Villager builds a temple for grey langur

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
special bonding:Ch. Mukteswara Rao and his wife with grey langur temple at Saradaipeta village near Machilipatnam in Krishna district.— Photo: T. Appala Naidu
special bonding:Ch. Mukteswara Rao and his wife with grey langur temple at Saradaipeta village near Machilipatnam in Krishna district.— Photo: T. Appala Naidu

The love for all living creatures is the noblest attribute of man,” opined Charles Darwin.

Chennapurapu Muktheswara Rao, a farmer of Saradaipeta hamlet of Guduru mandal in Krishna, has proved this by building a temple at his house for a grey langur.

Mr. Muktheswara Rao built the temple after its death on November 6, 2015.

“I brought the grey langur from the Mylavaram forest area six years ago to keep the monkeys which were raiding my coconut plantations at bay. It became a member of my family over the years as we allowed it stay in our house,” said Mr. Muktheswara Rao.

In late 2015, the simian, which was christened as Raju, suffered an injury due to an iron chain that was tied to the neck, but it was noticed only after its condition deteriorated. The local veterinarian treated it for a few days but could not save it.

“The death of Raju came as a shock for me. We performed the last rites in accordance with our customs and buried it. As I could not bear Raju’s absence, I built a small temple for it,” said Mr. Muktheswara Rao.

Popular in village

“I am blessed with three children, including a girl. I treat the langur as one of my children. By faith I am a Christian, but I observe its death anniversary like any Hindu family does,” Mr. Muktheswara Rao said. The temple of the grey langur, the most widespread langurs of South Asia, is 10 km from Machilipatnam. The grey langur made a lasting impression on villagers with its playful antics.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Machilipatnam – May 31st, 2016

V-C releases book on metaheuristic applications

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Science & Technology, World Opinion
JNTUK Vice-Chancellor V.S.S. Kumar releasing a book titled ‘Metaheuristic Applications to Speech Enhancement’ in Kakinada on Wednesday. —Photo: Special Arrangement.
JNTUK Vice-Chancellor V.S.S. Kumar releasing a book titled ‘Metaheuristic Applications to Speech Enhancement’ in Kakinada on Wednesday. —Photo: Special Arrangement.

Vice-Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK) V.S.S. Kumar released a book titled Metaheuristic applications to speech enhancement penned by Prajna Kunche in association with Professor K.V.V.S. Reddy at a programme held here on Wednesday.

Ms. Prajna did her Ph.D. from Andhra University in metaheuristic applications and Springer, international publisher of science, technology and medicine, came forward to publish her thesis for worldwide release.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Kumar congratulated Ms. Prajna on the venture and called upon the research scholars to focus on getting their thesis papers published so that they could be useful to future generations. “We must feel proud of Ms. Prajna as the publisher of international repute came forward to publish her thesis. This makes the book get circulated to all the technological universities worldwide and come in handy for the students who are undertaking research in the subject,” he said.

Thanking her research guides Prof. K.V.V.S. Reddy and G. Samba Siva Rao for encouraging her to complete the project work in a short period, Ms. Prajna said that the Springer international journal first published her thesis in its website and going by the response the firm decided to bring out the printed version.

“Presently, I am the technical reviewer for Springer international journal of speech technology and Springer pattern analysis and applications. I am getting invites from universities of international repute to deliver talks on speech technology,” she said.

Rector of the JNTUK B. Prabhakara Rao, senior faculty members, Ms. Prajna’s parents K.S. Vara Prasad (Principal, Andhra Polytechnic) and Krishna Kumari (lecturer in Botany, ASD Government Degree College) were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Kakinada – June 02nd, 2016

Working up a lather

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
Asha Gunapati, a woman entrepreneur, who makes handcrafted organic soaps under her enterprise ‘Sreshta Skin Essentials’ in Visakhapatnam.
Asha Gunapati, a woman entrepreneur, who makes handcrafted organic soaps under her enterprise ‘Sreshta Skin Essentials’ in Visakhapatnam.

Asha Gunapati’s products are based on her belief that “what goes into your mouth should go on your skin”.

Her range of soaps is natural and handcrafted with subtle fragrances. But they stand apart in their incredible designs making them look deliciously tempting. Cupcakes, jelly bars and whipped creams, so enticingly designed are the soaps that she literally had to keep a disclaimer — ‘Do not eat. It’s a soap’ — at her recently held exhibition at a mall in the city.

An HR professional, who quit her corporate job to be with family, Asha started making handcrafted organic soaps as a hobby in 2013, and it was only last year that she decided to dive into an entrepreneurship venture to start her own line of products called ‘Sreshta Skin Essentials’. Now, she also provides employment to a team of eight underprivileged women who help her in making the organic soaps.

Asha says her soaps are devoid of chemicals as she uses natural ingredients such as essential oils like lavender, tea tree, cedar wood and rose and carrier oils like olive oil, coconut oil and almond oil to make the soaps. Before starting her venture, she did a thorough market research on handmade soap brands in India and found that most of these soaps were very expensive.

“I felt there was a big untapped market for natural organic soaps in the affordable segment. But if I had to make my products stand out, I knew I had to give equal emphasis to quality and design,” says the creative entrepreneur. With an initial investment of Rs. 6 lakh, Asha set up her home-based enterprise and started reaching out to customers through the e-commerce route.

Her soaps come in a range of flavours like lavender mint cupcake, raspberry bar, rainbow soaps and chocolate cupcake and can be ordered from the websitewww.feminineindia.comor her Facebook page ‘Sreshta Skin Essentials’.

“Initially, we were in losses since the manufacturing cost was way too high. The raw material cost itself was over Rs. 2 lakh, most of which are procured from Noida and Bengaluru. We use imported almond oil from France and Kojic acid, a natural whitening agent, from Japan,” adds Asha. She uses two methods in making the soaps — the cold process which takes about 30 to 45 days to make a batch of soap and the glycerine soaps that can be used instantly.

Describing her entrepreneurial journey so far, Asha says: “It has been a roller coaster ride. I started the enterprise when my father passed away and I had to support my mother. It was the toughest phase of my life. But it was this business of making handcrafted soaps that helped me come over it. I put in all my creative energy into it. Sometimes it is great and sometimes it is tiring and backbreaking. My day starts off with me collecting online orders, processing them, checking the stock, packing and shipping them. If the item is out of stock, I make it. Amidst all this, I also like to experiment with new things and update my product list.” To reach out to more people, Asha showcases her work at various exhibitions. Her next exhibitions will be in Vijayawada and Bengaluru.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / Nivedita Ganguly / Visakhapatnam – June 01st, 2016

This Telugu man wants to make madison as no.1 small city in America

Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

HanuANDHRA31may2016

Hyderabad  :

From Karlapalem to Madison, his journey as a leader is awe inspiring. Whether it is at college or job or business or now in American leadership, Hanu has always been in the forefront and proved that integrity and honesty pay off. As Hanu Karlapalem gets busy with his work for the upcoming polls, he gets talking.

“Madison, Alabama is my home. I have been living here for more than 16 years, the longest I ever lived in any city. This city gave me so much. Now it is my turn to give back”, says Hanu who clarifies his intentions to not politicise his leadership.

“I am not a politician, but I am a visionary and a leader.  I do not want any political affiliations for now.  So, my choice is to be the CEO of the city and work towards its betterment. Thus, I decided to run for the office of Mayor and serve the people of Madison, Alabama to create positive long term sustainable results”, says Hanu, who hails from a Karlapalem, Guntur district.

“Karlapalem is my last name too. We are six siblings and our parents made sure we had quality education. My father was well respected as a principal, mathematics teacher, farmer and investor”, he adds.

Hanu is a graduate of Delhi College of Engineering and pursued MS in University of Alabama, Hunstville. After his graduation and before moving to the USA, Hanu established a business in air ionisation and air purification systems, industrial and commercial lighting and oil reclamation in Hyderabad during early 90s. “I lived in Hyderabad until I moved to the USA. I had branches of my business in Visakhapatnam too. But I had to wind up everything as my wife and I decided to move to the USA”.

“Even before I moved to the US, one of my dreams was to study at a university in the US and receive a Master’s degree. I can happily say that I achieved that dream through my wife, Vidya’s support.

“We have been married for 21 years. We have no children, but we devote as much time as possible in supporting many causes that help under-privileged children. She works for a global company and is my pillar in this journey”.

Currently he is busy with informal personal meetings. “We attend Yard sales, events and interact with the public and tell them about my campaigns. People have started recognising me and often tell me that they see my signboards. We also have social media activities where we interact with the citizens. I have campaign staff who work for me,” he adds.

When asked about his motivation to become a leader, “In my fifth grade, I stood first in my class. My father appreciated me. But he said something that still motivates me. He told me that, I am a topper in just Karlapalem. Once, I step out of this village, I will see more competition and more responsibility. Winning outside is also essential. These words still remind me the high standards that my father set for my life,” he reminisces.

About his political journey, Hanu agrees that it is not easy for an Indian American to run for office and be at the forefront of the US politics. “I must say, I have been getting a lot of support and encouragement from people of Madison. That is my driving force”, he adds.

Hanu’s vision for Madison is to become the ‘Number one Small City in America’ that boasts vibrant economy, fosters small businesses and innovation, creates business and job opportunities, and provides high quality education. “My plan is to provide VALUE (Vision, Accountability, Leadership, Unity, and Ethics) and put the city on the path to become number one Small City in America. I am proposing Start Up Madison (SUM),  transparency portal with open data policy for open government, Vision Board, Veterans Support Board etc,” shares Hanu.

“More than me, I think Vidya is sacrificing a lot to support me in the election process. I have to sacrifice my business income, but if I am elected I will receive salary as the Mayor who is considered as a full time CEO of the city,” he adds. Hanu is confident that if he is elected, he will be a proactive, communicative, innovative and inclusive Mayor that people will appreciate.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Swathi Sririam / May 31st, 2016

City orchestra performs in Malaysia

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

A city orchestra team, Supreme, has performed in Malaysia recently and enthralled the Telugu audience there.

The orchestra has gone to Malaysia at the invitation of the Malaysia Telugu Cultural and Welfare Association (PKKTM) of Kuala Lumpur to perform in the Mother’s Day celebrations.

It has also presented Ghantasala Gaanamaala and during the function, son of Ghantasala, Ratnakumar was felicitated and he had also sang a few songs rendered by his father, informed Sekhar, head of the orchestra, at a press conference here. Badamgir Sai, a cultural promoter and others also spoke.

The programmes were conducted by the Telugu Welfare and Cultural Association president Jagadeeswara Rao, District Councellor of Gobank district Letchumunan, association’s vice-president Krishna Murthy, other members A. Appanna, Appala Naidu and S.B. Letchu, president of Telugu Foundation Datto R. Kantha Rao, Akku Naidu, former president of Malaysia medical association A. Krishnamurthy Appala Naidu, president of Telugu Intellectuals Association Prakasa Rao while Raman Rao hosted the team.

The orchestra consisted of singers Sekhar, Madhu, Rani and Nandita, instrumentalists Someswara Rao, D. Rajesh, Kalki Sreenu, Kannaji, Karuna Prasad, Vicky and Shyam.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatanam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – May 30th, 2016

Koka Ramesh is Indian cricket team manager

Sports

It was a day to cherish for Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) for its Central Zone secretary and Krishna District Cricket Association member Koka Ramesh was nominated as the administrative manager of the senior Indian cricket team which would be touring Zimbabwe from June 11.

Fifty-nine-year-old Ramesh is the fourth Andhra cricket administrator to tour with the Men in Blue as manager since the inception of the association in 1953.

Earlier, late ACA chief D.V. Subba Rao (West Indies), former ACA secretary N. Venkata Rao (New Zealand, Australia South Africa), G. Ranga Raju (Zimbabwe) and V. Satya Prasad (Bangladesh) donned the role of the manager.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – May 28th, 2016

Kothapalli Pravallika impresses

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Kottapalli Pravallika during her concert
Kottapalli Pravallika during her concert
Kothapalli Pravallika displayed fine manodharmam ability in the raga delineation and kalpana swaras.

The Upadrshta Foundation of Gudivada celebrated the 249 Jayanthi of Sri Thyagaraja Swamy at Upadrashta Venkata Sastri Brahmin Community Hall and a sizable gathering of musicians and music lovers attended the vocal concert presented in this connection. The singer was a 12-year-old prodigy Kothapalli Pravallika, a disciple of vidwan Popuri Syamasunder. Pravallika ha started showing extraordinary talent from the age of six years and she sports a melodious voice and sharp swara gnanam.

She started the concert with Muthiah Bhagavatar’s famous varnam Mathe Malayadhvaja Pandya Raja Tanaye in Khamas and continued to build up the tempo withVijayambike (Vijayanagari). In the sub main item Bhajana Seyave of Tyagaraja in Kalyani, Pravallika displayed fine manodharmam ability in the raga delineation and kalpana swaras.

This was followed in quick succession withKanjadalayatakshi in Kamala manohari and Sara Sara Samarai of Thyagaraja. The main item in Pravallika’s concert was Thyagaraja’s Prakkala Nilabadi in Kharaharapriya rendered competently with fine ragalapana, bhava rich neraval and crisp kalpana swaras. After the main item Pravallika rendered Rangapura vihara of Dikshitar in Brindavana Saranga, Tandanana Ahi of Annamacharya in Bowli and Lalgudi’s thillana in rag Desh.

Fine instrumental support for Pravallika was provided by Palaparthy Nageswara Rao on violin, Inapavuluri Pinakapani on mridangam and T.Lakshmi Shanker on the morsing.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review / by P. Surya Rao / Vijayawada – May 26th, 2016

Egypt and Oman to import Vizag’s bovine meat

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Visakhapatnam:

Nations like Egypt and Oman, who are the world’s biggest buffalo meat importers, are all set to buy beef from the modern abattoir in the port city.

A team of representatives from the two countries recently visited the modern abattoir and after inspecting the conditions, approved the import of beef under the aegis of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The export of meat would start soon after the official inauguration of the abattoir by the state government next month.

This apart, other countries like United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Iran, China, Vietnam and Russia are also likely to import the meat from the city.

Vizag Foods Private Limited (VFPL) director Mohammed Naziruddin confirmed that both Egypt and Oman have in principle agreed to import beef from Vizag. “The modern abattoir, which will be the third biggest in the country, will maintain a blast freezer on the lines of the ones in European countries. The meat will be frozen at -40 degree Celsius under the blast freezing system. Everything is mechanised except the Halal (cutting the throat of the animal). The animal will be left alone for nearly 20 to 30 minutes after the slaughter before the subsequent processing is taken up,” he said.

“If everything goes according to plans including the inauguration of the abattoir, we will start business from August this year. We will start procuring the buffaloes soon after the inauguration,” Naziruddin said, adding that the farmers will no longer need to take the animals to Hyderabad for the same purpose.

The abattoir has a capacity of generating a maximum of 90 tonnes of bovine meat in a day. About 600 buffaloes are required to generate 90 tonnes of meat. Similarly, it has a capacity of slaughtering 2,000 sheep in a day. “While the buffalo meat will be exported, the sheep meat will be for the local market,” Naziruddin said, adding that Visakhapatnam Port Trust will be the channel for exporting the meat to foreign ports including the Port of El Iskandariya in Egypt.

The male bovines will be procured from neighbouring Odisha, West Bengal and also from north coastal districts like Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. The VFPL will give special incentives and advances to the farmers to market the animals to the abattoir which has a dedicated area of nearly 1 acre to keep the animals.

According to sources from the APEDA, April to October is the best season for the export of the bovine meat from the country. There is high demand for India’s buffalo meat in China as it is the only country that imports the buffalo offal such as buffalo liver, heart and tongue and other internal organs. India exports nearly 8 lakh to 10 lakh tonnes of buffalo meat every year worth Rs 16,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore, of which 50 per cent is exported to China.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Visakhapatnam / by V. Kamalakara Rao, TNN / May 27th, 2016

Vizag to Chennai on skates for a cause

Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Sports
Rana Uppalapati’s feat on skates is also an effort to raise funds for a cancer patient admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute. —Photo: K.R. Deepak
Rana Uppalapati’s feat on skates is also an effort to raise funds for a cancer patient admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute. —Photo: K.R. Deepak
Rana Uppalapati is all set to embark on a remarkable journey on skates once again covering 800 kilometres from Visakhapatnam to Chennai for a social cause.

Rana’s journey that will begin on Saturday will cover the coastal corridor in eight days and culminate at Chennai’s Marina Beach as part of an awareness campaign for breast cancer for the Chennai Pinkathon to be held on June 5.

He plans to skate 100 km each day and speak at colleges and villages along the way about his journey and the cause behind it.

Rana had previously skated from Mumbai to Goa for the Goa edition of Pinkathon.

Founded by actor and model Milind Soman, Pinkathon is an event that aims to inspire women to get fit and change their outlook towards health, apart from spreading awareness about important health issues.

Rana’s incredible feat on skates is also an effort to raise funds for a cancer patient admitted at Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, who has been diagnosed with stage two of cancer.

Addressing a media conference on Friday, Rana, the young entrepreneur and business associate of Titan Industries Ltd., said: “There are many patients who cannot afford cancer treatment. We have identified one such patient who is differently-abled and below the poverty line. I urge people to at least donate Re 1 for each kilometre I skate towards her treatment through the crowd funding website Ketto (www.ketto.org/800) to contribute to the cause.” For offline contributions, contact Jyothi at 9000831655.

Harsh summer conditions

“It is not easy to skate on such harsh summer conditions and I have been warned enough. But I hope through my journey I am able to reach out to more people and spread awareness on critical health issues. Pinkathon ambassadors, Sirisha and Jyothi will be helping me in keeping this campaign going,” added Rana.

Community engagement activities

On his recent journey on skates from Mumbai to Goa, Rana had undertaken community engagement activities by motivating youth and giving talks at schools and colleges along the way. He had penned down his experiences on his Facebook posts that had become quite popular.

The Vizag edition of Pinkathon – Vizag Going Pink – will be held on November 20 this year.

Rana Uppalapati is planning to cover 800 km in eight days to create awareness on health issues

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – May 28th, 2016