Book Exhibition on Freedom Fighters

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Visakhapatnam :

Commemorating the services of Indian freedom fighters, a special book exhibition was organised by GITAM Knowledge Resource Center (KRC) at GITAM University here Thursday.

Valuable literature available at the GITAM KRC will be kept at display to create awareness about the freedom struggle among the students. The exhibition will be open for two more days.

“Remembering our leaders and their struggle means remembering our history. The books put for display at the expo, which pass on rich historical background, will hopefully inspire the youth,” university vice-chancellor G Subrahmanyam said while inaugurating the event.

Around 500 rare publications, particularly ones like ‘Struggle for Freedom’ by RC Majumdar, ‘Story of the Indian National Army’, ‘Jail Diary’ by C Rajagopalachari, ‘Pakistan or the Partition of India’ by Dr BR Ambedkar, ‘Punjab Freedom Fighter Baba Prithvi Singh Azad’, ‘Nehru-Thoughts’, and books on Mahatma Gandhi were main attractions at the exhibition.

GITAM Institute of Technology principal K Lakshmiprasad and university librarian Nagaratnamani also participated.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / August 15th, 2014

Selected for Indian Police Medal

Leaders, Records, All
Duppala Rajeswara Rao / The Hindu
Duppala Rajeswara Rao / The Hindu

SHO of Harbour police station Duppala Rajeswara Rao has been selected by the Central Government for the prestigious Indian Police Medal for meritorious service.

The award will be given away by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the Independence Day function at Kurnool on Friday.

A native of Tallavalasa of Jalumuru mandal in Srikakulam district, Mr. Rajeswara Rao joined the police service as Sub-Inspector in 1991, after completing his M.Com and BL courses.

He worked in various capacities in a number of police stations such as Gopalapatnam, Pendurthi, Fourth Town, Gajuwaka. He also served in the Vigilance Department of Civil Supplies and A.P. Transco. In his 23 years of service, Mr. Rajeswara Rao received 35 cash rewards, earned 197 Good Service Entries, received four letters of commendation, and 13 letters of appreciation from senior officers.

According to sources, he will be the first person of the rank of inspector to receive the Indian Police Medal from the three coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Cities> Visakhapatnam / Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – August 15th, 2014

Lifetime achievement award for Guntur doctor

Leaders, Science & Technology, World Opinion
V.Phaniendra Kumar
V.Phaniendra Kumar

A Guntur-based phonosurgeon V. Phaniendra Kumar has been presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to the speciality in medicine.

At the 9th National Conference of the Association of Phonosurgeons of India ‘PHONOCON – 2013’ organised at Pinnamaneni Siddhardha Medical College, Vijayawada, he was given away the award, Dr. Phanineindra said in a release on Monday.

Phonosurgery is voice restorative surgery for victims of voice disorder.

The origin of the speciality in India is from Guntur. The national conference was organised on March 8, 9 and 10. Registrar of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences S. Babulal, chief guest of the inaugural function, gave away the award.

About 100 ENT surgeons from different parts of the country attended as delegates.

International faculty members from the USA and New Zealand, national experts from the State, Kerala, Mumbai and New Delhi conducted technical sessions.

Dr. Phaniendra is the founder of the APSI and developed it over the years.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – March 12th, 2014

Conferred EPI-Star award

Records, All, Science & Technology
Consultant emergency physician Radhika Rani Chandra with the EPI Star award given in recognition of her work on spreading awareness about emergency medicine in India. T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu
Consultant emergency physician Radhika Rani Chandra with the EPI Star award given in recognition of her work on spreading awareness about emergency medicine in India. T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu

Consultant emergency physician from Sri Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Radhika Rani Chandra, has been awarded the Emergency Physician India (EPI)- Star award by the Federation of Emergency Physicians, India for her contribution to development of emergency medicine in India. The award was presented at the third annual national conference of the association of Emergency Physicians, India, held recently in Chennai.

Dr. Radhika said on Thursday that her presentation, “Spreading wings beyond emergency room,” has won a coveted award. An emergency physician has a crucial role to play in critical care of patients, many of them who get admitted into intensive care units with fatal injuries.

As a member of America Heart Association and a faculty member of Emergency Medicine in NTR University of Health Sciences, Dr. Radhika has been holding sessions on Emergency Life Support and Basic Life Support to police and paramedical workers.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / Staff Reporter / Guntur – August 15th, 2014

ANU Registrar to bring out journal on Fourth World Literature

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, World Opinion

 

P. Rajasekhar Registrar, Acharya Nagarjuna University. / Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar
P. Rajasekhar Registrar, Acharya Nagarjuna University. / Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar

A senior professor of English at Acharya Nagarjuna University, P. Rajasekhar, is shortly bringing out a peer reviewed international bi-annual journal on ‘The Cultural and Literary Nationalism of Fourth World.’ The journal has been registered with publication number —ISSN: 2349- 3039

The journal, a first-of-its-kind on Fourth World Literatures, is the culmination of the scholarly and consistent efforts of Professor Rajasekhar in conducting two significant global seminars on Fourth World Literatures during 2009 and 2012.

Popular native and aboriginal academicians and writers like Jay Hansford Vest (USA), Ernie Blackmore ( Australia), Cynthia Wesley Esquimoux (Canada), Lee Maracle ( Canada), Bruce Pascoe ( Australia), Charles Robertson (US), Jo-Ann Episkenew (Canada), Mark Anderson (Canada) and Hone Sadler (New Zealand) would be on the editorial board.

“The objective of the journal is to promote cultural and nationalism of Fourth World Literatures across the world. We are inviting scholarly responses on pertinent social, cultural and literary aspects of the Fourth World,” said Dr. Rajasekhar, who as the Registrar of the University finds time to guide research scholars and bring out publications.

Journals run by the individuals have set new parameters for the discourse of criticism. For instance, T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Criterion’ , F. R. Leavis’s ‘Scrutiny’ & Ezra Pound’s journal have been popular literary journals run by individuals. Dr. Rajasekhar hopes that this journal on Fourth World Literature would be on the lines of Yale Review, Harvard Review, Southern review and The Atlantic.

Dr. Rajasekhar said that scholarly articles about the contemporary issues of Fourth World Literatures are invited for publication. The details of the journals can be had from: www. Fouthworldlitt.in. The articles should be sent to: derrida.derrida@gmail.com

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / Staff Reporter / Guntur – August 07th, 2014

SPA Vijayawada is Centre for Excellence in Spatial Governance

Education

The School of Planning & Architecture (SPA) at Nidamanur, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh is all set to be recognised as Centre for Excellence in Spatial Governance (CoEiSG). Ministry of Urban Development has decided to grant the honour to the institute for its expertise in land and space use planning.

SPA Vijayawada is working on one Spatial Governance Strategy (SGS) research project called ‘Urban Vision 2050 of Andhra Pradesh. The planning and architecture institute is already regarded as a key player in urban and regional planning in the state of AP. Asian Development Bank recently awarded it a study on ‘Future Urbanisation of East Coast Economic Corridor’. Getting the status CoEiSG will facilitate SPA students in taking up more live projects.

Andhra Pradesh will benefit from addition of the prestigious national institution in its kitty post bifurcation of the state. Besides, 600 SPA students have taken up projects in planning and architecture, urban and regional planning, environmental planning and sustainable architecture in regions like Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tenali region for their case studies which will prove to be of immense help later. Findings of students’ studies are expected to be published by December 2014.

Maharashtra government has also requested SPA Vijayawada to prepare a regional plan for Kolhapur. Other significant projects of the institute include the documentation of rural and urban housing typology for Andhra and parts of Orissa as per the mandate of Urban Development Ministry. The documentation is to be done on the basis of architecture and building materials used locally.

SPA will also set up a Design Centre too in association with IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi and National Institute of Design. This Design Centre will focus on designs unique to this area and will start with arts such as block printing and toy making.

source: http://www.prepsure.com / PrepSure / Home> News / by Rruchi Shrimali / August 07th, 2014

Devout Turn to ‘Lord of Seven Weeks’ for Wish-Fulfilment

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Vadapalli (East Godavari):
Come Saturday the tiny village of Vadapalli in Atreyapuram mandal of the district transforms itself into a beehive of activity with about 30,000 devotees turning up for the darshan of Lord Venakateswara Swamy at temple of ‘God of Seven Weeks’.

The devout believe that the Lord grants their wishes if they make seven ‘pradakshinams’ around the temple on seven Saturdays and that its result can be felt after completion of the fourth ‘pradakshinam’.

‘Kalyanotsavams’ are being performed on all days except Saturdays. As many as 5,000 devotees will have ‘anna prasadam’ Saturday. Scores of villagers do perform voluntary service like regulating the queue lines, distributing ‘prasadam’, providing drinking water, cleaning the temple, etc., every Saturday.

The villagers feel that it is an opportunity given to them by the Lord to serve his devotees. A week-long festival of ‘Kalyanam’ and ‘Tirtham’ on ‘Chaitra Sudda Padyami’ is an important event performed at the temple.

Lord Venkateswara Swamy is a ‘Swayambhu’ on red sandalwood. Legend has it that once many sages visited Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntam and asked him to protect ‘dharma’ on the earth.

He assured them to appear on sandalwood in river Gowthami. Later, the villagers found a sandal box in the river, took it to the village and opened it to find the Lord on red sandalwood.

Sage Narada constructed the temple after performing a ‘yagna’ and the rituals performed by Vaikhanasa Brahmins and Sri Vaishnava Acharyas. Raja of Peddapuram Vatsavasi Timmagajapathi Maha Raju donated the land in 1759. Temple trust board chairman T Subba Raju said, ”Lord Venakateswara has given us an opportunity to work for him.” The temple will be developed and better amenities would be provided for the devotees soon. Speaking to TNIE, temple executive officer PVVS Kameswara Rao said that plans were afoot to construct an ‘annadanam’ complex at an estimated cost of `70 lakh. Proposals were sent to the endowments commissioner in this regard.

He further said that ‘Srivari Seva’ badges would be given to the villagers who work at the temple voluntarily Saturdays. The number of devotees is increasing by the day.  Daily ‘annadanam’ programme would be launched soon, he said and disclosed that the annual income of the temple stood at about `1 crore.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by S S Chary / August 01st, 2014

Bowling has many takers in Guntur

Sports
The Hindu Youngsters test their skills at the bowling alley at Splitz Strikezz in Guntur on Saturday./ Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu
The Hindu Youngsters test their skills at the bowling alley at Splitz Strikezz in Guntur on Saturday./ Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu

Bowling in Guntur! Well, one has to believe that big time entertainment has finally arrived in town.

For youngsters who are starved of weekend entertainment, a new gaming zone, Splitz and Strikezz, located on the fourth floor of Grand Fortune Mall opposite NTR Stadium is the new destination.

The state-of-the-art air-conditioned gaming zone developed on 4,000 square foot has a four lane bowling alley, the first-of-its kind in the town, a gaming arcade, consisting of Xbox and kinect lounge, and a food court.

“The bowling alley is the most sought-after place for youngsters to hang out. Each game has 20 throw-ins and boys and girls simply love it. We have developed a 50-metre bowling alley on par with international standards of Ten Pin bowling,” says Sasikanth Reddy, game zone manager.

Developed by Vishnu, the latest gaming zone was recently inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture Prathipati Pulla Rao and Guntur West MLA Modugula Venugopala Reddy.Youngsters have a unique feeling of cosmic bowling in the alley dotted with neon lights.

“The demand for bowling alley goes up during weekends. We allow pre-bookings during weekdays,” Mr. Reddy says. Apart from games, youngsters have plenty of choices. They can hang out in party space and can lounge in the Xbox and kinetic lounge.

“We are keen on bringing top-class entertainment to Guntur. We will further develop the gaming zone to include games for kids and make this as a complete family entertainment zone,” Mr. Reddy adds.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Samuel Jonathan / Guntur – August 03rd, 2014

‘Stamp’ of recognition for rare collection

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
One of the collections of G. Sri Ramarao -- A special gold foil Russian stamp with sand embedded on it. (Right) The philatelist.
One of the collections of G. Sri Ramarao — A special gold foil Russian stamp with sand embedded on it. (Right) The philatelist.

Driven by a passion to share his knowledge and collection with as many as possible, city- based philatelist Commander (retired) G. Sri Ramarao has been participating in philatelic exhibitions where his painstaking collection has drawn accolades.

He bagged a gold medal at the recently concluded APEX 2014 philatelic exhibition organised by the Department of Posts at Vijayawada. Incidentally his wife Rama Lakshmi won a large silver medal at the same expo.

G. Sri Ramarao / PHOTOS: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM.
G. Sri Ramarao / PHOTOS: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM.

His passion for music, which was revived after he retired from the Indian Navy, set him on the path of collecting stamps on anything and everything related to music. He has collected gramophone record stamps, CD stamps, stamps on musicians from across the world. To top his collection on music is his collection of stamped covers with post mark from post offices named after musicians.

“There is so much interest in philately abroad and in fact a postmaster of one of the post offices named after a famed musician not only stamped my cover but also wrote a letter explaining how and why it was named so,” Cdr Ramarao said. In contrast the Philatelic Bureau in Mumbai was tardy in sending the details of releases.

“There is a need to create awareness about philately in India,” he said.

Many were not aware of the fact that the special stamps like batik, embroidery, or made with lace are proper stamps that can be used as postage.

Limca Book of Records has recognised four of the stamp collections of Cdr Ramarao and he has received certificates for two and other the other two are being sent.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by G. S. Subrahmanyam / Visakhapatnam – August 05th, 2014

City man scales two mountains

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

KhasimRazaMPOs10aug2014

Khasim Raza conquers Mt. Elbrus, wants to climb all ‘Seven Summits’ by 2017. Though the ascent to the base camp which is at an elevation of 10,000 ft by chairlift is easy, it took nine days for his five-member team and guide to scale the mountain.

Vijayawada-born Khasim Raza made big news in the city when he climbed the Khilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Now he is back in the limelight by conquering Mt. Elbrus the highest mountain in Europe. He plans to climb all ‘Seven Summits’ of the world by 2017.

It is the dream of every mountaineer to climb all seven mountains on the list. Mount Everest is the highest peak with an elevation of 29,020 feet. It is followed by Aconcagua (22,838 ft), McKinley (20,322 ft), Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft), Elbrus (18,510 ft), Vinson (16,050), Puncak Jaya (16,050 ft) and Kosciuszko (7,310). (The names of eight mountains are listed because there are two different lists of the Seven Summits. Mountaineer Bass lists Kosciuszko in his list, but mountaineer Messner lists Puncak Jaya in his list.)

Mr Raza did his schooling in N.S.M. Public School here and went on to become a British citizen.

He now operates with Dubai has his base. His father, owner of Metro Opticals in Gandhi Nagar, is one of the first opticians of the town. Mr Raza’s sights are trained next on Aconcagua, the second highest peak in the list, located in South America.

“Every mountain teaches you something. Kili (the affectionate way he refers to the mountain) taught me how to deal with wind speeds and high altitude, Elbrus taught me about cold. It is all snow and ice there,” he said.

Though the ascent to the base camp which is at an elevation of 10,000 ft by chairlift is easy, it took nine days for his five-member team and guide to scale the mountain. “We lived in accommodation that is similar to a container used for shipping goods. Every alternate day we went out on acclimatisation climbs. Unlike in Kili, the gradients on Elbrus are very steep,” he said. He says the view from the mountain slopes were really breathtaking.

Besides mountaineering, Mr Raza is every inch an adventure junkie. Just a couple of months ago he and some friends went on a cross-country cycling expedition in Cyprus. “I want to share my experiences to inspire youngsters to become more adventures and pursue challenges,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G. Venkataramana Rao / Vijayawada – August 09th, 2014