Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

SRL Diagnostics Honour Five Outstanding Women From Hyderabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology

SRLDiagnosticsTELANGANA04mar2015

Hyderabad :

With International Women’s Day fast approaching, SRL Diagnostics, a diagnostics chain, on Monday honoured and felicitated five exceptionally spirited women from the city, who despite all odds in their lives emerged winners became role models for many.

They were provided high end cervical cancer screening and a lifetime offer of SRLs premium health screening package.

Among the women felicitated during the event were Sonia Choudhary (29) an acid attack survivor. Anjina Rajagopalan (61) who runs a home, Sai Kripa, for abandoned and orphaned children, on the outskirts of the Capital in Noida. Anjina takes care of the children, educates them and even marries them off.

Anna Marie Lopes (28), a victim of domestic violence and sexual harassment, presently works with an NGO that works for gender violence. Omkari (35) is strong and confident woman who entered the male dominated career as a commercial driver to support her family. Rajni Bhagat Arora (63) was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer almost 12 years back. But she fought back fearlessly and presently she is a volunteer for an NGO that supports people with cancer. In an endeavour to promote the message of preventive healthcare on the occasion, the diagnostic chain also released a report on ‘Importance of early diagnosis in women’. Some startling facts were reported.

findings

■ According to the National Family Health Survey, 55 per cent have anemia.

■ Cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of death in women, as per Registrar General of India

■ 40 per cent of women constitute almost two million death caused by diseases of circulatory system

■ 2.1 million women die of diabetes each year in the world.

■ 60 per cent of around 40 million Indians who suffer from thyroid related disorders are women.

■ Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women worldwide.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / March 04th, 2015

Awesome ‘Eightsome’ Do ALC Proud

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

NCC cadets of Andhra Loyola College, who participated in the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, shares a light moment before being felicitated by Krishna district collector Babu A on the college premises in Vijayawada on Tuesday | Express Photo
NCC cadets of Andhra Loyola College, who participated in the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, shares a light moment before being felicitated by Krishna district collector Babu A on the college premises in Vijayawada on Tuesday | Express Photo

Vijayawada :

Pride of achievement was writ large on their faces and their demeanour spoke of confidence. They were eight NCC cadets engaged in a banter while waiting outside the auditorium in Andhra Loyola College (ALC) on Tuesday to be felicitated by the district collector for representing the state in Republic Day parade.

ALC had achieved a rare distinction of being the first college to have eight NCC cadets selected to participate in Republic Day parade. Sharing their experiences and future plans with Express, the cadets expressed their joy and pride of being able to participate in Republic Day parade.

‘Awesome’, ‘Most cherished moment of life’ were their immediate response, when asked how they felt being part of such a momentous occasion. Many of those cadets want to join civil services and become IPS officers while some want to pursue their career in defence services.

Senior Under Officer D Venkata Krishna, pursuing BSC (MPC) second year, was the contingent commandant from the state. It was a proud moment when he got selected for the RD and had seven members of his own group also getting selected for the event.

Venkata Krishna, the only cadet from Andhra and Telangana to get selected for the All India Guard of Honour – 2015 at RD camp, said it was one of the best moments of his life. “I had been able to perform cultural programme in Teen Murti Bhavan in the presence of the Prime Minister,” he said. He along with another cadet R Divya Sai got selected for Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) for 2015. They will be visiting a foreign country, yet to be finalised, in March.

Cadet Captain R Divya Sai was part of the Prime Minister’s rally and bagged All India second best cadet award (silver medal). She also won the Governor’s gold medal for excellence in RD camp 2015 along with Chief Minister’s gold medal at state level. “It was one of the most cherished moments of my life ,” she said. Sergeant M Vikram, who too was part of the PM Rally, said he is proud of his achievement.

Cadets S Naga Balaji and Tijo Thomas said they were excited to march along the Rajpath on Republic Day.

Cadet Shaik Riyaz, who got 3rd place in static model presentation ‘Eurofighter’ explained how he workedhard to prepare for RD camp and the stages he had to cross to get qualified.

Corporal P Gayatri got selected for RD contingent and secured All India fourth place on Gold Star and she was the only girl who could complete the novice show jumping arena with two different horses.

Junior Under Officer Meer Akbar Basha was part of Swachh Bharat Ballet presented by the AP contingent in PM’s house.

“I am proud that I got an opportunity to show culture of both AP and Telangana through my cultural programme,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by S. Guru Srikanth / February 25th, 2015

Eshwari Bai Biography to be Introduced in School Syllabus

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Hyderabad :

A lesson on the life of Eshwari Bai, former politician, will be introduced in the school syllabus in Telangana, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said here on Tuesday.

Speaking at the award presenting ceremony of Eshwari Bai Memorial Award – 2015, Rao said the new syllabus will feature biographies of several other leaders of Telangana like G Venkataswamy as well.

The state government will also officially celebrate the birth and death anniversaries of Eshwari Bai, the CM promised. When Eshwari Bai Trust approached the chief minister for attending the award ceremony, he not only gave a nod immediately but also promised to make it a state government function.

Every year the government will coordinate with the trust to organise grand celebrations on both birth and death anniversaries of Eshwari Bai. The CM further said, Eshwari Bai was a great leader and she will remain an inspiration to the younger generation. “Her speeches have been widely quoted in the Telangana movement and are still relevant,” he added.

The Eshwari Bai Memorial Award – 2015 was given to retired bureaucrat and former secretary to Union government Dr PS Krishnan. Though he belongs to Kerala, Krishnan had worked in the united Andhra Pradesh for a long time and he is very familiar with the developments in Telugu States way back from the inception of Telangana movement.

Congress leader Geeta Reddy, daughter of Eshwari Bai, praised the state government for honouring Eshwari Bai by officially celebrating her death anniversary. Jana Reddy said, “This is a good move that the state government has recognised the great personalities of Telangana irrespective of the political differences. I hope this will be followed in future.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / February 25th, 2015

LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY PRACTITIONERS – No shortcuts for her

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology

Dr. Manjula Anagani
Dr. Manjula Anagani

Dr. Manjula Anagani, who was recently selected to be conferred with the Padma Shri, believes that there can be no shortcuts to success

When she began practicing medicine in the 90s, minimally invasive surgery was in its nascent stage. Dr. Manjula Anagani, a well-known gynaecologist and obstetrician in the city, saw the merits of the procedure especially in women’s health.

After nearly two decades of pursuing her passion and developing several new techniques in the field of laparoscopic surgery the doctor has been selected for one of the highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri.

One of the seven from the city to have won the prestigious award this year, Dr Manjula says the announcement came as a surprise.

“I knew about the nomination but didn’t expect to be actually selected. I was at a national conference when I got the call confirming the conferment and I was elated. The award came as a bigger surprise for my family, who had no inkling about the nomination,” she smiles, as she sits in her office at Sunshine Hospital with old Hindi songs playing softly in the background.

“I trained in both minimally invasive surgery and IVF and for a short while I tried my hand at IVF.

Minimally invasive surgery, which was just developing at the time helped me provide my patients with better treatment options while cutting down the risk of infections and recovery time,” says the doctor, who is credited with pioneering several new techniques in laparoscopy including her work on primary amenorrhea (absent menstrual cycles), using autologous stem cells to regenerate endometrium and a technique to create a Neovagina for women with absent vaginas.

“Back then minimally invasive surgery was a man’s world and it was more experience based, with surgeons developing their own techniques.

I soon realised that it was the future of medicine. From a 10mm incision we’ve now progressed to doing surgeries through a mere 3mm incision. From basic cameras we’ve now progressed to ones that afford us a panoramic view of the body and allow for precision,” she explains.

The reputed gynaecologist has in the past been associated with Apollo Hospitals, Care Hospital and currently is a consultant at Sunshine Hospitals.

But apart from being at the helm of cutting edge techniques in her field, she also heads several teaching programmes, has published several papers, consults at a hospital in Dubai and also founded an NGO Pratyusha along with actor Samantha to spread awareness about women’s health, while also extending help to those in need.

“When your work is driven by passion, you find a way to make it all happen,” she says about juggling so many roles. “It helps that I have always associated myself with health institutes rather than just hospitals as it gives me the chance to carry on my research work as well,” she adds.

But none of her work would have been possible without the support of her family she says. “It was my father’s dream that I become a doctor. I’ve been blessed with a very supportive family.

Even after I got married my husband and mother-in-law were with me every step of the way. In fact, I did my post graduation after marriage. On my part I try and ensure that I’m there for important family events. It’s all about prioritising and planning,” she smiles.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Rajani Rajendra / Hyderabad – February 09th, 2015

NGOs distribute blankets to the homeless in Hyderabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Resources of Free Materials

Hyderabad :

With night temperatures dipping in the city, many blanket donation drives are being organised for the poor and homeless. As per GHMC records of January 2014, there are 3,498 homeless people living in Hyderabad.

One such initiative was started by NGO Robin Hood Army, consisting of 70 volunteers, who distributed 1,350 blankets in Banjara hills, Secunderabad railway station and Gachibowli. “Since the temperature is dipping, we thought of giving back to the community something that we have. About six bags of old clothes were also distributed by 12 teams in various areas,” said Spoorthi Reddy, a volunteer of Robin Hood Army.

Observing Boxing Day on December 26, the Joy of Sharing Society distributed about 800 blankets to several homeless people in Madhapur, Kukatpally and Dilsukhnagar. “We observed that many homeless were sleeping using plastic sheets to protect themselves from the cold. Hence, we decided to distribute blankets to them,” said A Raghuveer, president of the Joy of Sharing Society. The NGO will be distributing another 200 blankets to old-age homes and orphanages.

The cold wave is not only affecting people but also animals. Blue Cross Hyderabad has been aiding sick and injured dogs in the city for the past 23 years by conducting blankets and clothes drives.

“We have 200 sick and injured puppies and another 500 animals in our shelter. Like humans, even animals suffer a lot during winter. When wounds are exposed to the cold, it is more painful. In such cases, we ask people to donate blankets and cotton clothes so as to make beddings for the pets,” said N Pravallika, education officer at Blue Cross Hyderabad.

Apart from NGOs, there are companies like Mist n Creams, in association with Youngistan Foundation and Hyderabad Foodies Club, who joined this drive on Boxing Day. They distributed blankets, woolens, socks, mufflers, bed-sheets and food to many underprivileged people in the city.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / December 29th, 2014

Karimnagar Farmer Shows the Way Out of Darkness

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Science & Technology

Veerla Prabhakar Rao stands beside the solar panels at his farm land in Velichala | expressphoto
Veerla Prabhakar Rao stands beside the solar panels at his farm land in Velichala | expressphoto

Karimnagar :

At a time when many farmers in the State are struggling to irrigate crops due to erratic power supply, Veerla Prabhakar Rao from Velichala village in Ramagundam mandal, has found a way out of the bleak scenario.

Rao, who owns about 60 acres of farm land at Velichala, which is 12 km from here, has installed solar photovaltaic (PV) panels with a total capacity of 18 KV, which can run two 7.5 HP pumpsets and irrigate seven acres. Speaking to Express, Rao said he had invested `7 lakh to set up the solar panels for irrigation of his paddy crop. He said thanks to the solar power, he is able to irrigate his crops well and believes the future lies in this.

“We can get power throughout the day with these solar panels. Besides, it is reliable and we could be self-reliant,” he pointed out. However, it is the cost factor that prevents farmers from opting for solar power.

“That is the reason why the government should provide at least 50 per cent subsidy,” he felt and appealed to the government to also bring awareness among farmers on the importance of harnessing non-conventional energy resources. “The power situation might worsen in summer. To have uninterrupted power supply for crops, it is better for farmers to opt for solar power and generate power on their own,” he said.

The government may take time to create awareness but Rao is leading by example. Farmers from surrounding areas are showing keen interest in his solar power. But as Rao himself says, the cost of installing solar power panels is what is holding them back.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / December 23rd, 2014

Nikhat Zareen is brand ambassador of Nizamabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Boxer Nikhat Zareen displays the gold medal which she won in the Golden Gloves international youth women boxing meet held in Serbia in July. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Boxer Nikhat Zareen displays the gold medal which she won in the Golden Gloves international youth women boxing meet held in Serbia in July. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

To create awareness on road safety among people, international boxer Nikhat Zareen has been appointed brand ambassador by district Collector D. Ronald Ross, according to Deputy Transport Commissioner G.C. Rajatnam.

Henceforth, Ms. Zareena will take part in all programmes conducted by the transport authorities to impart education on road safety and measures to be taken to avoid accidents among students and general public.

Thus Nizamabad district became the lone district in the State to have had a brand ambassador on road safety.

As part of creating more awareness on the subject, some more celebrities are likely to be declared brand ambassadors, said Mr. Rajaratnam.

He also said all taxi cabs, maxi cabs, Toofan vehicles and autorickshaws must follow the RTA conditions and get permission from the said authority besides having driving licence and owner identity card in the vehicles. That apart, only those vehicles which secure permission will ply as taxis and must be parked at the taxi stand and if any private vehicle is parked at the earmarked place, penalty will be imposed on the owners, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by Special Correspondent / Nizamabad – December 13th, 2014

In altruistic, sporting sprit

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Sports

Special arrangement / The Hindu
Special arrangement
/ The Hindu

Sports Coaching Foundation is reaching out to promote sporting activity in Government schools

Sports Coaching Foundation (at Masab Tank, Hyderabad ) has embarked on an innovative project ‘Build India Through Sports’ whichaims at not only spreading awareness about sports in select Government Schools but also ensure that a sports-friendly ambience is created on the premises with the hope of a continuity for sports activity.

“We initially hold discussions with the School management involving the Physical Education Teacher which is almost like a seminar and try to explain the importance of having sporting activity on their premises which should also result in better academic results. Recreation should be part of any curriculum,” feels K. Sai Baba, general secretary of the SCF which has already reached out to 50 such schools where some of the students who have never seen any sports equipment of quality are already getting a feel of what it is.

The second step, depending on the response of the schools, involves a visit by the coaching faculty armed with the basic sports equipment to give some sort of demo out on the sports arenas to lure students into sporting activity. “Mind you, this is not a commercial venture but purely funded by the NGO which is a non-profit organisation supported by crucial wings of the State government including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation since 1991,” reminds Sai, a former Andhra Ranji cricketer and also Executive Committee member of the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

The project involves educating the children about the stupendous sporting achievements like five-time World women’s boxing champion Mary Kom, especially among the exclusive girls schools to provide the right dose of inspiration. “Yes, it is a fact that some of them don’t even have a level playing field, leave alone play facilities. That is exactly why we are trying to reach out by installing make-shift basketball rings, levelling whatever play area is available. We have provided dozens of footballs and basketballs to many schools already to see that there is some activity,” explains the SCF general secretary.

What is the reason for this project to take off? “From my own experience, it is the Government schools which lack the desired impetus and support. So, I thought let us start from there to cater to the lower strata of the society,” he replies.

The whole project is being pursued with sheer passion within the SCF’s limited financial resources and without any corpus fund for the same, he insists, adding, “We will be more than happy if there is sporting activity throughout the year; the SCF is always there to help any school in this regard.”.

In a way it is a concept which uses sports as a tool to facilitate personality development and develop human values, with the help of the success stories of champions like Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal are explained to the children. Also, school students have a platform by way of free-entry to events which the SCF conducts to showcase their skills and dream big.

Sai Baba points out that the response was really good in some schools like Sabdaria Girls High School (Mehdipatnam) which has 1200 students and the Errum Manzil Government High School. “It gives us immense pleasure that now many Government Schools are making use of the equipment we donated and also the basic infrastructure like creating volleyball, basketball, kho kho and kabaddi courts too,” he says.

Interestingly, many of the Government School students too get a feel of the bowling machine of the SCF, incidentally the first organization in India to get this way back in early 90s, digital speed gun. “We hope to contribute in our own small way for the promotion of sports. This is an on-going project,” signs off the SCF official.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metro Plus> Society / by V.V. Subrahmanhyam / November 05th, 2014

Helping deliver babies is not new to them

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Science & Technology

Driver Narasaiah (left) and Emergency Medical Technician Bhumchander (not in picture) helped deliver the baby of a woman in the 108 van on Monday. Photo: Satyanarayana Gola / The Hindu
Driver Narasaiah (left) and Emergency Medical Technician Bhumchander (not in picture) helped deliver the baby of a woman in the 108 van on Monday. Photo: Satyanarayana Gola / The Hindu

Deliveries in the emergency van have happened several times prior to Monday’s incident in Hyderabad, says 108 services medical technician. “We are completely ready for such cases,” mentioned Bhumachander, who hails from Karimnagar district.

When 28-year-old Bhumachander, a 108 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), received a call on Monday afternoon to attend to a pregnant woman, he had no inkling that more than the regular emergency trip to the hospital was awaiting him.

“That we (Bhumachander, and driver Narsaiah) would have to perform the delivery in the emergency van itself was clear 10 minutes after we set off from the Nampally railway station yard,” he recalled. The duo reached the area at around 4 p.m. after receiving a call from a railway officer.

He said the entire operation took about 20 minutes after the woman, Sarda, had gone into labour.

Bhumchander said Sarda was about 40 years old and hailed from Gujarat. “She did not give us any details about herself, but told us that she had travelled alone to Hyderabad. After the delivery, we admitted her to Niloufer Hospital,” he said.

Surprisingly, the EMT said such instances are not rare at all!

“I have helped deliver babies in the car four or five times. The last time, it was near Falaknuma,” he said, and further stated that the emergency vans are complete with all the necessary medical tools required for the task.

“We are completely ready for such cases,” mentioned Bhumachander, who hails from Karimnagar district.

Bhumachander pointed out that other EMTs like him who are in-charge of other areas in the city have also come across instances where they have to assist in delivering babies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Yunus Y. Lasania / Hyderabad – October 29th, 2014

New Tribal Girls School at Khammam

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

Khammam:

A tribal girls school established by Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) was inaugurated by Assembly speaker C Madhusudhana Chary in Rompedu village on Sunday. The school was built at a cost of `80 lakh.

Later, he participated in the opening ceremony of a seeds storage godown, ITDA’s sub-office and farmer’s waiting room at Yellandu.

Mahabubabad MP Ajmeera Seetaram Naik, ZP Chairperson G Kavitha, Yellandu MLA K Kanakaiah, ITDA project officer D Divya and other officials were present at the function.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / October 27th, 2014