Hopes of Reviving Badminton Glory in City Brighten

Sports

Vijayawada :

Once considered the cradle of badminton tournaments in Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is eagerly looking forward to the 79th Senior National Badminton Championship scheduled to be held in the city in January-February, 2015, to revive its past glory.

After a long gap of 34 years, the city will be hosting the national badminton championship, which will be the basis of selection for five international tournaments – German Open, All England Championship, French Open, India Open and Sudirman Cup.

BadmintonANDHRA03dec2014

Remembering the heydays of badminton in Vijayawada and how the city became the training ground for many international players, Punnaiah Choudary K Ch, general secretary of Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association says it all started in 1976, when the South Zone Inter-State Badminton Tournament was organised at Electricity Board Hall.

The likes of Prakash Padukone, the then reigning champion played in the tournament, which saw an overwhelming response. Considering the interest of people of Vijayawada in sports activity, the then district collector Santhanam, along with sub-collector AVS Reddy and municipal commissioner GP Rao, took the initative to get funds for the construction of the sports ground in 20 acres, which today is known as IGMC Stadium, he said.

The team of officials, later on played a vital role in the construction of Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao Indoor Stadium. The works commenced in 1979 and the indoor stadium with four badminton courts was ready by 1980.

The inaugural tournament at the stadium was the Senior National Badminton Championship and it witnessed a sensational victory of Syed Modi over Prakash Padukone.

However, since the government changed in 2004, the downfall of the stadium commenced. In 2005, all sports academies across the state including badminton and other academics in Vijayawada were closed by the government.

“In all, 800 boys and girls were getting trained in different sports in about five different academies at the time,” Chowdary said.Around the same time, Pullela Gopichand started his academy in Hyderabad and the focus of badminton was shifted to that place. Then on, no major badminton tournament was organised anywhere else in the state other than Hyderabad.

“We are eagerly looking for the tournament and are hoping to see the past glory of badminton again in the city,’’ D Srinivas, a middle-aged sports enthusiast said. Stadium authorities are now busy making the arrangements for the tournament.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / December 02nd, 2014

Kalyan gets KDCA head coach job

Sports

 

D. Kalyan Krishna / Photo: By Arrangement
D. Kalyan Krishna / Photo: By Arrangement

Former Andhra medium pacer Doddapaneni Kalyan Krishna is a mightily pleased man for he got an opportunity to serve city cricket in a fruitful manner.

Andhra Cricket Association, in an executive committee meeting held recently made Kalyan Krishna the head coach of Krishna District Cricket Association (KDCA) with special emphasis to improve the standards of senior and under-19 segments.

“Along with other coaches I will streamline the activities and instil confidence in players. My efforts will be to produce more number of players for Andhra teams,” said Kalyan, who called it a day from first class cricket early this year.

Incidentally, Kalyan made his debut in 2002-2003 against Mumbai and in a career spanning 12 years he took 154 wickets in the Ranji Trophy with five five-wicket hauls in 51 outings.

He said he will be organising clinics both for batting and bowling and attend nets to help rookies play the game properly. “The ongoing Power League will conclude in the first week of December. I will interact with all the clubs to chalk out a plan to popularise the game among youngsters”.

KDCA organises three leagues — Power League, ‘B’ Division and inter-school — every year. Many avid cricket followers felt that more tournaments were required to keep the players busy and help them get the playing experience.

“The standard of cricket in Vijayawada and in Krishna District has reached new low. We need to rope players like Kalyan to rejuvenate the game,” felt a veteran cricketer. With the new grounds coming up at Moolapadu at city’s outskirts, the association can use serves Kalyan more effectively now.

ACA director M.S.K. Prasad said that efforts were on to revive some of the defunct tournaments in the districts. “Tournaments like Ranga Rao memorial tourney at Rajahmundry, Baba memorial at Eluru, Nessys and Welcome Trophies in Vijayawada and K.N.V Prasad Memorial Tournament at Guntur were popular until 90s. Many players, who played these tournaments regularly, went on to become Ranji players. We will like to put these tourneys back on the track,” Mr. Prasad said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by J. R. Sridharan / Vijayawada – November 26th, 2014

Andhra Techie desilts Nellore canal

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
Chandrasekhar Reddy inspecting desilting work at Muthukuru Road in Nellore. — DC
Chandrasekhar Reddy inspecting desilting work at Muthukuru Road in Nellore. — DC

Nellore:

Moved by the plight of farmers whose standing crops are withering away due to heavy silt, including garbage, deposited at the mouth of Krishnapatnam canal, software professional Pothireddy Chandrasekhar Reddy hired earth-moving machines with his own money to take up the desilting operation. His move has ensured the free flow of water in the area.

As many as 12,000 acres of agricultural land located in TP Gudur and Muthukuru mandals are dependent on the canal for irrigation.

The canal is a  branch canal to the Surveypalli channel and it starts from Ramalingapuram centre in Nellore.

The water flow had almost dried up on the stretch from its starting point to Narayana General Hospital in Muthukuru road due to plastic materials and garbage dumped in it by people living along the canal.

Though the irrigation department had prepared estimations for desilting works, the proposal was stalled for want of sanction from the government.

Mr Reddy volunteered to carry out the work after farmers of his village apprised him of the situation when he visited them a couple of days back.

Mr Reddy is a native of Pidathapoluru village in Muthukuru mandal of SPSR Nellore district, and resides in Hyderabad. He worked for over 10 years in the United States as a software engineer and was  the CEO of a company called Navayuga Infotech.

“Telugu Desam senior leader Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy gave a green signal to my proposal when I brought the issue to his notice. Being a native of this area, I feel it is my responsibility,” Mr Reddy said when contacted.

A farmer, Venku Reddy of Pidatapoluru, said the desilting exercise will cost more than `5 lakh.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC / by Pathri Rajasekhar / November 28th, 2014

Sericulture awaits a big boost in Chittoor

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
A malbari plantation near V. Kota in Chittoor district. File Photo. / The Hindu
A malbari plantation near V. Kota in Chittoor district. File Photo. / The Hindu

District administration to provide all facilities to farmers under one roof

Sericulture in Chittoor district is expected to get a boost, with the district administration deciding to provide all facilities to farmers under one roof.

District Collector Siddarth Jain has directed the sericulture wing to submit a report by December 15 on the feasibility of either the full waiver of property tax or bringing it down to the maximum level for silkworm rearing sheds in the district, with Madanapalle, Palamaner and Kuppam forming the core belt. The collective efforts of farmers and officials are expected to transform a stagnant rural economy into a dynamic and buoyant industrial economy.

Officials brought to the notice of the Collector that municipalities were imposing property tax on rearing sheds up to Rs. 5,000 a unit, which farmers have opposed. The Palamaner area contributes more than 800 metric tonnes of silk annually, thanks to the presence of over a hundred rearing sheds.

Similarly, Kuppam and Madanapalle zones, too, make substantial contributions to silk production. In spite of steps taken by the government to bolster silk production, the rural industry still depends on Karnataka for the final output, resulting in huge expenditure at the domestic front.

Considering the fact that 70 per cent of malbari plantation in the State is spread across Rayalaseema, with Chittoor contributing a significant share, the district administration aims at strengthening the existing reeling units at Palamaner, with more subsidies on buildings and rearing sheds, involving youth in the industry, apart from conducting periodical awareness campaigns for the benefit of entrepreneurs.

BETTER DAYS ARE HERE

*District Collector has sought a report from the sericulture wing on the feasibility of waiving property tax for rearing sheds

*The combined efforts of farmers and officials are expected to transform a stagnant rural economy into an industrial one

*Palamaner area contributes around 800 metric tonnes of silk annually, and govt. is considering strengthening units there

*The rural silk industry still depends on Karnataka for the final output, resulting in huge expenditure at the domestic front

HOW PALAMANER GETS A BOOST?

*More subsidies on buildings and rearing sheds

*Involving youth in sericulture

*Conducting awareness campaigns for entrepreneurs

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by K. Umashanker / Chittoor – November 26th, 2014

Meet to recall services of Kopparapu poets today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A celebration of poets of Kopparapu lineage is being held by Kopparapu Kavula Kalapeetham in association with Sahiti Samakhya here at Venkateswara Vignana Mandiram on Saturday evening. The programme is being organised to mark the 130th birth anniversary of Kopparapu poets.

The programme is being billed as a tribute to the contribution of the poets — Kopparapu Venkataramana (1887-1942) and Kopparapu Venkata Subbaraya (1885-1932) — to Telugu verse poetry. Born at Kopparam village in Narasaraopet mandal, the poets were said to have pioneered one of the most difficult forms of verse poetry- reciting verses extempore (‘asukavitwam’).

The poets were believed to have recited more than 500 poems extempore, only some of them have found their way in printed form, while most others have been lost.

Maa Sharma, founder president of Kala Peetham, and S.V.S. Lakshminarayana, secretary of Sahiti Samakhya, said that the celebrations were being held to rekindle interest in Telugu verse poetry.

Siddeswara Bharathi Swamy will inaugurate the celebrations. Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao, former editor Potturi Venkateswara Rao and Collector Kantilal Dande are the guests. Kopparapu Venkata Subbaraya Sharma, a scion of Kopparapu dynasty, is a special guest of honour.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / Guntur – November 29th, 2014

Gaiety, fervour mark ‘Subrahmanya Sashti’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Subrahmanya Sastti festial was celebrated in many temples including at Srigari Sarada Mutt on the banks of river Godavari on Friday. Photo: S. Rambabu / The Hindu
Subrahmanya Sastti festial was celebrated in many temples including at Srigari Sarada Mutt on the banks of river Godavari on Friday. Photo: S. Rambabu / The Hindu

Hundreds of devotees thronged Lord Subrahmanyeswara Swamy temples in East Godavari district on Friday on the occasion of Subramanyeswara Swamy Sashti.

Subrahmanyeswara Swamy temple, located in the temple complex of Golingeswara Swami, was packed with devotees from early hours of Friday as thousands of people from different parts of the district and adjourning West Godavari lined up on this auspicious day. ‘Abhishekams’ with milk started at around 3.30 a.m. and continued till 4.00 p.m.

Special pujas for the god and goddess Valli and Devasena were performed.

At Rajahmundry Sringeri Sarada Peetham, chief priest Tatacharyulu, Vedic pandits Prasad Sarma, Mahesh Sarma and others conducted different ‘abhishekams’ to Lord Subrahmanya Swami, Nagendra and Dattatreya Swami idols. Mr. Tatacharyulu conducted Ganapathi, Rudra, Shanmukha Homams early in the morning and devotees in large number attended all the ‘abhishekams’ from all over the district.

Special pujas and ‘abhishekams’ were conducted at Subrahmanyeswara Swami temple at Korukonda Road temple in Rajahmundry, Special arrangements were made by the temple committee for the convenience of devotees. Kalyanam was performed on Friday night on the temple premises. Uma Markandeya Swami Temple on the banks of the Godavari and Uma-Ramalingeswara Swami temple in Jampeta were crowded with devotees from early hours to till midnight.

Devotees throng temples

On the occasion of Margasira Suddha Sashti that is celebrated as ‘Subrahmanya Sashti’ in all Hindu households and temples’, Sri Maruti Deeksha Seva Peetham Trust organised ‘Sri Valli Devasena Sametha Sri Subrahmanya Swamy kalyanotsavam’ at Sri Panchamukha Anjaneya Swamy Temple on the N.C.S. Road on Friday.

Devotees thronged the temple from early hours and participated in the temple rituals that began with ‘Ganapathi homam’ at 5 a.m. followed by ‘panchamrutabhishekam’ and ‘poornaahuti.’ Amid chanting of Vedic hymns and beating of drums, priests performed the celestial wedding of Sri Valli, Devasena and Sri Subrahmanya Swamy.

The deities were tastefully decorated with flowers. Later, the trust members, P.V. Subba Rao, P. Kamaraju, G.N. Gupta and others conducted ‘anna samaradhana’ on the temple premises.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Rajahmundry:Vizianagaram / November 28th, 2014

Andhra Pradesh hits jackpot

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Business & Economy, Nature

In what could be music to the ears of the Chandrababu Naidu government, a study has concluded that the Chintalapudi area in the Godavari valley contains more than 3,000 million tonnes of coal reserves. If harnessed effectively, it can turn Andhra Pradesh into a major player in the power and allied sectors. An upbeat TDP government is now getting ready to seek clearance from the Union coal ministry to start mining as early as possible.

The study, conducted by geologist Omprakash S Sarate of the Lucknow-based Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, was published in the Journal of the Paleontological Society of India in December 2013. The study team, after touring Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts, found that high quality coal reserves are available from Somavaram in Krishna district to Rajamundry in East Godavari district within 500 meters of depth.

“We became aware of the study last month and wrote to the Union coal ministry two weeks ago seeking immediate clearance for mining in the Chintalapudi area,” AP government sources told TOI.

The government is, as expected, overjoyed as coal plays a vital role in the economic development of any region. It not only provides a cheap source of electricity production, but also creates employment opportunity for thousands of people. It also plays an essential role in the chemical, cement, fertilizer, ceramic and steel industries.

The coal demand in Andhra Pradesh is expected to increase several fold within the next five to 10 years due to the ongoing and proposed coal-based power projects. At present, the industries dependent on coal buy the supply from Singareni Collieries at a premium rate. Once the Chintalapudi mines are harnessed, the increased availability of coal will reduce the prices and trigger economic development, feel AP officials.

The study had compared the quality of coal at Chintalapudi with that of Ramagundam and Talcher, saying that the Godavari valley region’s “coal grade and its calorific value is higher than what is available in the Singareni mines.”

The study had also found that the reserves extend to Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts with most of the quality coal concentrated between Aswaraopet, Chinthalapudi and Jangareddy Gudem. While Aswaraopet is located in Khammam district of Telangana, Chinthalapudi and Jangareddy Gudem fall in West Godavari district. The Chatrai mandal in Krishna district and Rajahmundry in East Goadavari were also identified as having massive coal reserves.

“We have brought this to the notice of the Union coal ministry and want the assistance of the Geological Survey of India to figure out the exact locations to carry out explorations. After getting the nod from the Centre, we would take up exploration by acquiring land in these villages,” said a senior official overseeing the matter.

According to sources, AP chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has asked the mining department to prepare a clear roadmap to take up the exploration as early as possible. With more than 3,000 million tonnes of coal reserves within its reach, the AP government is confident that its economic development will take place at a pace faster than anticipated earlier.

We have brought this to the notice of the Union coal ministry and want the assistance of the Geological Survey of India to figure out the exact locations to carry out explorations. After getting the nod from the Centre, we would take up exploration by acquiring land in these villages: Senior official.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> India / TNN / October 10th, 2014

Excellence Award in ‘5S’ Implementation for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Records, All, Science & Technology
RINL director (Personnel) GBS Prasad, receiving the award from Neethi Mohan, MD, Vaighai Agro Products Limited, in Madurai on Saturday. R Nagarajan, GM (CO & CCP) and G Gandhi are seen.
RINL director (Personnel) GBS Prasad, receiving the award from Neethi Mohan, MD, Vaighai Agro Products Limited, in Madurai on Saturday. R Nagarajan, GM (CO & CCP) and G Gandhi are seen.

Visakhapatnam :

The Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), added another feather to its cap by bagging the ‘Par Excellence Award’ for ‘5S Implementation in Vizag Steel’ at the national conclave held in Madurai Saturday.

RINL director (Personnel) GBS Prasad received the award during the 2nd National Conclave on 5S organised by the Quality Circle Forum of India (QCFI). The ‘5S’ is a Japanese concept of Work Place Management. RINL chairman and managing director P Madhusudan congratulated the VSP workforce for the coveted recognition and pointed out that the award reflects their commitment in implementing the ‘5S’ concept in true spirit.

This award was given to the RINL at national level among 36 ‘5S’ certified organisations, based on the QCFI-Auditors report/feedback for the initiative and effective implementation of ‘5S’. Less than a year ago, the VSP achieved the ‘Total Plant Level’ certification in 5S-Work Place Management System.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh /by Express News Service / November 24th, 2014

First tele-serial shot in city to roll out soon

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Ankuram director C.Umameshara Rao / Photo: By Arrangement / The Hindu
Ankuram director C.Umameshara Rao / Photo: By Arrangement / The Hindu

The first ever desi ‘made-in-Vijayawada’ teleserial will roll out from the stable of the city-based Futureall Media House, which is again the first full-fledged media house in the new Andhra Pradesh State.

“We plan to launch the pilot episode of the serial Mouna Poratam, based on the novel of the same name written by Telugu writer Yeddanapudi Sulochana Rani, in the next 10 days. The idea is to equip the current generation youth with the core values that are needed to build a healthy society. It is sad to see youngsters confining themselves to the peripheral factors. For instance, a majority of them think that social commitment means contributing a sum of money, shirking the real responsibility of becoming active part of the problem-solution team. Someone has to take up this responsibility of making them realise about their skewed priorities,” says C. Umamaheswara Rao, the director of the serial.

Mr. Rao, who is also the media advisor to Futureall Media, has in the past given us compelling films likeAnkuram, which won the national award. The media house currently is working on serials, sitcoms, game shows and reality shows and has plans to finally make a foray into Telugu cinema. Lamenting absence of good cinema, Mr. Rao says “we do not have experimental theatre in Andhra Pradesh. Theatre and performing arts must develop parallelly for survival of good cinema. We do not have philosophical output. To reverse the prevailing trend, there is a need for cultural revolution and we are at work to usher in that,” says the director who is an activist at heart.

Mr. Rao also speaks about working on a reality show to promote folk and fusion arts. “In Afro-American nations, they are doing wonders with fusion arts. Sanity and money along with hard work and commitment can make things work,” he says emphatically.

Mr. Rao has churned out a number of tele-serials for Telugu audience in the State with compelling message of social justice in the past.

The Futureall Homes in real estate sector has branched out into entertainment segment and floated the media house.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Sujatha Varma / Vijayawada – November 24th, 2014

Loknayak Foundation Award for Gollapudi

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Gollapudi Maruti Rao
Gollapudi Maruti Rao

This time, stage artiste, writer, and Telugu actor Gollapudi Maruti Rao has been selected for the Loknayak Foundation Award 2015 for his contribution to the Telugu cinema and literature.

Announcing this at a press conference here on Monday, coinciding with his birthday celebrations, Loknayak Foundation Trust president Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad said that Mr. Maruti Rao would be receiving the 11th award of the trust. “Telugu people have been making significant contributions in the fields of art and literature. Unfortunately, a very few have been honoured with ‘Jnanpith award’. Loknayak Foundation Award aims at plugging this gap,” Prof. Lakshmi Prasad said.

He lamented that except a few scholars and writers like Viswanatha Satyanarayana, C. Narayana Reddy, and Ravuri Bharadwaja, most are not getting due recognition in the literary world. The annual event would be celebrated to honour achievers across the globe, he said.

The trust that launched in 2005 honoured several scholars and writers, including well-known writer Kalipatnam Ramarao (popularly known as Kaara Mastaru), human rights activist and Telugu writer P. Lalita Kumari (known as Olga) and eminent Telugu Sanskrit scholar Venkata Subbanna Satavadhani.

As part of the annual literary achievement award function, a cash award of Rs.1.25 lakh and a citation would be presented to Mr. Maruti Rao on January 18, 2015 at Kalabharathi auditorium, marking the death anniversaries of former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N.T. Rama Rao and poet Harivash Rai Bachchan, father of actor Amitabh Bachchan.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – November 25th, 2014