Category Archives: World Opinion

ANU Registrar to bring out journal on Fourth World Literature

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, World Opinion

 

P. Rajasekhar Registrar, Acharya Nagarjuna University. / Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar
P. Rajasekhar Registrar, Acharya Nagarjuna University. / Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar

A senior professor of English at Acharya Nagarjuna University, P. Rajasekhar, is shortly bringing out a peer reviewed international bi-annual journal on ‘The Cultural and Literary Nationalism of Fourth World.’ The journal has been registered with publication number —ISSN: 2349- 3039

The journal, a first-of-its-kind on Fourth World Literatures, is the culmination of the scholarly and consistent efforts of Professor Rajasekhar in conducting two significant global seminars on Fourth World Literatures during 2009 and 2012.

Popular native and aboriginal academicians and writers like Jay Hansford Vest (USA), Ernie Blackmore ( Australia), Cynthia Wesley Esquimoux (Canada), Lee Maracle ( Canada), Bruce Pascoe ( Australia), Charles Robertson (US), Jo-Ann Episkenew (Canada), Mark Anderson (Canada) and Hone Sadler (New Zealand) would be on the editorial board.

“The objective of the journal is to promote cultural and nationalism of Fourth World Literatures across the world. We are inviting scholarly responses on pertinent social, cultural and literary aspects of the Fourth World,” said Dr. Rajasekhar, who as the Registrar of the University finds time to guide research scholars and bring out publications.

Journals run by the individuals have set new parameters for the discourse of criticism. For instance, T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Criterion’ , F. R. Leavis’s ‘Scrutiny’ & Ezra Pound’s journal have been popular literary journals run by individuals. Dr. Rajasekhar hopes that this journal on Fourth World Literature would be on the lines of Yale Review, Harvard Review, Southern review and The Atlantic.

Dr. Rajasekhar said that scholarly articles about the contemporary issues of Fourth World Literatures are invited for publication. The details of the journals can be had from: www. Fouthworldlitt.in. The articles should be sent to: derrida.derrida@gmail.com

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / Staff Reporter / Guntur – August 07th, 2014

‘Stamp’ of recognition for rare collection

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
One of the collections of G. Sri Ramarao -- A special gold foil Russian stamp with sand embedded on it. (Right) The philatelist.
One of the collections of G. Sri Ramarao — A special gold foil Russian stamp with sand embedded on it. (Right) The philatelist.

Driven by a passion to share his knowledge and collection with as many as possible, city- based philatelist Commander (retired) G. Sri Ramarao has been participating in philatelic exhibitions where his painstaking collection has drawn accolades.

He bagged a gold medal at the recently concluded APEX 2014 philatelic exhibition organised by the Department of Posts at Vijayawada. Incidentally his wife Rama Lakshmi won a large silver medal at the same expo.

G. Sri Ramarao / PHOTOS: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM.
G. Sri Ramarao / PHOTOS: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM.

His passion for music, which was revived after he retired from the Indian Navy, set him on the path of collecting stamps on anything and everything related to music. He has collected gramophone record stamps, CD stamps, stamps on musicians from across the world. To top his collection on music is his collection of stamped covers with post mark from post offices named after musicians.

“There is so much interest in philately abroad and in fact a postmaster of one of the post offices named after a famed musician not only stamped my cover but also wrote a letter explaining how and why it was named so,” Cdr Ramarao said. In contrast the Philatelic Bureau in Mumbai was tardy in sending the details of releases.

“There is a need to create awareness about philately in India,” he said.

Many were not aware of the fact that the special stamps like batik, embroidery, or made with lace are proper stamps that can be used as postage.

Limca Book of Records has recognised four of the stamp collections of Cdr Ramarao and he has received certificates for two and other the other two are being sent.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by G. S. Subrahmanyam / Visakhapatnam – August 05th, 2014

City man scales two mountains

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

KhasimRazaMPOs10aug2014

Khasim Raza conquers Mt. Elbrus, wants to climb all ‘Seven Summits’ by 2017. Though the ascent to the base camp which is at an elevation of 10,000 ft by chairlift is easy, it took nine days for his five-member team and guide to scale the mountain.

Vijayawada-born Khasim Raza made big news in the city when he climbed the Khilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Now he is back in the limelight by conquering Mt. Elbrus the highest mountain in Europe. He plans to climb all ‘Seven Summits’ of the world by 2017.

It is the dream of every mountaineer to climb all seven mountains on the list. Mount Everest is the highest peak with an elevation of 29,020 feet. It is followed by Aconcagua (22,838 ft), McKinley (20,322 ft), Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft), Elbrus (18,510 ft), Vinson (16,050), Puncak Jaya (16,050 ft) and Kosciuszko (7,310). (The names of eight mountains are listed because there are two different lists of the Seven Summits. Mountaineer Bass lists Kosciuszko in his list, but mountaineer Messner lists Puncak Jaya in his list.)

Mr Raza did his schooling in N.S.M. Public School here and went on to become a British citizen.

He now operates with Dubai has his base. His father, owner of Metro Opticals in Gandhi Nagar, is one of the first opticians of the town. Mr Raza’s sights are trained next on Aconcagua, the second highest peak in the list, located in South America.

“Every mountain teaches you something. Kili (the affectionate way he refers to the mountain) taught me how to deal with wind speeds and high altitude, Elbrus taught me about cold. It is all snow and ice there,” he said.

Though the ascent to the base camp which is at an elevation of 10,000 ft by chairlift is easy, it took nine days for his five-member team and guide to scale the mountain. “We lived in accommodation that is similar to a container used for shipping goods. Every alternate day we went out on acclimatisation climbs. Unlike in Kili, the gradients on Elbrus are very steep,” he said. He says the view from the mountain slopes were really breathtaking.

Besides mountaineering, Mr Raza is every inch an adventure junkie. Just a couple of months ago he and some friends went on a cross-country cycling expedition in Cyprus. “I want to share my experiences to inspire youngsters to become more adventures and pursue challenges,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G. Venkataramana Rao / Vijayawada – August 09th, 2014

ACC cricketers ‘floored’ by Guntur academy

Sports, World Opinion
Players from Asian Cricket Council who will train at ACA Women's Cricket Academy at Guntur. Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu
Players from Asian Cricket Council who will train at ACA Women’s Cricket Academy at Guntur. Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu

Hong Kong cricketer Marico Hell was head over the heels at the facilities offered at ACA Women’s Academy at JKC College, Guntur, and felt that the ‘beautiful’ venue would be the safest for women to stay and play.

She was part of the 17-member Asian Cricket Council (ACC) team that had arrived from various Asian countries such as China, Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand and she will hone her skills till August 22 for her future endeavours.

“This camp is important for us, who had come from various countries of Asia, as it will help us forge an ever-lasting friendship. This also helps us learn the intricacies of team work,” Ms. Marico added.

ACC Development Officer and former India spinner Venkatapati Raju said that the camp was part of the preparation for the Incheon Asian Games. “Players are delighted to play as state-of-art facilities are offered to them. They will play four ODIs and six T-20 matches against Andhra team.”

ACA women’s Academy chairman Murali Mohan said that the academy was the vision of late ACA vice- president J. Narendranath, who had spruced up the academy with the help of ACA secretary Ganga Raju. “It is a fitting tribute to name the Perecherla playfield after J. Narendranath, who passed away recently,” he pointed out.

Ms. Maria Fahey, Head Coach, Women’s academy, said that it will be a fruitful experience for her to teach the nuances of the game to the budding ACC cricketers.

Mr. M.S.K. Prasad, Director, Cricketing Operations, ACA administrators K. Ramesh, Uma Maheswar Rao, Sitapati, C. R. Mohan and Bapuji were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / J. R. Sridharan  / Vijayawada – August 05th, 2014

Kakinada’s proud Moment: T. Veerabhadra Rao

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
T. Veerabhadra Rao’s photo from the series Rural India, titled Morning Melody, Mother’s Love
T. Veerabhadra Rao’s photo from the series Rural India, titled Morning Melody, Mother’s Love

Hyderabad: 

T. Veerabhadra Rao, an amateur photographer from Kakinada, has received Associate Membership in the Royal Photography Society (RPS), Great Britain. He is the only person from India to bag the honour this year and one of the 40 world-wide.

Each participant had to submit 15 photographs, which were evaluated by a panel of 24 judges, at least 18 of whom would have to approve. “However, in Rao’s case, all 24 judges approved his selection,” says Kruthiventi Perraju, president of the Kakinada Camera Club, adding that Rao is the first photographer from Kakinada to receive the honour.

Rao, who works as a photographer in the agriculture department, had sent his entries under the title “Rural India”. His photos reflected tribal life.

One of his photos, “Street Singer”, depicting a person begging while singing, was particularly appreciated. “An ordinary beggar was given an artistic twist which got accolades from the jury. Like Wordsworth, who transmitted lives of simple folk into poetry, Rao captured the ordinary life of a village” says Perraju.

Rao drew inspiration from the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and he is a disciple of O.P. Sharma, a legend in pictorial photography. He learnt the tricks of the trade from the great photographer, late Somanchi Ravi Shankar.

Rao has received 110 awards and certificates for his photographs. Thanks to him, the Kakinada Camera Club has stood among the top in the world for the past 10 years. He says that his goal is to become a fellowship member of RPS.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> LifeStyle> Books-Art / DC / Vadrevu Srinivas / August 05th, 2014

Indian Women Can Do Well in Business: SINDA Chief

Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Singapore India Development Association (SINDA) head Renjala Balachandran speaking at a workshop on women entrepreneurship at the KBN College in Vijayawada on Wednesday | Express Photo
Singapore India Development Association (SINDA) head Renjala Balachandran speaking at a workshop on women entrepreneurship at the KBN College in Vijayawada on Wednesday | Express Photo

Vijayawada :

Singapore India Development Association (SINDA) head Renjala Balachandran said that Indian women were showing a lot of enthusiasm and energy and could make great progress in the field of entrepreneurship if provided with proper guidance.

Renjala Balachandran, who works in the field of women empowerment in Singapore, was present at KBN College in Vijayawada to participate in the seminar on ‘Women Entrepreneurship-A Global Perspective’  Wednesday. Speaking at the seminar, she stressed the importance of channelising women’s skills and entrepreneurial abilities for the development of economy and also to ensure gender equality.

The two-day UGC-sponsored seminar was aimed at discussing various topics on women entrepreneurship and empowerment. Krishna University VC V Venkaiah urged the students to be innovative and explore opportunities to succeed as entrepreneurs. Despite of a lot of progress, women’s representation in education, employment and entrepreneurship was still less in India. D Usha Rani, director of Centre for Women’s Studies, SV University, pointed out that though women were excelling in all fields and making their presence felt, they were facing a different set of problems.

Susheela Kaushik, co-chair, capacity building of women managers, UGC, Irfana Begum, project officer EduSAT, Vigyan Prasar, Delhi, AU Economics Department head Ratna Kumari, KBN College correspondent SVSM Razith Kumar, SKPVV Hindu High Schools Committee president R Ramaswamy and KBN College principal P Krishna Murthy were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / August 07th, 2014

Taiwan firm to invest $ 1 billion

Business & Economy, World Opinion
Taiwan-based Pan Pacific Corporation CEO Michael Rosen / The Hindu
Taiwan-based Pan Pacific Corporation CEO Michael Rosen / The Hindu

In a first of its kind investment proposal in Vijayawada, Guntur, Tenali and Mangalagiri region, Taiwan-based Pan Pacific Corporation would invest 1 billion dollars in real estate sector in Andhra Pradesh, according to the company’s CEO Michael Rosen.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Dr. Rosen said that they have zeroed in land chunks near Tenali.

About 50 acres of land near JMJ College would be developed shortly. Commercial and residential buildings would be constructed, he said.

The investments would be made through locally familiar Chadalavada family. A firm would be floated shortly to take forward the mission. To provide affordable and decent houses would be objective of the new firm, he said.

To start with, the investment was pegged at 1 billion dollars.

The investments would be scaled up in years to come, he said, adding, the operations would be extended to other cities like Visakhpatnam.

Chadalavada Tirupati Rao and Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, who were partners in the real estate business, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G.V.R. Subba Rao / Vijayawada – August 04th, 2014

AU Prof Gets World Record Certificate

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All, World Opinion

Visakhapatnam :

One of the senior most professors of Andhra University English department, S Prasanna Sree has bagged the Miracle World Records Certificate of Appreciation for devising scripts for as many as 18 tribal languages.

On the occasion, AU vice-chancellor GSN Raju congratulated her for her achievement. Prof Prasanna Sree devised scripts for various tribal languages including Bagatha, Kolam, Gadaba, Jhatpu and Kupia, based on the usage of their sounds. English Department head T Narayana said that Prasanna Sree was the first woman in the world who devised scripts for different tribal languages.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / July 31st, 2014

Vizag’s Scenic Erra Matti Dibbalu Now Declared a Geo-heritage Site

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

ErraMattiANDHRA25jul2014

Visakhapatnam :

The Geological survey of India has declared the Port City’s famous ‘Erra Matti Dibbalu’ (Red sand dunes), situated between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam, as one of the geo-heritage sites in the country, D Rajasekhar Reddy, advisor of Geo-heritage cell of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), revealed here Wednesday.

With the picturesque place being one of the major tourist attractions in the area and a popular picnic spot, it is now going to be protected and preserved as a heritage site.

Speaking to mediamen, Rajasekhar said that the Erra Matti Dibbalu being official ly recognised by the GSI as a geological spot will increase the significance of the site globally.

He also said that conservationists can push the government for the protection of the site to bring unlawful activities and other mass events to an end. Rajasekhar felt that there is a need for a special ministry to ensure better progress in recognising more geo-heritage sites in the country.

GSI has recognised just 30 sites so far of which three are from the state. The Erra Matti Dibbalu site in Visakhapatnam are a rare scientific paleo coastal red sand dunes, which contain mesolithic and neolithic materials in it, a first in the country.

How geo-heritage site tag helps

Places identified as Geo-heritage sites are natural features on the Earth that hold significant cultural or scenic value. Geo-heritage or conservation involves the identification and preservation of such areas.

GSI would take over Erra Matti Dibbalu and take maeasures for its conservation.

Central funding would be sought for the maintenance and preservation of Geo-heritage sites.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / July 24th, 2014

Ireland students conduct classes for students in city

Education, World Opinion
A few members of the University College of Dublin Volunteers Overseas team, which was in Vijayawada to conduct classes for students of Care and Share Charitable Trust./ Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu
A few members of the University College of Dublin Volunteers Overseas team, which was in Vijayawada to conduct classes for students of Care and Share Charitable Trust./ Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu

Teams of volunteers from the UCDVO have been coming to Vijayawada for the last three years and conducting classes for students at the two schools of Care and Share Charitable Trust in Buddavaram and Veerapanenigudem

When over 20 students from The University College of Dublin Volunteers Overseas (UCDVO), Ireland, participated in a rally against child trafficking in the city a few days back, they caught the attention of many people.

Sporting T-shirts and holding placards, they raised slogans against child trafficking as part of the rally. This is not the first time. Teams of volunteers from the UCDVO have been coming to Vijayawada for the last three years and conducting academic classes, sports, computer training etc for students at the two schools of Care and Share Charitable Trust in Buddavaram and Veerapanenigudem.

This year, the team was lead by Grainne Sheill, a physiotherapist. Students from different courses, including law, medicine, marketing, physiotherapy etc had come to conduct classes for students of Care and Share Trust schools for a month. The trust provides them food and accommodation.

The school at Veerapanenigudem provides food and accommodation for HIV positive children aged between 3 and 18 years. Apart from regular academics, UCDVO volunteers teach them about various aspects, conduct sports and other programmes, says Swathi of Care and Share Charitable Trust.

“It is a basically done as part of the community service. Participating in these programmes makes you become more responsible towards the society,” says Grainne Sheill. All the costs are borne by volunteers and they work extra hours at different places in Ireland to manage funds for travelling to Vijayawada, she explains.

There are a few sponsors in Ireland who contribute regularly to the trust. Every year, they refer about the trust and its activities at different platforms and UCDVO students come here as part of their academic programme and extend their help to students, explains J.L.V. Prasad, Senior Assistant Director of the Trust.

A medicine student, Racheal Healy, who is coming here for the second time, says she was impressed with children’s performance in academics and extra-curricular activities. “This apart, people in South India are very relaxed and these trips help us in learning more about different cultures,” says Ms. Healy.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by S. Sandeep Kumar / Vijayawada – July 14th, 2014