Historian Musham Damodhar Rao with some rare telephone bills issued during Nizam’s tenure./ Photo: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu
World’s first postage stamp among other items in Damodar’s collection
‘Black Penny’, world’s first postage stamp issued in Britain in 1840, royal documents, letters,firmans proclaimed during Aurangazeb’s time and a record pertaining to what could be one of the earliest MNCs of India — Bank of Bengal — form part of an invaluable collection of historic items belonging to 51-year-old Musham Damodar Rao, a businessman-turned epigraphist.
A visit to a philately exhibition 30 years ago aroused curiosity in Mr. Rao. Driven by the passion, he started collecting stamps, and along with their accumulation, turned his attention to coins, currency notes, documents and postal covers which were censored during World War I before delivering to the addressee. The total number of stamps runs into 50,000 to 60,000, including 3,000 of 100 princely States.
Describing himself as a “historian”, Mr. Rao, who is convenor of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee’s intellectual’s cell, told The Hinduthat he was also a consultant for old documents and scripts.
One of his earliest collections is a 2,500-year-old coin of pre-Satavahana period. The coin made of panchaloha depicts Soma Gopa, a tribal king, who used to worship the naga deity. A copper coin of Biblical times is another prized possession. He has a collection of 303 coins of Satavahana dynasty and a thousand each of various other dynasties, besides those pertaining to the British rule in India. In all, he is in possession of a staggering 30,000 to 40,000 coins.
A small gold coin of Vijayanagara empire, the size of a pen nib, is another rare piece.
Mr. Rao said his collection also includes an information bulletin sent by Sind Sultan (now in Pakistan) authorities to the rulers in Delhi in the 16 century.
One of the interesting records shows an authorisation issued by William Carr in November 1839 declaring that he was authorising and empowering besides himself, William or Dwarakanath Tagore (grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore) or Thomas J Taylor to vote for him in the election of directors to the Bank of Bengal. Another rare collection is the salary receipt of Junagarh King, who used to receive a monthly salary of Rs.30,000 from British Crown.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Y. Mallikarjun / Hyderabad – July 26th, 2013
Dr. Shantha Sinha./ Photo: V.V.Krishnan / The Hindu
Thousands of children and their parents in villages across Andhra Pradesh have so much to thank Dr. Shantha Sinha for. She fought against child labour by getting children into schools and ensuring they got an education. A winner of many awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay award in 2003, Dr. Shantha Sinha credits her volunteers for their magnanimity.
About a decade ago, Parigi and other mandals in Mahabubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh were known for child labour. Girl children, in particular, went to cotton farms. Toiling hard from daybreak to midnight for a paltry sum and a glass of buttermilk, the young girls were forced to leave schools and work in harsh conditions. Some succumbed to pesticides as they were enrolled in these “farm badi” (farm environments simulated as schools with intervals, school bells and award) using superstitions to convince hapless parents.
Enter the Bridge schools, high impact awareness campaign run by Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiya Foundation — popularly known as MV Foundation — and the sheer determination of one woman Dr. Shantha Sinha.
Soon schools were abuzz with students and it was back to school and a happy childhood for the voiceless children out here in the remote region. Talking to the poor parents on the one hand and mobilising multi media support on the other, it was a tedious yet successful effort by Dr. Sinha and her volunteers camping in the villages.
Today, thanks to her, 800 villages in Ranga Reddy district have successfully achieved 99 per cent enrolment and retention of children till Std. X. Organisations such as CRY, Tatas, HIVOS and European Commission have come forward to render support to the cause.
A source of inspiration for many, Dr. Sinha, who is currently chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), was awarded the Padmashri in 1998 and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 2003 in recognition of her efforts.
She is also the founder of MV Foundation (which is named in memory of her grandfather Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiah).
“My experience in MV Foundation helped me largely in my role as chairperson of NCPCR. The overall objective of the Commission is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. MV Foundation had been the beginning of my endeavour to fight against child labour and NCPCR gave me a wider perspective which was more challenging. A whole gamut of issues opened up and I got the larger picture,” opined Dr. Sinha.
Bonded labour
As director of Shramik Vidya Peeth where she was involved with bonded labour, Dr. Sinha realised that 40 per cent of the bonded labourers were children. At Shramik Vidya Peeth the focus was on adult labour and during that time, there was no agency that was working exclusively for the welfare of children.
Dr. Shantha Sinha’s family trust, founded after her grandfather, was involved in giving scholarships to students. Dr. Sinha took up the issue of child labour under the family trust. And thus, began the journey of MV Foundation.
“Dr. Sinha is a role model for many of us. She is responsible for effectively motivating 80,000 volunteers. She gives space to all and a platform to everyone to voice their opinion,” says Arvind Kumar, Documentation and Research Co-ordinator, MV Foundation.
“My family was very supportive and hence could take up the challenge of rescuing children. Since a majority of children were Dalits, initially a lot of resistance came from the upper castes. The children and their families were threatened; our volunteers too faced threats. Slowly and steadily we overcame the pressure and in due course we began to focus on girl children. We also realised that children from all communities were deprived and our strategy was concentrated towards changing the mindset of the people. We tried to explain to people how education is important for a child’s mental and physical growth. This focus helped a lot. It all started from Ranga Reddy district and today around 6,000 villages across Andhra Pradesh are a part of the initiative, having gained momentum in diverse geographical, political and cultural terrains,” said Dr. Sinha.
Today the staff at MV Foundation has gained expertise and is actively involved not only in Andhra Pradesh but across the country. Having dealt with complexities in Andhra Pradesh, the staff is able to efficiently overcome challenges across Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Rajasthan and other States as well, says Dr. Sinha.
“I have worked with MV Foundation for 18 years now. I admire Dr. Sinha’s non-hierarchical approach. It is commendable the way she respects everyone and allows everyone to voice their opinion,” says R. Venkat Reddy, National Convenor, MV Foundation.
A teacher herself
Dr. Shantha Sinha also served as a faculty member of the department of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad.
“Being in the university was an advantage, and helped in development and institutionalising. On the other hand my theories in the university came from the practical experience I gained working for MV Foundation,” confides Dr. Sinha.
Every successful effort begins with the first step and a focussed leader.
Dr. Shantha Sinha’s dedication to her work and the drive to help her team realise the big vision for change is what every volunteer vouches for. “As a person Dr. Sinha is very fair and gives everyone equal status. I have been associated with MV Foundation for 12 years and I have learnt a lot from her. I am in awe of her dedication towards her mission,” says Dhananjay, Training Co-ordinator, MV Foundation.
“When you enjoy doing something it becomes a passion and you don’t treat it like a job that needs to be dealt with. I have always enjoyed doing what I do; be it at NCPCR today or what I did at MV Foundation sometime back…or my role as a professor in the university; I am very passionate about my work. I have always tried to get totally involved with my work and the people I work with. My idols have been my volunteers. It is amazing to see their level of involvement and dedication, their capacity to be generous and magnanimous,” says a humble Dr. Sinha.
A visit to any of the villages in Ranga Reddy today will find beaming children going for higher education with gratitude to the lady from the city who made their freedom a reality.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Sunday Magazine / by Ajuli DasGupta / March 12th, 2011
Sri Durga puja being performed during the Dasara celebrations organised by the Hyderabad Bangalee Samity at Pingle Venkatarami Reddy Hall at Domalguda in Hyderabadon Saturday. | A RADHAKRISHNA
Bengalis in the city bonded with each other during the Durga puja celebrations, which began on Shashti and will end on Dasami on Monday, organised by the Hyderabad Bangalee Samity.
Bengalis, not only from the city, but also from other states and countries joined the festivities at Pingle Venkat Ram Reddy Function Hall at Lower Tank Bund in Domalguda here.
Anubrata Basu, who lives at Gurgaon, came here to celebrate the festival with his family. “Here, the festival is more personal, and there is a sense of belonging as members of the samity take the onus of organising the celebrations right from collecting funds till arranging cultural programmes. Moreover, bonding between people is more here whereas in Kolkata celebrations take place on a large scale but without much bonding.
Saptarsi Dev, who has been residing here for many years, visited the place along with a friend, also a Bengali, from the UK.
People turned out in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of the Durga idol. In the afternoon, Sandhi puja was attended by people from various communities, said Biswajit Mukherjee, executive member, Hyderabad Bangalee Samity.
According to Mukherjee, there are around 70,000 Bengali families in the city. People got a taste of the Bengali cuisine as various food stalls sold delicacies like Rashogulla, Sondesh and Katiroll. On Saturday, the programmes included Sankho Dwhani, Uloo Dhwani, painting and drawing competitions, followed by other programmes in the evening.
On Dasami, the Goddess and Her family will be given a farewell. Sindoor Utsav will be held on the same day.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / October 13th, 2013
Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet conducted ‘Fight Against Women’s Cancers’, a cancer awareness programme under “Fight On,” a cancer conquerors’ empowerment initiative by Yashoda Group of Hospitals, to commemorate the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative is a part of Yashoda Group’s commitment to help cancer conquerors beyond providing superior medical treatment.
The initiative was inaugurated by chief guest, Jayasudha, MLA, Secunderabad constituency and eminent film personality, on Friday amidst a special gathering of cancer conquerors, cancer specialists and other important delegates.
Breast cancer is the most common of all cancers and is the leading cause of deaths among women across the world.
The programme will provide a platform for all women cancer conquerors including breast cancer conquerors to promote healing, stimulate inner resources, enhance quality of life and compliment medical care.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / October 26th, 2013
The second annual event of an NGO dedicated to providing aid to critically ill children, witnessed a huge gathering at a suburban hotel, on Wednesday evening.
Titled ‘Hyderabad Walks’, the event saw 40 people from different walks of life — businessmen, socialites, educationists, doctors and housewives — walk the ramp to raise funds for the organisation. The evening began with a travel quiz, followed by a fashion show.
The first sequence had a masquerade theme with opera music playing in the background and the second sequence had participants walking the ramp individually. The highlight of the show was actress Charmme who walked as the show stopper wearing an elegant lehenga and looking splendid. After the show, guests were seen bonding with each other over dinner and drinks.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / September 26th, 2013
One of the most respected names in archaeological circles of India is that of the late Padma Bhushan Ghulam Yazdani, who founded the archaeology department of Hyderabad state in 1914.
He served the department for 30 years and his exemplary contributions are yet to be paralleled in the annals of the department. One of his most notable contributions is the scholarly work on Bidar and its monuments which to date remains the defining text on the subject. He is also remembered in academic circles for his exhaustive study of Arabic and Persian inscriptions which are reproduced with exhaustive explanatory notes in 14 volumes of the Epigraphica Indo-Moslemica that he edited during his long and distinguished career. The enduring contribution of Yazdani to Indian archaeology is undoubtedly his work on Ajanta and Ellora which earned him international recognition and placed Hyderabad on the archaeological map of the world as pioneers in the field of exhaustive documentation of antiquated cultural assets. It was customary for the various departments of the Nizam’s government to publish annual reports of their activities. These comprehensive documents listed out the work undertaken by the organization in the preceding year and included details of the expenditure incurred. Considering the fact that old Hyderabad has been accused of being an autocratic state, one wonders at the availability of such information for public consumption as the need for similar information today would require an invocation of the RTI Act. The reports of the archaeology department are most comprehensive and include graphic descriptions of field trips undertaken by its personnel. They record even minor observations regarding monuments and sites visited making them a much sought after source of information to this day. Scholars undertaking historical research within the jurisdiction of the department, which today is spread over three states, consider these reports to be a vital source of information. It is no surprise that the most notable and scholarly contributions to these reports are by Dr Yazdani. His very first account, one relating to the Ajanta caves, appears in the 1914 edition , leading one to conclude that the tremendous international interest generated by the discovery of Ajanta and Ellora was instrumental in setting up of the department at Hyderabad.
The Archaeological Survey of India was established in 1861 and provided training to young officers from Hyderabad in the nascent stages of development of its department of archaeology. This opportunity enabled budding archaeologists to gain vital expertise which enhanced the quality of their work on returning to serve the state. The dynamic leadership provided by Dr Yazdani resulted in such a remarkable transformation that within a few years his department was acknowledged as the best in the sub-continent precipitating an astonishing reversal of roles with aspiring archaeologists from British India now being deputed to Hyderabad for superior field training. Percy Brown in his canonical text on the architecture of India notes that the success of the department under Yazdani changed perceptions in the field of Indian archaeology to such an extent that Justice Imlay of Calcutta, criticizing the deterioration in standards of archaeological conservation in British India, suggested that all monuments under colonial administration be handed over to the Hyderabad government for proper care and upkeep. Unfortunately this hard earned reputation has taken a severe beating in the recent past with the Andhra Pradesh state department of archaeology and museums now largely notorious for neglect and apathy instead of scholarship and excellence which had been its hallmark.
It is regrettable that the state government chose to rename the State Archaeological Museum after Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, the former chief minister who has no known contributions to his credit in either the fields of archaeology or protection of heritage and culture to justify such an action. It would have been a befitting tribute to have named the museum after Ghulam Yazdani, founder of the department and unquestionably the most outstanding Indian scholar of archaeology of his times. But then, as all the perfumes of Arabia could not sweeten the little hand, the stigma of having been a subject of the Nizam is difficult to be rid of in our state. Even for one who was honoured with a Padma Bhushan by an appreciative nation.
( The writer is a heritage activist)
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Sajjad Shahid / December 12th, 2011
For playwright and actor Mohammad Ali Baig, theatre is a blend of poetry, folk performing arts, cultural pride and obsession. (Photo: RVK Rao)
With his neat moustache and a strong voice, award winning playwright-director-actor Mohammad Ali Baig, son of one the most popular theatre personalities, late Qadir Ali Baig, is proud of his rich cultural heritage. Baig, who was a special invitee at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London in July, says he stayed away from Shakespeare and Western playwrights, because that culture is alien to him. “I find it extremely difficult to put on an accent. I love to write in Urdu about my heritage. If you ask me to do a Shakespearean play with the same amount of money and time, I’d refuse. I take pride in my culture. I don’t have to look outside to recreate, be it sets, costumes or even actor’s body language. It gives you a certain sense of fulfillment when you do original work deep-rooted in your own culture,” says Baig, who had earlier presented Indian Tempest, Footsbarn Theatre’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic with a desi twist.
His Quli – Dilon ka Shahzaada, has been invited to Footsbarn’s Theatre Festival in France. Written, directed and acted by Baig, the heritage play is based on poet king Quli Qutub Shah. Quli-Dilon ka Shahzaada has a unique structure; a dialogue between Quli and Bhagmati, embellished with live shadow dance, Qawwali on stage, with nazms written by Quli Qutub Shah himself. The Footsbarn Theatre Festival marked a first for the group in terms of the performance venue. Baig has won magical reviews for his latest stage role as Quli. Plays at Footsbarn were performed in a specially-built theatre tent, to an audience much smaller than the sort Baig and his group are used to. “We had never performed in a tent before, so that was a challenge. I consciously conceived and designed the play to make it contemporary. I enjoyed performing to large audiences in the open,” he says adding, “It’s based on Baba’s idiom of theatre and his unforgettable historical pageant Quli Qutub Shah staged at Golconda Fort in 1970.”
Founded in the UK in a barn in Cornwall that’s how the name has come about — owned by the Foot family, the travelling theatre performs the classics of Shakespeare and Moliere with multicultural actors. “The format is interesting. It uses puppeteers, acrobats, singers and clowns and is performed in huge tents and makes theatre accessible to everyone. The troupe travels in trucks and a bus,” says Baig. Despite his success on stage, as a boy growing up in Hyderabad, the young Mohammad Ali had designs on a different future. “I never aspired to become an artist,” he says. “Theatre happened by accident. In 2005, on the occasion of the 20th death anniversary of my late Baba (Qadir Ali Baig), when the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the art fraternity of Hyderabad decided to start and name a theatre foundation in his memory. I felt I should take his legacy forward. For me it’s a tribute to Baba,” adds Baig, who initially ran away from theatre fearing he would not be able to live up to the stature of his father. “In order to revive the theatre, we established the Qadir Ali Baig foundation. It is an annual festival where the best of Indian and international theatre find a platform,” he adds.
His theatre productions featured Anupam Kher, Shabana Azmi, Farooq Shaikh, Kabir Bedi, Suhasini Maniratnam, Vani Ganapathy, Sharon Prabhakar, Arif Zakaria, Rahul Sharma, MS Sathyu, Bharat Sharma, Kaarthik Illaiyaraja and many others.
“I hold two people in very high esteem, Abba (late Qadir Ali Baig) and Habib Tanvir,” says Baig. He explains, “My father blended art and commerce. That’s the blend I try to get in my work. Habib saheb created a language of theatre that speaks of India’s diversity. I met him five years ago in Hyderabad. He had come to watch Charandas Chor. He was aging and looked tired. But his energy and clarity of thought were the same. His thirst was still the same,” says Baig.
So does Baig plan to venture into films? “I enjoy telling a story in 30 seconds that would otherwise take three hours to narrate,” he says. What would he say to aspiring artistes? He says, “Many youngsters come with the impression that theatre is just acting. They go to institutes of popular actors, mostly in the West, with aspirations of learning to act. On return, they pitch for Bollywood. If theatre doesn’t come completely with an obsession and love with it, it’s not for you.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Magazine / by Swati Sharma / September 22nd, 2013
Retired soccer professional star David Beckham is planning to bend time and simultaneously sign copies of a photo ebook for ticketed fans in London , New York, Sao Paulo and Hyderabad through Facebook.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, book signings are a traditional way for authors to engage their readers and Beckham plans to extend the custom to his Facebook fans when he launches a new photo book next week.
The manner in which Beckham’s personalised signatures will be generated is still a little fuzzy, the report said.
The star said that it all comes down to reinventing the traditional format of the book signing through the use of groundbreaking technology.
He added that in partnership with Facebook, he wants to do a truly global signing to coincide with the launch of his new book, adding that if someone is in London, New York, Sao Paulo or Hyderabad, they can enter to win a ticket to take part in these events and receive a personalized digital signature from him via ground-breaking technology.
Facebook’s entertainment partnership manager, Glenn Miller, is offering every fan who registers or attends the Beckham book signing in person on October 30, London time, a digital autograph from Beckham and participation in a live Q and A session, the report added.
E-book signatures are not new as signing services like Authorgraph already offer digital autographs of commercial titles such as El James’ Fifty Shades of Grey, the report further said.
Years ago, the Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood took matters into her own hands and conceived The LongPen, which permits the remote signing of ‘wet-ink’ signatures, according to the report.
source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-ANI> Sports / by ANI / Sydney – October 22nd, 2013
For the first time in the country, a unique Jurassic Park is going to come up near Lotus Pond at Jubilee Hills in the city.
Over a dozen extinct animals that existed some 150 million years ago will be brought to life in the form of life-size dinosaur models. To show a simulated environment of animals in their natural habitat they will be placed among native vegetation or water. For those interested in learning more about the history of dinosaurs, this park will be of immense benefit.
The Jurassic Park (prehistoric animal sculptures) will feature over a dozen life-size dinosaur models like Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex), Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Barosaurus, Espinosaurio to name a few. These models will range in sizes from the 28 metres long Barosaurus to the two metres long Archaeopteryx.
The dinosaur models or sculptures will be made from a base of carved polystyrene foam and covered with fiberglass.
Plants like Cycads (60 species) and Ferns(20 species)from some 80 species which have survived since the age of the dinosaurs period and which still exist will also be planted in the park which are conducive to the city’s climate.
Speaking to Express, GHMC Additional Commissioner (Urban Biodiversity wing) N Chandramohan Reddy said that the unique Jurassic park will come up in a two acre open space near Lotus Pond in Jubilee Hills.
The park would be developed at a cost of Rs 55 lakh and the tenders would be invited shortly. According to him, the park would be ready and thrown open to public from March 2014.
Of the Rs 55 lakh being spent to built the park, Rs 20 lakh would be spent for life-size models, Rs 25 lakh for planting Cycad and Ferns and the remaining Rs 10 lakh will be devoted towards building an information centre. The information centre will provide a range of information to the visitors who are eager to know more about the life history of dinosaurs, how they lived, how they survived and the reasons for their extinction.
Chandramohan Reddy said the proposed Jurassic park will be a delight to dinosaur fans and inspire a new interest in pre-historic things for younger people. According to him, the park will be an educational and fun place, where everyone can learn more about the majestic animals that ruled the earth for over 150 million years.
Another unique feature of this park is its unique outdoor setting. While most museums have dinosaur skeletons, the park here will have realistic life-size dinosaur models and colour variations to give a better understanding as to how they looked when alive.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / ENS – Hyderabad / by Bachan Jeet Singh / August 28th, 2013
Gangireddulu has been a regular feature at the ongoing agitation for Samaikyandhra. Here a group is seen giving a performance as part of the protest in Vijayawada. / Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu
Banners, flag makers make a fast buck, thanks to Samaikyandhra stir
‘Make hay while the sun shines’, goes the adage. Many appear to be cashing in on the agitation in support for Samaikyandhra as it is gaining pace with every passing day. The people, who are making the most out it, are the makers of flex banners, flags, effigies, cloth banners, posters and most importantly the folk artistes such as Gangireddu owners and Kolatam.
Venkatesh, who is into the art of ‘Gangireddulaata’ and a resident of a village on the outskirts of Vijayawada city said, “During normal times this period of the year is considered to be lean, as we look for daily wage in the farms, but with the agitation we are in great demand.”
According to him ever since the agitation kicked off, he and his friends are having a busy time. “In a year we are busy with our art only during Sankranti and Vinayaka puja, thanks to the agitation, cash has been raining,” said an innocent Mr.Venkatesh, unmindful and quite oblivious of the outcome of the stir.
The Gangireddulaata has become a regular feature in the agitation, thanks to the innovative approaches being adopted by the various striking JACs.
Mr. Venkatesh charges about Rs. 5,000 for one hour show and his troupe comprises two fully-decked bulls and seven musicians. “Since last 10 days we have been performing at least two shows a day.
Sometimes, we are booked by the APNGOs or by the Autonagar Technicians Association or by some other JAC,” he said.
Not only are the Gangireddulu owners, effigy makers are busy with their art of making effigies of Sonia Gandhi, KCR or Digvijay Singh.
According to one effigy maker on Eluru Road, the charges range between Rs.300 and Rs.1,000 and on an average he makes about five effigies a day.
The cash box has been ringing well even for the flexi makers. We undertake project on turnkey basis, said Ganesh, a DTP operator, explaining the concept. “We make flexies, posters, flags and banners and business has been good in the last few days, thanks to the agitation,” he added.
The order ranges from 100 to 200 banners and flexies on a daily basis and the charge for banners range from Rs.10 to Rs.15 per square foot for banners, he said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Sumit Bhattacharjee / Vijayawada – August 20th, 2013
