Monthly Archives: April 2018

Musicologist Balantrapu Rajanikantha Rao no more

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Balantrapu Rajanikantha Rao | Photo Credit: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar
Balantrapu Rajanikantha Rao | Photo Credit: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Composer of the first Telugu song to be broadcast in Independent India dies at 99

Noted musicologist and broadcaster Balantrapu Rajanikantha Rao passed away at his residence on Sunday morning (5.30 a.m.). He was 99.

He left an indelible mark in the fields of art, music and literature with his invaluable contribution spanning over more than seven decades.

Born at Nidadavole on January 20, 1920, Mr. Rao started his career as a programme executive in All India Radio at Madras in 1941.

He wrote and composed the first ever Telugu song (Mroyimpu Jayabheri) to be broadcast in Independent India post midnight of August 14, 1947, following the famous speech of first Prime Minister the country, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

As a programme executive of AIR Vijayawada, he was responsible for the programme ‘Bhakti Ranjani’. He became the station director of AIR at Ahmedabad and Vijayawada before he retired as the station director at Bangalore in 1978 after completing 36 years of service.

Mr. Rao made his name with his operas choreographed by eminent dancers such as Vempati Chinna Satyam and Shobha Naidu. Some of his works included Chandidas, Divya Jyothi, Menaka Viswamitra, Kalyana Srinivasam, Sri Krishna Saranam Mama and Namostute Nari.

Apart from music, he carved a niche for himself in the field of writing too. Some of his popular published works are Andhra Vaggeyakata Charitram, Viswaveena, Satapatra Sundari, Ksheytrayya, Ramadasu, Jeji Mamayya Paatalu, Muvvagopala Padavali, Yetiki Edurita, Chaturbhani and a collection of Annamacharya lyrics translated into English which has been published by the Dravidian University at Kuppam. Some of the films in which his songs, written in pseudonyms —Nalini and Taranath — were featured in Gruhapraveesam and Swargaseema. Among his literary works, Andhra Vaggyekara Charitam was considered as his magnum opus. It consists of biographies of lyricists, and music composers along with history and evolution of the Andhra music.

Awards galore

He was bestowed with several honours both from the State government and the literary associations for his timeless contribution to music and writing. He was one of the few who had received both the Sangeet Natak Academy and the Sahitya Academy awards. He also received laurels including Kalaprapoorna (Andhra University), Nadasudharnava (Dr Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna), Kala Ratna Award (the Andhra Pradesh government), Telugu Basha Samiti Award and Pratibha Moorti lifetime achievement award by the U.S.-based Appajyotsula Vishnubhotla Foundation.

CM orders State funeral

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu condoled the demise of the literary giant and ordered for a State funeral.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – April 23rd, 2018

Photo expo showcases city’s rich history

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Peep into the past: GVMC Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan going around heritage photo exhibition organised by Visakha Camera Club in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam
Peep into the past: GVMC Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan going around heritage photo exhibition organised by Visakha Camera Club in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam

Two-day exhibition being held to mark World Heritage Day

Many priceless historical gems of the Visakhapatnam region, heritage structures – each with its own slice of history, and a pictorial documentation of the changing face of the heritage sites were showcased at the photography exhibition at Visakha Museum organised by Visakha Camera Club on the eve of World Heritage Day on Tuesday.

As many as 84 photographs have been exhibited at the two-day exhibition. From changing face of the old light house from 1960s to 2016, Old Town’s heritage structures of European Cemetery, St. Alloysius School to aerial shots of the Buddhist Heritage site of Bavikonda and making of Etikopakka toys, the pictures are a reminder of the rich history of Visakhapatnam.

Inaugurating the exhibition, GVMC Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan said the exhibition showcased the archaeological, cultural and tribal heritage of the region.

Good initiative

“It is a good initiative to showcase the heritage of Visakhapatnam through such exhibitions,” he said.

Speaking on restoration of heritage structures of Old Town, he said: “Under the Smart City initiative, the Town Hall and cemetery at Jagadamba Junction. The DPR will be prepared by the end of this month.”

On the occasion, scuba diver and explorer Balaram Naidu gave a presentation on Vizag’s undersea heritage discovery. Talks by Jayshree Hatangadi and photographer B.K. Agarwal highlighted many historical facts behind the heritage structures of the city.

Dr. Shabana Saleem, a visitor at the exhibition, said, “A heritage lovers’ group must be formed and exhibitions and heritage walks must be done on a regular basis. There is so much to discover about our city and its history.”

Sunita Kona, school teacher, said detailed signage on streets and in front of heritage structures would be helpful to get an in-depth understanding of the city’s history.

Earlier in the week, heritage walks around Old Town and Bavikonda Buddhist site saw an enthusiastic participation from people.

The photography exhibition will be open on Wednesday at Visakha Museum from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – April 18th, 2018

Girl students design solar-powered vehicle

Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Students of Bullayya College of Engineering for Women take a ride in the vehicle. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam
Students of Bullayya College of Engineering for Women take a ride in the vehicle. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam

‘It took 45 days to complete the project’

Unlike the normal four-wheeler, this vehicle does not have a clutch or a gear but operates through a switch to move forward and backward and comes with a brushless DC motor sans any noise.

A team of 17 final year students of Dr. Bullayya College of Engineering for Women designed the solar-powered BLDC-driven electric vehicle.

With 50% of the total cost being borne by students and the rest supported by the college management, the four-seater vehicle involved a total expenditure of ₹75,000. The maximum speed of the vehicle is 40 km per hour and can carry 300 kg weight.

“We wanted to bring out cost-effective energy-saving solution and set an example for other students,” says P. Rama Lakshmi, EEE student and meber of the team.

Run by both electric charging and solar power, the eco-friendly vehicle is designed with a power rating of 1500 watts and attached with four batteries of 12 volts each which can be recharged on the go.

“There is so much fun involved in bringing the automobile project into life which was earlier considered to be men’s domain,” says D. Gayatri, another student who was part of the project.

Team work

Giving credit to teamwork, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of EEE G. Anand says it took 45 days for the all-girl team to complete the project under his guidance.

Secretary and correspondent of the college G. Madhukumar says such designs will make students to think innovatively and apply the knowledge learnt in classrooms.

“The eco-friendly four-wheeler can be used as a golf cart or in the railway station to help commute senior citizens and differently-abled or assist patients in hospitals,” he told The Hindu, indicating that the vehicle will be kept on the campus.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Rani Devalla / Visakhapatnam – April 21st, 2018

Conduent Expands in India, Aims to Create up to 5,000 Technology Jobs in Visakhapatnam

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Aims to create up to 5,000 technology jobs in the city in next two years

ConduentANDHRA20apr2018

Conduent Incorporated (NYSE: CNDT), a global leader in digital interactions with operations in 35 countries, expanded its presence in India and started its new location in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This became the company’s ninth location in the country and is poised to create up to 5,000 jobs in the city over the next two years.

The launch comes less than six months after announcing a three-year timeline for setting up a development centre in Visakhapatnam’s Fintech Valley. The new site will become a key business location in India and will help Conduent India globally deliver innovation in technology, transportation, healthcare, public safety, human resources, process automation and operational excellence.

“My Government has proactively worked towards building the talent and providing an eco-system to attract global organisations into Visakhapatnam. The entry of global businesses like Conduent to the city is a sign of the success of these initiatives and city’s growing stature as a business hub. It is yet another example of how investing in a highly-skilled, educated workforce boosts the local economy, creates jobs for the youth and strengthens the State,” said Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minster, Andhra Pradesh. “I congratulate Conduent on starting their operations and extend full support of my Government to their growth plans in Andhra Pradesh.”

Today, Conduent India employs almost 12,000 people across nine cities. The new office in Visakhapatnam demonstrates Conduent’s focus on India as a priority market and underlines the importance of the region in the company’s overall growth strategy.

“India is a strategic growth region for Conduent and we are convinced about the potential that the country offers. As a digital interactions business that serves Fortune 500 companies and government entities around the world, being a part of this dynamic geography is the right move for our clients and our people,” said Dave Amoriell – President, Conduent Inc. “Visakhapatnam provides access to a new professional labor market focused on technology, innovation and research. We are honored to have the support of Government and the Hon’ble Chief Minster Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu to bring even more future-looking jobs to the great state of Andhra Pradesh.”

Visakhapatnam is on track to becoming the technology, science, and knowledge hub in India,” said Shri Nara Lokesh, Hon’ble Minister – IT, Electronics, PR & RD Andhra Pradesh. “The state government is committed to support technology companies in establishing their centres in Vizag. Conduent is a perfect example as they have commenced their operations in less than 6 months and invested in the great future of the state. It is a matter of great pride for me, my team and the state to welcome Conduent to Visakhapatnam.”

“We are confident that our Visakhapatnam centre will deliver great benefits to our customers,” said Lokesh Prasad – Conduent India CEO. “Our investment in the region – with its highly skilled talent, supportive government and global business partners – strengthens our ability to succeed in continuing to develop and deliver innovative solutions for the global market.”

source: http://www.bwdisrupt.businessworld.in / BW Disrupt / Home / by BW Online Bureau / March 29th, 2018

Pre-historic rock art site unearthed in Guntur

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Records, All
Rare find: An engraving shows a humped bull on the eastern banks of Naguleru near Dachepalli.
Rare find: An engraving shows a humped bull on the eastern banks of Naguleru near Dachepalli.

Freelance archaeologist discovers it on the banks of the Naguleru

A pre-historic rock art site discovered in the vast expanse of limestone blocks on the eastern banks of Naguleru near Dachepalli has thrown light on the Neolithic civilisation that flourished in Guntur during 1500-2000 BC.

The site, unearthed by freelance archaeologist Kadiyala Venkateswara Rao at Kesanapalli village in Dachepalli mandal, has excited archaeologists and is expected to trigger further excavations.

“The rock art site on natural lime stone is the first of its kind in the country. The motifs in the form of engraving, pecking and brushing throw fascinating insights into the social and cultural practices of ancient civilisations,” Mr. Rao told The Hindu on Tuesday.

What has made archaeologists look up this latest discovery is the dexterity with which early human was able to engrave different animal motifs like fish, snake, peacock, eagle, bull and scorpion on limestone blocks.

One petroglyph shows an anthropomorphic figure with its head in between the two hands.

Another engraving shows a warrior holding a sword and a shield, indicating the practices during Iron Age.

Rock art motifs

Mr. Rao, on a trail of discovering ancient sites, also stumbled upon a series of rock art motifs in front of an old-age home located on the left side of the path leading to the river.

“It is quite interesting to find a rare and mythical oval-shaped labyrinth engraving with multi circles by the side of cultic motifs. The labyrinth is a mythical and sacred symbol of the early pre-historic times,” said Mr. Rao, who had earlier discovered a huge rock art labyrinth painting in Kolimeru cave on the top of a hill in East Godavari district.

The region in later years was also synonymous with the flourishing of Buddhism.

A stupa established on the pre-historic rock art site during during 1-2 BC, was unearthed during excavations by the Department of Archaeology  and Museums in 1969.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by P. Samuel Johnson / Guntur – April 18th, 2018

First century AD cave found in Gunadala

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

Vijayawada:

A rock-cut Buddhist cave dating back to 1st century AD was discovered at Gunadala , Vijayawada east assembly constituency on Wednesday.
The cave first came to the notice of local MLA Gadde Rama Mohan Rao, during his ‘gadapa gadapaku Telugu Desam,’ a door-to-door party tour. After spotting the cave, he alerted Buddhist archaeologist and CEO of Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati Dr E Sivanagi Reddy.

Dr Reddy thoroughly explored the cave. He told TOI that the rock–cut cave has an open verandah measuring 20 feet by 12 feet, a mandapa (15x12ft) and a cell (8×6 ft). The cell is believed to the residence of the chief monk, which acted as a retreat (vassavasa) during rainy season, which lasted for about four months.

“The cave bears historical significance in the field of Buddhist cave architecture in the Deccan region. With this cave, Vijayawada will find a place in the Buddhist circuit map of India,” Dr Reddy said. Based on the plain nature of the rock–cut cave and the absence of ornamental motifs, Dr Reddy said the cave dates back to 1st century AD, which makes it part of the Satavahana period.

The Buddhist cave was chiselled from a rock of the Gunadala hill. It was appropriated by the Brahmanical faith during the 7th and 8th centuries (Vengi Chalukyan period) when Buddhism was on its decline. The cave was re-fashioned with octagonal pillars on either side and the walls were smoothened.

The locals said a small figure of goddess Kanaka Durga was installed in recent times and they called it Kanaka Durga cave.

Gadde Rama appealed the archaeology officials to declare it as a protected site and develop it as a tourist spot by erecting a sign board and directional board on the roadside in Gunadala.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News>Vijayawada News / TNN / April 12th, 2018

A forest retreat at Mamandur away from city life

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
The newly built tent accommodations at Community Based Eco-Tourism project site in Mamandur. | Photo Credit: B_VenkatSandeep
The newly built tent accommodations at Community Based Eco-Tourism project site in Mamandur. | Photo Credit: B_VenkatSandeep

Tent rooms with all basic amenities set up to woo visitors

Beyond a rustic dilapidated arch on the Chennai-Kadapa highway, a serpentine dirt trail leads to one of the most picturesque Forest Department bungalows in the thick of the Seshachalam forests. Perched atop a hillock at Mamandur village, the colonial-era structure built in 1920 stares down the vast expanse of the entire property.

Surrounded by the accommodation developed by the Forest Department as part of the Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) project, the location offers an ideal getaway from the regular humdrum of the urban life.

To enrich the experience of staying in a forest retreat, the officials have introduced ‘tent rooms’, much to the delight of the visitors. Unlike the regular ones, the tent accommodations introduced at the CBET, Mamandur have minor reinforcements. The rooms are extended from a brick and mortar bathroom, sloping roofs and is enveloped by a regular tent cloth.

“Owing to the rise in demand from visitors, particularly those hailing from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, we have set up three tented rooms, in addition to the existing ten-bed dormitory and two regular rooms,” Divisional Forest Officer D. Phani Kumar Naidu tells The Hindu.

Mr. Naidu said they have focused on all basic amenities including air conditioning facility, and have strengthened the restaurant section by employing the services of the locals, especially the Yanadi tribes.

Traditional cuisines

“As the area is located on the fringes of the temple city of Tirupati, we want the visitors to have a good access to proper food— a taste of local cuisines at the modern canteen. We are also planning to train the locals in hospitality so that they can offer better services to the visitors. We have also set up a meeting hall which can be used for both as corporate and family retreats,” he said.

Further, canopy walks, guided birdwatching trails, medicinal plantations, boating, trekking routes and much more are in the pipeline. Facilities at Talakona, among the popular getaways near Tirupati, have also received a major boost.

Animal lovers’ paradise

With a flourish of saucer pits at the entrance of the CBET, Mamandur, one can see animals, such as Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer and etc. moving in the area at the dawn and dusk, with the expected occasional sighting of Black-naped Hares or Wild Dogs along the fire lines originating from the property. The bird lovers can spot the typical scrub habitat birds and the nocturnal Indian Nightjar.

“The views from the tents were splendid as we could spot animals basking in the setting sun at the surrounding courtyard near the rooms. We also trekked along the Bavikadu Line,” said Ch. Naresh, a visitor from Visakhapatnam.

Kenneth Anderson connect

For those familiar with the works of Kenneth Anderson, an Indian-born British writer and hunter on his jungle adventures, especially his stories — The striped terror of Chamala Valley, The Mamandur man-eater, The evil one of Umbalmeru and etc, all stories originating from various regions of Seshachalam forests—the location is a treat as one can connect with the books well. Mr. Anderson is said to have spent some time at the bungalow while hunting a man-eater in the area.

As a mark of his remembrance, a dog-eared copy of his book ‘Man-eaters and jungle killers’ accompanied by his monochrome picture with his pets (including a hyena), rests in a display box at the bungalow.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by B. Venkat SandeepTirupati / April 17th, 2018

E. Godavari achieves milestone

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology
Shining example: Chief Minister says it will now be replicated in other districts of the State. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR
Shining example: Chief Minister says it will now be replicated in other districts of the State. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR

CM to declare it the first district with 100% LED street lights in country

East Godavari district of the State has achieved the milestone of being the first LED street lighting district in the country.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will declare it tentatively on April 24 on the occasion of Panchayat Raj Divas. By installing around 3.1 lakh LED street lights in the rural areas of the district, around 34 Million Units (MUs) of energy could be saved annually.

Andhra Pradesh has been identified as the best State in the country in implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programmes by the World Bank.

Role model

In a tele-conference with Minister for IT and Panchayat Raj Nara Lokesh and Principal Secretary Jawahar Reddy, Mr. Naidu said the State’s quest to enhance people’s quality of life in cities as well as villages had made it a role model for others.

‘Happy lives’

Mr. Naidu appreciated the Minister’s efforts with the support of the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in completing the street-lighting project in a record period of over five months and said it will now be replicated in other districts across the State by installing 28 lakh to 30 lakh LED lights which would save around 333 MUs of energy annually.

“My idea is to pay equal attention to basic amenities for the people in urban as well as rural segments like water, roads, housing and street-lighting. I want people of the State to lead happy lives,” he said.

Mr. Lokesh said of the total number of 50 lakh LED street lights installed across the country, Andhra Pradesh’s share was 11.61 lakh street lights, covering 20 % of the total number, leaving behind big States like Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. He said coordination between many wings of the government had resulted in the achievement.

He asked Mr. Jawahar Reddy to prepare a comprehensive report on the overall impact of LED street lighting programme in East Godavari comparing it with other rural areas across the globe.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – April 16th, 2018

Vizag’s East Point Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Sports
Women playing golf at the 134-year-old East Point Golf Club, which will be upgraded to Category A to host international tournaments | Photo Credit: K_R_DEEPAK
Women playing golf at the 134-year-old East Point Golf Club, which will be upgraded to Category A to host international tournaments | Photo Credit: K_R_DEEPAK

The 134-year-old golf club may soon be hosting international and national level golf tournaments

If you are an ardent golfer, you’ll probably find the idea of vacationing and golfing at the same time, extremely enticing. With a perfect blend of salubrious climate, invigorating natural beauty and a top-notch golf course that is on the way of a makeover, Vizag has a symphony that not many places can offer for a golf holiday. This uniqueness of the place is now being tapped to put Vizag in the top of the international golfing map.

Nestled amid lush hills with a green carpet of grass all around, the 134-year-old East Point Golf Club (EPGC) may soon be hosting international and national level golf tournaments. Plans are afoot to turn the 100-acre 18-hole golf course at Mudasarlova to category-A course. “An additional land of 12.72 acres adjoining the existing land was given to EPGC by the government recently. We are planning to redesign the golf course to category-A from its present category-B status,” says T S Varma, secretary of East Point Golf Club says.

With an aim to put Visakhapatnam on the global golf tourism map, EPGC is also in talks with AP Tourism to host a tournament for golfers from Singapore. “We have reached out to the AP Tourism Department to showcase Vizag as a golf tourism destination. There are plans to host a golf tournament for a group of 50-100 golfers from Singapore and showcase the best of AP Tourism to international travellers,” says Varma.

History

The club was started around 1884 primarily for the relaxation of the British, a purely white man’s domain. Originally, the golf course was located in the area where the VUDA Park and The Park stand today. It moved to its present location at Mudasarlova in 1964, thanks to the efforts of Raja PV Gajapathi Raju of Vizianagaram and other avid golfers then.

Over the years, with some efforts, golfing in the city received an accelerated push; as a result, today the club has 1,100 members out of which 300 are active golfers. “In today’s high work pressure life, the game is a great de-stresser and soothes your frazzled nerves,” say the golfers. On April 1, EPGC hosted its annual award ceremony ‘Captain’s Nite’. “This is one event in the calendar of the club that every golfer in the city looks forward to. Apart from a golf tournament on March 31 and April 1, the winners of the 12 tournaments held over the year were honoured and awarded on that day in front of the entire golfing fraternity,” Varma says. ‘Captain’s Nite’ saw a host of glittering events like performances by popular drummers groups and a dance group apart from other cultural events.

The game is rapidly shedding its ‘elitist’ tag and India is seen as an affordable golfing destination. “We do have a lot of potential for golf tourism in the country, though a lot needs to be done. At our East Point Golf Club, for instance, facilities like rooms for golfers to stay and convention centre are needed. But we are facing challenges with funding at present,” Varma says.

Way of life

Over the years, golfing has become a way of life for many in the city and also moved from being a man’s domain to include a vibrant team of women golfers. “I learnt the rules of golf even before I started playing as I would accompany my husband to the golf course and watch them play,” says Hajra Saleh. She was one of the first women to join EPGC back in 2003. “Those were the days when we didn’t have a practice range and the golf course was a huge patch of brown, unlike the rolling greens that exist now,” she recollects. Today, she has not only mastered the game, but also won several tournaments. Others like Sajeeda Kalagara feel that the game is therapeutic. “Just by simply looking at the golf course you feel so relaxed! You can socialise on golf courses and now we have a Whatsapp group of women golfers who meet regularly and play,” she adds.

There are many youngsters of the EPGC family who today are playing at the South Zone level. For instance, Sriya along with Prisha and Prabhav are selected to participate at the South Zone tournament of Indian Golf Union to be held shortly in Coimbatore. According to golf pundits, the game instils self-discipline, upright manners and an important set of values within children and hence is being seen as an effective way to boost emotional intelligence. “Golfing is addictive for everyone! Once you experience a day in the green grass surrounding the hills around the East Point Golf Club, it’s a feeling that is sure to linger longer than expected!” exclaims Hajra.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Society> History & Culture / by Nivedita Ganguly / April 06th, 2018

A shero shows the way with a vision!

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All, World Opinion
A file photo of the students of Dwarakamaye School participating in yoga competition in Vizianagaram. | Photo Credit: arrangement
A file photo of the students of Dwarakamaye School participating in yoga competition in Vizianagaram. | Photo Credit: arrangement

Mother of a visually and mentally-challenged boy is hope for the differently-abled

“I am blind, but trained,” is a famous dialogue from a recent Telugu movie, Raja The Great. Raviteja, the hero, played the role of a visually challenged, but a multi-talented person proving that the visually impaired are second to none. However, there are little heroes unfettered by their visual impairment and excelling in their chosen areas, and they can be found in a quiet institution here — studying in Dwarakamayee School for the Visually Impaired, founded by M. Asha Jyothi.

They are competing with students without any impairment and winning prizes and awards in areas such as quiz, essay- writing, dance, music, sports, yoga, fashion shows, etc., leaving everyone stunned, including VIPs, when they come to attend the school’s cultural programmes. S. Parameswara Rao stood first in ‘Paaduta Teeyaga’, a popular singing competition aired by a Telugu channel.

Now, he is globetrotting, including the U.K., to give musical performances with top singers. He had passed his 10th class from the school in 2017, and is pursuing Intermediate in Visakhapatnam.

Another student, P. Ganesh, who did his 10th class in 2017, won the first prize continuously in the State-level chess competitions organised for the differently-abled. He is now pursuing Intermediate privately under the supervision of the school.

Dwarakamaye’s students also got prizes in the fashion, fancy dress, and mime shows organised by the government’s Youth Services Department as part of the Yuva Mahotsav in December last year.

Such has been their overall performance that Dwarakamaye got the State’s Best Visually Impaired School for the year 2017.

Six visually challenged children had passed 10th class examination with a 9.2 grade in 2017, considered good for normal students too.

Turning point

Ms. Jyothi’s smile belies a double tragedy — her visually and mentally challenged son Hari Smaran. Parenting became a major challenge with little improvement in his health. She could not find a proper school for the visually and mentally challenged children in Vizianagaram. To exacerbate, the only school with little infrastructure was also shifted to Bhimili, near Visakhapatnam, souring her dream to ensure normalcy to her child.

But Ms. Jyothi turned her frustration into a challenge and established the school in year 2013 in Poolbaugh Road of Vizianagaram.

Help came in from her brother, K. Narayana, a hardware engineer in Bengaluru, and husband M. Ravi Kumar, a builder in Vizianagaram.

However, it was not a smooth journey. The family could generate ₹10 lakh initially for establishment of the school. It needs ₹1.6 lakh per month for its maintenance, including payment of salaries to 10 teachers and three other staff. In spite of many difficulties, she did not lose confidence. Her willpower and talent of the children caught the attention of many philanthropists to extend help to the institution. Though the donations were insufficient, they boosted Ms. Jyothi’s morale in making the institution the best one among the schools run for special kids in Andhra Pradesh, though she herself is a college dropout.

Aiming big

Currently, 50 special children are studying from classes 1 to 10 in the school. Around 10 well-trained teachers are taking special care for their overall development.

“My only aim is to create awareness among people that the visually challenged can also lead a happy life if they are given proper support at the right age. Parents should not feel disappointed about their deformity. They can also do wonders when trained and motivated,” she told The Hindu. Ms. Jyothis’s aim is to establish Intermediate and degree colleges exclusively for visually challenged.

She was bestowed with many awards for her relentless work for the last five years, including the Youth Icon award and Visista Seva Pratibha Puraskaram from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2017.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by K. Srinivasa Rao / Vizianagaram – April 13th, 2018