Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A colony that is a class apart

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

 

The Gurudwara at the entrance of the Gurunanak Colony in Vijayawada. ./ Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu
The Gurudwara at the entrance of the Gurunanak Colony in Vijayawada. ./ Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

Visitors to Gurunanak Colony are welcomed by tidy roads, greenery, and serenity

Many new colonies have come up on the Ring Road in the city, but Gurunanak Colony has crated a niche for itself. There is no name for the road from Ramesh Hospital junction to Autonagar, but people tend to call it Gurunanak Road.

A Gurudwara at the very entrance of the colony provides a pleasant ambience. The neat and tidy roads, greenery, and serenity not only enthral the visitors but also evoke a thought that they too should have a house in a colony like this.

Eye-catching

The humble Punjabis don’t claim credit for the eye-catching development. Despite being one of the posh areas of the city, strikingly, it doesn’t have a private security.

“Development is possible just because of the cooperation from the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), the police, and the State government. We would not have achieved it had there been no cooperation from officials. The colony doesn’t require any security, as the police vigil is enough,” the residents say.

Gurudwara president Kanwaljit Singh recalls that the residents’ welfare society has earmarked half-acre for a swimming pool, which is presently maintained by the VMC. They have plans to develop it further and bring it under society management.

With a vision

The society also has plans to prohibit smoking in the colony, he says. The foundation for the colony was laid way back in 1980s. Sikh leaders had a vision that every member of the community in the city should have a roof over their head. The leaders, however, were not narrow in their plans. They provided an opportunity for others too such as Sindhis and Marwaris. Their broadmindedness was not limited to it. They even earmarked a place for construction of a temple in the colony.

While the Gurudwara situated at the entrance welcomes the visitors, the Ramalayam at the other end of the road marks the boundary of the colony. There are 65 plots in the colony and, barring a few open plots, most of them have dazzling houses.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G.V.R. Subba Rao / July 15th, 2013

Postman turns into a Good Samaritan

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration /Positive News and Features

 

Postman R. Ramachandra Rao / The Hindu
Postman R. Ramachandra Rao / The Hindu

An act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted. Postman R. Ramachandra Rao lives by this lofty maxim.

A modest grade of a postman has never been a barrier for him to rise to the dire needs of the less privileged people around him.

The headmaster of the S.B.S.R.K. Girls High School at Gandhinagar was pleasantly surprised when Mr. Rao approached him expressing his desire to help a few students in his small way. He distributed school bags, uniforms, books and other stationary material to eight students. “I told the students to wait for a few more days to get their uniforms stitched as I needed little more time to mobilise money for it,” he says in a matter-of-fact way.

Earlier, in a similar gesture, Mr. Rao extended help to Ch. Yesubabu, a boy from Singhnagar, who was born with a hole in his heart. “I gave him clothes, bedsheets and a small amount of money,” he says.

A dwarf boy pursuing a degree course in SRR & CVR Government Degree College also attracted his attention. In yet another similar case, responding to a newspaper advertisement by a mother seeking financial help for treatment of her young son suffering from a bone-related ailment, Mr. Rao promptly contributed his mite.

Winner of the Dak Seva Award from Andhra Pradesh last year, Mr. Rao earlier made news for wearing his loyalty to his Department on his sleeve.

In open display of his loyalty to the Department of Posts, he moves around in his uniform, riding a red bicycle. The cycle is equipped with a red bag and a red colour box affixed to the rear. “Even my water bottle and lunch box are also red in colour,” he informs, pointing to the two articles.

A native of Kothapalem village under Muthukur mandal in Nellore district, Mr. Rao came to this city in 1974 and discontinued his studies after he failed in SSC exams and managed to find himself a menial job.

He also has a rare achievement. The Department of Posts, Vijayawada, has released an exclusive postcard with his photograph printed on it.

“My retirement date is due next year. But I don’t want to stop so early,” he says.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Sujatha Varma / June 26th, 2013

Tie me up, tie me down

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

If you thought ear cuffs are meant for your hipsters or teenagers, think again. The accessory which got a posh makeover on the runway from designers Rodarte, Chanel and Marchesa is showing up on a lot of celebrity ears and is a favorite among the college goers.

If you want to make a statement, the ear cuff is right up your alley as they are designed to hug the upper portion of the ear fitting snugly around the outer ear, giving a pierced look. “It’s perfect for those who don’t have pierced ears. I have them in the shape of a vine which has chains hanging from the upper end. It looks very feminine,” says Anahita Sharma, an MNC employee.

Ear cuffs don’t necessarily mean a rock-chic look, as they are available in various styles and designs suited for different age groups. If you want to wear them to work, you can choose from clean, subtle designs in gold and silver with your hair down to create that feminine yet glamorous look. “Go for formal western wear with pants and a blazer teamed with ear cuffs for a polished look. One should be able to carry it off with confidence,” says Shoba Uppe, head of fashion and apparel department, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad.

For those willing to experiment, one can play around with ear cuffs which come with dangling chains and pendants at one end or can be hooked to your hair with the other end cuffed to your ear. Opt for heavy embellished ear cuffs that look like diamonds adorning your ears for a rich, dramatic look. “Pull back your hair while wearing them and they become a cool accessory for a night out or an evening event,” says Ramya Kamineni, a former student of Hamstech Institute of Fashion and Interior Designing.

Ear cuffs are that small detail which give a bit of edge and glam without much effort.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Kota Saumya – Hyderabad / June 26th, 2013

Sunday Shots

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Records, All

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Among the artworks and photographs on display at Waterscapes, an on-going exhibition based on the theme of water, the photographs of Masood Hussain automatically catches the eye.

A beautiful shot of a Pied Kingfisher emerging from water after catching its prey and the reflection of a Spot-billed Duck caught in crystal clear water ignites one’s interest to know more about Masood. “The shot of the Pied Kingfisher at the exhibition was the result of three days of waiting at Gir National Park, Gujarat,” says Masood, a full-time businessman and a “Sunday” photographer.

A self-taught photographer, Masood might just be the youngest member of the AP Photographic Society to be awarded the distinction ‘Artist FIAP’ by International Federation of Photographic Art (IFIAP), an organisation comprising more than a million photographers globally.

The distinction is given to photographers whose artistic qualities and techniques  have been acknowledged through participation in international salons under FIAP Patronage.

Masood2HF02jul2013

“Every country has its own photography salon and to apply at IFIAP, a photographer needs 40 such acceptances for different pictures. I have participated in 15 international salons and got acceptance from Canada, UK, USA, Thailand, Serbia, Belgium and France. You need to visit IFIAP’s Website and once they approve of your work, they award you this distinction. I’ll be getting the documentation by next month,” says the wildlife photographer.

As a child, Masood was exposed to wildlife during hunting expeditions organised by his grandfather. And gradually, he decided to do the same, expect this time he was using a camera for the shots. “Though I’ve been interested in wildlife photography, it’s only been two years since I have taken it up. Most of my work is shot at places like Sanjeevaiah Park, Ameenpur Lake etc.,” he says.

He even bagged the top honour in the Birds category at the AP state level photography competition organised during CoP-11 last year. “The thing about animal photography is that birds won’t pose for you. This makes it all the more challenging and one needs a lot of patience,” says Masood, whose works were  featured on the cover of the Smart Photography magazine for the August 2012 issue.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Books-Art / DC / by Anisha Dhiman / July 02nd, 2013

For you, ol’ friend

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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Artist Sisir Sahana’s short film on the life and work of friend and fellow artist Surya Prakash has been accepted for the 2013 4th Annual New Hope Film Festival in New Hope, USA. The 25-minute- documentary will be screened on July 20 at the Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater.

Surya Prakash, one of AP’s most well-known artists, and Sisir Sahana have been friends for long. After watching Surya Prakash work for years, (Prakash is the resident artist at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, and Sisir too had his studio there for years) Sisir asked him one day if he could make a film on him and the senior artist agreed.

Talking about the movie, Surya Prakash says, “It took two weeks to make the film. All the phases in my life and work were captured.” Incidentally, the entire crew of the film is from the eye institute.

They began shooting at Prakash’s village in Khammam district. “We hired a big van and travelled to my village. Before we reached I had requested my friends to help shortlist a few young boys and older men who could play me and my father in the film.” Interestingly the boy who was finally chosen for the part was interested in painting in real life too.

Once the village part was wrapped up, it was time to come back to the city and find a 17-year-old who could play the teenage Prakash. “Sisir found a boy at the institute itself, bought a simple white shirt, a pair of chappals and a cycle. Then they went to the old city to shoot scenes around the automobile junk sites, because I used to go there as a youngster and draw inspiration from all the parts lying there. I would paint them,” adds Surya Prakash. The film captures all these significant parts of Surya Prakash’s life.

One person he is particularly looking forward to meet in the US when they travel there is one Mrs Binder, a collector who bought his works in the 70s. “She and her husband bought my paintings 35 years ago,” says the artist.

Once back from the US, Surya Prakash will get busy painting a series of works dedicated to his recent holidays in Venice. “I have been to Venice two times in two years and wanted to paint a series based on my trips, but it was not happening. So, before I leave I want to finish all my pending work and even have five to six paintings ready to be sent to galleries, so that I can dedicate my time to my Venice series when I get back.”

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Offbeat / DC / by Gayatri Reddy / June 14th, 2013

Noted writer Aluri dead

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

Noted writer and translator Aluri Bhujanga Rao, 83, passed away at his A T Agraharam residence in Guntur on Thursday. He was one of the prominent Telugu writers and translators of Hindi books and novels into Telugu.

He also translated Telugu books into Hindi. He was the editor of the magazine ‘Prabhath’ that was run by outlawed PWG for many decades and was a strong sympathiser of the Marxist party.

He has made invaluable contribution to the Marxist literature and translated many noted Hindi books into Telugu and vice versa.

He translated the works of legendary Hindi writers Premchand and Rahul Sankrityayan and others.

Bhujanga Rao had penned 30 Telugu novels during his long career. Noted among them is  ‘Simhavalokanam’, comprising biographies of many freedom-fighters including Bhagat Singh.

Virasam leaders Varavara Rao, Chalasani Prasad, Arasam district president Penugonda Lakshmi Narayana, noted writer K Siva Reddy and others paid tributes to the departed soul here Thursday and expressed deep condolences to Bhujanga Rao’s family members.

Bhujanga Rao is survived by wife, son and three daughters.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service – Guntur / June 21st, 2013

Descendents protect Tikkana memory

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Nellore: 

Although it was nine centuries since the great poet, Tikkana Somayaji, the one among three poets (Trinity of poets) who translated Mahabharata from Sanskrit to Telugu, his descendents have been protecting the only memory of his invaluable service.

The 18th descendant of his family, Paturu Harihara Sarma, takes pride in showing a sheath made of sandal wood, that was used to keep the ancient writing implement (Ghantamu or iron stylus) by Tikkana while writing Mahabharata on palm leaves.

The sheath with the pictures of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswati carved on either sides, perfectly reflects the artistic skills of artisans in 12 century AD.
“This precious piece has been with our family for generations. My grandfather gave to my father and I was given this responsibility after taking an oath that I would protect it throughout my life,” says Harihara Sarma holding it carefully.

He said that he declined to part with the sheath when AP archaeology wing officials have approached him to take possession of the sheath in 2006 after this newspaper published an article on the subject.

Another testimony of Tikkana era was a mandap located on the banks of Pennar River in Nellore. The poet is believed to have penned down the great epic, sitting in the mandap, which is still there standing as classic example for the negligence of authorities.

A park near the mandap which was named after Tikkana and Siddheswara Swamy temple in his native village Paturu, 10 km from Nellore, where the poet worshiped Lord Siva, are also in bad shape.
The retired head of Telugu department of VR College, Nellore and a scholar who did extensive research on Tikkanna, Mopuru Venugopalaiah says the literary giant has constructed Lord Hariharanadha temple close to the existing Sri Ranganadha Swamy temple at Nellore.

As a result of sheer negligence, the traces of the temple are completely washed out, Venugopalaiah said.

“Though born as a Shaivaite Brahmin, Tikkana Somayaji during the rule of Kakatiya Empire, his works has a clear message that there is no difference between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.  His first epic Nirvachanottara Ramayanamanu speaks about Sita’s banishment to forest and the birth of twins Lava and Kusa. Tikkanna translated 15 chapters of Mahabharatam, using more colloquial Telugu unlike Nannaya and Errana,” Venugopalaiah said.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / December 27th, 2012

SJM to have 3 new galleries

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
HYDERABAD,: 27-11-2012 Governor E.S.L Narasimhan giving away award to A.Nagendar Reddy,Director,Salarjung Museum, on Indian Red Cross Society annual general meeting day in Hyderabad on Tuesday. / PHOTO: G_Krishnaswamy / The Hindu
HYDERABAD,: 27-11-2012 Governor E.S.L Narasimhan giving away award to A.Nagendar Reddy,Director,Salarjung Museum, on Indian Red Cross Society annual general meeting day in Hyderabad on Tuesday. / PHOTO: G_Krishnaswamy / The Hindu

More than 60 years after it was opened, Salarjung Museum (SJM) is still in the process of opening more and more galleries. There is never a dull moment with this world famous museum. In the next few months it is going to add three more galleries. The birth anniversary of its founder, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Bahadur better known as Salarjung III is the occasion for taking stock of things, chalking out plans and setting the road map for future.

Museum Director A. Nagender Reddy explains the new plans on the anvil to  J.S. IFTHEKHAR

Any new galleries planned?

Yes, three new galleries are in the pipeline. A gallery containing walking sticks of Salarjung will be opened within a fortnight. As many as 180 walking sticks, some studded with jades, will be on display for the first time. Though Salarjung himself did not use the sticks, he took pains to acquire them from different parts of the world. The gallery is almost ready on the ground floor.

Which is the other gallery you have proposed?

A coins gallery is planned and it is expected to be ready in next two months. It will have more than 1,500 coins right from the Satavahana period to the Nizam’s era. The Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai, has agreed to put up two kiosks in the gallery. One will enlighten visitors with the history of money while in the other kiosk with a video will explain the method of detecting fake notes.

And the third gallery?

We have totally refurbished the children’s section at a cost of Rs. 30 lakh. The new gallery on the first floor has 3,500 sq ft area to display everything connected with children in a much better way. This gallery, which will be opened in next four months, will also have computer games to keep the visiting children engaged.

Any other thing?

The Islamic Art Gallery on the second floor in the Eastern Block is in the final stages of construction. A sum of Rs. 3 crore has been spent so far and another Rs. 1.5 crore is required to deck up the interiors. Everything connected with Islam from carpets to the holy Quran will be displayed here. The Islamic Art gallery will be inaugurated during this financial year.

What about plans to provide a virtual tour of the museum?

We plan to tie up with Google to give this enchanting experience to visitors. Shortly the SJM will go in for solar power to meet 40 to 50 p.c. of its energy needs. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has provided a budget of Rs. 3.5 crore. The New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation will execute the project.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / June 15th, 2013

Shreedevi Chowdary inaugurates Akritti Elite Exhibition at Taj Krishna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Hyderabad :

Akritti Elite, a 2-day Exhibition Kicked off at Taj Krishna, Banjara hills. Organized by Akritti ,it will be on till june 12th 2013. Exhibiting Variety and richness of several craftsmen, designers & creators Products. designers from Bangalore, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad & other parts of the country participated in the show with attractive products appealing to the ever changing tastes and panache of women in the society.

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Exclusive Varieties of designer sarees, dress materials, kurtis, Pakistani suits, Fashion jewellery, Gold jewellery, Accessories. Daily care, Horne decor, designer bags, foot wear, etc are available for the city to indulge in. The exhibition has been planned as a part of charity initiative.

Platform for well designed Products : Shreedevi chowdary

Hyderabad Socialite & Entrepreneur Shreedevi Chowdary inaugurated the exhibition by lighting the traditional lamp.“It’s glad to see various apparel, particularly designer wear, dress materials , designer sarees, furnishings to be showcased for the Fashion Connoisseurs” Shreedevi said on this occassion. “Platforms such as this are required to reach out women looking for well-designed Saris, life style accessories ” Shreedevi chowdary added.

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“Akritti a well known women’s organization, such exhibitions and events across the country with an objective of promoting arts culture and also benefit customers, especially creative and fashionable women” organizer shashi Nahata, Alok Nahata added.

Many celebrities, socialites, designers, organizers graced the event.

source: http://www.raagalahari.com / Raagalahari.com / Home> Local Events / Hyderabad – June 2013

Indian Aussies photo expo begins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Mrs Kerrie Griggs, wife of the chief of the Royal Australian Navy cuts a ribbon to mark the opening of the photo exhibition, Indian Aussies, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Australian consulate general for south India, David Holly is also seen.— K. MURALIKRISHNA
Mrs Kerrie Griggs, wife of the chief of the Royal Australian Navy cuts a ribbon to mark the opening of the photo exhibition, Indian Aussies, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Australian consulate general for south India, David Holly is also seen. — K. MURALIKRISHNA

Visakhapatnam:

Kerrie Griggs, wife of chief of Royal Australian Navy, vice admiral RK Griggs, inaugurated the Indian Aussies photo exhibition at a shopping mall in Vizag in the presence of Australia’s consul general for south India, David Holly.

The photo exhibition by Michel Lawrence is being held to celebrate the strengthening bonds between India and Australia.“Indians are successful in Australia, and Indian Aussies celebrate their success,” said

Holly.  “Australia is chosen by many as a place to settle, to build business and to raise their families.  Indian Aussies are highly respected members of our community and are admired for their achievements. The Indian community is an integral part of Australia’s future as a successful multi-cultural nation,” he added.

Indian Aussies includes images of those who travelled from Andhra Pradesh to Australia, including Dr Rama Rao, Usha Naylon and Zuhair Naqvi. Dr Rao, Usha moved to Australia in 1983, while Zuhair moved in 2008.

Dr Rama Rao was born in Nellore and moved to Australia in 1983.  She has a Ph.D in Chemistry and works researching new polymers and paints.  Dr Rao established the first Carnatic Music School in Melbourne in 1984, and on weekends she teaches classical Indian music and singing.

Usha Naylon was born in Hyderabad and moved with her adopted family to Australia in 1983. She is a teacher and head of humanities at the highly regarded Balwyn High School in Melbourne and is studying a Masters at Monash University.  Usha’s wedding to Ben incorporated a mix of Australian and Indian cultures.

Zuhair Naqvi was born in Hyderabad and moved to Australia in 2008.  He has been a web developer since the age of 13.  Having worked later in life in Kuwait and Hyderabad, he returned to Melbourne.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News>  Current Affairs / June 12th, 2013