Category Archives: Records, All

First session of Andhra Pradesh Assembly today

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Records, All
Exterior of Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly (Photo: PTI)
Exterior of Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly (Photo: PTI)

Hyderabad:

The historic first session of the AP Legislative Assembly post bifurcation will begin on Thursday. The ruling Telugu Desam is not too worried as it will be dealing with inexperienced YSR Congress legislators. Though the opposition is numerically strong, unlike in the Telangana Assembly, it has to be seen how the YSRC performs the role of the main opposition party.

The YSRC is likely to raise the issue of farm loan waiver as the government did not make a clear statement on  how it is going to implement it. As farmers have already been served notices of auction of gold loans, the YSRC wants to cash in on the brewing unrest.

Following protests by the YSRC, the Assembly’s agenda was amended on Wednesday to include homage to late Allagadda MLA Shobha Nagi Reddy. Late Nandigama MLA Tangirala Prabha-kar Rao’s name was already mentioned. YSRC MLA Bhuma Nagireddy had alleged the government’s action was inhuman and partisan.

Protem speaker P. Narayanaswamy will administer the oath of office to the newly-elected MLAs. The Assembly will have 173 members and the sessions will be held in Hyderabad.

Around 1,200 police personnel from the Tela-ngana and AP will prov-ide security for the Asse-mbly. AP police DGP J.V. Ramudu said, “As the Assembly is situated in Telangana, its police will take care of security. We will give support by deploying our men.”

AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu discussed the arrangements with Mr Ramudu and legislature secretary (in-charge) K. Satyanarayana Rao.

YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who will be entering the Assem-bly for the first time as an MLA and floor leader of the YSRC Legislature Party, held discussions with his party MLAs on the strategy to be implemented in the Assembly.

Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan will address the joint sitting of the Legislative Council and Assembly on June 21.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Politics / DC / by U. Sudhakar Reddy / June 19th, 2014

Efftronics develops automatic signalling system for trains

Records, All, Science & Technology
D. Rama Krishna (extreme left), MD, Efftronics, addressing a press meet in Vijayawada on Friday. - Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu
D. Rama Krishna (extreme left), MD, Efftronics, addressing a press meet in Vijayawada on Friday. – Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

City-based technology company, Efftronics Systems Private Limited developed ‘Automatic Signalling System Integrity Tester’, an electronic testing system, which ensures safe running of trains. This system conducts several test cases generated by the software and there are inbuilt checks for every detail like wiring, platforms and clearances for operations of trains.

In the normal course, signal engineers conduct a thorough test before introducing any signalling system at a station. After rectifying any defects, if any, they certify its safety and introduce train operations, said D. Rama Krishna, Managing Director of Efftronics Systems, here on Friday.

“The testing in the existing practice is done manually and there is scope for errors. This apart, there is no evidence available for tests conducted and results obtained for future reference in case of any accidents,” he explained.

The Automatic Signalling System Integrity Tester was aimed at addressing such deficiencies. The system would generate several test cases and tests were conducted by embedded electronic system. The results were automatically evaluated by the software, he said.

Details pertaining to tests conducted, results obtained and defects observed are all recorded for reference of signal engineers. Over a dozen employees worked on this project for about four years. Last year, this system was tested at 24 stations in the country and 99 defects were detected at 16 stations, claimed Mr. Krishna.

Rail Business, a monthly magazine supported by Asian Railway Association and Asian Institute of Transport Development, New Delhi presented its “Product of the Year -2013” award to Efftronics.

Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar presented the award to B. Sambireddy, Chief Engineer of Efftronics at New Delhi on June 6.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – June 14th, 2014

Chandrababu Naidu sworn in as the first Chief Minister of residuary Andhra Pradesh

Leaders, Records, All
N Chandrababu Naidu arrives for swearing-in-ceremony. (Photo: Twitter)
N Chandrababu Naidu arrives for swearing-in-ceremony. (Photo: Twitter)

Vijayawada: 

Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of new Andhra Pradesh at a function at Nagarjuna Nagar, 18 kms from on Sunday.  Governor E S L Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Chandrababu at 7:27 PM, the auspicious “muhurtam” set for the occasion.

Several Union ministers, Chief Ministers of various states and senior leaders of BJP attended the swearing-in ceremony. Naidu took oath in the name of God in Telugu amidst thunderous cheers by party workers.

Some ministers were also sworn in on the occasion. Chandrababu paid obeisance to the statue of Telugu Talli (reverential mother of Telugus) on the dais before taking oath.

Naidu2AP09jun2014

Braving the blistering heat, lakhs of people attended the unprecedented grand ceremony on a sprawling 70-acre open site opposite Acharya Nagarjuna University. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, M Venkaiah Naidu, Ananth Kumar, Kalraj Mishra, Prakash Javadekar, Nirmala Sitharaman attended the function.

Chief Ministers Parkash Singh Badal of Punjab, Manohar Parikar of Goa, Vasundhara Raje Scindia of Rajasthan, Raman Singh of Chhattisgarh, T R Zeling of Nagaland were also present along with senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and several others.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha P J Kurien and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal were also present. Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and Telugu film stars Pawan Kalyan, NTR Junior and Kalyan Ram also attended the ceremony.

naidu-with-leadersAP09jun2014

Venkaiah-NaiduAP09jun2014

Art of Living guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, badminton star Pullela Gopichand, top industrialists like G Mallikarjuna Rao of GMR Group and a host of other VIPs attended the ceremony. Chandrababu’s wife Bhuvaneswari, son Lokesh, daughter-in-law Brahmani and other relatives were also present.

Earlier in the day, Naidu paid tribute at the NT Rama Rao Ghat ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Naidu likely to announce sops for people including rise in pensions for handicapped.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief is the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after the formation of Telangana.  Earlier this week, Naidu had announced that he would work from Hyderabad, putting at rest speculation that he would open a “camp office” in Vijayawada.

Niadu also had to weather some political storms, mostly notably the exit of K Chandrasekhar Rao from the TDP and the launch of Telangana Rashtra Samiti with the only demand for bifurcation of the state.

He had to eventually give in to the separate state demand and alter the TDP’s united AP policy.

In 2009, Chandrababu would have wrested power from the Congress but for the emergence of actor Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) that cut into the anti-incumbency votes and helped Y S Rajasekhara Reddy retain power. Thus, Chandrababu was relegated to the opposition leader’s slot for a second successive term.

He faced the threat of political extinction as nobody gave TDP a chance of returning to power in 2014 in the face of a serious challenge posed by another new entrant YSR Congress of Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on the state’s political scene.

The state bifurcation came as a blessing in disguise for Chandrababu as people saw hope only in him as a tall and “experienced” leader who could recreate the magic and build the new state of AP into a well-developed province.

The 2014 election mandate in Andhra Pradesh was decisively in his favour. And, this will be by far the biggest political challenge for the shrewd campaigner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Naidu and said that the Centre is committed to extending all possible help to the people and government of Andhra Pradesh.

On Saturday, YSRC Chief Jaganmohan Reddy flayed the “pomp and show” associated with the “coronation” of N Chandrababu Naidu and said he does not want to be part of the “extravagant” swearing-in ceremony when Andhra Pradesh is in deep crisis.

Naidu’s TDP had fought the elections as BJP’s alliance, winning a majority in the assembly elections with 108 out of 175 seats. The party also won 17 seats in the Lok Sabha. TDP is also BJP’s second largest ally in Parliament.

Here are the highlights of the swearing-in ceremony:

  • Governor ESL Narasimhan administers oath of secrecy to Chandrababu Naidu at 7:27 pm
  • TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu takes oath as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
  • AOL Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrives at venue of swearing in ceremony of Chandrababu Naidu
  • N. Chinna Rajappa takes oath as minister in Chandrababu Naidu’s Cabinet
  • Ch. Ayyanapatrudu takes oath as minister in the Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • B. Gopalakrishna Reddy takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Devineni Umamaheswara Rao takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Dr. P. Narayana takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Paritala Sunitha takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • P. Pulla Rao takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Dr. Kamineni Srinivas of BJP takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Kamineni Srinivas takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Palle Raghunath Reddy takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Peethala Sujatha takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • K. Achannaidu takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Siddha Raghava Rao takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Kimidi Mrinalini takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Kollu Ravindra takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Ravela Kishore takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Manikyala Rao takes oath as minister in Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu
  • Swearing-in ceremony concludes with national anthem
  • Union Home Minister Rajnanth assures total cooperation from Centre for development of Andhra Pradesh
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu dedicates TDP victory in elections to Telugus
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announces that first cabinet meeting will be conducted at Visakhapatnam
  • Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu assures that cases slapped against NGO leaders will be withdrawn
  • Andhra Pradesh will be developed as number 1 state if centre extends support
  • Naidu asks Telugus across globe to extend their help to construct Andhra Pradesh
  • Naidu says he has confidence that NDA government will extend fullest cooperation

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Politics / by PTI/DC / June 08th, 2014

Historic Gooty fort in need of renovation

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Proposal made in 2012 for its development

The past glory of the Gooty fort returns if the government releases the funds required for its development as proposed two years ago. The fort which has an outer fortification is a shell-shaped one and has grand palaces for the king and queen atop the hillock.

The fort is further known for its ingenious water management by using almost 108 wells dug within the ramparts of fort walls for survival during times of war.

Currently, the fort is in a shambles for lack of funds.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has prepared a project seeking funds to the tune of Rs. 8.50 crore which proposes total preservation of the fort and improvement of tourist amenities.

Speaking to The Hindu , the Conservation Assistant of the ASI, Mr. Satyam, has said that the ASI submitted a proposal to that effect to the Ministry of Tourism in 2012. After the jungle clearance, debris from the major breaches at the entrance of the fort will be cleared and the same building material will be used to reconstruct the old fort walls, says Mr. Satyam. He has also said that all the pathways within the fort will be restored so that they can walk from the entrance of the fort to the palaces of the king and queen.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staf Reporter / Anantapur – June 07th, 2014

N Chandrababu Naidu appointed as first chief minister of new Andhra Pradesh

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Leaders, Records, All
Arijit Sen / DNA
Arijit Sen / DNA

Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan tonight appointed Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu as the first Chief Minister of the new state of Andhra Pradesh and invited him to form the government.

A delegation of TDP legislators met the Governor at Raj Bhavan here this afternoon and handed over a letter informing about the election of Naidu as the leader of Telugu Desam Legislature Party. The legislators requested Narasimhan’s to formally invite their leader to form the government.

On his suggestion, the TDP subsequently communicated in writing details of the swearing-in ceremony to be held at 7.27 pm on June 8 at Nagarjuna Nagar, located between Vijayawada and Guntur.

Based on this, the Governor issued a warrant appointing Naidu as the Chief Minister and inviting him to form the government. The TDLP met in the temple-town of Tirupati late last night and unanimously elected Naidu as its leader.

Senior legislators Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, K E Krishna Murthy, Mandali Buddha Prasad, Dhulipalla Narendra and P Sujatha met Narasimhan this afternoon and informed him about the unanimous election. “We requested the Governor to invite Chandrababu Naidu to form the government of (new) Andhra Pradesh,” Yanamala later told reporters.

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the swearing-in ceremony as over five lakh people are expected to attend. Union ministers and chief ministers of various states are expected to attend the ceremony. Naidu has sent personal invitation letters to them, and spoken to some of them over phone, TDP sources said.

Though he has personally invited the Prime Minister Narendra Modi too, there is no confirmation about his participation.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> India / Agency: PTI / Thursday – June 07th, 2014

100-year-old library association to split

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
The Sarvotham Grandhalaya, which has a glorious history. — / PHOTO: V. RAJU / The Hindu
The Sarvotham Grandhalaya, which has a glorious history. — / PHOTO: V. RAJU / The Hindu

The more than 100-year-old Andhra Pradesh Library Association (APLA) is falling apart, thanks to bifurcation.

Ironically, the Association recently celebrated completion of 100 years of its existence, recalling the hoary past which has witnessed concerted and committed efforts of individuals from across Andhra Pradesh, both Telangana and Seemandhra region, in promoting library movement across the length and breadth of the nation.

The executive committee of the Association met recently in Hyderabad where some of its members from Telangana region expressed their desire to part ways and float their separate Association.

The meeting decided to constitute an ad hoc committee with Boyinapalli Venkata Rama Rao, the now vice-president of the APLA, and a combined meeting would be called to float the new Telangana Library Association.

“The demand for a separate Association came from that side and we did not want to disrespect it. We hope that the two organisations will work with equal enthusiasm for promotion of the principles we have so long adhered to,” Raavi Sarada, secretary of the APLA told The Hindu.

The main aim of the Association was to take the library movement into the public and to establish libraries in every village.

With changing times, a strong need was felt to set up a library in the heart of Vijayawada city and on March 30 in 1987, a library was inaugurated on Ugadi day by the then APLA secretary Pathuri Nagabhushanam and called ‘Sarvotthama Grandhalyama’, named after Mr. Nagabhushanam’s predecessor Gadicherla Harisarvottama Rao.

Since, then the library has grown in leaps and bounds and currently equipped with 22,000 books.

The library is a favourite spot for those pursuing a research in Telugu literature. The collection includes stuff on English literature, history, material on personality development and competitive exams.

The library is fully automated and served, on an average, 200 readers everyday besides providing internet, printing and photocopying services to the readers.

“Government should take note of the services rendered by libraries in disseminating and enhancing knowledge and provide financial assistance for their further improvement,” says Ms. Sarada.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / P. Sujatha Varma / Vijayawada – June 03rd, 2014

Book released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

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

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
Machilipatnam-based historian Mohammed Silar./ The Hindu
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

Facts About Andhra Pradesh

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Records, All
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

‘May’ the best Queen win

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All
Taking home the crown: (Left) ‘Queen’ Babita Yadav with ‘Princess’ Seema Mirza (Photo: DC)
Taking home the crown: (Left) ‘Queen’ Babita Yadav with ‘Princess’ Seema Mirza (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad:

When asked, “Who would you save, your father or your boyfriend, if they are trapped in a room that has caught fire and why?” pat came the reply from contestant number 9, Seema Mirza, “My father, because he is in the audience right now.”

With the crowd in splits at her witty remark, the 19-year-old claimed the title of Princess Secunderabad Club at the Secunderabad Club May Queen Ball 2014 on Saturday. Babita Yadav, was the winner of Queen Secunderabad Club.

Seema Mirza, a 19-year-old student, and Babita Yadav, 37-year-old educator, are poles apart, but found themselves on common ground onstage the annual beauty pageant in which 10 young ladies (Princesses) and nine older ladies (Queens) participated.

Seema, studying B.Com at St Mary’s College is joining Manipal University this August. Seema entered this pageant to fight her fear of public speaking and walking in heels! “I am a sports person,” says Seema, who also won the sub-title of Ms Beautiful Hair.

“I participated to prove to myself that I can be both sporty and elegant. Walking in heels and wearing elaborate dresses was a huge challenge. Our choreographer told us that our answers should be smart, funny and get reactions from people,” says Seema, the only contestant to get the audience to laugh.

Educator and mother of two, Babita Yadav, winner of the Queen’s category, also won the two sub-titles — Style Icon and Talented. “I wanted to achieve something inspiring. Hence, I chose this pageant,” says Babita.

“As you grow older, you tend to forget yourself and get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks. But I believe learning is a never-ending process and that’s what my win stands for.”

“I hope to participate in beauty pageants in Patiala too. My family was very supportive and my kids are proud of their beauty-pageant-winning mom,” says Babita who is moving to Patiala soon.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Fashion-Beauty / by Anisha Dhiman / May 19th, 2014