Monthly Archives: August 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

Railway expo a big draw

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Science & Technology
Visitors going round the exhibition of rare photographs depiciting the journey of 160 years of Indian Railways at Sri Srinivasa Kalayana Mandapam in Visakhapatnam on Sunday . Photo:C.V.SUBRAHMANYAM / The Hindu
Visitors going round the exhibition of rare photographs depiciting the journey of 160 years of Indian Railways at Sri Srinivasa Kalayana Mandapam in Visakhapatnam on Sunday . Photo:C.V.SUBRAHMANYAM / The Hindu

A working model of a train to Araku and some models made of egg shells are among the big attractions. The pictures are sure to revive memories of the pre-Independent era among senior citizens and the majestic steam locomotives would have revived the memories of those who were fortunate enough to have seen them chug in and chug out of the stations.

Mahatma Gandhi alighting a third class wooden coach, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the cabin of a locomotive, a special train carrying refugees, packed with passengers, with many squatting on the roof top, at the time of Partition, a steam engine on a turn table …

These are a few of the hundreds of photographs of historical importance on display at an exhibition that was inaugurated by General Manager of East Coast Railway Rajiv Vishnoi, being organised at Srinivasa Kalyana Mandapam, near the Railway Station to trace the 160-year journey of Indian Railways.

The exhibition is drawing thousands of visitors and people of different age groups are evincing keen interest in seeing the pictures. Many of the visitors were seen capturing the rare photographs on their digital cameras.

The pictures are sure to revive memories of the pre-Independent era among senior citizens and the majestic steam locomotives would have revived the memories of those who were fortunate enough to have seen them chug in and chug out of the stations.

Pictures of some of the royal station buildings such as the Victoria Terminus (1887), the Howrah Railway Station in 1906, the majestic Charbagh (Lucknow), Old Delhi railway station and the Nampally Railway Station provide a peep into the railway history.

A working model of a train to Araku and a model of a locomotive and a few other models done with egg shell by artiste Durga Shankar of Visakhapatnam were a big draw at the expo.

Extended

The exhibition, which was scheduled to conclude on Monday, has been extended by two more days in view of the overwhelming response from the public. The timings, which are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., have also been extended by two hours till 8 p.m. on all the days.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by B. Madhu Gopal / Visakhapatnam – August 04th, 2014

Actor Rajamraju passes away at 83

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Hyderabad :

Senior actor Sagiraju Rajamraju, popularly known as Mukku Raju, died in his hometown Cherukuwada in West Godavari district of AP on Thursday. He was 83.

Raju had been ailing for sometime. The last rites of the actor will be performed on Friday. Raju joined the film industry as a choreographer and subsequently became an actor.

He played several character roles in nearly 600 films and won the Nandi award as best supporting actor for the film ‘1940 Lo Oka Gramam’ in 2008. became popular for his roles in films directed by R Narayanamurthy, which included ‘Erra Sainyam’, ‘Orey Rickshaw’, and ‘Cheemala Dandu’.

He also acted in the hit film ‘Mayuri’ in 1984. Raju also choreographed songs for Tollywood legend N T Rama Rao.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> India / TNN / August 01st, 2014

Science Centre in City Set to House APCOST Head Office

Science & Technology
APCOST Regioanl science centre at Bhavanipuram in Vijayawada
APCOST Regioanl science centre at Bhavanipuram in Vijayawada

Vijayawada :

The Regional Science Centre in the city is all set to house the head office of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science and Technology (APCOST).

According to official sources in Hyderabad, the final decision would be taken by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). There are two more RSCs in the state – one at Tirupati and the other at Rajahmundry.

The APCOST regional centre is located on a 5-acre site at Bhavanipuram on the banks of river Krishna. It was set up to promote scientific thinking among the students. It has 85 scientific exhibits on the principles of basic sciences to enhance the scientific understanding of students and the general public. Since its inception, a total number of 1,51,530 students, teachers and others visited the regional centre. Most of the visitors were students from the entire unified state of Andhra Pradesh.

J Dhilleswara Rao, office incharge, RSC, Vijayawada, said, “The monthly programmes are conducted by Education Satellite ‘EduSAT’’, a video conference programme in which the participants can directly interact with scientists sitting in the studio of Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi, to promote all forms of education in our country for students, teachers, women, Anganwadis, tahsildars, health workers and others free of cost.”

“The DST has sanctioned `60 lakh for setting up a 3D theatre at the centre. Since the sanctioned amount is meant for purchasing equipment, we have made proposals for another `70 lakh for the construction of a theatre,” he added.

FUNDS  FLOW

DST has sanctioned `60 lakh for setting up a 3D theatre at the RSC

Proposals made for another `70 lakh for construction of a theatre

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Sai Durga Gona / August 02nd, 2014

Officer reviews museum works

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Deputy Director of Museums K. Sai Bhakta Kesava on Monday visited the Victoria Jubilee Museum on M.G. Road and reviewed the ongoing works.

He inspected the museum premises and took stock of the works that are taken up to refurbish the edifice. He also reviewed the security measures to be taken for the protection of rare artefacts and paintings.

Mr. Kesava enquired about the works that were commenced recently for the construction of the coastal museum.

Archaeological Department Assistant Director K. Chittibabu explained to him about the steps taken for translocation of three trees to pave way for 1,500 square yards space for constructing the museum.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada /  August 05th, 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

Chittoor gets DRDO, Guntur solar park

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology
Picture for representational purpose
Picture for representational purpose

Hyderabad:

The state government has decided to set up a Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) unit in Chittoor district. It has also allocated 1,102 acres to APIIC for establishment of  DRDO.

Another 500 acres has been given to set up 1000 MW solar energy park in Anantapur district, in addition to another 300 MW solar park to be set up in Guntur district.
IT minister Dr P. Raghunatha Reddy said the state government has achieved zero power deficit and it will supply 24×7 electricity to all domestic, commercial and industrial users from October 2, even as it plans to generate over 6,100 MW of power in the next five years.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved a programme to generate 4,400 MW of thermal power and another 400 MW of hydro power in the next five years.
The agriculture sector will get seven-hour non-stop power supply daily and would subsequently be increased to nine hours.
“When our government assumed power on June 8, the state was reeling under a power deficit of 22 million units a day. As of today, the deficit has become zero as we could draw additional power from NTPC, Simhapuri, Krishnapatnam units as also from other states. From October 2, the state will have 24×7 power supply,” the minister said.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC / DC Correspondent  / August 02nd, 2014

TDP leader pitches for Bhimavaram as ‘export excellence town’

Business & Economy
TDP leader Thota Seetha Ramalakshmi (Photo: DC)
TDP leader Thota Seetha Ramalakshmi (Photo: DC)

Rajahmundry (AP):

Senior TDP leader Thota Seetha Ramalakshmi has requested the Centre to notify Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh’s West Goadavari district as ‘Town of Export Excellence’ for its potential in shrimp and fisheries exports.

The Rajya Sabha member met Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday to put forth the demand.

“Bhimavaram has immense potential for shrimp/fisheries exports, yet it has been neglected for the necessary basic infrastructure. There is a central government scheme under which if an area/cluster exports worth Rs 1,000 crores it can be notified as ‘Town of Export Excellence’,” Ramalaxmi said in a statement.

There are certain exemptions for this turnover criteria and fisheries is one such sector wherein it is Rs 250 crores only, she said.

Bhimavaram being an aqua hub is currently earning Rs 3,800 crores of foreign revenue and is aptly suited to qualify under this scheme, she said.

The MP discussed the issue in detail with the Union Minister and urged her to declare Bhimavaram as ‘Town of Export Excellence’ at the earliest so that it can have access to the much required funds for the infrastructure development in the area.

Later, Ramalaxmi told reporters that by getting this status, the industries and the state will have benefits like – common service providers in this area shall be eligible for the EPCG scheme where a lot of equipment can be either imported or procured domestically with nil or concessional duties.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / PTI / August 06th, 2014

Workshop on Women Entrepreneurship

Business & Economy

Vijayawada :

Kakaraparti Bhavanarayana college is going to organise a two-day international workshop on ‘Women entrepreneurship- A global perspective’ from Aug 6 to 7.

Speaking to the reporters at the college here Saturday, KBN president Uppala Sambhasiva Rao said that Irrigation minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao and Krishna university vice chancellor V Venkaiah would be the chief guest and  guest of honor respectively at the inauguration.

Secretary and correspondent S Razith Kumar said that industrialists and educationalists across the world are going to attend the workshop to discuss about women entrepreneurship in various fields.

“In association with University grants commission (UGC) and Krishna University, the department of commerce and management is organising this workshop as part of 50 years celebrations of the college,” he added.  Principal P Krishna Murthy, vice principal V Narayana Raoand others were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradeh / by  Express News Service / August 03rd, 2014