Category Archives: Nri’s / Pio’s

Indian Aussies photo expo begins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Mrs Kerrie Griggs, wife of the chief of the Royal Australian Navy cuts a ribbon to mark the opening of the photo exhibition, Indian Aussies, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Australian consulate general for south India, David Holly is also seen.— K. MURALIKRISHNA
Mrs Kerrie Griggs, wife of the chief of the Royal Australian Navy cuts a ribbon to mark the opening of the photo exhibition, Indian Aussies, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Australian consulate general for south India, David Holly is also seen. — K. MURALIKRISHNA

Visakhapatnam:

Kerrie Griggs, wife of chief of Royal Australian Navy, vice admiral RK Griggs, inaugurated the Indian Aussies photo exhibition at a shopping mall in Vizag in the presence of Australia’s consul general for south India, David Holly.

The photo exhibition by Michel Lawrence is being held to celebrate the strengthening bonds between India and Australia.“Indians are successful in Australia, and Indian Aussies celebrate their success,” said

Holly.  “Australia is chosen by many as a place to settle, to build business and to raise their families.  Indian Aussies are highly respected members of our community and are admired for their achievements. The Indian community is an integral part of Australia’s future as a successful multi-cultural nation,” he added.

Indian Aussies includes images of those who travelled from Andhra Pradesh to Australia, including Dr Rama Rao, Usha Naylon and Zuhair Naqvi. Dr Rao, Usha moved to Australia in 1983, while Zuhair moved in 2008.

Dr Rama Rao was born in Nellore and moved to Australia in 1983.  She has a Ph.D in Chemistry and works researching new polymers and paints.  Dr Rao established the first Carnatic Music School in Melbourne in 1984, and on weekends she teaches classical Indian music and singing.

Usha Naylon was born in Hyderabad and moved with her adopted family to Australia in 1983. She is a teacher and head of humanities at the highly regarded Balwyn High School in Melbourne and is studying a Masters at Monash University.  Usha’s wedding to Ben incorporated a mix of Australian and Indian cultures.

Zuhair Naqvi was born in Hyderabad and moved to Australia in 2008.  He has been a web developer since the age of 13.  Having worked later in life in Kuwait and Hyderabad, he returned to Melbourne.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News>  Current Affairs / June 12th, 2013

Teenager with Hyderabadi roots wins US Spelling Bee

Education, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All

Hyderabad :

A teenager with Hyderabadi roots claimed the top spot at a prestigious international spelling contest in USA on Thursday night.

Arvind Mahankali, 13, from New York, managed to correctly spell the word ‘knaidel’, which denotes a small mass of leavened dough, to win the 86th Scripps National Spelling Bee. Mahankali, who had finished third in 2011 and 2012, fought hard this time to outlast 11 finalists from across the country.

He later revealed that in the last two years, he was eliminated due to German-derived words, but this time, although the winning word was from German-derived Yiddish, he spelled it with ease, causing the audience to erupt in loud applause and cheers. “The German curse has turned into a German blessing,” he said.

Arvind’s immediate family members, who live in the US, were overjoyed at his victory. Although his relatives in Hyderabad remained unavailable for comment, sources said the mood was celebratory at their house as they watched him win the contest on live television.

Reports said that when Arvind’s name was announced as the winner, he looked up at the falling confetti and cracked his knuckles, which had come to be his signature gesture at the contest. The prize includes $30,000 in cash and other gifts, along with a huge cup-shaped trophy. Arvind, an aspiring physicist who admires Albert Einstein , said he would focus on the subject more now that he has conquered the spelling bee.

Arvind is the sixth consecutive Indian-American winner and the 11th in the past 15 years. Pranav Sivakumar from Illinois finished second, fumbling on “cyanophycean”, the word for a blue-green alga. Sriram Hathwar, 13, of New York, came third, and Amber Born, 14, of Massachusetts, stood fourth.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> US & Canada News / by TNN / June 01st, 2013

South Indian community in Basingstoke celebrate New Year

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Youngsters enjoy the celebrations / Basingstoke Gazette
Youngsters enjoy the celebrations / Basingstoke Gazette

AN INDIAN New Year festival was celebrated in Basingstoke.

Organised by the Telugu Association of Basingstoke (TAB-UK), which represents those from South India living in the town, the event at Carnival Hall included dancing, singing and games to entertain the children.

A Ugadi tradition was performed at the event, when the yearly horoscopes were read out for each of the 12 lunar signs.

Children from the Telugu School, run by volunteers from TAB-UK at Carnival Hall, sang to the audience.

Those attending the celebration also enjoyed a traditional Indian meal as well as a special dish consisting of six different tastes which symbolise the different elements of life – sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise.

TeluguHF07may2013

Sreeni Vavilala, a committee member for TAB-UK, said: “Around 150 people attended the event – not only from Basingstoke but also from the Midlands and London.

“All the people who attended the event had great fun. This event gave a chance for members of the South Indian community to celebrate the biggest festival in the calendar as a community event.”

source: http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk / Basingstoke Gazette / Home> News / by Emily Robert, Chief Reporter / May 02nd, 2013

A sparkling exhibition

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

An exhibition of rare heirloom jewels is being organised in the city from May 11 to 13 at The Taj Krishna.

Being exhibited by Nirav Modi, Modi represents a fine jewellery brand bearing the name of a global diamantaire that combines diamonds and precious stones with the highest level of aestheticism, innovation and craftsmanship.

Its pieces have been sold both at Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses. In November 2010, with its exquisite Golconda Lotus Necklace, Nirav became the first Indian to be featured on the cover of the Christies auction catalogue joining the company of immortal jewellers like Bvlgari, Cartier and Harry Winston. More recently in October 2012, the brand set another milestone internationally, through the auction of the Riviere of Perfection neckpiece at Sotheby’s for a stellar 27 crores.

Born into a family of jewellers, Nirav carries forward a rich legacy of knowledge and appreciation for the art of jewellery making. His grandfather traded important diamonds in Mumbai from the 1940’s and his father is still an active diamantaire in Antwerp, Belgium,the rough diamond capital of the world.

Nirav grew up in Antwerp, a city renowned for its diamond trade. However, despite having grown up in Belgium, India and its heritage always presented a strong attraction for the jeweller.

He would visit Mumbai every summer during where he gained invaluable experience at various diamond and jewellery offices throughout the city. Nirav Modi jewellery blends Nirav’s strong sense of design and aesthetics, his family’s legacy, and his roots. The jewellery has been created with a view to match the splendour and tradition upheld by the maharajas.

The Nirav Modi Jewellery collection reflects the rich cultural heritage that the family has cultivated and preserved for over 60 years.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express Features – Hyderabad / May 03rd, 2013

Telugus in Kuwait show the way

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

About two lakh Telugus living in Kuwait have beaten eight crore Telugus in the State in demonstrating their love and respect for their mother tongue.

A popular shopping area in Kuwait frequented by Telugu people prominently displays name boards in Telugu in front of shops and commercial establishments. A feat yet to be accomplished in the State despite the Andhra Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act, 1988, making it mandatory for display of name boards in Telugu, says Official Language Commission Chairman Mandali Buddha Prasad.

Mr. Prasad, who was in Kuwait recently to participate in the Ugadi celebrations, was pleasantly surprised to see the signboards and name boards displayed in Telugu in an alien nation.

“There is no rule or Act in Kuwait to enforce use of Telugu language for the benefit of migrants, but the love of Telugu people for their language did it,” said Mr. Prasad speaking to The Hindu here on Wednesday.

Hyderabad, followed by Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati, are among the cities and towns in the State which do not give Telugu its due in public places, he says. Its time people respected their own language voluntarily by displaying name boards in Telugu prominently for the benefit of the majority of people who speak and read Telugu, he said. No one would oppose English or even Urdu name boards in Old City, but not at the cost of Telugu, he added.

The Labour Department had already served notices on shops and commercial establishments which failed to display name boards in Telugu, and Ugadi was set as the deadline.

Over 1.5 lakh establishments complied with the law and action would be initiated against 9,036 MNCs which ignored the Act, said Labour Commissioner Ramanjaneyulu. Every small shop and establishment with 10 employees should display Telugu name board as per the Act and the department would ensure total compliance by August 15, he asserted.

Official Language Commission Chairman Mandali Buddha Prasad finds shopping area in Kuwait frequented by Telugu people prominently displaying name boards that language on shops, something which is yet to be accomplished in the State.

source: http://www.thehindu.com /  The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad, April 11th, 2013

 

Hyderabadi kid at Intel Science Fair

Education, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Prithvi’s project was one of the three projects selected out of 289 entries for representing Singapore at The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.
Prithvi’s project was one of the three projects selected out of 289 entries for representing Singapore at The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.

An alumnus of Hyderabad Public School(HPS), Begumpet, G Prithvi, 17 will be representing Singapore in The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA from May 12 to 17.

Prithvi’s project was one of the three projects selected out of 289 entries for representing Singapore at the fair, which is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. The fair provides an annual forum for more than 1,500 high school students from about 70 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research as they compete for over $3 million annually. The Intel ISEF is the premier global science competition for students in grades 9-12.

Talking of his achievement, Prithvi says, “The recognition is the result of hours of my work, and it is the first success towards fulfilling my ambition to be scientist.”

Prithvi now lived in Singapore with his parents and is currently class 12 at St. Andrews Junior College, Singapore. His ambition is to become a scientist and do research in Particle Physics.

Prithvi was working on research into high performance anodes for Lithium ion batteries using Cobalt compounds obtained by bulk preparation methods at National University of Singapore, and the project was selected for participation in the Singapore Science and Technology fair held recently.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express Features – Hyderabad / April 09th, 2013

‘Telugus impacted by globalisation since times immemorial’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nri's / Pio's

A discernible Telugu foot-print now being seen in across the world is a continuation the trend witnessed since 2nd century B.C. when sea-faring people looked for greener pastures in Southeast Asian countries, says Adapa Satyanarayana, Chair, Diaspora studies, Goa University.

Inaugurating a two-day national seminar on “Migration movements and Indian Diaspora in Modern period” at the Acharya Nagarjuna University Ongole campus on Wednesday, he said “Telugu people by nature are most mobile. Knowledge workers from Andhra Pradesh have now become part of the international community, making their presence felt among Asian Indians in the United States among other countries”.

Acharya Nagarjuna University Rector Prof. Y.P. Rama Subbaiah presides over a seminar on Diasporic history in Ongole on Wednesday.— Photo: Kommuri Srinivas / The Hindu
Acharya Nagarjuna University Rector Prof. Y.P. Rama Subbaiah presides over a seminar on Diasporic history in Ongole on Wednesday.— Photo: Kommuri Srinivas / The Hindu

“After brain drain, now the country is witnessing “brain gain” with a number of Telugu associations abroad sending millions of dollars for community oriented development projects such as education, public health, giving a new meaning to global-local interface in the era of expanding Globalisation.

If late 19th century, world capitalism facilitated migration of south Indian labour to the Southeast Asian countries, the late 20th century globalisation provided immense opportunities for unskilled labourers in West Asia in the wake of oil boom.

Historically, relations between the Andhra coast and Burma (Swarnabhoomi), go back to a couple of centuries before the birth of Christ. The sea-faring Telugus immigrated to various countries in Southeast Asia even during the age of the early Kalingas and Ikshavakus.

During the colonial period emigration to Burma was an “established custom” and “a lucrative occupation”, particularly for the lower caste persons of the northern coastal Andhra districts. “Kulim region in West Malaysia was known as “little Anakapalli”, he added.

Delivering the keynote address, Ratan Lal Hangloo, , Department of History, University of Hyderabad, said the Indian diaspora preserved and protected the Indian culture generation and after generation despite great difficulties.

Presiding, ANU Rector Y.P.Rama Subbaiah and

ANU Ongole campus Special Officer G. Raja Mohan Rao spoke.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Ongole, April 04th, 2013

NATA Investment Seminar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's

NATA Workshop Promotes Financial Investing and Retirement Planning Seminar

Atlanta (March 23, 2013):

North American Telugu Association (NATA) organized a free workshop on Financial Investing and Retirement Planning on March 23rd in Alpharetta, GA. In the spirit of looking ahead, NATA leaders Dr Prem Reddy and Dr Malla Reddy and President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy and other leaders, felt it prudent to facilitate discussions on these important areas to all members of our Indian community.

The audience of over 150 people from various walks of life gathered at the “Taste of India” banquet hall in Alpharetta by 6 PM, to be greeted with melodious music and soothing melodies from Venkat Chennubhotla & Bhanusri Vavilikolanu. The social hour that followed, helped the audience to interact with each other and network actively. The mood was upbeat and the spirits high as the tone was set for an open and informative discussion on the key areas of investing and asset planning.

NATA RVP Ravi Kandimalla welcomed the gathering and talked about NATA organisation, NATA leadership of Dr. Prem Reddy, Dr Pailla Malla Reddy, President Dr Sanjeev Reddy and the activities taken up by NATA in service of Telugu community in US and India. He requested everyone to join as NATA members and support the high ideals and lofty goals of NATA. Srini Vangimalla, NATA 2014 Convention Coordinator introduced the first guest speaker, Rajesh Jyotishi from Shalin Financial Services. Rajesh Jyotishi talked about Retirement Planning, Estate Planning and Insurance Planning. The informative discussion helped everyone to understand the options to safe guard one’s income and to utilize the legal process to establish a safe process to pass on the assets to the children and dependents. NATA 2014 Convention Co-Convenor Satyanarayana Reddy, introduced the second speaker Tom Singh from BoA Merrill Lynch. Tom presented a thought-provoking discussion on financial investments and investment outlook for 2013.

The guest speakers were felicitated by NATA BOD & Convener Bala Indurti, and other NATA team members including Srini Vangimalla (Ccordinator), Satyanarayana Reddy (Co-Convener), Ravi Kandimalla (RVP), Ramesh Chaparala & Goutham Goli (Core Committee members).

Speaking on the occassion Bala Indurti greeted and thanked the audience for their active participation. NATA is committed to providing an opportunity for all people to safeguard their family’s interests. Only then the global community will be able to spread out and take care of others. The vision and objectives of Dr Prem Reddy and Dr Malla Reddy can only be met when willing hands and hearts unite in a spirit of progressive thinking and careful planning. He lauded the speakers for laying the groundwork for a fruitful discussion. A special mention was made for the tremendous enthusiasm and support from the community in Atlanta for making every event from NATA a memorable one. So far, NATA has been blessed to enjoy a lot of goodwill and participation from the telugu community for it’s stellar list of events that include: NATA day charity golf, Sai Health Fair, Ghantasala Program, Gurjada Swarnotsvalu, Amutha varshini Annual day cultural event & the current Investment Planning seminar.

Bala also took the opportunity to share a few important chair & Co-chair positions for upcoming NATA convention to be held in GWCC, Atlanta on July 4th,5th, 6th of 2014.
Ramana Reddy Doddla (Food Committee Chair),
Dilip Reddy Tunki (Venue Chair),
Venkat Chennubhotla (Cultural Chair),
Madhav Durbha (Literary Chair),
Raghu Kotha (Souvenir Chair),
Phani Dokka (Co-Chair Cultural & Literary),
Ram Durvasula & Neelima Gaddamanugu (Co-Chair Cultural),
Gireesh Reddy Meka (Registration Chair),
Srenivas Reddy Kotlure & Ram Maddi (Ch-Chair Registration),
Guru Paradarami (Stalls Chair),
Hari Pothukuchi (Program Guide),
Vijay Gandapodi (Decorations Coordinator) ,
Siva Gaddamanugu (Web committee Chair),
Kiran Reddy Kandula (Publicity Chair)

NATA team is also actively looking for interested members with appropriate fit and interest for chairing and volunteering for other committees. An announcement on these remaining key positions will be coming soon after member engagement.
Kiran Kandula , Sreenivas Reddy Kotlure & Gireesh Reddy Meka coordinated the membership online process and registered about 100 Life members. It is a well known fact that NATA Atlanta has always been in the forefront in membership recruitment and new member initiation drives. The year 2013 has only seen the group of dedicated NATA community grow in leaps and bounds.
NATA Community Services Co-Chair Venkat Reddy Mondeddu concluded the program with Vote of Thanks. Special thanks are due to Sridhar Reddy Vakiti (Video), Venkat Garidepalli (Photography), Jagadeesh Reddy Cheemarla (Food & Venue arrangements). Ramana Doddla and Jagadeesh Cheemarla went out of their way to ensure smooth food arrangements and guest sign-up coordination.Taste of India restaurant management provided an excellent venue and delicious food. Everyone felt that the evening was a time well spent and well invested.

source: http://www.nataus.org / NATA – North American Telugu Association / Home / March 26th, 2013

Actor Sunil celebrates birthday with blind children

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's

Chennai, Feb 28 (IANS):

Instead of throwing a lavish birthday party, Telugu actor Sunil Varma decided to spend the day with the children of Devnar School for blind in Hyderabad. He also donated Rs.2 lakh to the school.

Sunil turned 39 Thursday.

“Sunil spent a few hours with the blind children of Devnar School this morning. He has been planning to meet them for a long time but couldn’t take out time from his schedule. Today, being his birthday, he finally met them and also donated Rs.2 lakh,” Sunil’s agent told IANS.

Sunil’s Telugu romantic-comedy “Mr.Pellikoduku”, remake of Hindi hit “Tanu Weds Manu”, is releasing Friday worldwide.

Isha Chawla plays the female lead in the film.

Sunil plans to have a quiet evening with family.

“He is not keen on hosting a party. He will spend time with his family in the evening and await the release of his film tomorrow,” the agent added.

IANS 2013-02-28 21:06:04

source: http://www.vancouverdesi.com / The Province Vancouver Desi / Home> Bollywood / by South Asia News Services / February 28th, 2013

Satya Jyothi Kovvuri Debuts by Participating at South Asian Princess North America 2013 Pageant

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

Satya-Jyothi-KovvuriHF02mar2013

Washington, DC, March 1, 2013 (Washington Bangla Radio):

Satya Jyothi Kovvuri  is from Kakinada, a small town in Andhra Pradesh. First in a family of 3 kids, she always had encouragement from her parents to explore the world beyond academics. Her Dad was and is her biggest influence and motivator in her life – he is the one who taught her to visualize beyond what is visible to the naked eye. A triple gold medalist in her Bachelors in Computer Science and Systems Engineering, she moved to the United States for her Masters in Computer Science from University of Miami, Florida. married to her wonderful husband Raghav for over 10 years, Satya has an adorable 7 year old, Avinash. Currently she works as a senior software developer for the financial giant Bloomberg LP. 

Satya loves to dance, and enjoys listening to music, socializing and having a good time with family and friends. She volunteers for various charities like Make a Wish foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Feed the Children, Dress for Success etc on the weekends.

Though she has never done a professional modeling gig before, she has always been interested in fashion and trends. Satya firmly believes that a simple smile takes a person a long way and makes the world a much better place to live in, and that helping hands are more powerful than praying lips.

Satya Jyothi Kovvuri is participating in the Mrs Category.\

Achievements

  • Performed at various college functions and  fairs in NJ
  • Bloomberg matched dollars for the charity of her choice (Susan G Komen breast cancer foundation), for the charitable hours she put in last year
  • Won a couple of prizes for sketching and painting
  • Professor Sunderlal Sharma Award for Excellence in vocational education in +2
  • Awarded 3 gold medals in Bachelors for being the  best outgoing student, the best outgoing female student and for being top of the class
  • Full merit scholar ship for Masters from university of Miami and perfect GPA

source: http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com / Home> Blogs> WBRi’s blog / Friday, March 01st, 2013