Monthly Archives: September 2012

‘Greatly moved by Saina gesture’

Sports

“I have been greatly moved by the kind of sportsman spirit Saina Nehwal has shown by giving me Rs2 lakh from her own pocket. Only a true sportsman can feel for another sportsperson.” Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda, India’s lone medallist at the recent Paralympics Games in London, choked as he struggled to find words to express his gratitude to India’s badminton ace on his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday.

Though the 24-year-old Girisha’s barefoot scissor leap of 1.74m matched that of gold medallist Iliesa Delana of Fiji, he had to settle for silver for taking more jumps. But reaching this far was not an easy task for the Bangalore-based differently-abled athlete as he received absolutely no support from the government or the corporate sector in the run up to the London Games.

“I just hope that the corporates will shower the same kind of cash rewards which they did on the six medal winners on their return. The government’s incentive — Rs30 lakh and a job offer in Sports Authority of India — has come as a big relief for me. It wasn’t easy to prepare for the Games without the corporate or government help,” said Girisha, son of a farmer in Hassan, Karnataka.

Girisha revealed that he was motivated by wrestler Sushil Kumar’s silver medal-winning performance in London just a few days before taking the flight for the Paralympics.

“Sushil is my role model. And when he won his second Olympics medal, a silver, I was determined to repeat the same feat,” Girisha said. “People should understand and recognise our efforts because it’s the same kind of training and effort that is required to win a medal at the Paralympic Games.”

Speaking about his future, Girisha said: “Right now, I want to continue with my training and want to win gold in the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016. And when I retire, I want to take up coaching to help athletes like me who hardly get any support in India.” Girisha is India’s third silver medallist ever in Paralympics.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> Sport / Report / by Chander Shekhar Luthra, Place: New Delhi, Agency: DNA / Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Deccan is losing its history

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

“The city has lost so much of its past,” said best-selling author and historian William Dalrymple as he inaugurated the Centre of Deccan Studies at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University on Tuesday. Dalrymple, who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural lecture on The Syncretic Civilisation of the Deccan, expressed his sadness over today’s Hyderabad.

“I was here during the ’90s when I was researching for my book White Mughals, but now I get lost when I come here. Hyderabad’s rate of conservation is the worst. Over years, beautiful buildings have been destroyed, art collections have been lost and natural fabric has been damaged. Raymond’s Tomb was bouldered, Moula Ali’s has been encroached upon,” he said during his interaction with the press. “Little has been done in the last 20 years while destruction has been ongoing. A big conservation needs to be done,” he added.

Talking about the Centre for Deccan studies, he said, “It’s absurd there’s not been a centre for Deccan Studies anywhere before. People here go on to study engineering and commerce but don’t know the history and literature of this part of the world.” On the controversial existence of the dancer Bhagmati, the love of Hyderabad founder Quli Qutub Shah’s life, in the history of Hyderabad, he didn’t take the bait, saying that he wasn’t qualified to answer that. “I am aware of the controversy, but I have never studied that period. All I can say is that one should not ignore the oral traditions. If this was to be looked as a case in the court, then one would take the word of the eyewitness over the people who have heard things weeks after,” he said.

On the Hyderabad Literature Festival, the co-founder of the Jaipur Lit Festival said, “I have not been to the lit fest so I don’t know how terrible or good it is, but three elements need to be kept in mind: there has to be 2/3 desi to 1/3 incomers (ratio), more nationalities need to be involved, raising sponsorship. What could be a USP is that the directors of the Jaipur fest are writers themselves. We are hunting in our own forests.”

Dalrymple’s next, The Return Of A King, which tells the story of a Anglo-Mughal, will be out in December.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> All-Rounders / by Babli Yadav, DC / September 12th, 2012

Rudraksha being grown in East Godavari

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Science & Technology

‘Ekamukhi’ rudraksha plant brought by a nursery in Kadiam village in the district two years ago starts flowering

The ‘ekamukhi’ (single-segmented) rudraksha plant, now confined to the Himalayas and India-Nepal border, is now being grown in the semi-arid tropical climate of East Godavari district.

Gangumalla Satyanarayana and his brothers, are among the hundreds of farmers engaged in growing nurseries of the plant in the district now. It was Sri Satyanarayana Nursery of Kadiam, owned by the Gangumalla brothers, that first grew the ‘ekamukhi’ rudraksha plant in the district. “We bought the plant about two years ago in Bangalore and the age of the plant at the time was three years. It began flowering four months ago. We only know that it is a rudraksha plant. But, recently a swamji told us that it was ‘ekamukhi’,” said Nagesh, one of the brothers. “The plant has grown into a small tree and hundreds of rudraksha buds of green colour with flowers hang from it now,” he says.

Hindus believe that ‘ekamukhi’ rudraksha is a resemblance of Lord Siva. Generally, rudraksha beads have five lines (mukhi) on them. They stand for five segments of the bead. Each segment contains a seed in it. But, ‘ekamukhi’ has only one seed, which is the most wanted variety.

Mr. Reddy, who is in charge of the Sri Satyanarayana Nursery, says ‘ekamukhi’ rudraksha is available in five or six shapes and presently their nursery grows the plant that bears oval-shaped Rudraksha. ‘Ekamukhi’ can be tested by a simple formula: put it in a bowl of milk and it will not degenerate for five days.

As for the size of the rudraksha, Mr. Nagesh said they had grown the plant in open air and had not taken due care as they had not realised its importance. “If the plant is properly maintained, the size and shape of the bead will match the rudraksha available on the Nepal border,” he said.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by B.V.S. Bhaskar / Rajahmundry, September 10th, 2012

GHMC hires heritage consultant

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has appointed a consultant to take up modernisation of heritage structures like Unani Hospital at Charminar, Mozamjahi Market and others to bring back the aesthetic old look, GHMC commissioner M T Krishna Babu said here on Sunday.

The GHMC will also take up modern street lighting from Charminar to Chandrayangutta road on the lines of Charminar Pedestrianisation Project (CPP).

Seven-eight years old palm trees would be planted on central dividers from Charminar to Chndrayangutta. The beautification work costs Rs 7 crore and will be completed by the end of this month

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / September 10th, 2012

Cycle yatra to Islamabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Aim is to spread the message of friendly relations with the neighbouring country

As part of a cultural exchange programme, Vijayawada city-based Active Bicyclers Association will organise a cycle expedition from New Delhi to Islamabad in Pakistan from November 1.

In all, 32 cyclists will take part in the yatra-2012 covering a total distance of 1,400 km, including 1,000 km from New Delhi to Islamabad. Association general secretary V. Satyanarayana said that the yatra would pass through Sonepat, Karnal, Kurkshetra, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Lahore and culminate at Islamabad. It would take 25 to 28 days to travel up and down, he said.

The purpose of the yatra would be to spread the message of friendly relations with neighbouring country and also to underscore the need to use cycle for health and environment protection.

Young participant

A six-year-old girl Akshara will also take part in the yatra along with her mother. The participants other include: V. Satyanarayana, V. N. Prathap, K. Rama Seshadri Rao, Ch. Venkata Mouli Prasad, Sruthi, C. Nandan Babu, D. Avinash, Chintakayala Kishore Kumar, Betha Charith, Bade Kartheek, Rakotu Vivek, Kalpatapu Bhavani Vara Prasad, Pilla Nooka Raju, Kothakonda Dharanidhar, Dereddy Yerraji Reddy, Bora Venkata Satya Naga Yerraji, Devarapalli Vijay Kumar, Korabathina Shekar Babu, Maranani Srinivasa Rao, RVVN Jagapathi RAju, Mallampalli Sambasiva Rao, Prem Kumar, Dr. Harsha Vardhan, Sridhar, Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Kondaveeti Ajay, Sayyad Khadar Bhasha, Gopi Dakamarri, Charabanda Raju, Sivakumari, Akshara. V and C. Maithyli, he said.

source: http://www.TheHindul.com  / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / September 10th, 2012

Malayalees revel in Vijayawada Onam celebrations

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Actor Lakshmi Sarma interacting with Malayalee families during Onam celebrations organised by Malayalee Association at a hotel in Vijayawada on Sunday. / Photo: CH. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

A non-Malayalee, for the first time, wins the ‘pookkalam’ contest

The place was vibrant, mood upbeat and the spirits high. The auditorium of hotel Marg Krishnaaya boomed with high energy on Sunday when members of Vijayawada Malayalee Association gathered to celebrate Onam.

Soaking in the festival spirit, Malayalee families walked in sporting the traditional attire. Men went around in the customary white dhoti-kurta while womenfolk sauntered around gracefully in settu mundu. Long strings of fresh jasmine flowers added to the soft fragrance that swathed the vicinity.

‘Pookkalam’ being one of the main highlights of Onam celebration, a contest kept open for everybody to participate, saw overwhelming response. Names of girls and women kept pouring in till the last minute for participation. While the actual programme was scheduled to commence at 10 a.m., participants of ‘pookkalam’ ensured their presence at the venue three hours in advance. Outshining other contenders, Srija, a student of VP Siddhartha Public School, bagged the first prize. The organisers were only too happy to dole out the prize to a non-Malayalee for the first time.

Lakshmi Sarma, Telugu film actress from the city who migrated to do Kerala films and tasted success by bagging lead roles against big names like Mamoothy, was cynosure of all eyes.

Specially invited to be part of the Onam celebrations in Vijayawada, Ms. Sarma effortlessly mingled with the women who were thrilled to be in company of a celebrity.

“Though I hail from Andhra, people of Kerala recognise me better. Malayalee films have given me a new life. I was thrilled to receive a call from organisers of this celebration who wanted me to join them,” said the actress who has acted in 26 Malayalam films.

The cultural programme that had all the traditional folk dance forms of Kerala was relished by the families away from their native land.

The indispensable Onasadya, a smorgasbord of 18 delicacies dished out by a team of cooks brought in from Kerala to keep the authentic flavours of the dishes intact was savoured by one and all.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / September 10th, 2012

‘Cultivate the reading habit’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Andhra Loyola College Head of Department of Library Science G.A. Prasada Rao presenting an award to a student in Vijayawada on Friday. /  Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu

International Literacy Day celebrations was held on the Delhi Public School premises in Vijayawada

Literacy has different connotations for different people and just knowing to read and write does not mean literacy, though that constitutes the literal meaning of ‘literacy’, opined speakers at the International Literacy Day celebrations on the Delhi Public School premises in Vijayawada on Friday.

The role of newspapers in improving the literacy rate and widening the knowledge sphere was discussed and the need for improving reading habits highlighted.

The Andhra Loyola College Head of Department of Library Science G.A. Prasada Rao described various forms of information platforms and described journals and periodicals as essential for improving vocabulary on a daily basis. School dean S.B. Rao said literacy was confined to statistics and those numbers did not mean anything until real education was imparted. Reading good books can make a person truly literate and improve one’s social behaviour.

School English Department Head Shanthi Ramanujam, Vice-Principal P.K. Sankaralingam, and director of the school were present in the interactive session with students of Classes X to XII on the school campus at Nidamanuru.

The winners in essay writing competition were 1st prize – Shashank Rao Palety (Class 12); 2nd prize – Hamsini (Class 9); 3rd prize – Nikitha (Class 9); drawing competition 1st prize – V. Mamitha (Class 7), 2nd prize – K. Madhu Charan (Class 7), 3rd prize – Sai Anurag (Class 8).

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / September 08th, 2012

The big city wedding

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

It’s being touted as one of Hyderabad’s biggest weddings this year. And the families of APSRTC managing director A.K. Khan and former minister Shabbir Ali couldn’t be more excited.

Deccan Chronicle spoke to both bride and groom who were absolutely full of praise for each other. “I couldn’t have found a better life partner. Our ideas matched and we agreed on many things instantly,” said Shazia, a Nalsar graduate. She is now pursuing a degree in leadership management at the prestigious Harvard. “I had to postpone my tenure at Harvard because of the wedding. But Mohsin is absolutely supportive and he’s even thinking of joining me at the university,” Shazia adds.

So, it’s back to college for the two? “It is possible,” beams groom Mohsin Khan. “I am in the process of selecting a course.” Mohsin went to the United States five years ago to pursue his Masters in international business and since has been working in California.

“She’s incredibly smart and I will give her my full support in whatever she wishes to achieve in her life,” he says. The families have fixed September 9 as the big date. Apparently, the two families have known each other for over 20 years but for Mohsin and Shazia, the developments were new. “I was in the US and busy. We met a few times, and now we’re all set for a life together,” Mohsin says.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Hyderabad / DC,  September 07th, 2012

Minister for Housing Uttam Kumar Reddy inaugurated two-day All India Students Conference of Company Secretaries in city today

Business & Economy, Education
Report by India Education bureau; Hyderabad:

The two-day 13th All India Students Conference of Company Secretaries kicked off here at Hyderabad today at the Global Peace Auditorium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The conference with the theme – ‘Company Secretary (CS) – The Corporate Leader’ was inaugurated by Chief Guest Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Minister for Housing, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Prof. (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, Nalsar University; Mr. CS Nesar Ahmad, President, The Institute of Company Secretaries, New Delhi and many others graced the inaugural session.
Speaking on the occasion Uttam Kumar Reddy said a good Company Secretary is a valuable asset to the company.  In a globalised economy Indian companies have to compete and business environment also becomes complex.  Company secretary role is critical as he guides them in statutory processes.  Adding further he stated that India would soon over take China in the growth of its GDP, he said.
Addressing the gathering Prof. (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, Nalsar University said India is all about tolerance.  India is about management of diversity.  India’s retains the distinctive identity as the most diverse nation.  India’s management of diversity is the best management of diversity in the world, he said and added that  Company Secretary can play a vital role in managing this diversity in corporate governance.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. CS Nesar Ahmad, President, The Institute of Company Secretaries, New Delhi said their mission is to be a Global leader in promoting good corporate governance.  Our mission is to develop high caliber professionals facilitating good corporate governance.  The Council of the Institute formulated the top ten goals for the period of 2011-2014. Some of the these include developing a Cadre of Competent professionals, Improving infrastructure, improving the visibility of the profession and providing leadership on global map etc and others.
To globalise the profession, the ICSI has approached the Commerce Ministry for inclusion of a new Head for Corporate Governance and Company Secretarial Services under the Services Sectoral Classification List of the WTO. The institute has also sought support from parallel institutes in various countries of the world.  The response is encouraging he said.
Eminent Economists, Academicians, Senior Executives from Government and experienced Professionals addressed the participants during the day. The conference is hosted by Hyderabad Chapter of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
The conference is attended by about 1500 delegates from different parts of the country comprising of students of Company Secretary Course, Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants, College Students, Corporate Executives, Advocates, practitioners, etc. The conference is being organized here in city after a gap of 14years, they stated.
Company Secretaries are expected to add value as full-fledged corporate managers, corporate leaders and guide the boards to take the right decisions that are in line with the ethical and moral standards, meet the norms of good corporate governance and are not in conflict with the laws of the land. The conference will provide opportunities for participants to upgrade their knowledge and know the ever developing requirements of the profession.
The Conference has sub-themes such as Companies Bill 2011, Role of CS as a strong leader; CS – a key Governance, Risk & Compliance Professional; Emerging Avenues & Newer vistas – Future Transformation of CS; Leadership from the Front; Communicate to conquer; Technology – Strong enabler; Integrity, Ethics & Core Values; and Personal and Professional attributes for success. The themes are designed in such a manner that they impart knowledge on the students that will help them in pursuing their dream.
There have been lot of interactive sessions for the students who attend the conference. Panel discussion with the President, Council members and other office bearers of the ICSI; Interactive session with student speakers; Mock AGM; Mock Board meetings; etc. were .  Participants were given complete insight into the profession.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / Home / Friday, September 07th, 2012

Vijayawada’s Krishnaveni Union looking to expand

Business & Economy

Targets to procure 30,000 litres of milk this financial year

The Krishnaveni Krishna District Milk Producers Cooperative Union will target procuring 30,000 litres in the current financial year expanding its current size of 20,000 litres.

The Krishnaveni Union Chairman Bullaiah Chowdhary said that they collect about 22,000 lt. in a lean season and 30,000 litres at the peak, but processing is done only to the tune of their market share of 20,000 litres for all milk products put together.

The union currently procures milk from 245 centres and proposes to enhance it to 489 centres and currently it has 12 Bulk Milk Chilling Units, which would be augmented by 12 more in the year ahead.

Currently it gives 2,000 litres to the Andhra Pradesh Dairy Development Cooperatives Federation Ltd. to be picked up by other unions or get it processed for products at the Sangam Dairy in Vadlamudi in Guntur district. No preservatives like formalin or neutralizers are added and strict quality is maintained, he said.

The union gets the milk processed at the Kankipadu milk factory with a 50,000 litre capacity. Vijayawada city has a total consumption of about 3.25 lakh litres of milk in both domestic and commercial segments and it has a very small share of 20,000 litres with Krishna Union (Chittinagar) taking the major chunk of 2 lakh litres marketing. He blamed several milk unions and private operators for vitiating the milk market by creating unhealthy competition by offering additional percentage of commission to the vendors and capturing them.

The Krishnaveni Union also proposes to open parlours in the city at vantage points to improve its presence and sell its products in retail. Mobile veterinary vans have been pressed into service and regular cattle health camps are organised, he said.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / September 07th, 2012