Europeans bowled over by Kalamakari

June 4, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, World Opinionadmin

A foreigner selecting Kalamkari products at Pedana in Krishna district. / Photo: T Appala Naidu / The Hindu

Nicolas Sarkozy’s sister to Oprah Winfrey’s designer, many prefer it.

Traditional Kalamkari artisans of a tiny town on the Indian East Coast have a valid reason to cherish and celebrate their work, for to which Europeans are doffing their hats in awe. If anything to go by the sale of Kalamkari products, exporter P. Srinivas and his New York-based business partner Mary Mulcahy, France President Nicolas Sarkozy’s sister, designer for Oprah Winfrey and world famous interior designer Jacques Grange are a few who fell in love with the exquisite work done by the rural artisans.

The swelling register of the Kalamkari lovers also tempted the ‘Vogue Magazine’ that ran a green campaign referring natural fabric designs and products of the Kalamkari in their Christmas issue. In Hollywood, Kalamkari product made in Pedana can be sighted in the Academy Award winning movie Dallas Buyers Club, an American biographical drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallee.

Referring to orders pouring in from across the Europe, in an e-mail to Mr. Srinivas, Ms. Mulcahy wrote earlier that “I wanted to tell you that the crown princess of Greece contacted me and wants to use our fabrics for her products and her shops in London, Athens and New York. That is quite an honour!!!”.

“Many a times I am helpless to meet the demand from my customers, particularly in the rainy season. It was a great honour for every artisan for the recognition that our art has received around the world,” opined Mr. Srinivas. Kalamkari artisans and renowned Kalamkari block-designers Gangadhar brothers have expressed that they have a greater responsibility in maintaining the standard and quality of the rural industry for the sake of well-being and survival of the traditional art – Kalamkari.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by T. Appala Naidu / Pedana – June 03rd, 2014

Pedana Kalamkari art form gets GI tag

June 4, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, World Opinionadmin

A Kalamkari artist immersed in designing a piece of cloth. / File Photo / The Hindu

Now, the production of Machilipatnam Kalamkari will be geographically limited to Pedana town and its neighbouring villages

Kalamkari, renowned for natural dye art or designs on fabrics, has been registered in the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) of the Government of India under the Geographical Identification of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Members of Vegetable Dye Hand Block Kalamkari Printers’ Welfare Association, Pedana received the registration certificate from the GIR, Chennai. In the GI Registration, this art form has, however, been recognised as ‘Machilipatnam Kalamkari’. Pedana is 15 k.m. from Machilipatnam.

“The registration will enable us to initiate legal action against those who copy the art or design in any form. It also restricts the production of fabrics with Kalamkari art in the areas falling out of the registered geographical area,” said the Welfare Association executive member Bandaru Anand Prasad.

According to GIR’s authorised user no – AU/396/GI/19/12, production of Machilipatnam Kalamkari is geographically only limited to Pedana town and its neighbouring villages of Machilipatnam, Polavaram and Kappaladoddi in Guduru mandal of Krishna district.

The ingredients used in the preparation of colours, stages of applying the dye and designs on fabrics were also submitted to the GIR authorities for the conservation of the art as well as easy identification of violators anywhere. Nevertheless, the geographical identification was limited for a few areas of production – such as textiles and textile goods, bed and table covers, clothing, carpets, rugs, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors and embroidery.

“Since the new status deals with promising the registered standards of the Kalamkari, even local artisans and production houses have no exemption from the guidelines, framed for conservation of the art, if they fail to maintain the respective standard,” added Mr. Anand Prasad.

“Now we have every right to seek legal action against the violators – who copy the art form on the registered products,” he added. On the other hand, the scientists of National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad were engaged in producing new colours meant for Machilipatnam Kalamkari and a special training programme on applying new colours was also completed this week.

As a witness of the existence of the art form, a wall hanger dating back to 15th Century AD, is still being displayed in Victoria Museum, London.

The article has been edited to correct an editing error.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by T. Appala Naidu / Pedana (Krishna District) / August 18th, 2013

City lad for national meet

June 3, 2014Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Featuresadmin

Among 364 applicants, who have been selected for the national-level ‘Change-makers confluence’, to be held between June 26 and 30 at Ishan Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida, is student from the city A. Kundhan Karunakar.

Karunakar, student of Miracle School of Engineering, is one among the 1,730 participants who have been shortlisted for the four-day youth conference. He is also instrumental in drawing scores of students together to work for the underprivileged groups through Oneness Organisation, an association of students. In order to encourage the young participants to become torchbearers of the nation, the confluence includes sessions like ‘young parliament’ and ‘social innovator programme’.

“It came as a pleasant surprise to me as I did not expect that I will be selected among hundreds of other participants. I am looking forward to the big day as it is a rare opportunity to meet people from different walks of life and share a common platform to express our views in panel discussions that cover topics like politics, education, health and other fronts,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – June 03rd, 2014

Book released

June 3, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, Alladmin

Krishna University Registrar D. Suryachandra Rao released the second printed version of ‘Taratarala Bandar Charitra’ book, authored by amateur historian Mohammed Silar, here on Monday at the Town Hall.

Addressing a galaxy of literary personalities and historians of Machilipatnam, Mr. Suryachandra Rao opined that the book would serve as a reference for those who wanted to research in Telugu as well as History.

“A few copies of the book will be made available in the Krishna University Library and given access to the readers”, he added. Krishna District and Sessions Judge G. Chakradhara Rao recollected the glorious past of Machilipatnam and how the port town became key location for all means of administrative and legal services in Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the post-independence period.

A well-known doctor Dhanwanthari Acharya received the first copy and other guests discussed at length about the hardship involved in bringing out of the book, which was based on the ten-year research by Mr. Silar, in 2010.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Machilipatnam – October 08th, 2013

Historian of Bandar pens encyclopaedia

June 3, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Machilipatnam-based historian Mohammed Silar./ The Hindu

‘Machilipatnam Sarvasvam’, (Encyclopaedia of Bandar), written by Bandar-based modern historian and numismatist Mohammed Silar, is all set to be released by the end of June. The book focuses on the flourishing of Buddhism and Jainism in Krishna district as well as individuals and institutions which brought laurels to the port town.

In 2010, he wrote his first book ‘Tara Tarala Bandar Charitra’, which became a reference guide for history research scholars. It was reprinted in 2013. “My second book has a detailed narration about the rule of several dynasties in Masula – from Mughal, Dutch to British and French. The history of India’s third municipality, Machilipatnam Municipality, is also one of the key chapters of the encyclopaedia,” Mr. Silar said.

Based on Battiprolu inscription in Pulinda script, Mr. Silar is trying to establish the birth of Telugu language in Machilipatnam. As Machilipatnam played an important role in the evolution of education and literature in Andhra Pradesh, the book chronicles the lives of many luminaries including Madras University’s first elected Vice-Chancellor Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu of Machilipatnam.

Mr. Silar, a retired Special Grade Tahsildar and a Food Inspector during the cyclonic storm in 1977, has been engaged in documenting the glorious past of the town. “Bandar population was 64,000 in 1865 as against 9,000 of Vijayawada. The demography shows the glorious past and development of the tiny town in those days”, he says.

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

Jagarlamudi Narendranath passes away

June 2, 2014Leaders, Sportsadmin

Secretary and Correspondent of J.K.C College and chairman of the Women Cricket Academy of Andhra Cricket Association, Jagarlamudi Narendranath, 67, passed away at his home after a brief illness.

Narendranath had been suffering from cancer and ailing for the last few months, his brother and Managing Director of Jocil Industries J. Murali Mohan said.

The eldest son of former MP J. Chandramouli, Narendranath took over the reins of the college and established the college as one of the premier educational institutions in the district.

During the last five years, Narendranath dedicated himself to the setting up of the Women Cricket Academy, the first-of-its kind in the country.

The academy, the first-of-its kind in the country, has facilities for accommodating 70 players, coaches and supporting staff. The academy has 16 rooms and a dormitory. A state-of-the-art gym makes the academy complete.

With the setting up of the academy, Guntur has emerged as the nerve centre of women’s cricket in the State.

Mr. Narendranath was always in the thick of action overseeing construction of the academy or providing facilities for players and coaches. He had convinced the JKC College to part with the three acres of land and spent nearly Rs.4 crore for setting up the academy.

Leading personalities of the town, MPs-elect Rayapati Sambasiva Rao and Galla Jayadev, MLA-elect Alapati Rajendra Prasad, M.D of Pioneer Automotives and member of JKC College committee Chukkapalli Ramesh and others paid their respects.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / Guntur – June 02nd, 2014

Gollapudi pens poem on last day of united Andhra Pradesh

June 2, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Popular actor, journalist and writer Gollapudi Maruthi Rao released a poem on united Andhra Pradesh to mark the last day ahead of bifurcation.

In recognition of his service to film industry and journalism, E.V.V. Yuva Kalavahini felicitated Mr. Rao at a hotel in Guntur on Sunday. Well-known music director A. Prabhu presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, he recalled his early days in the film industry. “I attribute my success to pure selflessness and humble attitude in the industry,” said Mr. Rao.

Addressing the gathering, Guntur MP-elect Galla Jayadev said Mr. Rao was an inspiration to several artistes in the industry. He rendered yeomen services to both films and journalism and wished him great success.

Actor A. Sundara Ramakrishna, EVV Yuva Kalavahini V. Krishna Murthy, TDP State secretary M. Subba Rao and Mr. Jayadev’s wife G. Padmavathi spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – June 02nd, 2014

Name of site changed from ‘Hyderabad First’ to Andhra Pradesh First ‘

June 2, 2014Uncategorizedadmin

More details coming up>

Facts About Andhra Pradesh

June 2, 2014About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Records, Alladmin

Airports to Get facelift

Existing Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati airports are likely to be brought up to interna¬tional standards based on expeditious decision by the Centre.

Railways Mulling Overnew Zone

Indian Railways will also deliberate the establishment of a new railway zone in Andhra Pradesh.

Possibility of Metro Rail in 1 Yr

The Central government will check the feasibility of Metro Rail facility in Vishakhapatnam and Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali Metropolitan Urban Development Authority within a period of one year from the appointed day.

Coastal Andhra Head Off

Coastal Andhra region recorded a per capita income of Rs 36,496, Telangana (including Hyderabad) Rs 36,082 (33,771 excluding Hyderabad), and Rayalaseema Rs 33,056 in 2007-08. Rayalaseema draws its income from agriculture to the tune of 25%, followed by 24% in coastal Andhra and least in Telangana at 22%.

Highway Edge for Coastal AP

The intensity of national highways in the recent years was relatively high in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema than that of Telangana. This is mainly due to the geographic advantage exploited by the Golden Quadrilat¬eral National Highway, which passes through both these regions. However, the intensity of PWD roads is relatively higher in coastal Andhra compared to both Rayalaseema and Telangana.

100 Percent Electrification

The present generation installed capacity as on June 30, 2010 in coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana is 5242.46 MW, 1840.14 MW and 4368 MW respectively. AP also achieved 100% village electrification.

Andhragotmore Primary Schools

In the number of primary schools per lakh popula¬tion, Rayalaseema (85.9) is leading in all periods followed by coastal Andhra (77.4).

Natural Irrigation in AP

Given that most of the central parts of coastal Andhra region is located in between the river Godavari in the north and river Krishna in the south, there are natural factors that have offered extensive possibilities of expanding irrigation through canal system. On the other hand, both the Telangana and Rayalaseema regions are not able to access river waters due to lack of gradient.

Two districts now in APSPDCL

The districts of Anantapur and Kurnool which fall within the jurisdiction of the AP Central Power Distribution Company Ltd. will now be reassigned to the AP Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd.

All Edu Quotas Ditto for 10 Yrs

Current admission quotas in all government or private, aided or unaided, institutions of higher, technical and medical education will continue for a period of ten years.

Better AP-T Connectivity

The Central Government will take measures to establish rapid rail and road connectivity from the new capital of Andhra Pradesh to Hyderabad and other important cities of Telangana.

Insitutions in12, 13th Plan period

The Central government will take steps to estab¬lish institutions of national importance including include one IIT, one NIT, one IIM, one IISER, one CU, one Petroleum Uni¬versity, one Agricultural University and one IIIT, in the 12th and 13th Plan periods of AP.

One More Major Port for AP

A new major port at Duggirajupatnam in Andhra Pradesh will be constructed by the Centre. It will be completed in phases, with Phase I being completed by 2018-end.

Tribal Univs for Andhra and T

The Central government will establish one AIIMS-type Super-Specialty Hospital-cum-Teaching Institution in AP and a Tribal University each in the two states. It will also construct the National Institute of Disaster Management in AP.

Steel Plant Likely at Kadapa

Within six months from the appointed day, SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) will examine the feasibility of establishing an integrated Steel Plant in Kadapa. Also, IOC or HPCL will explore the possibility of setting up a greenfield crude oil refinery and petrochemical complex in AP.

Two States One Governor

The Governor will remain in position for both the states till decided by the President. The Governor will be responsible for law and order, internal security and security of vital installations in the common capital area.

Council for Water Boards

The Central government will constitute an Apex Council for the supervision of the Godavari River Management Board and the Krishna Board. The comprises the Union Minister of Water Resources as the chairperson with the CMs of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states as members.

One High Court Until Otherwise

The High Court of Judicature at will be the Common for the State of Telangana and the of Andhra Pradesh till a separate for the of is constituted.

Central Govt Plays Chief

The Centre will take appropriate fiscal measures, including offer of tax incentives to promote industrialisation and economic growth in both States. It will also support programmes for the development of backward areas.

Polavaram in Central grip

The Central government would control the regulation and development of the Polavaram Irrigation Project. The Centre will execute the project and obtain all clearances including environmental, forests, and rehabilitation and resettlement.

Secial Support for AP Capital

The Centre will help in the creation of a new capital for AP, by denotifying degraded forest land if necessary. Special financial support will be provided for the creation of the new capital including its own Raj Bhavan, High Court, Secretariat, Legislative Assembly and Council.

AP, Rayalaseema Lead in Literacy

The overall literacy rate in APin 2001 is 60%. Coastal Andhra notched up to63 per cent while Rayalaseema recorded 60 per cent literacy.

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

Cops clear Australian lady’s adventurer

June 2, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports, World Opinionadmin

Nellore:

Fishermen of Palaverkadu village located on the Tamil Nadu side of Pulicat Lake stopped an Australian sailor named Sandy Robson, who was on a world tour from Germany to Australia through the sea on a pedal boat, suspecting her bonafides on Sunday.

Nellore SP Navdeep Singh Grewal deputed Tada SI Abdul Razak to the spot after the woman called on Coast Guard and the police. The SI verified her passport and visa and arranged for her stay at Chinna Mangodu village located on the Tamil Nadu side of Pulicat Lake near Tada in SPSR Nellore district.

According to the SI the woman entered Indian Ocean at Gujarat and travelled via the Maharashtra, Kerala and Kanyakumari coasts. Two coordinators from Tamil Nadu, Ghouse and Muneer, who were monitoring her journey, spoke to the fishermen who stopped her and cleared their doubts after Sandy alerted them.

The Tada sub inspector managed to find her in a fishermen’s village in Tamil Nadu and found declarations of the Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu police with her. He said the woman was trying to break the 1930 record of a similar expedition and they are going to allow her to continue her expedition on Monday.

Sandy is going to West Bengal as part of her voyage. Nellore SP Navdeep Singh said that she called him and their men have traced her with the help of GPS Coordinates she gave to him.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / May 19th, 2014