300 free heart surgeries completed

Amazing Feats, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Surgeons of Healing Little Hearts, UK, who are in the team that completed 300 free operations, in Vijayawada. | Photo Credit: ARRANGED
Surgeons of Healing Little Hearts, UK, who are in the team that completed 300 free operations, in Vijayawada. | Photo Credit: ARRANGED

Initiative by Healing Little Hearts in association with Andhra Hospitals

Healing Little Hearts, UK, in association with the Andhra Hospitals, has completed free heart surgeries on 300 children with various complex heart ailments including transposition of great arteries, Tetralogy of Fallot, absent pulmonary valve, double outlet right ventricle, Tricuspid Atresia, Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC) and Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD).

Andhra Hospitals Children’s Services chief P.V. Rama Rao told media that the number touched the 300 mark with the completion of 14 heart surgeries performed by a 10-member expert team from from different hospitals in the UK and Italy this week.

Dr. Rama Rao said that the success rate of the Healing Little Hearts teams that have been performing surgeries was “nearly” 100%. He said that teams from UK had come to perform surgeries at the Andhra Hospitals 14 times.

He said that cardiac surgeons, specialist nurses from the Great Ormond Street Hospital, (London), Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary, of the UK, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital and Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli Ospendale Mondaldi of Italy performed the surgeries free of cost.

Andhra Hospital surgeons Dilip, Sreemannarayana and Ramesh performed the surgeries along with doctors from UK and Italy, Dr Rama Rao said.

Film star Mahesh Babu who was extending support to Andhra Hospitals visited the children who underwent surgery and at the earlier camps in the Heart and Brain Institute and interacted with them and their parents. Mr. Mahesh Babu was in the city to promote his new film on Friday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – April 28th, 2018

Enter the world of the sea turtle!

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion
Learning curve: A life-size statue of Olive Ridley turtle at the Turtle Interpretation Centre in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: K_R_DEEPAK
Learning curve: A life-size statue of Olive Ridley turtle at the Turtle Interpretation Centre in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: K_R_DEEPAK

Interpretation centres in Vizag, Vizianagaram highlight their ecological significance

After more than a decade of Olive Ridley turtle conservation programme in the State, the Forest Department has set up first-of-its-kind turtle interpretation centres in the State in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram to boost the conservation of the sea turtle species, listed as “threatened” by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The centre in Visakhapatnam is developed at the pagoda-type cottage structure located at the R.K. Beach. It was earlier an Environment Education Centre launched in 2000 but was closed in 2007 due to criticism over maintenance. In its new look and with special features, the centre is expected to be a major draw for visitors.

Lively ambience

Sharing details with The Hindu, Chief Conservator of Forest Rahul Pandey said: “A lot of thought and planning has gone into making it lively and provide an enhanced visitor experience. From big-sized images of the types of sea turtles seen along the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh to a presentation of the fascinating life cycle of Olive Ridleys and giving information like the number of hatcheries, the centre will play an important role in spreading awareness about them.” The centre in Visakhapatnam is developed at the cost of ₹25 lakh while the one in Vizianagaram is coming up in collaboration with the Chennai-based organisation Tree Foundation at the cost of ₹10 lakh. The centres will be thrown open to the public from May 10.

The external walls of the centre don a refreshing look with art work on the theme of sea turtles by artist Ravi. As one enters, the first thing to catch the attention is a life-sized structure of an Olive Ridley, moving its head and opening its mouth. The huge images on the walls of the well-lit room effectively highlight the criticality of the need to save sea turtles and the ecological significance of the flippered visitors. “We will charge a nominal entry fee to meet the maintenance cost. A team of four people will be working towards managing the centre,” Mr Pandey said.

Eggs collection

Incidentally, Visakhapatnam recorded a significant increase in the number of eggs collected from the coast that rose from 1,82,124 in 2017 to 1,95,000 eggs this year. The Forest Department in association with the Visakha Society for Care and Protection of Animals has set up 31 hatcheries in the coastal belts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. While last year 18,000 hatchlings were released into the sea, the department expects the number to nearly double this year. “We released 12,000 hatchlings last month and are expecting another 15,000 in the coming few days,” Mr. Pandey added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Nivedita Ganguly / Visakhapatnam – April 28th, 2018

Academy to train MSMEs startups on IPR in city

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

Innovators to get incubation support through licensing

In what could be a boost to startups, MSMEs and innovators, experts in intellectual property rights will set up Novel IPR Academy in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, marking the World IP Day.

With low awareness level on IP remaining an issue, the academy aims at spreading awareness as part of its education and a collaborative platform.

IP owners will be benefited by commercialising their inventions, says Novel Patent Services MD Atti Hima Bindu.
IP owners will be benefited by commercialising their inventions, says Novel Patent Services MD Atti Hima Bindu.

“We are happy to launch the academy as Visakhapatnam is transforming into a major knowledge hub in the country,” Novel Patent Services Managing Director Atti Hima Bindu told The Hindu.

Ms. Hima Bindu was honoured with ‘Exceptional Women of Excellence’ award by the Women Economic Forum at Hague, Netherlands in connection with International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8 this year.

IPR cells

She said the academy, as part of its education vertical, would benefit a wide range of diversified sectors such as students, career aspirants, startups, private and public sector enterprises.

“Educational institutes will be encouraged to open IPR cells to nurture intellectual capabilities of students and promote the creative thinking at all levels. The IP collaborative platform will offer a virtual unison of three verticals viz. research, industry and investments and also provide IP incubation support that will promote IP through licensing or commercialisation aspect and fuel IP-based startups,” she said. Further, the collaborative platform would help researchers understand the needs of industry and focus on industry-relevant studies.

Collaborative platform

“It will enable IP owners to gain benefit from inventions by either commercialising them or licensing inventions or by supporting them to establish their own firm based on the IP,” she said.

Founder and director of Novel Patent Services, a city-headquartered decade-old firm with clients in various countries, Pattabhi Muralikrishna said diligent and intelligent IP strategy was one of the key aspects for startups as well as for others in a highly competitive world.

“We have decided to inaugurate the academy on World IP Day as it is aimed at celebrating creativity and contributions made by creators and innovators to the development of knowledge societies all over the world,” he said and regretted that many, despite launching of products, were not aware of patenting and trade-marking.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Santosh Patnaik / Visakhapatnam – April 26th, 2018

Setting an example in eco-protection

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nature
Ch. Srinivasa Rao planting saplings along with his family in a road that connects Jegurupadu and Rajavolu. | Photo Credit: S_RAMBABU
Ch. Srinivasa Rao planting saplings along with his family in a road that connects Jegurupadu and Rajavolu. | Photo Credit: S_RAMBABU

‘Planting saplings is my passion’

Chilukuri Srinivasa Rao, a government primary school teacher at Kadiyam in East Godavari district, has been tirelessly promoting greenery by planting saplings for over two decades. Mr. Srinivasa Rao is also motivating others to take up the cause. He says he is very upset when people fell trees.

This teacher bought a Tata Nano car to which he had attached a small tray to accommodate some saplings, crowbar, spade and water can. Wherever he spots a stretch without trees, he stops by and plants one. He urges people nearby to water them.

“I use to get plants with the support of Palla Venkanna nursery and the Forest Department and planted them in several schools in the district under ‘Badi Thota’ programme. I use to spend 20% of my salary to purchase saplings and for its protection every year. This became a habit for me,” he added.

Many awards

Mr. Rao got many awards and rewards from various quarters. He says receiving ‘Paryavarana Mithra’ puraskaram during the International Bio-Diversity meet in Hyderabad in 2012 from former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was his memorable moment. He has also received an award from the State Biodiversity Council for his unrelenting efforts to improve green cover. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu honoured him with Ugadi puruskaram.

Family support

His wife and two sons also help him. On Sundays and vacation days, his family along with pet dog ‘Mythri’ moved around in the car to plant saplings.

“We trained Mythri to dig one foot to plant a sapling,” he said. Mr. Srinivasa Rao also distributes saplings at functions. His writings on environment were made part of syllabi for IV Class students of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Besides penning stories and poems stressing the need for planting more saplings, he took part in many conferences, rallies and workshops. He wrote about 40 articles in A.P. government’s official magazine `Andhra Pradesh’ on biodiversity.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by B.V.S Bhaskar / Kadiyam (East Godavari) / April 26th, 2018

MITS students win laurels

Education, Records, All

A team of ten B.Tech students of Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science (MITS), Madanapalle, secured the fourth position from among 545 teams in the ISAFE Championship 2018 held at IIT New Delhi campus recently and received a cash prize of ₹8,000 each.

T. Mohammed Babji, Y. Samyuktha, C. Srinivasulu, D. Lavanya, B. Mounika, K. Pratap Reddy, V. Mohan Krishna, L. Soujanya, A. Rajasekhar Reddy and Y. Madhan, presented their research topic and posters on ‘Road safety’ at the event organised by the Indian Road Safety Campaign and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Tirupati – April 21st, 2018

Protected monuments cry for attention in State

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
At nature’s mercy:A viewpoint at a Buddhist site atop Thotlakonda, near Visakhapatnam.File photo: K.R. DeepakK_R_DEEPAK
At nature’s mercy:A viewpoint at a Buddhist site atop Thotlakonda, near Visakhapatnam.File photo: K.R. DeepakK_R_DEEPAK

Officials cite fund and staff crunch for sorry state of affairs

The World Heritage Day was celebrated across the State with a theme — Heritage for Generations — on April 18. The celebrations offer an opportunity to create awareness about the diversity of heritage and the efforts required to protect and conserve the monuments. But, fact the remains that majority of the protected monuments in the State cry for attention.

As many as 278 monuments that were declared as protected by the government in the State. The protected monuments, include temples dating back to 10th century, early historic and buddhist sites, megalithic burials and forts. Barring a few, lack of security, basic facilities and access to public are some of the problems that are galore at these sites.

As many as 15 early historic and Buddhist sites are there in the State. Of them, Lanjakanuma Gutta in Kadapa district, Singarayakonda in Prakasam district, Thotlakonda, Bavikonda and Pavuralakonda in Visakhapatnam district are major Buddhist sites that under the State Archaeology Department supervision. Anantapur district has highest number of protected monuments-48.

Engineering marvels

With no security guard to take care of the monuments, beggars and locals use the premises for sleeping and other purposes. For instance, Campbell aqueduct-cum-road bridge constructed in 1930. The aqueduct, popularly known as Divi aqueduct or Puligadda aqueduct, is one of the engineering marvels, needs proper publicity and maintenance. In fact, there is no caretaker nor proper publicity to attract tourists, sources say.

Comprehensive heritage policy

The Archaeology and Museums Department too is aware of these issues. Pointing out that the encroachments remain a major issue, they stress on the need for a comprehensive heritage policy.

“We are not able to maintain the heritage sites effectively due to lack of funds. As far as security is concerned, proposals were prepared. The government will have to take a decision on deploying security personnel,” said an official, who did not want to be quoted.

Following the lack of interest and conservation efforts by the departments concerned, the monuments face threat of encroachments or are losing their existence. The officials claim that they were clueless on encroachments for various reasons, including shortage of staff. Unless there were regular visits to the sites it was not possible to keep a tab on encroachments, they say.

“The 13th Finance Commission has released Rs. 50 crore for protected monuments in the State. The 14th FC did not sanction any funds. The State government too hasn’t cleared Rs. 3 crore worth bills, which speak volumes of volumes of attention given to protected monuments,” said an official.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National>Andhra Pradesh / by G.V.R. Subba Rao / Vijayawada – April 24th, 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