India’s finest linen saree woven in Vijayawada

September 4, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, Alladmin

G. Pulla Rao of Weavers’ Service Centre, Vijayawada, displays the linen saree woven by him. / Photo: By Arrangement / The Hindu

In a major breakthrough in the handloom sector, Vijayawada-based Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC), under the Government of India, has come up with the country’s first linen saree, also known as Extra Warp Dobby Design Saree, in the range of 120s lea Linen X 120s lea Linen.

“The saree, which was designed and woven by a WSC team led by our weaver G. Pulla Rao on handloom at the WSC, is meant to make waves on the fashion scene. Another saree (100s lea Lenin X 100 lea Lenin – Muttu Extra Warp Design) available with us may also tempt fashion designers,” WSC Deputy Director Vishesh Nautiyal said.

In fact, the experiment began in October 2013, and it took nearly a year for the WSC to come out with the variety. “Weaving the saree was the toughest part, as we had to overcome several technical problems owing to the nature of the linen yarn,” Mr. Vishesh added.

The team of experts included Mr. Vishesh, Superintendent (weaving) M. Joga Rao and the weaver Mr. Pulla Rao. The trio claimed that the power loom sector could not compete with the handloom sector in the making of the saree, given the techniques involved.

The WSC solely aims at product development and is prepared to extend technical support to interested parties for the manufacture of the saree. However, the WSC has just one saree to their credit. But, experts, including Mr. Pulla Rao, predict it can be woven in three days.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam – September 02nd, 2014

Catching one of the fastest fish 40-km off Krishna!

September 4, 2014Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Natureadmin

Fishermen carrying Indo-Pacific fish at Gilakaladindi harbour in Krishna district to export to Cochin. Photo: T Appala Naidu / The Hindu

The fishermen venturing into Bay of Bengal near Gullalamoda lighthouse in Krishna district have witnessed a good catch of Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), one of the fastest fish in the ocean.

The boatmen using gill net have sighted the fish, known as Nemali Konem among the marine fish exporters’ fraternity, in batches near the location where mostly they spot dolphins; off the 30-40 km coast from the lighthouse area. A group of fishermen, which went on four-day fishing on mechanised boat to catch tuna, has caught at least four Indo-Pacific sailfish, which have been immediately exported to Cochin on Sunday from Gilakaladindi harbour.

It appeared in dark blue colour on top and each weighted at least one-hundred kilogrammes. “We have seen batches of Indo-Pacific fish sailing on the blue waters. We hope this is the season to catch them,” said fishermen M. Jagga Rao and N. Durga Rao of Gilakaladindi village. It was learnt that the Indo-Pacific fish is one of the fastest sailing fish in the ocean as its top speed has been clocked at 109 km an hour.

On the left side of the body, it has a pectoral fin in dark sea blue colour that is visible while it is swimming and the fin designs resembles a peacock feather. “Since the fish feed on ‘tuna’ it was caught in our net meant for tuna,” Myla Kameswara Rao, one of the fishermen of the group told The Hindu.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam – August 20th, 2014

A coach who wants to shape future bowlers

September 2, 2014Sportsadmin

The snide remarks were so pronounced that Doddapaneni Kalyan Krishna (30), former Andhra Ranji fast bowler and IPL cricketer, decided to pack his bags and leave Hyderabad for Vijayawada, his native place. Months before bifurcation, the insecure feelings in government offices reached a new high, and Kalyan thought enough was enough. “The nagging was there,” he admitted.

After leaving a cosy city life and hectic cricketing indulgence at Hyderabad, Kalyan, an accounts assistant at South Central Railway Vijayawada Division, is like a fish out of the pond in Vijayawada, as he is unable to play or coach the game with which he was associated at the highest level for over 12 years. “Yes I miss my cricket,” says Kalyan, who played 51 Ranji matches since 2002

Kalyan shone as a medium pacer leaving his footprint in the Andhra Cricket Association’s history by claiming over 200 wickets in the first class cricket including 153 in the Ranji format.

He used to bowl to his strengths and used to move the ball either away to baffle the best of batsmen. “My back-to-back dismissal of Rahul ‘Wall’ Dravid in Mysore in one of the Ranji fixtures was a memorable one. Dismissing the batsman known for his unflappable technique is unimaginable,” says Kalyan to The Hindu.

Even after shifting to Vijayawada six month ago, Kalyan is unable to be part of the cricketing administration as a coach and he feeling a bit rusted. “I played cricket with the best of players and against the best of rivals. I have immense experience as a bowler as I took part in all formats including the Indian Premier League for Deccan Chargers. I want to be part of ACA’s bowling think tank and help bowlers to shine,” says the former medium pacer passionately.

It is a nice feeling to relish Kalyan’s achievements as a fast bowler as he carried forward the legacy of fast bowling from Vijayawada which produced quickies like N. Madhukar, Hanumara Ramkishen, H. Ramaprasad, Nekkanti Venkata Rao and the late Johnny Cussack, with élan. Known for commitment, Kalyan Krishna will be an asset to ACA which is keen to restore its lost image in the first class format. The association can also make use of him in the crucial age category (i.e.) u-19 – which is considered a laboratory where the future cricketers are tested.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / J. R. Shridharan / Vijayawada – September 02nd, 2014

Tarun Kumar is Dell India quiz winner

September 2, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, Alladmin

Matta Tarun Kumar of Yuva Bharati Public School, Vijayawada, and his uncle G. Lakshman emerged winners at the city-level “Dell Champs – 2014 School Programme, conducted by Dell India.

The duo will now represent Vijayawada in the national finals to be held in September this year. The programme is an interactive technology-based quiz contest that provides a unique platform to parents to be partners in their children’s success.

Dell India, the end-to-end technology solutions provider, has embarked on a 20-city student outreach programme woven around the theme, ‘Education, Empowerment and Entertainment’. The quiz programme was conducted at 20 city schools, and 2,398 students and 361 parents participated.

The programme highlights the benefits of exposing young minds to the role that technology can play in providing a competitive edge.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Sujatha Varma / Vijayawada – August 27th, 2014

Babu Seeks NGO Support for Development of AP

August 31, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration /Positive News and Featuresadmin

Nellore :

Lauding Union Urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu for his initiation in expanding the services of Swarna Bharath Trust (SBT) to various sectors, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu called upon Non-Governmental Organisations like SBT to come forward for extending support to the government and be part of the development as it will be a mammoth task for the government to overcome the problems on its own.

Addressing a meeting while participating in the 13th anniversary of SBT established by Venkaiah Naidu’s daughter Deepa Venkat at Venkatachalam on Sunday, CM said that the NGO concept is already existing in foreign countries and millionaires and several organisations are spending 60 per cent of their earnings for social service.

He recalled that 13 years ago when the SBT was established in a small remote village Venkatachalam, he never expected that it would grow to such an extent. At present, the SBT is playing a crucial role in eradicating rural poverty by introducing several employment generation concepts including Internet technology, training programmes for farmers over the latest technologies.

Chandrababu Naidu said that it is a proud moment for him to participate in the SBT anniversary and expressed his surprise over the success of government concepts like Palle Pilustondi, Polam Pilustondi, Pedarikam Gelupu and others being effectively implemented by the SBT under different names.

The CM said that it is possible for him to make AP as one of the 10 developed states in the country, despite several hurdles from all fronts.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / August 25th, 2014

Two Docu Flicks to be Screened From Tomorrow

August 30, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Visakhapatnam :

Documentary film fans can have a visual treat at Visakhapatnam Public Library where two documentary movies will be screened Saturday and Sunday. While one documentary picturises the brutalities of Israel in Palestine, the other flick attempts to create awareness on global warming. The screening is open to all.

The Human Rights Forum (HRF) will be screening a documentary on Palestine by well-known journalist, writer and film-maker John Pilger on Saturday evening. The 50-minute-long film will begin at 6 pm. On Sunday, the Vizag Film Society and Environmental Film Society will screen the documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, a 2006 Academy Award winner based on global warming.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / August 29th, 2014

A.P. Telecom wins kabaddi tourney

August 30, 2014Records, All, Sportsadmin

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Players in action in the final match of the 14th All India BSNL Kabaddi tournament in Vijayawada on Friday. _ PHOTO: V_RAJU. / The Hindu

A.P. Telecom team beats Karnataka team with a margin of 48-25. Both Haryana and Rajasthan were declared joint third place in the three-day tournament in which seven teams took part.

Amidst bursting of crackers and warm round of applause, host Andhra Pradesh telecom won the prestigious 14th all India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited kabaddi tournament by defeating Karnataka 48-25 at Railway Stadium here on Friday.

The one-sided final, which was dominated by A.P., saw the host finishing the first half breather at 22-13. AP team posted four lonas, one in the first half and three in the second. It maintained the nine-point lead in the second half and emerged winners to pocket Rs. 50,000. Karnataka carried home Rs. 20,000.

Both Haryana and Rajasthan were declared joint third place in the three-day tournament in which seven teams took part.

“A.P. team excelled both in offence and defence,” observed N. Arjun Rao, Sports Welfare Officer, and Vijayawada Division, who represented Indian in kabaddi in the 90s. Chief Referee S. Yadav appreciated the teams taking part in a sportive spirit by following the rules and regulations.

Speaking at the prize distribution function, Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner C. Harikiran lauded the efforts of A.P. telecom in hosting the national event and pointed out the importance of indulging sports and games to stay fit and healthy.

The organising committee gave away mementoes to all the technical staff and team management for their support for conducting the tournament in a successful manner.

A.P. telecom senior General Manager V. Sundar and several officials from the telecom sector attended the valedictory function.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – August 23rd, 2014

Pedana’s Kalamkari Art Set to Come in Charming Linen Avatar

August 29, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economyadmin

Deputy director of Weavers Service Centre Vishesh Nautiyal displaying the Kalamkari design printed on the linen bed sheet at the Centre in Vijayawada on Tuesday | Express Photo

Vijayawada :

Kalamkari, the art of fabric printing which has won the hearts of people for generations for its unique patterns and colour combinations on cotton fabrics, has now found a new canvas – the linen cloth.

The Weavers Service Centre (WSC), which is instrumental in the adaptation of the age-old art, is all set to come up with a range of linen dress and other materials bearing beautiful Kalamkari designs.

The WSC, attached to the Ministry of Textiles, works for the development of handlooms. It has come up with the idea of printing Kalamkari designs on linen cloth primarily to take the art to new destinations and thus increase its market.

The WSC has roped in Jaya Shree Textiles of the Aditya Birla group and Pichuka Srinivas, a renowned Kalamkari printer from Pedana in Krishna district, in its efforts to give a new thrust to the old art.

“The WSC aims at developing new products and designs in the handloom sector. In the process, various ideas are tried out in designing patterns and evolving different colour and fabric combinations. In this case, we have tried to introduce linen fabric to Kalamkari printers who are traditionally habituated to printing on cotton cloth,” says Vishesh Nautiyal, deputy director of WSC, which comes under the office of development commissioner (Handlooms).

The samples have been satisfactory and the finished products will be exported to Europe soon as linen adorned with traditional Indian designs has generated a lot of interest there, he says.

Pichuka Srinivas, who has been exporting Kalamkari clothes to Europe and US for over a decade now, opines Kalamkari art on linen will create fresh appeal for the product.

“Our aim is to introduce a new fabric to Pedana Kalamkari artisans and provide them an alternative to the cotton fabric to experiment and explore their creative talents,” he says.

The linen fabric for now is being procured from the Jaya Shree Textiles in Chennai. However, two new looms are being set up at Pedana by Srinivas to weave the linen fabric locally.

The WSC is providing the know-how and other technical support to the artisans.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by J DeepthiMandan Reddy / August 27th, 2014

Tinsel town beckons

August 29, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Amala Chebolu. - Photo: K.R. Deepak / The Hindu — Amala Chebolu. – Photo: K.R. Deepak / The Hindu

With her title song in Maaya striking a chord with the audience, this engineering grad from the city hopes to make it big in the Telugu film industry. Her title song ‘Kalayedo Nijamedo’ in Maaya has been received well by the audience.

An engineering graduate in Information Technology aims at making her presence felt both as software professional and singer.

Meet Amala Chebolu, a native of Visakhapatnam, who has completed her B.Tech in GITAM this year. She is all set to make it big as a playback singer in the Telugu film industry.

While hunting for a job in the software industry, she happened to get an opportunity to lend her voice to the title song in the recent Telugu flickMaaya, directed by Neelakanta.

Being a classical singer all through her life, singing happens to be her first passion. She has been trained in the art since she was six years old.

“I feel I am fortunate to have such supporting parents — Saraswathi Chebolu, a vocalist, and Gopalakrishna Murthy, who works as HoD in Economics at B.V.K. Degree College — who helped me realise my dreams in all aspects,” she says. Apart from her parents, Amala owes her success to her mentor.

“My mother is my first guru in music. Later, I was fine-tuned by well-known vocalist Pantula Rama. I was able to focus on my studies and singing and strike a perfect balance between the two important facets of my life,” she says.

Her title song ‘Kalayedo Nijamedo’ in Maaya has been received well by the audience.

Speaking about her growing popularity, the up-and-coming singer says, “I acted and sang in one of the short films, ‘By Unknown’, just for fun. But, I have never imagined it would provide me a platform to get offers for singing in movies.”

About the competition, Amala says, “Singing is not about competing with one another. It is all about how well you perform, keeping your passion alive. Drawing inspiration from legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi and singer Chitra, I am sure to unravel a new path in playback singing.”

source: http;//www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Rani Devalla / Visakhapatnam – August 21st, 2014

Police medal for two north Andhra officers

August 27, 2014Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Visakhapatnam :

Two police officers from North Coastal Andhra region Police Training College (PTC) principal ET Srinivas and city harbour police station inspector D Rajeswara Rao will be receiving the Indian Police Medal (IPM) from Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Independence Day on Friday at Kurnool.

The additional SP rank officer ET Srinivas has received around 143 departmental awards and rewards so far.

He has been working as the principal of PTC Viziangaram since 2011 after he was promoted to additional SP rank.

City-based inspector D Rajeswara Rao, a native of Tallavalasa in Julumuru mandal of Srikakulam district, played a key role in bringing down the accident rate to 38% while he was serving as a traffic inspector in the East traffic circle in the city.

He too has received nearly 60 departmental awards and rewards for his exemplary work.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times Of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / August 15th, 2014

Andhra Pradesh First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Seemandhra, Coastal Andhra, Telugu People and all the People of Andhra Pradesh – here at Home and Overseas