Turning a blind eye to their rights

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features

Bustling classrooms, children flipping through text books — at first sight this school in Begumpet looks like any ordinary school. A closer look reveals a different picture.

The Devnar School for the Blind is tucked away in a corner of Begumpet in Mayuri Marg. About 500 students study here. Aided by corporates and individuals, the school is free for all the students. Unfortunately, this is also the only English medium school for the visually challenged, as well as one of the three such schools in the City.

According to a WHO report, 39 million people in the world are blind. About 90 per cent of the world’s visually challenged live in developing countries.

There are a staggering 15 million blind people in India, two million of whom are children. In fact, one out of every three visually challenged people in the world live in India alone.

Hyderabad has an estimated 2 lakh children who are visually challenged. For a number that high, there are only three schools — Devnar School for the Blind, Darus Safa School for the Blind for Boys, and Malakpet School for the Blind for Girls. The number of students studying in these schools is a meager 740. The State has just eight schools.

“Many parents whose children are visually challenged, aren’t aware of how the potential of such children can be tapped. Unfortunately, there aren’t many schools in the City that cater to them. Visually impaired children are focused on what they want. Their IQ is high and the mental capacity is as high as other children. If you expose them to different topics, they can learn well. Education and a job can give them a secure future,” pointed out Lily Egbert, principal, Devnar School.

Take for example Zubair and Amir, who studied at Devnar. Zubair is now a lecturer in Jawaharlal Nehru University, while Amir works as an HR with an MNC.

“Visually challenged people are now working successfully and even paying taxes to the government. They can do any job. However, the bigger problem is enrolment. Parents should have the courage to send their children to such schools. There is a lot of demand for blind schools, and NGOs are working towards it. The facilities for the visually challenged should improve. Enrolment and opening schools go hand in hand,” opined Dr A Saibabab Goud, founder and

chairman of Devnar.

Teachers in such schools need to complete a B.Ed in Visual Impairment and learn braille (a form of written language for the visually challenged), have immense patience, and love what they do. In Devnar, many teachers are also parents of visually challenged children.

The government is doing their bit, or so they claim. “We are opening Kasturba Gandhi School for the Blind and Hearing Impaired in all the districts. It has opened in some of the districts and will soon be open in all as well. The Anganwadi workers and Indira Kranthi Pathakam workers, along with the education department, is roaming door-to-door and counselling the parents,” said Sunitha Laxma Reddy, minister for juvenile welfare.

“We are sanctioning free metric and post-metric scholarships to students, as well as providing MP3 players, laptops, apart from training them in computers. The government is also sanctioning grants to NGOs. The Central minister for social justice said that if we can propose a plan by August, he will sanction more grants. We even requested the CM for more sanctions. He suggested inclusive education where mainstream schools can have separate sections for them,” she added.

The fact remains that there is an urgent need for more schools that cater to them. As the tag line of the Devnar reads ‘The blind need opportunity not sympathy’.

source: http://www.postnoon.com / Home> City> by Osama Salman / June 28th, 2012

2,300 students get gifts from NAM Foundation

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Resources of Free Materials, Uncategorized

Around 2,300 students from various schools in old city were provided with schoolbags and stationery by NAM Foundation on Sunday in Hyderabad.  / Photo: Balachander Goud RK / The Hindu

Ten-year-old Mohd. Shareef, student of class five of Government Primary School at Achireddynagar, was quite worried about purchasing a school bag, notebooks and stationery as his father, who is an auto driver cannot afford to provide him with all these materials at one time.

Thanks to the initiative of National Association of Muslims (NAM) Foundation, Mohd. Shareef is all smiles today.

The foundation, which is a voluntary organisation, provided him with books, school bags, pencil box etc. free of cost on Sunday at Mehdipatnam.

It’s not just Mohd. Shareef alone, 2,300 other students too were presented with school books and other stationery on the occasion. Besides, distributing books and stationery, the foundation also paid the first-term tuition fee for 1,104 students studying at different private schools and colleges.

Cheques were presented to the respective school and college management representatives during the programme.

Meritorious students adopted by the foundation were presented with gold medals and cash awards.

All the expenditure is met through donations received from various philanthropists and organisations across the globe.

The objective behind distributing books and paying fee was to motivate and improve the quality of education and literacy rate in old city, said foundation chairman, Mohd. Jameeluddin.

In addition to distributing books, the organisation presented 55 sewing and embroidery machines to poor and illiterate women, who had completed training in craft and tailoring courses.

Syed Anwarul Huda, Director General (law and order) was chief guest for the function while Dr. Hemanth Kaukuntla, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, Care Hospital and M.A. Basith, former Director General of Police were among special invitees.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / June 25th, 2012

HMR pact with IIT Delhi for study on pedestrian facilities

Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Sky-walks on the lines of ones in Bangkok (in picture) will give direct access and landing into nearby office and shopping complexes, malls, school buildings, multiplexes, etc., apart from facilitating safe crossing of junctions. / Photo: Special Arrangement. /  The Hindu

Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd. (HMR) entered into an agreement with IIT Delhi on Saturday, for the latter to study integration of different modes of transport and provision of pedestrian facilities, cycling and other Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) facilities, etc. at the metro rail stations. This is to facilitate “seamless travel facility” for metro rail commuters in the twin cities.

The feasibility study costing Rs.19 lakh was sanctioned by the Union Government under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Scheme (JNNURM) to make the project stand out in the country as well as to facilitate redesigning the capital as an eco-friendly city with less carbon emissions, said HMR Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy.

REPORT IN 5 MONTHS

The report will be prepared within five months and based on its assessment, further Central financial assistance will be sought for provision of these facilities, he said. As part of the study, IIT Delhi will identify inter-change points of different modes of transport, pedestrian access facilities within half-a- kilometre to one-kilometre distance from the metro rail stations; cycling and other NMT access requirements within there kilometres from the metro stations.

ACCESS FACILITIES

Access facilities for transfer of passengers from bus stops; MMTS stations and railway terminals to and from metro rail stations will be identified. The study will also provide the basis for running of dedicated feeder bus services (‘merry go-round services’) in the metro rail catchment areas, i.e. the colonies and activity areas around metro rail stations.

Based on the expected passenger loads at each metro station, IIT Delhi will suggest pedestrian access facilities to metro rail stations, provision of footpaths and bicycle tracks, parking facilities for cars and two wheelers at and near metro stations and sky-walks below the metro rail viaduct.

WORKS IN FULL SWING

Sky-walks on the lines of the ones in Bangkok will give direct access and landing into the nearby office and shopping complexes, malls, school buildings, multiplexes, etc., apart from facilitating safe crossing of junctions.

The MD also stated that stage-I metro rail works between Nagole and Mettuguda were going on in full swing and so far 57 pier (pillar) foundations have been excavated and 50 foundations and 20 piers have been completed.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad, June 25th, 2012

Power of Ideas 2012: Exciting start-ups that straddle sectors from water to education

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology

The number of patients suffering gastroenteritis has reduced sharply in Mandavgan Pharata, a small village in Pune district. This transformation in public health happened after villagers started drinking clean water provided by a small firm,  Waterlife India.

The Hyderabad-based firm has installed water purification systems in more than 1,700 villages and urban areas covering 2.5 million people. “We have developed cost-effective water treatment technologies, that can address complex combinations of water contamination,” said  KP Ranjan, one of the co-founders and director at Waterlife. “This enables us to sell 20 litres of drinking water for Rs 5- 7,” he added.

The company’s business model partners with local government, health workers and citizen groups who drive the awareness for clean drinking water. “Last week, Waterlife was among 15 winners of the G20 challenge on inclusive business innovation, at the G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico,” said Sudesh Menon, CEO and co-founder, Waterlife India. Initially, the company had limited resources to scale up. It received Rs 1 crore from social venture fund Aavishkaar and working capital from the apex rural lender, Nabard.

Seeing the success of the business model, the USbased venture capital firm Matrix Partner injected Rs 22 crore in December last year. Waterlife aims to reach to 25 million customers in India and South Asia over the next three years.

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / Home> News> Emerging Business> Startups / by Peerzada Abrar, ET Bureau / June 25th, 2012

Hyderabad: Rs 25-lakh Bonanza from Andhra Govt for ’Golden Girl’ Mamata Poojary

Records, All, Sports

Hyderabad, 24 Jun 2012:

In the middle of complaints that only cricket hogs all the limelight and only cricketers get large gifts as incentives, here is some soothing news.

Captain of the first women’s World Cup-winning India Kabaddi team Mamata Poojary and another member of the team Nagalakshmi have won prizes of Rs 25 lakh each from the Andhra Pradesh government.

The announcement was made by chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy on Saturday, June 23.

Mamata hails from Hermunde in Karkala taluk of Udupi district and if anyone wonders what made the AP government choose her, she happens to be an employee of Railways, based in Secunderabad. Nagalakshmi hails from AP.

Recently, the AP government had announced a prize of Rs 50 lakh in appreciation of badminton star Saina Nehwal from the state. There was discontent that the government had neglected the Kabaddi achievers.

source: http://www.bellevision.com / by PTI / Hyderabad, June 24th, 2012

India’s Saina Nehwal blasts out double warning

Leaders, Records, All, Sports

London:

Saina Nehwal has struck stunning form at just the right time ahead of the 2012 London Games where she hopes to deliver India a first Olympic badminton medal.

The world number five followed up victory in the Thailand Open earlier this month with a third Indonesian Open triumph on Sunday. The battler looks more than ever a live challenger to the might of China’s women at the Wembley Arena from late July.

In Sunday’s final, Nehwal saved two match points against China’s latest hotshot Li Xuerui before grinding out another gutsy three setter 13-21 22-20 21-19.

“It was really, really tough,” said Nehwal. “I love the crowd, I love Indonesia. I feel like a champion when I step on to the court here.”

Nehwal, a hugely popular figure in India, was 18 at the Beijing Olympics where she reached the quarterfinals only to lose out in three sets to Indonesian Maria Kristin Yulianti.

“I was so close to it,” she told Reuters in an email. “I should have won that third and final set when I was leading 11-3 but lost it 14-21. Such opportunities do not come every time. I am unlucky in that way.”

Struck Back

The former world junior champion struck back the following year to become the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament when capturing her first Indonesian Open title.

The 22-year-old rates the victory the high point of her career, defeating China’s Wang Lin, who went on to win the world title in 2010.

“It was all the more satisfying in that it was a victory over such a prominent Chinese. It was another three-setter and I won the last two, including 21-9 in the decider.” In 2010, on home territory and once more with the aspirations of the country swirling around her, Nehwal won Commonwealth Games gold, surviving a match point against Malaysia’s Wong Mew Choo.

“It was another odd match,” she recalled. “I lost the first set and I was down in second where it went to a tiebreak but I (survived match point) and won it.

“That made it 1-1 and it relaxed me so much I won the final set 21-13.”

A triumph but not an easy one. “I was tense because of millions of peoples’ aspirations for me,” Nehwal admitted. “But God gave me mental strength and I overcame all the odds to win gold for India.

“That lifted my country to number two in the overall table of medals, a record for India in the Games.”

LOW POINT A year later there followed a low point, defeat in the first round in front of her home crowd in the Indian Super Series.

She acknowledges the burden of expectation is a heavy one as she continues the never-ending battle against powerhouse China, whose women currently occupy the top four in the world rankings

“Yes, it is extreme and particularly on me, all the more so because I want to win and then in turn some silly mistakes occur and I get failure.”

Nehwal is one of an elite set of players backed by Yonex that includes men’s world number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, Denmark’s  Peter Gade and his compatriot Tine Baun, another woman battling the formidable Chinese.

In March, Nehwal lost in the quarterfinals of a glittering All England championships but bounced back the following week to retain her Swiss Open title

“I was cool, relaxed and focused. It was only with victory there that I could forget about the All Englands disappointment.”

Despite her stellar June, a tough challenge lies ahead for Nehwal but the hope is constant as Wembley looms. “My dream is to win a medal for India in badminton,” she says.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports> Tournaments> London Olympics / by Reuters / June 22nd, 2012

Saina Nehwal gets Rs 50 lakh cash incentive from AP Govt

Leaders, Records, All, Sports

Hyderabad, Jun 21 (PTI)

Andhra Pradesh Government today announced a cash incentive of Rs 50 lakh to ace shuttler Saina Nehwal for winning three consecutive international badminton titles this year.

The 22-year-old city-based shuttler has won coveted titles – the Swiss Open, Thai Open and Indonesian Open – this year. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who sanctioned the cash incentive, said “Saina has become pride of the nation by winning so many championships and Andhra Pradesh is proud of her.”

The Chief Minister hoped the badminton champion would win the gold medal in the forthcoming Olympics at London. PTI DBV RSY

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / by PTI / June 21st, 2012

Weft, warp and a timeless weave

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

An ikat sari displayed as part of the exhibition by Pochampally Handloom Park  Photo: Sangeetha Devi Dundoo / The Hindu

Ikat Art presents a contemporary take on the traditional weave

Something as commonplace as a refrigerator top cover transforms into an appealing work of art. A layer of foam sandwiched between two layers of handloom cloth with the storage pockets at the sides outlined by bright ikat weaves is one of the simple value additions you get at the ongoing exhibition of ikat fabrics and furnishings at the Pochampally Silks and Sarees store, Tilak Road, Abids. In colours of olive green, deep maroons and purples, the refrigerator covers come at Rs. 150. “It’s a value buy, but we still have customers haggling for a lower price. We end up explaining to them about the art of ikat,” says one of the store employees.

The exhibition puts forth textiles from the Pochampally Handloom Park, sold under the label Ikat Art. On sale are saris and salwar sets (silks and cottons), yardage, bed linen, furnishings, travel bags, stoles and scarves. The products of Ikat Art are rugged and unpredictable, something that’s synonymous with hand-woven fabric. The saris vary from everyday wear to prized possessions with simple ikat patterns to double-ikat weaves. The borders with woven patterns contrast the body of the sari. Expect to see checks, geometric patterns, birds and floral weaves. There are saris that take off on the traditional teliya rumal weave as well. The saris are priced between Rs. 2000 and 8000.

The salwar sets in silk are priced around Rs. 4000 – 4500. “The fabric for salwar, kameez and dupatta is woven on three different looms and you need 7.5 metres as against 6 metres for a sari,” explains a store employee. In colours of ochre, mustard yellows, bottle greens, deep reds and magentas, there’s something for everyone.

Cotton stoles at Rs. 500 to 600 and silk ikat stoles at around Rs. 2000 to 2500 are pick-me-ups and can be teamed with both Indian and western silhouettes.

The exhibition is on till July 6.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Arts> Crafts / by Sangeetha Devi Dundoo / Hyderabad, June 22nd, 2012

Of macaroons and muffins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Concu’s cakes topped with macaroons and more

Pastry chef Sahil Taneja and wife Swati are adding more sweetness to the Hyderabadi palate with their fairy-tale creations of cakes, topped with carefully crafted macaroons. Together the couple run Concu Cakes.

After completing his postgraduation in London to perfect the art of pastry-making, Sahil went on to work at Harrods under legends such as Josef Marsalek (senior sous chef at Harrods London). He is nostalgic about the days when he worked hard. “I used to be up by 3 am and in the kitchen by 4. But the pleasure of serving people, especially clients like Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, the King of Qatar and soccer stars is incomparable to anything else,” shares Sahil, now 37.

Pop star Boy George would personally call Sahil to place orders. Sahil also cherishes the champagne bottle he received as a gift from footballer Wayne Rooney. But Hyderabad is home. “I have been here since I was three. My family is based here,” he says, also adding, “The Hyderabad market is fairly unsaturated for the high-end products that I make.”

Marketing and promotions tend to take a backseat when you are as focused on quality. In fact, you will not even find a signboard at their Begumpet office. “I wanted to enter the market slowly. I think most people go wrong in expanding too quickly and compromising on the quality. I also wanted to test the city’s palate for flavours like balsamic vinegar. Everyone here seems to want pineapple, butterscotch or chocolate,” Sahil smiles.

All orders are personally taken care of by Sahil now, and he is also training two apprentices when the volumes increase. The use of natural and imported ingredients means the prices are on the higher side, but Sahil’s customers are not complaining. He recently made a mango and strawberry cake for Ram Charan Tej and Upasana, ordered by friends of the couple.

If there’s one thing that gives this gifted pastry chef the jitters it’s baking macaroons. “Macaroons are very tricky, you never know where and how they go wrong. But now I am ready to challenge anyone,” he declares with a smile.

To place orders, you can contact Sahil on 9985800031.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Others / June 21st, 2012

‘FAPCCI–RYK Job Fair 2012’ tomorrow

Business & Economy, Uncategorized
Hyderabad, JUNE 20:

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in association with Wipro BPO, HDFC Bank and REEMAP is jointly organizing ‘FAPCCI – RYK Job Fair 2012’ tomorrow at the Sri Indu Campus, Ibrahimpatnam in Rangareddy district.

The theme of the job fair is to facilitate “face-to-face” interactive meetings with job seekers and employers across the State. Leading corporates such as HDFC Bank, Wipro BPO, Mahinda Satyam, Reliance, SH Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Apollo Hospitals, Heritage Foods India Ltd, MTAR Technologies Private Ltd, Godavari Polymers Ltd, Shell Lubricants etc are participating. Over 2,500 jobs would be on offer to both technical and non-technical job seekers, a release from FAPCCI said.

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> Industry & Economy / by The Hindu’s Bureau / June 20th, 2012