on Tuesday and orders were issued immediately to that affect.

It may be recalled that in the fourth World Telugu Conference held at Tirupati in last December, the chief minister announced that a separate department for development of Telugu language would be created.

Accordingly, the government created a new department called ‘Department of Language and Culture’ duly redeploying the posts.

Posts redeployed to the new department of Language and Culture are: One deputy secretary to government from general administration department, one assistant secretary to government from general administration department, three section officers from general administration department, five assistant

section officers from general administration department, three inspecting officers from general administration department, one deputy secretary to government (Culture) from YAT & C  department, one assistant secretary to government (Culture) from YAT&C department, one section officer (Culture) from YAT&C department and one assistant section officer (Culture) from  YAT&C department will be posted in the new department.

The new department will be headed by secretary to government (Culture) as secretary (Language and Culture) under overall supervision of special chief secretary, youth advancement, tourism and culture department, the orders said.

Department of Language and Culture will deal with subjects in addition to the subjects – Official Language – now being dealt by general administration department and the subject of culture now being dealt by youth advancement, tourism and culture department.

The other wings – Official Language Commission now under general administration  department, three Akademies – Sahithya Akademi, Lalitha Kala Akademi and Sangeetha Nataka Janapada Akademi under Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department, and theatres under general administration department.

Centre of Excellence Studies in Indian Languages from Higher Education Department and Telugu Akademi from Higher Education Department will also come under the newly created department.

CM Greets Telugus on New Year

Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Tuesday greeted the people of the state and Telugus all over the world a happy, peaceful and a prosperous New Year. The chief minister, in a special message, hoped that 2014 will bring peace, joy and cheer to the people. He hoped that state will progress in all sectors. The chief minister said that even in  difficult situations, the  state made rapid strides in all sectors in the last three years.

He said it was a matter of pride and satisfaction that Andhra Pradesh bagged the ‘Best Performing State in Governance”. He said that the state stood first in citizen services and people’s welfare schemes in the country.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / January 01st, 2014

2013 could be last page in history of ‘united’ Andhra Pradesh

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Hyderabad :

The year 2013 could well be the last page in the history of ‘united’ Andhra Pradesh as the state stands on the verge of a geographical separation.

If everything goes as per the government’s plan, Andhra Pradesh will get divided into two states – Telangana and (residual) Andhra Pradesh – early this year, bringing to an end the history of a state that remained united for 58 years.

(The year 2013 could well…)
(The year 2013 could well…)

Andhra Pradesh was the first state in the country to be created on a linguistic basis on November 1, 1956 by merging the erstwhile Andhra state and Hyderabad state.

In 1953, Andhra state was carved out of the then Madras Presidency with Kurnool as its capital.

Subsequently, the Telugu-speaking parts of the then Hyderabad state were amalgamated with Andhra state, giving birth to Andhra Pradesh in 1956.

The proposal for amalgamation of Hyderabad state with Andhra state came up in 1953 and the then Chief Minister of Hyderabad state, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, supported the Congress central leadership’s decision in this regard though there was opposition in the region that was known as Telangana.

Accepting the merger proposal, the Andhra state Assembly passed a resolution on November 25, 1955 promising to safeguard the interests of Telangana.

An agreement was reached between Telangana leaders and Andhra leaders on February 20, 1956 to merge Telangana and Andhra with promises to safeguard Telangana’s interests.

Another agreement was then signed by then chief ministers of the respective states, Bezawada Gopala Reddy and Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, to the effect.

The city of Hyderabad, the then capital of Hyderabad state, was made the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
For 13 years after Andhra Pradesh came into being, everything ran smoothly.

In 1969, however, an agitation began in Telangana region as people protested the “failure” to implement the ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’ and other safeguards properly.

On January 19, 1969, an all-party accord was reached to ensure proper implementation of Telangana safeguards but that did not satisfy leaders of the region.

Marri Channa Reddy of the Congress launched the Telangana Praja Samiti espousing the cause of a separate state.

Meanwhile, the people’s agitation intensified and turned violent, leading to the death of over 350 people.

In 1972, the Jai Andhra movement started in Andhra- Rayalaseema regions as a counter to the Telangana struggle.

Stalwarts like Kakani Venkata Ratnam, Tenneti Viswanadham and Gouthu Lachchanna led the Jai Andhra struggle in which the likes of M Venkaiah Naidu took an active part.

On September 21, 1973, a political settlement was reached with the Government of India and a Six-Point Formula put in place to placate people of the two regions.

It was agreed upon by the leaders of the two regions to prevent recurrence of any such agitations in future.

To avoid legal problems, the Constitution was amended (32nd amendment) to give legal sanctity to the six-point formula.

Thereafter, peace prevailed across Andhra Pradesh and it progressed on the path of development.

Subsequently, till 1999, there was no demand from any quarters for division of the state on regional lines.

In 1999, the then Leader of Opposition Y S Rajasekhara Reddy of the Congress re-ignited the regional fire making his party MLAs from the region write a letter to the high command demanding creation of a separate state of Telangana.

Yet another chapter opened in the struggle for Telangana when Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao, who was seething over denial of Cabinet berth in the Chandrababu Naidu government, walked out of the Telugu Desam Party and launched the Telangana Rashtra Samiti on April 27, 2001.

Though KCR launched the Telangana statehood movement in 2001, it remained rather subdued till late 2009 when he tried to sit on an indefinite hunger strike for a separate state.

In October 2008, a rather decisive moment appeared to have come for Telangana when the TDP – one of the main political forces in AP – changed its stance and declared support for bifurcation of the state.

This was a political move that the TDP took to protect its citadel in Telangana as well as dethrone the Congress government.

The TRS was virtually decimated in the 2009 elections and that dealt a severe blow to the statehood movement.

But the sudden and tragic death of the then Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash in September 2009 gave a re-birth to the TRS and a new thrust to the Telangana struggle.

Following KCR’s agitation that began on November 29, and took a violent turn, the Centre budged and came out with an announcement on December 9, 2009 that it was “initiating” the process for formation of Telangana state”.

But due to a political turmoil caused by en masse resignation of legislators, cutting across party lines, from coastal Andhra-Rayalaseema regions, the Centre went back on its word and came out with another announcement on December 23, 2009 that it was putting the Telangana issue on hold.

Since then, the statehood movement gained momentum in Telangana forcing the ruling Congress to take a final call on July 30, 2013 to create a separate state.

Consequent to the Congress’ decision, the Union Cabinet too approved the proposal to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh and create a separate state of Telangana.

The ongoing protests in Seemaandhra against the bifurcation notwithstanding, the Centre appears determined to go ahead with its exercise and the requisite formalities have been set in motion.

Year 2014 could see the birth of India’s 29th state – Telangana – thereby ending the history of a united Andhra Pradesh.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> Politics and Nation> Andhra Pradesh / PTI / December 31st, 2013

Facelift to monuments of neglect

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
Gandhi Memorial Stupa atop Gandhi Hill in Vijayawada. / Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu
Gandhi Memorial Stupa atop Gandhi Hill in Vijayawada. / Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu

Tourism authorities equipped with funds to upgrade local properties

After a prolonged lull in activity, the AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is finally all set to switch to action mode in Vijayawada region.

Most part of the year that just passed by was about ‘all-promises-no-implementation’. But the tourism authorities are now equipped with funds to upgrade, augment and enhance local properties awaiting their attention.

The Tourism Corporation has its hands full with works related to development of scenic spots like the Gandhi Hill, the picturesque Bhavani Island on River Krishna and the historic Kondapalli Fort near Vijayawada.

Gandhi Hill

Gandhi Hill, the first Gandhi memorial with seven stupas in the country was constructed on this hill at a height of 500 ft. The project was unveiled by the then President of India Zakir Hussain on October 6 in 1968. Regardless of its great significance that reflects in the Gandhi Memorial library and a sound and light show on Mahatma Gandhi’s life the place has, besides a planetarium and a toy train, the structure is reduced to a monument of neglect over the years.

To reclaim its glory, the APTDC plans to spend funds to the tune of Rs. 3 crore. The works it proposes to take up include modernisation of the toy train which is currently in a dilapidated state, re-laying of the road that goes up the hill, renovation of the library and the museum and add new features besides illuminating the place.

“We will soon call tenders for taking up works worth Rs. 75 lakhs at Kondapalli Fort. The walls that have collapsed will be reconstructed and other demolished structured will be restored,” says Babu Prakash, Executive Engineer of the engineering wing of APTDC. The fort is located on the west of the Kondapalli village and was built by Prolaya Vema Reddy of Kondaveedu in the 14 century. What was initially a pleasure place and a business centre later served as a military fortification and the British placed a strong garrison here.

At Bhavani Island, the long-pending amphitheatre works have been completed at a cost of Rs. 56 lakh while the jetty is being repaired at a cost of Rs. 14 lakh.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Sujatha Varma / Vijayawada – January 12th, 2014

A model village in the making

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Uncategorized
A toilet completed with Village Development Committee funds at Pendalwada in Jainad mandal of Adilabad district. / Photo: By Special Arrangement / The Hindu
A toilet completed with Village Development Committee funds at Pendalwada in Jainad mandal of Adilabad district. / Photo: By Special Arrangement / The Hindu

All the 700 houses in Pendalwada in Jainad mandal of Adilabad district will boast of an individual sanitary latrine soon

The Village Development Committee (VDC) at Pendalwada in Jainad mandal of Adilabad district will have turned the impossible into the possible as all the 700 houses in the habitation will boast of an individual sanitary latrine (ISL) in a few weeks’ time. By pumping in additional funds in the shape of one time grant to every household, it has made a serious and successful effort in getting rid of the menace of open defecation in the village located on the banks of river Penganga.

“All of us were frustrated with the problem which is the root cause of illnesses among other things. About six months back, a collective decision was taken in the village to put an end to open defecation by providing funds to everyone who was willing to go in for an ISL,” says VDC president Kethireddy Madhusudan Reddy, as he shed light on the endeavour.

After due deliberation, it was decided that all the families which were sanctioned an ISL by the government will be given Rs. 7,000, in two instalments of Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 3,000, each from the VDC funds. This will help them work faster on construction of the latrines.

“None of the ISLs sanctioned by the government could achieve proper progress as the beneficiaries did not have sufficient cash in hand to take up construction. With our help, all of them have started construction and some of them have even completed the construction,” Mr. Reddy pointed out.

The help from VDC also required the beneficiaries to contribute labour in construction work and manufacture cement rings used to fortify the walls of the septic tanks. “This saved us a lot of money and resulted in better quality in construction,” points out Annela Gouramma, a beneficiary.

The task of the villagers is further made easy as sand and stone used in construction are locally available. While sand is extracted from Penganga river, stones for basement of the structure is brought from Jainad.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by S. Harpal Singh / Pendalwada (Adilabad Dist) – November 20th, 2013

Mumbaikar climbs rare bandwagon

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

Hyderabad’s Salar Jung Museum plans to evaluate & tabulate its antique clock collection.

Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad and (top) the British musical clock, one of the rare clocks housed there
Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad and (top) the British musical clock, one of the rare clocks housed there

The Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, will begin work on evaluating and tabulating its clock collection, considered by clock enthusiasts as among the finest in India. Speaking to dnaover the phone from Hyderabad, Dr Nagender Reddy, director, Salar Jung museum said that this would be the biggest such exercise since the clocks were taken over from various private collectors in the 1960s.

“We want to do it in a scientific way, to add value to what is already a glorious collection of more than 400 of the rarest clocks in the country. It is a tedious and delicate process which includes the showcases that hold these clocks, evaluating the individual parts. All of this has to be done in such a way that no damage, whatsoever, comes to the clocks,” said Reddy. The process would be done along with the Lucknow-based National Research Laboratory for Conservation (NRLC), which is the apex body in the country for the conservation of cultural heritage.

The plan to evaluate the clock collection has already begun creating excitement among watch-lovers with Dr Reddy admitting that several people had contacted the museum to be part of the process. However, he said that it calls for a lot of formalities at various levels of the government as outsiders are not allowed to be part of these processes.

dna has learnt that among the people who have shown willingness to be part of the process is a senior railway officer from Mumbai. Saurabh Mitra, an Indian railway accounts service officer with Western Railway. Mitra, a watch enthusiast and collector, however, refused to comment.

About Salar Jung Museum
The museum was established in 1951. A major portion of the collection was acquired by Salar Jung III. In 1958, it was taken over by the Indian government. It is now run by an autonomous board chaired by the governor of Andhra Pradesh.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Mumbai> Report / by Binoo Nair / Place: Mumbai, Agency: DNA / Friday – November 08th, 2013

Jaw-dropping Hyderabad

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Hyderabad-PictureHF10nov2013

By Bader al Kiyumi –

Travelling is very worrisome to me. Before I set out for any trip I do maximum research and make plans well in advance. I make notes, search Google for every place of my destination, including restaurants, hotels, which have discounts, parks and other centres of attraction.
It is only once in a while it happens that I take an unprepared trip. It was one trip like this when I took off to Hyderabad, India last summer.

Hyderabad-Picture02HF10nov2013

Hyderabad is the capital of the southern Indian state of Andrah Pradesh and the fifth largest city in India which boasts of ancient civilization and culture.

The city has an ancient past and a unique culture; it is known for its natural beauty, mosques and minarets, bazaars and bridges, hills, lakes and monuments. What more can you expect from Hyderabad which is perched on the top of plateau 1,776 feet, above sea level, and spreads over an area of 100 square miles?

Hyderabad, a city nearly 400 years old, was founded on the Moosi River five miles east of Golconda, in 1591-92 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah.
Ever since, multitude of influences has shaped the character of the city. Hyderabad is truly a city of enchantment as many building have more than 50 floors, ancient style of houses and mosques, beautiful gardens with multi-colour flowers and streets have architectural value of their own. The regime of Hyderabad is known to be home to some of the wealthiest royals of the past. The elegant buildings, temples and monuments speak volumes about the regimes which once reigned there.
There are several places to see in Hyderabad one of them is Charminar. Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the Charimar is beautiful even post 418 odd years. The four minarets with its delicate small arches (typical Mughal style architecture), looks very picturesque, and no wonder is the most identifiable structure of Hyderabad.
One unique aspect of the Charminar (out of the many), which caught my attention, was the lotus design on the ceiling. One can view it better, when one is on the first storey.
A visit to Hyderabad can never be complete, without having visited the Salar Jung Museum. Situated next to the Moosi River, Salar Jung is one of the largest museums in the country.

Hyderabad-Picture03HF10nov2013

The city is land of unity of diversity, the religions, languages, lifestyles, cultures, habits and geography different but still they live together. I came from Hyderabad with this image of men in black suits, cigarettes dangling from the corner of their mouth.

When I opened my room window, I saw women and children playing cricket between houses and on corridors.
On the streets, there are big crowds on bicycles, and people walking without a pin drop of space.
Although, there is a speed limit clamped on cars, people are seen driving at their own whims and will. Overtaking without proper signals and driving on incorrect tracks are common.
On the pedestrian paths, vendors were seen selling grilled fish, kabab and mushkak. Fish biriyani is one of the famous foods in Hyderabad. Early morning, I like to go to stand on a queue to buy a cup of fresh milk, which was tasty. Because I was foreigner most of the people there give respect to me and give me a chance to buy first.
For many of my friends, Hyderabad is synonym for biriyani, pearls, nizams, palaces and forts. Not necessarily in the order mentioned of course! If you are thinking you will require an extended period of time to savour all things Hyderabad, well I can personally assure you that we were able to appreciate quite a bit of the city even on our 3 day visit.
I was not expecting the landscapes that I saw, that drop the jaw. There were exotic flowers on the streets and other feasts for the eyes. Scenic beauty and deep blue lakes will linger on in my memory.
The pearl city has a beautiful coastline. It is distinguished by a refreshing sea breeze and it is frequented by people during early morning hours or evening. It is considered ideal for sunbathing and all forms of beach entertainment.

source: http://www.main.omanobserver.om / Oman Daily Observer / by Bader al Kiyani / Wednesday – October 31st, 2013

Centennial of first ‘Andhra Conference’ opened

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Panabaka Lakshmi releasing the Special Postal Cover in Bapatla on Friday /. Photo: T. Vijayakumar / The Hindu
Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Panabaka Lakshmi releasing the Special Postal Cover in Bapatla on Friday /. Photo: T. Vijayakumar / The Hindu

Panabaka Lakshmi releases a Special Postal Cover marking the historic event

The centenary celebrations of first Andhra Conference (`Pradhama Andhra Mahasabha’ began at the historic Town Hall here on Friday. Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Panabaka Lakshmi inaugurated the event by hoisting a flag and released a Special Postal Cover worth Rs 5.

Rich tributes were paid to B. Narasimheswara Sarma, a member of the Imperial Legislative Council who presided over the Conference, and stalwarts like Bhogaraju Pattabhi Seetaramaiah, Pingali Venkaiah, Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao, Chilakamarti Lakshmi Narasimham Pantulu, Konda Venkatappaiah and Mutnuri Krishna Rao.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Lakshmi said the town was privileged to host the first Andhra Conference on May 26, 1913.

The movement for separate State for the Telugu speaking people had its seeds sown in this conference and the dream was ultimately realized due to the sacrifices made by some great men and women.

Ms. Lakshmi said a concerted effort has to be made to protect the native culture and traditions which earned global acclaim and observed that the Conference had given impetus to the growth of Telugu into a classical language.

MLA Gade Venkata Reddy said the distinct identity that the first `Andhra Conference had earned for Telugu people and their language should be preserved by them and wanted them to stay united wherever they are.

Collector S. Suresh Kumar, Director of Postal Services (Vijayawada) M. Venkateswarulu, RDO S. Srinivasa Murthy, Centenary Celebrations Committee Convener P C Sai Babu and Co-Convener K. Venkateswara Reddy and others participated.

Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah will be participating as the chief guest in the program to be held at the Municipal High School ground on May 26.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Bapatla – May 25th, 2013

Far away from the madding crowd in Vizag

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Nature

If you think Vizag is all about the RK Beach, Rushikonda Beach, VUDA Park and Araku Valley, think again. Take a trip with us to some of the roads less travelled…

(Far away from the madding…)
(Far away from the madding…)

It’s the lazy hours on a holiday and the day is beautiful. You don’t want to waste it inside the confines of your home, so you ring up your friends, take out your vehicles and head to your favourite spot — that secret strip, away from the hustle and bustle of usual places that the tourists haunt. If you think our city doesn’t have such secret getaways, think again. Vizag’s mysterious coasts hide many of these untrodden lands, that were discovered by the adventurous and travel-loving youngsters.

Sravan Kumar, a final year student of Instrument Technology in Andhra University, says, “Places like RK Beach and Rushikonda Beach are too crowded, so we keep exploring places. During one such expedition, we chanced upon this beautiful patch of land, which is just about 100 metres away from the main road, when you travel from Gitam University towards ISKCON temple. Opposite the temple, there is a mud road which leads to this scenic, calm spot. There are just some bushes scattered around in the area, but you have a very good view of the sea.” Sravan and his friends say privacy is the main attraction; and of course, the nature’s charm worked too, given that some scenes of the Telugu flick Oka Romantic Crime Katha were actually shot here.

Jignesh Talasila, a mechanical engineering graduate from Gitam University, who is now an entrepreneur, says, “Almost midway on the 2 km-stretch from our college to the IT Park, there is a diversion, which leads to a secluded spot resembling a valley. We often drive here in our cars and spend the night.”

Though the night-outs are a bit of an adventure, as Jignesh himself admits, they are also a bit spooky. “It’s a little scary at night as the area is secluded — there is no human habitation around for at least half-a-kilometre,” he says. But his gang admits that is what makes the trips thrilling!

A tiny island, on the mouth of the river  Gosthani near Bheemili beach, is a secret hangout spot that Pranay Thota, an entrepreneur, and his friends, love. Pranay says he discovered the spot during a casual conversation with a local, and ever since, his group frequents the place. “There are no trees or bushes on the island — it is just the sands below and the starry sky above. It is heavenly during full moon nights. We make a campfire, dine and wine, and chat away to our hearts’ content. We also arranged for the birthday celebrations of a friend there.” However, transportation is a little costly. “We pay about `1,500-`2,000 to the boatwala who takes us there,” he says.

For Sabarish, a BTech Computer Science graduate from Gitam University, the bike rides he and his gang take along the Tenneti Park road, are extremely memorable. “We stop in between to sit on the big rocks along the side of the road. The sound of sea waves make this a very relaxing experience,” he says. But this stretch is not their favourite. “After crossing the checkpost near the park, one kilometre ahead the road to Gitam, there’s a big turn. There is this empty space there, where we sit and just talk. We’ve seen many people park their cars to pose for snaps with a beautiful background,” he says. A small patch of rocky land stretching out to the sea here gives you the feeling of standing on an island, when the waves keep lashing against it from three sides.

“Near the Baba Institute of Technology at TM Palem, there’s this beautiful lake where we head for. You have to take the road to the left from the junction near the institute. It’s all green and the banks are vast. The lake looks best when it’s cloudy,” said Sampath Kandregula, a fourth year BTech student in Electronics and Communication, Gitam University. “It’s very clean. I just hope the place is not littered in the future,” he adds.

Harbours always make for a great view. Anish Chacko, who is into his fourth year of BTech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, says that the stroll they take to the inner harbour of Vizag Port in Dolphin Hills is very relaxing. “You get a panoramic view of the harbour, where small, private vessels are harboured. If you’re lucky, you can also see the big ships. A gorgeous view of Rose Hill, and the mosque, temple and church on it is clearly visible from this spot. However, it is a restricted area, and though you can just sit there watching the waters, you cannot go overboard or take snaps. It’s very calming on pleasant evenings,” Anish says.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Life & Style> Travel> Vizag / by Rumana UK, TNN / September 01st, 2013

The name has always been Hyderabad

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

 

Urdu scholars and academicians have once again come out to claim that the idea of Bhagyanagar as the earlier name for the city is mere folklore which is not backed by substance.

Scholars at the four-day international seminar on “400 years of Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah” which was organised at the department of Urdu at University of Hyderabad, said that no available manuscripts, epigraphs, literature or even coins of that era suggest that the name of the city was Bhagyanagar. One among them even feared that with Telangana being formed, there might be a demand to rename the city as Bhagyanagar.

Noted city-based historian and managing trustee of Deccan Heritage Trust, Mohammed Safiullah, rubbishing the concept of Bhagyanagar, said that some historians with vested interests were behind the imaginary stories of Bhagyanagar and said that no concrete proofs suggest that the city was called Bhagyanagar. “Bhagmati could have been a Rajasthani courtesan like Taramati and Premamati. But, even the first available coins of Hyderabad dating to 1603 have the legend as Dar-ul-Sultanate Hyderabad.”

According to him, the title Hyder, meaning lion, has never been given to any woman across the world. “Qutb Shahis were ardent Shias. The city was named after the corner stone of Shia fate, Hazrath Ali, who was also called as Hyder-e-Karrar,” he said. He further said that Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah was a great poet who mentioned many women in his collection of poetry and it was unfair to pick just one of them as his lover.

Echoing similar views, Prof Ahmed Shareef, retired professor of architecture, JNAFAU, said that Bhagyanagar could have been the jagir of Bhageerathi Bai, the Vijayanagara princess, who married Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, but there were no proofs available. “It was in the late Nizam era that the concept of Bhagyanagar came up and that was because of the rising atrocities against Hindus by the Nizam. One should put down all such gossip and look forward to a livable environment for all,” he added.

According to him, it is more important to preserve the historical texts, manuscripts, epigraphs, architecture, literature and culture of Qutb Shahi rulers for a better understanding of our past.

Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth king of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who ruled the region for 32 years, was the founder of Hyderabad Deccan in 1591-92. He was also considered to be the first Urdu poet and lived between 1565 and 1612. Contemporary to Ibrahim Adil Shah the 2nd and Mughal emperor Akbar, his period is regarded as the golden age for the Deccani culture. “The Deccani culture and heritage has been so neglected that only a very small portion of it is studied and researched upon. There are many major contributions of the Qutb Shahis, but only poetry is given importance in Urdu departments. We call for further research, critical review and examination of art, culture, architecture, jewelry, music, etc,” said Habib Nisar, associate professor and coordinator of the seminar, department of Urdu, UoH.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express /Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / August 24th, 2013

Brand Hyderabad to dazzle with Telangana rise

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Business & Economy, Science & Technology
(Industry experts feel that…)
(Industry experts feel that…)

Hyderabad :

With the sun finally setting on the longdrawn T-uncertainty, Brand Hyderabad is set to shine once more and brighter at that.

Industry experts feel that the decision to divide Andhra Pradesh  will put Hyderabad firmly back in the saddle as a global IT/ITeS hub, as it was primarily the political uncertainty that had helped Bangalore and Chennai cash in on Hyderabad’s T-woes in the past four years rather than any actual limitations of Hyderabad.

The overwhelming feeling is that the division will finally lure back investors, who were having second thoughts and Hyderabad, which has always been the crown jewel of Andhra Pradesh (accounting as it does for 55% of the state’s total Rs 70,000 crore revenue on the back of the IT/ ITeS sector), will continue to dazzle as a services hub.

The city is home to over 1,300 global IT& ITeS players and accounts for over 90% of the state’s Rs 40,000 crore plus IT/ITeS exports with nearly five lakh jobs.

What has worked for Hyderabad is its excellent infrastructure – be it roads like the outer ring road, or IT parks and SEZs.

The Hitec City-Gachibowli-Manikonda area already boasts of the who’s who of the global IT arena with players like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Infosys, Wipro, Yahoo!, HSBC , Dell, Amazon, among others and none of them will be going anywhere. Once the uncertainty is resolved, they may actually kick off those expansions that many of them had put on hold.

“It will mark the end of tough times for Hyderabad. The city will bounce back, its image stronger and the IT sector too will stage a comeback. After all, Hyderabad’s infrastructure is streets ahead of other cities like Chennai and Bangalore,” says BVR Mohan Reddy, chairman and promoter of homegrown IT giant Infotech Enterprises, pointing out how it takes over two hours to go from one place to other in Bangalore while in Hyderabad the ride from the airport to the city takes just about 45 minutes.

“The secret of Hyderabad’s success has been its superior infrastructure and talent availability. It has good roads, academic institutions, manpower pool, power etc to ensure its continued success as an IT/ITeS hub,” pointed out a top IT honcho.

In the peak of the T-agitation in 2009-10, Nasscom president Som Mittal too had said Hyderabad had nothing to be worried about because as long as it has talent in abundance the industry is here to stay.

IT/ITeS apart, the recent decision of the state government to lift the ban on the expansion of pharma units in and around the city vide a GO too will ensure that the pharma sector, which had started charting expansion plans in coastal Andhra destinations like Vizag, will continue to thrive in the Telangana region.

However, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories chairman GV Prasad feels that despite the recent GO, it may be a tad difficult for players to continue driving major expansions in Hyderabad due to its urban nature.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad> Andhra Pradesh / by Swati Bharadwaj, TNN / July 31st, 2013