Riding home a point

Amazing Feats, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports

It takes a strong mind and heart to train oneself to be a sportsman. And in a country where cricket is a religion, it isn’t  an uncommon instance where other sportsmen bemoan the government’s lack of support. And if it’s tough enough when one is able-bodied, what of the many talented differently-abled people? That is the issue that city-based Aditya Mehta is trying to drive home.

Perturbed by the state of sports facilities provided for the differently-abled and the way people react towards them, Aditya Mehta is planning a unique initiative: to cycle the 3800 kilometers-odd distance between Kashmir and Kanyakumari. A commendable feat, the 31 year-old makes this even more of an achievement being an above knee amputee himself. Strike one for Mehta.

The Hyderabadi who lost his leg in an accident, got frustrated of sitting at home and took up the sport after coming across a hoarding of Hyderabad Bicycle Club. A business man by profession, he turned the sport into a passion for himself in a span of 19 months, even registering his name in the Limca Book of Records for being fastest above-knee amputee to comlete 100 kilometers on a cycle. “I bought a cycle after seeing the hoarding and started practising. Initially, I fell down many a time, but slowly I picked up and achieved a lot from then on,” said Aditya about the initial stages of his cycling journey.

Not one to be slowed down or to entertain sympathy, he points out that the empathy shown by people for amputees might deter their confidence levels and make them lose faith in trying to lead a normal life. “Often, people use the word ‘bechara’ for amputees, even parents sympathetically wonder what amputees can do in life. But I feel that they have the potential to lead a normal life,” he states strongly.

Having seen for himself what differently-abled people can do for themselves, he has made it his pet project to encourage fellow amputees to go out there and achieve. However, he does admit that help from the government could take them a long way.

“If we see other nations like China or smaller countries like Malaysia, sports facilities for them are really good. However, in our nation, there are no sports academies for amputees. I want to motivate amputees to take up sports and drive the point that they can lead a normal life,” states two-time silver medalist. For Aditya, this ride isn’t just a statement to the government but also to other differently-abled people. Having picked up his medals for India at the Hero Para-Cycling Championship held in Delhi on March-2013, he hopes his initiative will prompt the government to take notice of his requests to provide a special academy and other facilities for amputees.

Besides just cycling the distance, Aditya also hopes to raise funds for his foundation. Along with four close associates, the Hyderabadi is in fact registering the Aditya Mehta Foundation today, to which people can donate money for every kilometer he covers. The foundation will utilize the generated funds in providing sports equipment and prosthesis for other amputees interested in sports. “Differently-abled people from different states who are selected in various competitions, call and ask me to help them find a sponsor. This is how I intend to help,” he shares.

The 36-day bicycle ride titled Airtel Endurance Ride by Aditya Mehta is powered by Bharathi Cement and will begin on November 7 at Srinagar. Aditya will cycle to Kanyakumari and reach on December 13 after a four-day break in between. With a schedule of covering 100-120 kilometers a day, Aditya will also be accompanied by a doctor throughout the journey. “As it is a very long ride, my palms might swell and I might get saddle sore, but I am prepared for it,” says the determined cyclist.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by K. Shiva Shanker – Hyderabad / October 28th, 2013

Bangalee Samity’s Durga Puja in city a big draw

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Sri Durga puja being performed during the Dasara celebrations organised by the Hyderabad Bangalee Samity at Pingle Venkatarami Reddy Hall at Domalguda in Hyderabadon Saturday. | A RADHAKRISHNA
Sri Durga puja being performed during the Dasara celebrations organised by the Hyderabad Bangalee Samity at Pingle Venkatarami Reddy Hall at Domalguda in Hyderabadon Saturday. | A RADHAKRISHNA

Bengalis in the city bonded with each other during the Durga puja celebrations, which began on Shashti and will end on Dasami on Monday, organised by the Hyderabad Bangalee Samity.

Bengalis, not only from the city, but also from other states and countries joined the festivities at Pingle Venkat Ram Reddy Function Hall at Lower Tank Bund in Domalguda here.

Anubrata Basu, who lives at Gurgaon, came here to celebrate the festival with his family. “Here, the festival is more personal, and there is a sense of belonging as members of the samity take the onus of organising the celebrations right from collecting funds till arranging cultural programmes. Moreover, bonding between people is more here whereas in Kolkata celebrations take place on a large scale but without much bonding.

Saptarsi Dev, who has been residing here for many years, visited the place along with a friend, also a Bengali, from the UK.

People turned out in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of the Durga idol. In the afternoon, Sandhi puja was attended by people from various communities, said Biswajit Mukherjee, executive member, Hyderabad Bangalee Samity.

According to Mukherjee, there are around 70,000 Bengali families in the city. People got a taste of the Bengali cuisine as various food stalls sold delicacies like Rashogulla, Sondesh and Katiroll. On Saturday, the programmes included Sankho Dwhani, Uloo Dhwani, painting and drawing competitions, followed by other programmes in the evening.

On Dasami, the Goddess and Her family will be given a farewell. Sindoor Utsav will be held on the same day.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / October 13th, 2013

Cancer meet held at Yashoda Hospital

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Science & Technology

Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet conducted ‘Fight Against Women’s Cancers’, a cancer awareness programme under “Fight On,” a cancer conquerors’ empowerment initiative by Yashoda Group of Hospitals, to commemorate the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative is a part of Yashoda Group’s commitment to help cancer conquerors beyond providing superior medical treatment.

The initiative was inaugurated by chief guest, Jayasudha, MLA, Secunderabad constituency and eminent film personality, on Friday amidst a special gathering of cancer conquerors, cancer specialists and other important delegates.

Breast cancer is the most common of all cancers and is the leading cause of deaths among women across the world.

The programme will provide a platform for all women cancer conquerors including breast cancer conquerors to promote healing, stimulate inner resources, enhance quality of life and compliment medical care.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / October 26th, 2013

It’s ‘London calling’ for ACA academy boys

Education, Sports, World Opinion
Andhra Cricket Association director and former India wicketkeeper M.S.K. Prasad./ File photo / The Hindu
Andhra Cricket Association director and former India wicketkeeper M.S.K. Prasad./ File photo / The Hindu

Talented players, both in cricket and in studies, to be benefited

Andhra Cricket Association director and former India wicketkeeper M.S.K.Prasad’s words would be music to the ears of parents of the 100-odd players harnessing their skills at three residential academies at Vizianagram, Mangalagiri and Kadapa.

“Talented players, both in cricket and in studies, will be helped to pursue their higher education in the University of East London.

Their education will be sponsored by ACA and Telugu Association of London (TAL), and this will help them get part time jobs under ‘earn-while-learn’ system,” said Mr. Prasad, who visited London recently to market the newly-spruced up multi-crore cricket infrastructure.

THREE ACADEMIES

ACA has set up three academies in Andhra region with state-of-the-art playing fields including provision for indoor stadiums by spending crores of rupees. “We need to generate income to maintain these structures.

This sojourn was meant to bring in teams from aboard to make use of these facilities”.

Mr. Prasad interacted with one Akram Malik, a representative of the university and also with the members of TAL during his week-long stay. “This is a golden opportunity for the players as they can get the best of education from this prestigious institution”.

Mr. Prasad’s endeavour to market the stadiums met with a fair amount of success as the county heads of Kent, Lancashire, Middlesex and Surrey showed interest in making use of the stadiums during their off season.

“English county teams prefer to use facilities at Sri Lanka and Dubai during their off and pre-seasons. Now they can make use our facilities which are world-class”.

Prasad also interacted with European wing of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Junior Global Academy at Dubai.

“Former Pakistan all-rounder Mudassar Nazar, who heads the Dubai academy, was impressed with our vision and soon we will chalk out a schedule,” he added.

VISUAL PRESENTATION

The former India wicketkeeper made an audio visual presentation and distributed a colourful booklet featuring the facilities and other information such as places of tourist interest, hotels and cuisine.

He said England witnessed torrential rain during cricket’s off-season and the practice schedule often went haywire owing to poor playing conditions.

“The academy will be vacant as our boys will be busy touring and playing for Andhra and India. They can use the services of our coaches, physiotherapists, and trainers as well. We are keen to bring them to coastal Andhra for a reasonable fee. The second and third rung players who wish to make to the main county team can make use of these facilities”.

He also held discussions on exchange tours to give a chance for academy players to play in English conditions against county players.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by J.R. Sridharan / Vijayawada – October 03rd, 2013

AP signs MOU with Holland for research

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

AP Society for Knowledge Networks and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research will jointly promote research at academic institutions in Andhra Pradesh and the Netherlands.

An MoU was signed on Wednesday between IT minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah and a Netherlands team at the Secretariat.

The AP Society for Knowledge Networks will work with four hub institutes in AP–IIT Hyderabad, NIT Warangal, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus and IIIT Hyderabad. Each of these four institutes will in turn be responsible for guiding and fostering research in other engineering colleges in the state.

Each of these hub institutes will be guiding 100 engineering colleges with their research leadership. The funding for the projects will be provided 50 percent each by the AP Society for Knowledge Networks and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. The AP Society will fund to the tune of about Rs 10 crore initially.

Each project will have six stakeholders–three in the state and three in the Netherlands. The three stakeholders are: The academic institute concerned, along with its faculty and research students; a potential corporate player who is interested in partnering with the research effort either through funding or through intellectual participation; and the AP Society for Knowledge Networks in case of AP and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research.

The deadline for submission of proposals in short format is December 1.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / October 24th, 2013

Sikorsky plans to build H-92 copter cabins locally

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

JV with Tata Advanced Systems makes 50th S-92 helicopter cabin with 100% local components

US helicopter-maker Sikorsky Aircraft is planning to outsource more work to the Hyderabad manufacturing facility, which was set up in a joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in 2010 to build  S-92 helicopter cabins.

Shane Eddy, senior vice president – Operations at Sikorsky, on Thursday said the company would build H-92 helicopter cabins in this facility once the orders for supply of these helicopters by the Canadian government were cleared. H-92s are civilian certified aircraft built for military operations.

Besides, the company is looking for orders from other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for supply of components being made by Tara Aerospace Systems Limited, the second joint venture set up here between Sikorsky and the Tatas, according to him.

These plans coincides with the complete indigenisation of S-92 helicopter cabins currently being built at this facility by TASL, which holds a 74 per cent stake in the two joint ventures while Sikorsky owns the rest.

Marking this achievement, TASL chairman S Ramadorai today personally handed over the 50th S-92 helicopter cabin and the first to be built with 100 per cent local components by the JV, to the Sikorsky official.

Eddy said the company was having enough demand for the S-92 helicopters that would require at least two years to clear the backlog.  The plant, which currently operates with two shifts a day, would start three shifts during this year. The company can expand the overall content of the aircraft from this facility, he said while admitting it was deriving significant savings on costs from the Indian manufacturing facility.

TASL now produces four S-92 cabins a month from three earlier to meet the demand as Sikorsky makes about 40 S-92 helicopters a year in its US facility. In June 2009, Sikorsky and TASL had entered into an agreement for production of S-92 helicopter cabins in India and in November 2009, the two had entered into a JV for production of more than 5,000 detailed aerospace components, which go into cabin making. The JVs with 74:26 had set up two manufacturing  facilities — one for cabin making and the other for aerospace components.

On bagging government order
On delay in the bidding process for buying helicopters for civilian purpose by the Centre, Sikorsky’s regional executive retired Air Vice Marshal Arvind Walia said they were looking forward to opening of the commercial bids soon. “Sikorsky is more than willing to provide a solution. Moreover, we are building cabins also here,” he said when asked about the company’s prospects in winning the order following the recent controversy over Italian helicopter-maker Augusta, which too is the contender for this order.

Walia, responding to a question, said the company had no problem in bringing more technology and manufacturing to India even though they were allowed to have only 26 per cent equity in the Indian joint venture. However, he said it would like to raise its equity even up to 76 per cent in future if the government  allowed.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by BS Reporter / Hyderabad – October 24th, 2013

Hyderabad socialite walk to support an NGO at ‘Hyderabad Walks’ event

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The second annual event of an NGO dedicated to providing aid to critically ill children, witnessed a huge gathering at a suburban hotel, on Wednesday evening.

Titled ‘Hyderabad Walks’, the event saw 40 people from different walks of life — businessmen, socialites, educationists, doctors and housewives — walk the ramp to raise funds for the organisation. The evening began with a travel quiz, followed by a fashion show.

The first sequence had a masquerade theme with opera music playing in the background and the second sequence had participants walking the ramp individually. The highlight of the show was actress Charmme who walked as the show stopper wearing an elegant lehenga and looking splendid. After the show, guests were seen bonding with each other over dinner and drinks.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / September 26th, 2013

Hyderabad bids a tearful adieu to Lance Naik Feroze Khan

Records, All, Uncategorized

Hyderabad:

Scores of people and political leaders paid homage to Indian Army soldier Lance Naik Feroze Khan, who was killed in Pak firing.

Lance Naik Feroze Khan succumbed to serious injuries after Pakistani mortar firing near the Line of Control at Balakote in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Naik Feroze Khan belonged to the Madras Regiment where he served for about 12 years.

The final rites of the deceased soldier were performed with military honours in the old city here on Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh BJP president G Kishan Reddy, YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, Mayor Majid Hussain and other leaders paid tributes to the soldier’s departed soul.

Lance Naik’s family members including his little children were in grief and many people wept after seeing them.

Scores of local residents turned up to pay homage to Khan.

Meanwhile, an official release said here that full military honours were accorded to the soldier, before his mortal remains were laid to rest at a graveyard near his house located in the old city of Hyderabad.

Major General Cyrus Pithawala, AC, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Andhra Sub Area led the wreath laying ceremony at the graveyard where an army gun salute was accorded to Lance Naik Feroze Khan.

Wreaths were also placed on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh Governor, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding Southern Command and General Officer Commanding Andhra, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Kerala area, the release said.

A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed soldier.

Rear Admiral K Srinivas of the Indian Navy and other senior army, air force, police and civil officers were present, while a large number of people paid their last respects to the brave soldier.

PTI
source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / ZNews / Home> State News> Andhra Pradesh / Thursday – October 17th, 2013

Rs 19,000 crore for Fisheries Development in 5 years

Business & Economy, Nature

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is considering a slew of measures to enhance the quality of fish exports until they reach the consumer by applying innovative techniques and also to improve the living standards of families engaged in aquaculture, NFDB chief executive officer Dr MV Rao said here on Monday.

The Board has decided to invest `19,000 crore for various developmental activities in the present five-year plan period, he said. ‘’In this endeavor, it is planned to achieve an overall target of six per cent annual growth of fish production, two per cent in marine fisheries sector and eight per cent in inland fisheries sector during the 12th five year plan,” he added.

Talking about some of the recent activities of the NFDB, he said to facilitate  fisherwomen of East Godavari in efficient marketing and transport facilities a programme titled ‘East Godavari Maha Samakhya’ has been initiated. ‘’We have also provided fund for transport of dry fish to Bhimili fisherwomen, funded fishermen societies in Bidar for better marketing opportunities and also promoting cage culture in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand,’’ he pointed out.

He added that 22 technology upgradation projects were taken up with the support of fishery colleges and other technical institutes. ‘’Skill development and capacity building programmes were conducted for fisherfolk, farmers and officials across the country,” he added.

Along with the coastal fisheries in the state, the Board has also decided to develop inland fisheries, he said. “The state has enormous potential to develop and nurture inland fisheries,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / October 22nd, 2013

Gene which prevents fungal disease in rice discovered

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology

Hyderabad :

In a major breakthrough, city-based Directorate of Rice Research (DRR), an arm of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has discovered a gene that is resistant to rice blast. The researches said the new variety will be released as seed in the next Kharif season.

Rice blast is a plant-pathogenic fungus that affects rice in more than 90 countries across the globe and destroys rice crop which is enough to feed about 60 million people worldwide, experts informed. Over the years, the fungus has developed resistance to both chemical and genetic  treatment in some varieties of rice. After working on the project since 2005, the new gene is now being inserted into a variety of rice which will be blast-resistant, Maganti Seshu Madhav, a DRC scientist said.

“The worldwide ‘great blast-resistant gene hunt’ began around 10 years back. We surveyed most of the landraces (naturally formed plant varieties) collected from India as well as the varieties from different countries. We even searched wild species which are distantly related to rice. Finally our hunt ended with the discovery of the resistant gene in Vietnamese variety called ‘Tetep’,” Seshu Madhav told TOI. Madhav, who discovered the gene, cloned and transferred it (Pi-54) to popular varieties to save them from the deadly fungus.

Scientists say the rice blast fungus, also called ‘magnaporthe grisea’ causes a huge yield loss in the country. In Andhra Pradesh , all the zones, including north coastal zone, Godavari zone, Krishna zone and the Telangana zones are prone to blast disease causing an average loss of 40%. Once the varieties are released into the market before Kharif 2014, it would eliminate use of fungicides to control the disease.

Stating that some fungicides do control the disease partially, Seshu Madhav said when the fungicides are used intensively and regularly, the fungus rapidly develops resistance and finally destroys the crop.

After winning many national awards and the Ohio state university’s best international research scholar award for his research on the blast resistance genes, Madhav said the Pi-54 gene will address the concern of millions of farmers.

“Another strategy would be to develop a broad spectrum race-non specific resistance using latest molecular biology approaches,” he added. India’s first blast resistance gene (Pi-54) along with two more genes, Pi1 and Pi2, are being studied extensively. Improved varieties, are now undergoing tests throughout India and after the successful tests in Andhra Pradesh, the new varieties with blast-resistance gene will be released to farmers mostly in Kharif next year,” he added.

Another important breakthrough for DRC has been the discovery of multiple genes, responsible for the aroma in various landraces. After determining major genes that control the aroma, Seshu Madhav, in association with Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, is working to understand metabolic profile of the chemical compound that causes aroma in rice.

This would help in transferring the gene to local varieties, making Sona Masuri, Samba Masuri, Jaya, Nelloore Sannalu, Warangal culture, Kurnool Sona among others retain an aroma like Basmati rice. “This is bound to boost the market worldwide,” he added.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad> Gene / by Jinka Nagaraju, TNN / September 23rd, 2013