Category Archives: Education

This girl has a bundle of talent

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education
Sneha Deepti with her first book ‘Mandaravalli, A Veiled Vigilante’ in Visakhapatnam.— PHOTO: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
Sneha Deepti with her first book ‘Mandaravalli, A Veiled Vigilante’ in Visakhapatnam.— PHOTO: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM

Sneha Deepti’s world revolves around books. Her room is stacked with a collection of various genres including fiction, mythology, and romance.

Her love for reading inspired her to write a novel ‘Mandaravalli, A Veiled Vigilante’ recently. “The novel is based on fantasy fiction that also has streaks of history.

The story portrays how family values still play a predominant role in the modern world and the importance of upholding dharma against all odds,” says the 18-year-old, a first-year degree student of St. Joseph’s College for Women.

Inspired by her mother V. Sudha Sreenivas, a writer, and father V.V.S. Sreenivas, Chief Vigilance Officer of Dredging Corporation of India Limited, Sneha Deepti says that she aspired to write a book ever since she was a child. “I am also interested in journalism and that’s the reason why I opted for English literature, psychology, journalism and mass communication as my main subjects,” says the young writer.

Although ‘Mandaravalli’ is the writer’s first book, she had tried her hand at poetry writing. “Three years ago, I was able to come up with my collection of poems ‘A Palette of My Poems’. Interestingly, it was released by author Ruskin Bond in Mussoorie,” she explains.

Inspiration

Apart from The Bronte Sisters, Sneha Deepti is fond of Rabindranath Tagore’s literary works. “I draw inspiration from their writing style as well. ‘Mandaravalli’ unfolds chapters of a bold woman who follows the path of dharma and contributes to society, braving all odds. Most importantly, the novel conveys that love can be more spiritual than physical,” says Sneha Deepti, who is equally fond of painting and dancing.

Wins award

Striking a balance between studies and writing, the young writer says that it took only six months to complete her first book. A recipient of Special Achievement

Award for her thought-provoking literary works from Carnatic maestro Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna, Sneha Deepti says that she intends to spread Indian culture and family bonding through her future works.

The young writer is also fond of painting and dancing

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Rani Devalla / Visakhapatnam – August 28th, 2015

Rammohan Library geared up to attract students

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
Booklovers at Ramamohan Library in Vijayawada on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)
Booklovers at Ramamohan Library in Vijayawada on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada:

The century-old Rammohan Dharma Pusthaka Bhandagaram, better known as Rammohan Library located near Bandar Locks on MG Road is going through a new phase of upgradation for the youth of Vijayawada.

The library, a two-storied building, built in 1911 is a monument that reflects history of the city and literary works of various authors of the 18th and 19th centuries. However, till recently, the library was left unattended for decades due to lack of financial support. The library at present has over 10,000 books relating to independence, history, science, politics and others written in Telugu, English and Sanksrit languages besides a few Hindi classics.

Ayyanki Venkataramanaiah, who is known as the Architect of Library Movement  in India, helped establishing the library along with Suri Venkata Narasimha Sastry. The duo were the first secretary and president of the trust that runs the library. Speaking to DC, library incharge and trust member Mr Ch. Koteswara Rao,  said that already a set of books relating to engineering subjects were acquired through donations. “Once a good collection is made we would start a separate section for books relating to education where youngsters can come and utilise them,” he said.

“We repaired the building to an extent and refurbished the books that are about to turn into powder. Hopefully, we would get the building protected with fencing soon,” Mr Rao added.

“We also plan to start skill development classes for interested students and already a couple of senior citizens agreed to serve as mentors,” Mr Rao said.

The treasure house is of historical importance for being visited by Mahatma Gandhi, former President V.V. Giri and many freedom fighters. The first floor of the building has an auditorium, where the legendary actress Savithri has performed her first-ever stage play decades ago. Earlier, it was a centre for literary, social and cultural activity in the district but now just around 50 people visit it each day and go through newspapers.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Deccan Chronicle / August 06th, 2015

Hawa Mahal turns art centre

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
The ancient building built by Jeypore Kings of Odisha. (Photo: DC)
The ancient building built by Jeypore Kings of Odisha. (Photo: DC)

Visakhapatnam:

One cannot take their eyes away from a masonry building while driving past RK Beach towards fishing harbour, namely ‘Hawa Mahal’, which stands out from the flock of the high-rise apartments. Constructed between 1917 and 1923 on a hillock on the Beach Road, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ in Visakhapatnam was initially intended to be the summer residence of Jeypore Kings of Odisha.

As one-third of Visakhapatnam district fell into Jeypore province under Madras Presidency in 1920s, the Jeypore kings also doubled it as a transit house to catch a train from Visakhapatnam to Madras (now Chennai). The two-storied rectangular structure is still in great shape and hosting several art exhibitions and yoga classes.

Consisting of a series of rooms with open inner verandahs and colonnaded front verandahs in both the floors, the bungalow was stocked with every possible amenity needed and enhanced with bathtubs, Italian marbles, teakwood furniture and wooden railings, many of which were brought from Birmingham, UK. Mayank Kumari Deo of the royal family of Jeypore said, “This was one of the buildings to have the power supply in the 1950s itself through underground cables.”

“After the formation of Andhra Pradesh, a nurses’ training school and first women’s college in Visakhapatnam were run from this premises during the 60s and 70s. Because of the copious amounts of wind flow, the bungalow was named as ‘Hawa Mahal,” she added

Eminent personalities such as the first President of Independent India Dr. Babu Rajendra Prasad, former President Sarvepalli Radha-krishnan and Nobel laureate Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore stayed in this bungalow.

Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru stayed at Hawa Mahal when he visited Vizag to inaugurate ‘Jalausha’, the first ship manufactured by the Hindustan Shipyard. The historic heritage building spans over 3.5 acres, including the open space. In 2013, Bollywood veteran Waheeda Rehman visited the building and cherished her old memories associated with the city when her father worked as a judge here pre-Independence.

Mayank Kumari Deo said, “The renovation works are going on a continuous basis and we are very much committed to keeing the heritage significance of the building alive.” “We are providing the building at free cost to the budding artist to conduct exhibitions.”

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Deccan Chronicle / August 06th, 2015

Alumni Vow to Bring Back Glory of School

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Srikakulam : 

It was time to recall the good old days and catch up with friends for alumni of the 159-year-old NTR High School here Sunday. In a bid to save the institution from fading into history and revive its past glory, the alumni of the school had a meeting on the Friendship Day.

The alumni felt that their alma mater became a victim of corporate education with imposing buildings and land grabbers eyeing the valuable property. The old students decided to join hands to revive their school’s past glory by providing corporate-type education.

District collector Lakshmi Narasimham was the chief guest of the meet. He lauded the resolution taken by the old students, who had already become senior citizens. The collector promised to extend all help from his side and provide all facilities from the government side. He appreciated the alumni for coming forward to develop the school.

The NTR High School was established on Dec 7, 1856. Some of its students became IAS and IPS officers and some others became noted personalities in India. Poet and Kathanilayam founder Kalipatnam Ramarao, actor Raavi Kondala Rao, KV Somayajulu, sports person Khasim Khan and Chilukuri Narayana Rao were some of its students.

Reminiscing, the 90-year-old Govinda Rao, an alumnus, said the school had a hoary past. He vowed to fight back if the school was diverted or demolished. Another alumnus Govind Srinivasa Raman expressed anguish that the present rulers had brought the school to the current status. Retired drawing teacher Ramalingeswara Rao recalled that he had studied and worked in the school. Along with him there were 67 teachers who worked and studied in the school. He regretted that the school strength has come down to 200 now.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / August 03rd,  2015

Andhra Pradesh man appointed BITS Pilani Vice-Chancellor

Education, Leaders, Science & Technology
V. Sambasiva Rao
V. Sambasiva Rao
Guntur:
Prof. V. Sambasiva Rao, native of Tullur in the new capital region in Guntur district, has been appointed as the acting vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani. Prof. Sambasiva Rao, an alumunus of BITS Pilani, took the charge on Friday.
Born in Tullur, Mr Sambasiva Rao completed his primary education at Tullur. He completed intermediate and degree from Andhra Christian College at Guntur. Later, he joined BITS Pilani and completed M. Sc (Chemistry) and joined there as a faculty.
Prof Sambasiva Rao said that he has been associated with BITS Pilani for over four decades in various capacities such as dean of Practice School, deputy director, off campus programmes and director, BITS  Pilani, Hyderabad campus. Besides obtaining a Ph. D from BITS Pilani, he obtained a certificate on Educational Economics and Research from  University of Bielfeld, Germany.
Prof. Sambasiva Rao recalled that as a Director, he established BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad campus in a sprawling 200 acres of land making it fully residential that accommodates 3,200 students and 160 faculty members.
He expressed happiness over the inclusion of his birth place in the new capital region of AP and expressed hope that Tullur will emerge as a world class capital.
The residents of Tullur who don’t know much about Prof. Sambasiva Rao due to the migration of his family years ago, are now inquiring about him and expressing happiness over his taking charge as the VC of the prestigious institution.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs /  Deccan Chronicle / August 02nd, 2015

Ex-child worker already an MD, to become DM

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features

Vijayawada :

A former child worker from Kurnool city is set to join the oncology department of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad. K Sivaprasad, hailing from a backward community, topped the list of candidates shortlisted for admission in doctor of medicine (DM) at NIMS even though a host of candidates with MD qualification vied for only three seats in oncology this year.

What makes Sivaprasad’s achievement special is the fact that he once used to slog at a jute factory after dropping out of school. As there were four mouths to feed, his father Eswarappa had no option but to ask the std VII student to work at the unit along with him for a daily wage of Rs 30. Sivaprasad’s mother Visalamma vended milk to support the family.

The boy’s life took a different turn in 1997-98 when he was spotted by M V Sivakumar Reddy, deputy inspector of factories, during a raid against child labour. The inspector rescued him from the workplace. However, Eswarappa expressed his helplessness to allow Sivaprasad to study further.

Sivakumar Reddy not only offered to pay the fee and purchase schoolbooks but also ensured that the boy was admitted in a nearby zilla parishad high school. Sivaprasad obtained decent marks in the class X public examinations and opted for BPC in intermediate.

Subsequently Sivakumar Reddy extended financial help so that he could attend coaching for EAMCET in a corporate college. Sivaprasad scored 2000-odd rank in the exam, completed his MBBS and later joined a reputed college’s post-graduation course.

The unassuming doctor is not that surprised to have got the chance to become an oncologist.”After all I worked hard and it paid me back at the end of the day,” he told TOI. Visalamma was obviously ecstatic.”I am the most satisfied person today. Everything that has happened is due to God’s grace. I hope he will serve the poor,” she said, patting Sivaprasad on the back.

Eswarappa pointed out that while there are many people with a lot of money, only a few try to help the needy.”My son now has a rare opportunity which so many others crave for. This shows that poverty is not a hindrance to reach heights,” he averred.

Sivakumar Reddy was elated to hear the news.”I never thought of Sivaprasad creating history. I just did my duty and he lived up to everyone’s expectations,” Reddy said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Vijayawada / TNN / July 23rd, 2015

School alumni make their promise good

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All
MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu unveiling a plaque to mark the inauguration of a stage at ZP Girls' High School at Gopalapatnam on Wednesday.
MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu unveiling a plaque to mark the inauguration of a stage at ZP Girls’ High School at Gopalapatnam on Wednesday.

The resolve of SSC 1974 batch students of Gopalapatnam ZP High School has quickly materialised into a permanent asset for the Girls High School.

The batch announced that it would create an asset for the school during its golden jubilee in February 2015. The golden jubilee was celebrated for three days with Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu, being himself an alumnus of the school, taking a lot of interest and organising the event in a big way.

Though the contributions of 1974 batch were then only Rs. 70,000, they committed themselves to spending Rs 1 lakh. When they had approached headmistress Swarnalatha on the amenities lacking, she wanted a permanent stage to be constructed.

However, when work was taken up the cost for the stage with roof rose to Rs. 2 lakh. Pursuing the work a few old students had begun it and completed it in a few months.

Inaugurating the stage on Wednesday, Mr. Naidu said the fruits of golden jubilee were tangible much quicker than expected. He hoped other batches of old students would follow the example of 1974 batch that was expressing their love for the alma mater after a full 40 years.

Several old students participated.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by G. V. Prasada Sarma / Visakhapatnam – July 23rd, 2015

Civils Ranker Felicitated

Education, Records, All

Vijayawada  :

Venkata Ramakrishna Teja, an alumni of Narasaraopeta Engineering College in Guntur district, who secured 66th rank in the Civil Services exam was felicitated by the college management Saturday.

Teja had completed Computers Science engineering from the college 2009. A native of Chilakaluripet of Guntur district, he was an active and hardworking student.

Speaking on the occasion, Teja said students from rural background can also achieve success in the civils exams.

College chairman Mittapalli Koteswara Rao said the college is proud of Teja, who will now be an IAS officer.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / July 12th, 2015

ISKCON to launch mid-day meal scheme

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features

ISKCON will serve mid-day meal in 70 schools in the city covering 15,700 children.

ISKCON has been serving mid-day meal in Vizianagaram, Rajahmundry, Guntur, Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapur of Andhra Pradesh, according to ISKCON Visakhapatnam president and project director Samba Das.

All over India it is covering 14.5 lakh children.

ISKCON has received orders for providing mid-day meal in city schools. Mr. Das thanked Education Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, the District Collector, the Municipal Commissioner and the DEO.

Education Minister will formally launch it at KDPM School at East Point Colony on Monday.

Mid-day meal in all the 149 schools in the corporation, barring Anakapalle and Bhimili, was till now being served by Nandi Foundation.

It will cover 70 schools in the city and benefit 15,700 kids

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – June 13th, 2015

Ayush bonanza for Ongole

Education, Science & Technology

Ongole :

In what could be a medical bonanza for Andhra Pradesh, the ministry of Ayush (Indian medicine) has sanctioned two separate hospitals for Ayurveda and Unani to Ongole. District collector Sujatha Sharma formally opened the two 10-bed hospitals on the premises of the old Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here on Tuesday.

Expert medical professionals in both Ayurveda and Unani have been appointed. The collector appealed to people to make use of the facility, saying Indian medicine has the capability to cure even chronic diseases. “Experts suggest that Ayurveda and Unani have the best medicines for chronic ailments like back pain, paralysis, joint pains and spinal cord disorders. It is better to make use of such alternatives instead of going for surgeries,” she said.

The collector said the treatment in panchakarma mode, in both Ayurveda and Unani, would be free. Ayush regional deputy director Y Sekhar said doctors in Ayurveda panchakarma unit would be available in three shifts from 8 am to 8 pm. He said more staff would be employed in case patient inflow increases. He said there was a good response to Ayurveda and Unani therapies in Hyderabad and Vijayawada where the units are attached to the medical colleges itself

He said that they have secured drugs from central drug stores and the patients need not go out for drugs.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / May 27th, 2015