Category Archives: Education

SriLankan Holidays welcomes academics from GITAM University, India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

In a move to promote Sri Lanka as a research destination among the academics in South Asia, SriLankan Holidays, the leisure arm of SriLankan Airlines, welcomed a group of scholars from the Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management (GITAM) University in Visakapatnam led by Prof. D .Ravinath recently .
During their six-day tour, the academics visited the Colombo and Hambantota Magampura Harbours as part of their research, “Operation of harbours in Sri Lanka.”  The Colombo Harbour is one of the world’s busiest ports, which currently has the capacity of 4.1 million TEUs and a dredged depth of over 15 m (49 ft).  Ranked among the top 35 ports, it handles the most of the country’s foreign trade.

Situated close to one of the world’s busiest shipping lines – the East-West shipping route– the country’s second international seaport, Magampura Hambantota Harbour was constructed to get more foreign trade into the country. It will service the ships traveling along the East-West shipping route which passes six to ten nautical miles (19 km) south of Hambantota. The opening of Magampura harbour has a 22m depth and the port is expected to have a 1.5 km long breakwater, with a minimum basin depth of 17m. When completed, this will be the biggest port constructed on land to date in the 21st century.
SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager, Saminda Perera said “As the national carrier of Sri Lanka, it is vital that we play a key role in facilitating and encouraging academics and researchers to travel to Sri Lanka to fulfil their research needs. In addition to taking the message of Sri Lanka’s rapid development to the world, they would also promote the country as a research destination among their fraternities.”
SriLankan Holidays Manager, Gayan Peiris said “We wish to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Sri Lankan High commission in Chennai, Lanka Sportsrizen, the officials of both ports, the officials of the Chamber of Commerce and to our colleagues in Chennai. This was one of the largest Indian research groups handled by SriLankan Holidays and as we expand we hope to facilitate many more academics in the days to come.”
Commenting on the tour, Prof. D. Ravinath of GITAM University, India  said, “The trip was well-organised starting from Chennai to Colombo and back. The reception on arrival at the BIA was heart-warming and the best moment for everyone from GITAM. They shall cherish every moment of it as everyone felt proud and honored by the hospitality provided by SriLankan Holidays and SriLankan Airlines. The reception was one of the best that we had and what a way to start a tour to a great country which is so well developed, disciplined, neat and organised. Hats off to the administrators and the government.”
Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management University in Visakapatnam has been a prime educational institute in India that offers a wide range of programmes leading to Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees focusing on knowledge and employability.
This is the first of the annual tours of the academics. The next batch consisting of 155 students are expected to arrive in the island, during the next academic year.

source: http://www.srilankan.com / Home> More News> Corporate Communications Department – SriLankan Airlines / April 03rd, 2013

30 Vizag school students for NASA space design contest

Education, Science & Technology

Students of Ravindra Bharathi School (RBS) will represent Andhra Pradesh in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contest for the year 2013.

Announcing this in Visakhapatnam on Friday, chairman of the schools M Subramanyam said this would be the fifth consecutive year that its students got selected for the contest. Five projects from Dwarakanagar branch and one project form Madhapur branch of the school in Hyderabad have been selected.

He said NASA invites projects from school children every year under its ‘NASA-AMSE’ Space settlement designs contest’.

Dean of the school GR Vasantha said the schools have been providing a ‘healthy and encouraging atmosphere’ for students to excel providing them the latest technology. This enabled the students to perform well in the NASA contests.

She said a group of 30 students from Dwarakanagar, MVP and Madhpur branches will attend the 32nd International Space Design Contest 2013 to be held in Sandiego, California, USA from May 23 to 27 this year.

‘It is the need for the hour for children to gain knowledge about different social elements by which children can be motivated to take up research and development in those areas’, she said.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> india-news / Andhra Pradesh / Hindustan Times, Visakhapatnam – April 05th, 2013

This doctor is cued in to sports too

Education, Records, All, Sports
Dr. M.K. Raoof will take part in the World Snooker Q-School series in UK later this month. / The Hindu
Dr. M.K. Raoof will take part in the World Snooker Q-School series in UK later this month. / The Hindu

This gentle Hyderabadi, who is doing his MS, will be only one of the two from India – the other one being Lucky Vatnani (also from the city) – to take part in the Q School event

Far away in the United Kingdom, Dr. Mohammed Khizar Raoof, who is pursuing Masters Degree in Surgery (Medicine), will represent India in the prestigious World Snooker Q-School event for the third time and with the hopes of an improved performance.

For this gentle Hyderabadi, who is doing his MS in Deccan College of Medical Sciences here, will be only one of the two from India – interestingly the other one being Lucky Vatnani (also from the city) – to take part in this Q School event.

Even if they qualify for the semi-finals in the Q-School event, it means eligibility to compete in the Professional Tour which offers a mind-boggling 4.5 million pounds for the calendar year.

Competing in the major world events is nothing new for the 28-year-old Khizar as he was there for the 2006 world professional billiards meet in Leeds (UK) and also attended the 2006 ‘Stars of the Future’ training programme in the famed World Snooker Academy (Sheffield).

A runner-up in the All India snooker shootout last year, Khizar’s passion for the sport is unmistakable.

Always taking time off to show his prowess on the green baize. “Essentially, the Q School event comprises a set of three tournaments in which 12 semi-finalists from each event will find a place on the professional snooker main tour and a chance to rub shoulders with the greats of snooker like Ronnie O Sullivan,” reminds Dr. Khizar.

“Yes, I will be leaving for WSA prior to the Q School to get used to the playing conditions and sharpen my skills. This itself is a huge experience for the top amateurs and professionals will be there in action at the Academy,” the Hyderabadi says.

How good are your chances?

“This year, I think I am seasoned enough to do well in the English conditions, brushing aside the home sickness which many of us Indians generally face in the circuit,” Khizar says with a big smile.

“Definitely, I have a feel of who is lined up against me in the Q-School event and am confident of pulling off a surprise win,” signs off the doctor with the deft hands in cue sports too.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V. V. Subrahmanyam / April 13th, 2013

City lad Nikhil Agarwal tops IIM-A exams

Education, Records, All
Hyderabad's Nikhil Agarwal has topped the 2011-13 PGP programme of IIM Ahmedabad. / The Hindu
Hyderabad’s Nikhil Agarwal has topped the 2011-13 PGP programme of IIM Ahmedabad. / The Hindu

Nikhil stood first in the 2011-13 batch of 373 students

The city has much to be proud about. Nikhil Agarwal, a resident of Marredpally, has secured the first rank in the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) at IIM-Ahmedabad, the country’s premier B-school.

Nikhil stood first in the 2011-13 batch of 373 students. He also received the gold medal from Arcelor Mittal chief executive Lakshmi Mittal recently. He secured a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.85 on a scale of 4.33. Nikhil has been recruited by BAIN, a top management consultancy firm.

Having had his schooling from St. Patrick’s High School, Secunderabad and his Intermediate studies from Ratna Junior College, Nikhil won several scholarships during his stay at the IIM. including Rs.2 lakh in prize-money at an event conducted by Pepsi Co. He also bagged a scholarship to study a part of the course at the University of Cologne, Germany.

Prior to joining the IIM, Nikhil completed his B.Tech in Agriculture and Food Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. His father, Naresh Chand Agarwal, is a Chartered Accountant while his mother Sangeeta Agarwal is a home maker.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / April 05th, 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

32 Nizamabad NCC cadets felicitated

Education, Records, All
NCC Nizamabad Group Commander B.S. Gokula giving away commendation letters to the cadets who took part in the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, in Nizamabad on Thursday. - Photo: K.V. Ramana
NCC Nizamabad Group Commander B.S. Gokula giving away commendation letters to the cadets who took part in the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, in Nizamabad on Thursday. – Photo: K.V. Ramana

They had participated in R-Day celebrations and All-India Thal Sainik Camp in New Delhi recently

National Cadets Corps (NCC) Nizamabad Group Commander Col. B.S. Gokula, at a function here on Thursday, felicitated the 32 cadets who had participated in the Republic Day celebrations and All-India Thal Sainik Camp in New Delhi and also at All-India Mavlankar Shooting Championship at Asansol in West Bengal this year.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that this was a great achievement of the Group as it fielded a large number of cadets in Andhra Pradesh contingent for the RD camp. The instructional staff was also felicitated for training the cadets. Also, Lt. Amit Kumar Paul who was an NCC cadet and recently got commissioned in the Indian Army after being trained by the NCC Group Nizamabad, was honoured.

The Group headquarters achieved considerably since its establishment and won the best group championship consecutively for the second time for the year 2012.

The Group was awarded the Chief Minister’s Banner during the NCC Day celebrations on November 24 last year, according to Col. Gokula.

It had conducted various social service and community developmental activities in the region and was praised by one and all.

It has also been guiding and training the cadets for their career choice, especially in Defence and Paramilitary Services.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Nizamabad, March 29th, 2013

Autism: Early diagnosis key to treatment’s success

Education, Science & Technology

Hyderabad :

Around 60% parents of autistic children are seeking professional help much after the disability sets in. And this trend is being noticed at a time when the incidence of Autism  Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has reached epidemic proportions. As per latest data from the US-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children worldwide suffer from autism as against its estimates of 1 in 150 children about a decade ago.

Experts say that early intervention is the key to the success of the treatment and reducing the symptoms of autism. But in reality, by the time most children with this mysterious neuro developmental disorder are being taken to the right doctor, it is getting too late.

Characterised by impaired social interactions and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior, autism is a development disability that remains for the entire life and affects the brain’s functions. It appears in the first three years of birth. There are milder and severe variations of ASD.

Dr Anand Prasad, consultant paediatric neurologist, says that majority of the parents report the disability late. “If there is delayed speech, parents normally compare their child with other children in the family or friends  circle. By chance if the child is taken to a doctor, most of them who are unfamiliar with diagnosing autism dismiss the concerns of the parents. As a result, the diagnosis and the opportunity for early intervention therapies, gets delayed,” the doctor said.

Even if the disability is diagnosed early, in most cases, the child is confronted with parental non-acceptance. The problem, experts said, is that with these children, it is difficult to figure out the problem at birth as it takes 1-2 years for symptoms of ASD to manifest. “Parents have the tendency to adopt a wait and watch policy and when they come to know that their child is autistic, they go into a state of shock and then denial mode sets in. By the time they accept and consult a specialist, there is crucial delay,” says Dr Om Sai Ramesh who works with National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped.

According to Dr Ramesh, when a child turns two-years-old, there is 75 % brain development and by the age of 5 years, 90% of the brain is developed. “This is the critical period of life and should not be missed,” he added. Therefore, early intervention is a must in order to detect any deviance and treat the child.

Experts suggest that as the parent of a child with autism or related developmental delays, the best thing to do is to start treatment right away and seek help as soon as there is any suspicion. “Don’t wait to see if your child will catch up later or outgrow the problem. Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child’s development and reduce the symptoms of autism,” said E V V Rajasekhar, who runs Development Centre for Children with Autism.

As part of World Autism Day on Tuesday, “Aarambh Association for Autism,” an organization that runs a special school and therapy centre for autistic children, is lighting up the Buddha statue at Tank Bund in blue.

Typical symptoms of autism

Difficulty in expressing needs or wants verbally or non-verbally

Repeating words or phrases rather than responding to questions

Making repeated movements such as rocking or hand flapping

Displaying a strong preference to routine, disliking any change in a daily routine

Displaying emotions, pleasure or distress, for no apparent reason

Not responding to questions by appearing not to hear

Displaying no interest in playing with children of the same age.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Bushra Baseerat, TNN / April 02nd, 2013

Seminar begins on natural resources

Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Science & Technology
RuralHF16mar2013
Anantapur: 
A two-day national-level seminar on ‘Rural Women and Natural Resources Management Opportunities, Policies and Challenges’ was began at the Department of Rural Development and Social Work of Srikrishnadevaraya University here on Friday.
Principal Prof K. Buddanna inaugurated the seminar sponsored under the UGC-SAP programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sreedhar of rural development said that about 90 research scholars from eight states in the country will participate in the seminar and presenting their research papers on rural women and natural resource management.
Interactive sessions with eminent social scientists were being conducted oversuccess and failures of natural resources management. Prof.Galib said that natural resource management was not properly done because of discrimination against the rural women.
source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home>News> Current Affairs / DC / Anantapur, March 16th, 2013

From shepherd to scholar, Ramana goes places

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features

RamanaHF15mar2013

A file photo of  C.V. Ramana (right) with his parents. / The Hindu

Now a doctoral student at the UoH, Ramana has always refused to be pinned down by crises. He will now present a paper at Oxford University

While there is no dearth of stories that exemplify the strength of the human spirit, of that irrepressible drive to make it beyond all odds, this one is definitely is a stand-out. From being a shepherd and a child who missed school often, to presenting a research paper at the prestigious Oxford University, life has been an unbelievable dream journey for C.V. Ramana.

Spark within

For this doctoral scholar from the University of Hyderabad, who hails from a small village in Chittoor district, the trigger for his achievements were the repeated instances of humiliation he faced from landlords of his village and the injustice meted out to his family from his own caste chieftains. Education, he thought, and has ever since proved, would be the liberator. He credits The Hindu for being an able enabler.

At Oxford, Ramana will present a paper titled ‘Higher Education as Capability in Enhancing Opportunities: A Study on Fee Reimbursement Policy in Andhra Pradesh, India’.

Story of struggle

As a ten-year-old, Ramana was forced to drop out of school and raise sheep in his village Bathalavari Palli. When a landlord, and later legal hurdles, denied his family the rights to purchase assigned land, he resolved to make it big in life.

Amid financial crises, Ramana completed Class 10 and Intermediate through the National Open School after a few failed attempts. The renewed confidence led him to completing graduation from the Government Degree College in Piler, Chittoor.

English embarrasses

“Gaining admission to the University of Hyderabad for my post graduation and accessing The Hinduchanged the course of my life,” he reveals. With a background in the Telugu medium of education, Ramana said he scored a blank in his first semester exams.

“Realising the need to improve English language skills, I took up reading The Hindu in the hostel and the passion for English just multiplied,” says Ramana, who also attributes his success to Internet access.

In fact, he made friends only with students from Nagaland so that he had no option but to speak in English. He completed his M. Phil in a year. For his Ph.D., he chose a topic close to his heart – the fee reimbursement scheme.

“Since I am a beneficiary of such schemes from the University Grants Commission, I chose it and my guide Prof. Ramabrahmam encouraged my idea. Our society needs such schemes,” Ramana feels.

After his presentation at Oxford, Ramana will be travelling to Harvard in May where he will speak on “Significance of Scholarships in Segregated Societies: New Directions in Indian Welfare Policies.” He had earlier presented a paper at Berlin, Germany.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by R. Ravikanth Reddy / Maerch 14th, 2013

School notes from Hyderabad

Education

GlendaleHF13mar2013

Glendale Edufun

Jain Toddlers play school chain celebrated its fourth Graduation Day for all its five branches at the NIFT Auditorium, HITEC City. Dr. Kedareshwari, Keeper and Head – Education, Training and PR, Salar Jung Museum, was the chief guest and the guest of honour was Micheal Latham, Regional Director South Asia – CFBT Educational Trust. COO of Jain Group Schools Mr. Chandrashekar and Academic Director Mrs. Lakshmi Rao were present.

Kinder Wonder”, a musical extravaganza by pre-primary and Std. I marked the Graduation Ceremony held at Glendale Edufun. The theme this year was “Tell Tales”. The event began with the lighting of the “Story Candle” by the chief guest, theatre personality Mohammad Ali Baig. A cultural programme followed. The show culminated with the graduation of the UKG – Class of 2011-2012.

Global Techno School celebrated its first annual day. Feroz Khan, Congress Party leader, was the chief guest. The children from play group section of school presented the introductory speech. A cultural programme followed.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Features> Young World / April 16th, 2012