Category Archives: Leaders

Architecture expo from Friday

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders, Records, All

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) will organise ‘Arch Dakshin’ as part of its centenary celebrations along with their southern regional conference and expo on ‘Collaborative Architecture’ on August 19 and 20 in the city.

At a press conference here on Tuesday to announce the events, the members said that a large number of members including those from the political field and movie industry are expected to be a part of the two-day conference that will take place in Hitex. Gururaj Manepally, Chairman, IIA said that the practice of architecture in urban scenario requires various agencies like governmental, non-governmental, civic and private to come together to address the growth and regulation of the burgeoning cities. The conference will delve into the emerging trends and see if there is a new definition of architecture on the anvil, he added.

Muralidhar Koppula, National Council Member, IIA informed that qualified architects who have chosen totally different professions and achieved excellence in fields like cartooning, film-making, manufacturing will share their thoughts at a session called ‘Architect Beyond Architecture’. Commemorating the centenary year of the institution, an exhibition of panels called ‘Retrospective of Architecture of Hyderabad for the past 100 years’ will be held to trace the growth of Hyderabad city.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – August 17th, 2016

Telugu tweak to US politics

Leaders

ArunaMillerTELAN13aug2016

Hyderabad :

If you thought you spotted an Indian, a Telugu at that, amidst the crowds around US Presidential Hillary Clinton during her appearances, chances are you are right. That attractive and comptent Indian is Aruna Miller, the first Telugu woman to be serving in the United States politics.

Aruna was elected to represent the 15th Legislative District in the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010. She serves on the Ways and Means Committee where she sits on the Revenue, Transportation and Education sub-committees. Daughter of an immigrant, Aruna’s journey is inspiring to many immigrants who step on the land of immigration in a hope to make it big.

“I believe in engaging communities. That is what democracy is. There are several issues that I deal with from drinking water to funding for the schools. In every step of mine, I remember that, I am serving people and I need to act in the best interest of the public. Success is making others’ dreams and goals come true”, says Aruna.

As the US is still struggling to have its first woman president, representatives like Aruna have opportunities to serve the public. “It’s been a journey of 14 years as a volunteer and as an elected representative. I signed up as a democrat and started volunteering in the office a decade ago. I volunteered for almost four years. Then there was an open position and I was approached to contest”, says Aruna who was skeptical to enter the mainstream politics as a candidate. “I stepped back and that’s when my husband boosted my confidence saying that if I win, I will get the opportunity to represent USA and India. If I lose, I will still be a volunteer and continue my activities. I took it up as a challenge and nominated myself. Amazingly, my community supported me. I ran in the primary where we were six democrats competing for three open posts. Then, I made it to the top three during general elections and won the post. It was exhilarating as I had the opportunity to give back to this country which gave me the education and life”.

Not to forget, Indians represent just 1% in the US politics though they are in good number in science in technology. Indian women in US politics are a rare phenomenon. “I take pride in saying I belong to both USA and India. You can see, I still speak good Telugu”, smiles Aruna whose undeterred energy is now seen in Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

Aruna believes women bring a much-needed different perspective when they become leaders. “Women are in the minority in leadership roles take up issues such as child care and reproductive rights, will get the priority.”A win for her (Hillary) is a win for all women,” she says.

Working in US politics is a challenge by itself. “When I walk into the office, I walk with confidence. I make sure; my voice is heard and is strong as any other representative. There are definitely many things that I don’t know. But everyday, I learn and study my challenges. I push the door, take the seat on the table and tell them, I am elected just like you and I am here to represent the people who trusted me”, says Aruna who is happy with her work so far.

When asked about her inspiration, she says, “My father. He was a true Indian by heart who migrated to the US to give us a better life. When he passed away, I felt empty and found joy in giving back to society”.

“We were living in Hyderabad when my parents moved to the United States. That’s when I started living with my grandmother in Vijayawada until I came here at the age of 7. My parents did everything they could to provide us the best education.

Aruna has a civil engineering degree from University of Missouri, where she also met her husband, David Miller. “My husband takes care of my family when I am attending the assembly sessions. Our daughters – Meena, Chloe and Sasha understand my schedules and I am also fortunate to have my mother lend a helping hand”. Aruna, a vegetarian, enjoys cooking. Sambar, gongura, brinjal and rice and some pickle – that’s her kind of meal.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Swathi Sriram / August 11th, 2016

Chakali Ilamma’s life to be captured in a 30-minute-long documentary

Amazing Feats, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Hyderabad :

State government, which has decided to bring out books and produce documentaries to record the life history of Telangana iconic figures, has given its nod for making a documentary film on the life of Chakali Ilamma.

Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture department, which had earlier sanctioned `6 lakh for this purpose, now released another `10 lakh to Telangana Rajaka Seva Sangam (TRSS), Hyderabad, for producing the short film. The TRSS is producing the 30-minute short film on Chakali Ilamma’s life with emotional songs and dialogues.

IllammaTELAN08aug2016

Who was Ilamma

Chityala Ilamma (1919-1985), born at Krishnapuram village of Warangal district, played a key role as a revolutionary during the Telangana Peasants Armed struggle. Her revolt against the feudal lord, Zamindar Ramachandra Reddy, to save her four acres of land when he tried to occupy it, inspired many others during the rebellion against the feudal lords of Telangana, during that epoch of history.

According to officials, all the crucial phases of Ilamma’s life will be portrayed in the documentary. The government also plans to produce similar films on the lives of other iconic figures of TS in the days to come.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / August 08th, 2016

AIG doctor GV Rao receives BC Roy award

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

Hyderabad :

Dr GV Rao, director, chief of surgical gastroenterology, minimally invasive surgery and transplantation services at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, received the prestigious Dr BC Roy National Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Friday, on the occasion of National Doctors Day.

Dr Rao is one of the few surgeons in the world with enormous experience in minimally invasive endoscopy and laparoscopy surgeries. He pioneered several innovative hybrid techniques including laparoscopic assisted pan enteroscopy, intra operative cryoscopy. He is one of the pioneers in the emerging technology of Natural Orifice Trans Luminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) also known as ‘No Scar Surgery’.

Dr Rao is the board member of Asia Pacific Endoscopy Task Force, Asia Pacific Endo Laparoscopic Surgeons and is in the executive committees of Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology, Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India, Association of Minimally Invasive Surgeons of India. He is also the President Elect for the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association.

He is credited and acknowledged for the First Trans Oral Endoscopic Appendectomy in the world. This is considered the next big revolution in minimally invasive surgery which would decrease the morbidity of surgery.

He had earlier received government of India’s Parliament Gold Medal for his work in gastroenterology. He was awarded the honorary fellowship of the Venezuelan Surgical Society, Egyptian Laparoscopic Surgical Society among other laurels.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / July 02nd, 2016

IAS officers learn about Telangana history and culture

About Telangana, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

Hyderabad :

For the next three days, IAS officers of the state will get an opportunity to reminisce their student life as they will be taught about Telangana’s history, culture, irrigation, finance and other subjects.

Realising the importance of teaching its bureaucrats about the needs of the state, the state government here on Monday organised an ‘Orientation programme for public servants in the context of Telangana.’

Speaking at the inaugural function, Dr Ch Hanumantha Rao, a former member of the Planning Commission of India and Professor, Center for Economics and Social Research (CESS), Hyderabad, said that in India even good things take decades to be implemented.

“NITI Aayog has been set up by the Centre for strengthening the planning process as a ‘Think Tank’ as well as cooperative federalism through greater participation of states. In fact way back in mid-eighties, the then PM Rajiv Gandhi planned to do this, but here it takes decades for good things to be implemented,” Rao said.

Rao said that to solve any issue it is important to go back to basics and see where the problem lies. Talking water problem as an example, he said, “The best way to solve water problem is by saving water.

We failed to use them economically and used up all the ground water. We failed to make better use of water bodies. So, to solve this problem, save water and to do that instead of having a uniform price, charge according to the volume used.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / June 28th, 2016

Nizamabad Deputy SP awarded Seva medal

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Proud moment:Deputy SP D. Anand Kumar receiving the Police Best Seva medal from DGP Anurag Sarma in Hyderabad.
Proud moment:Deputy SP D. Anand Kumar receiving the Police Best Seva medal from DGP Anurag Sarma in Hyderabad.

Director General of Police, Anurag Sarma presented the ‘Police Best Seva’ medal to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nizamabad, D. Anand Kumar for his excellent services in the department, at the State police headquarters in Hyderabad on Friday.

The award was announced in connection with Telangana Formation Day. Having joined the department in 1991. Mr. Kumar worked in various capacities at different places. He won half a dozen gold medals for his performance during his police training.

The Deputy SP won laurels from top police officers and people for his flawless and prompt service to the needy.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Telangana / by Special Correspondent / Nizamabad – June 17th, 2016

T-Hub outpost in US

Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Hyderabad :

IT minister KT Rama Rao has said that an outpost of the T-Hub will be set up in Silicon Valley in the United States.

Addressing a convention of investors and IT professionals at Silicon Valley on Wednesday, Rama Rao dwelt at length on Telangana government’s plans on investments, industries and innovation. The meeting was attended by prominent industrialists from Silicon Valley.

Rama Rao said the Telangana government too started T-Hub to encourage new thoughts and innovations. The largest incubator T-Hub outpost centre would be opened in Silicon Valley, the minister said.

He said that efforts were on to make start-ups as scale-ups. ‘’We need support and cooperation from TiE (a global network of entrepreneurs) and investors from Silicon Valley,” the minister said.

“We are interested to partner with Silicon Valley and TiE to attract more investments to Telangana,” Rama Rao said.

The minister said the state government took up digital literacy in a massive scale and is moving towards m-Governance from e-Governance aiming to take the administration to the masses.

Rama Rao is currently touring the North American country along with some senior officials.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / June 02nd, 2016

Heroes back home after Everest conquest

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Travel

Adventurous spirit:Additional Superintendent of Adilabad district G.R. Radhika and D. Bhadraiah, a contract labourer, two of the five members who scaled Mount Everest, in Hyderabad on Saturday.— Photo: K.V.S. Giri
Adventurous spirit:Additional Superintendent of Adilabad district G.R. Radhika and D. Bhadraiah, a contract labourer, two of the five members who scaled Mount Everest, in Hyderabad on Saturday.— Photo: K.V.S. Giri

Three Telugus were part of a five-member team that scaled the world’s tallest peak.

One is a woman police officer working as Additional Superintendent in Adilabad district, G.R. Radhika, while the other is a contract labour on Andhra Pradesh Transco projects, D. Bhadraiah. Fatigued but beaming with pride, they flew back here at the end of a 50-day expedition after scaling the world’s tallest peak under the guidance of an ace mountaineer.

The three Telugu-speaking members of the expedition were part of an 8-member team, of which five actually breathed the shallow, but fresh air atop Mt. Everest a few days ago. They landed at Shamshabad airport to a warm welcome and loads of bouquets. When contacted, the expedition leader Shekhar Babu Bachinepally who runs the Bhongir Rock Climbing School in adjacent Nalgonda district seemed to have run out of words, describing his happiness at the success of the team he had trained.

The three others in the expedition who conquered Mt. Everest are an Indian Police officer of the Maharashtra cadre Suhail Sharma, an Indian Forest Service officer of Karnataka cadre, S. Prabakaran and Balan Shivaraman who works in a private company in Dubai. Apart from Mr. Shekhar, the two others who did not touch the peak included the team’s doctor Vimal Jaiswal and Ashok Munne who complained of pain and was advised by the Team Leader to give up this time.

Distinction

After Mr. Shekhar Babu himself scaled Mt. Everest first in the year 2007, he got the distinction of being the first civilian from South India to do so. Again, in 2014, he repeated his feat, with Poorna, a student of Class IX of Pakala village in Nizamabad district and Anand a student who is doing his graduation from the Nizam College here.

Poorna became the youngest girl in the world to climb the peak.

Speaking to The Hindu , Ms. Radhika, a police officer selected from Group I services in 2007, hailing from Anantapur district, said that if she could afford it, she wanted to do what is typically called ‘One Degree Skiing’ in Antarctica.

“I have been lucky and tough enough physically to conquer Mt. Everest but if it happens, I would like to realise my dream of ‘One Degree Skiing’ on the ice in Antarctica,” she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Suresh Krishnamoorthy / Hyderabad – May 29th, 2016

Growth can’t be at the cost of natural heritage

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, Travel

Hyderabad:

The KBR Park is known for its bio-diversity and wildlife. Spread over 400 acres, it is a virtual forest in the midst of a burgeoning metropolis, home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. It is a part of Hyderabad’s over 400-year-old heritage – which includes gardens, lakes and its cosmopolitan culture.

Originally known as Chiran Palace, the park was the residence of Prince Mukarram Jah and was later rechristened after former chief minister Kasu Brahmananda Reddy after its acquisition under the Urban Land Ceiling Act.

Till the late 1990s, I remember, the KBR Park was surrounded by a nine-kilometre compound wall. This wall was demolished when the then TDP government in united AP began road widening around the park, and NTR Trust Bhavan and a cancer hospital of NTR family came up nearby.

This was the first blow dealt to the park, a mini-Deccan ecosystem.

It is true that the city has grown manifold in the last six decades.

As an economic hub, Hyderabad has great potential to become a global city. It needs a massive step-up in its civic infrastructure to cater to the burgeoning population. An upgradation of road network and better traffic management are key elements of de velopment plans envisaged for this sprawling city .

For this, government has drawn up the Strategic Road Development Program to meet the longterm needs of the city.

However, while taking up these works, the government has to ensure that the eco-system of KBR Park remains unaffected as it is the city’s natural heritage.True, development of civic infrastructure is the need of the hour.

But equally imperative is the preservation of this natural habitat in the midst of urban sprawl.I would urge the authorities to ensure that the eco-system of this natural heritage be preserved, not harmed in any way .

Without eating into land spaces of the park, the authorities need to work out alternative proposals for the six multi-level grade separators to be constructed at six junctions around KBR Park.

Already , disappearance of gardens and lakes from this city over the decades has turned it into a tropical hotbed. Every successive summer seems to make the city hotter with soaring temperatures.

We definitely need better roads and junctions and traffic management but not at the cost of our natural, cultural and architectural heritage. KBR Park and all other green spaces in the city must be preserved to make Hyderabad a liveable city again.

(The author is MIM president and Lok Sabha MP)

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Hyderabad / Asaduddin Owaisi / May 26th, 2016

KTR gets rousing welcome from NRIs

Business & Economy, Leaders, Nri's / PIO's, World Opinion

After landing at Chicago airport on US soil, to a rousing welcome from non-resident Indians hailing from Telangana, Information Technology Minister K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday launched into several meetings with VIPs including heads of companies.

In a busy schedule, he met Governor of Indiana, Mike Pence, Deputy Governor of Illinois, Trey Childress, and Consul-General of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. He discussed potential areas of collaboration and cooperation between Illinois state and Telangana and outlined the salient features of the industrial policy of fledging State of India, including TSiPASS, the single window approval system.

Mr. Rao elaborated on investment opportunities in the information technology and communication, pharma and allied sectors. Mr. Trey was said to have expressed the interest of Illinois State to partner with Telangana on innovation. Also saying that he had heard a lot about the T-Hub, India’s biggest technology incubator, he said Chicago and Hyderabad shared a strong bond.

The Consul-General hosted a dinner at Chicago in honour of Mr. Rama Rao and the visiting delegation, after which the Minister held a series of meetings with heads of companies. Those he met included Chairman of the Redberry Corporation, Deepak Kanat, President of Abaris Capital Advisors, Omer Ahmed, Chairman, Genesis Pharmaceuticals, Monif Matouk and CEO of Safye Holdings Afi Hasan.

A press release said Eclat Health Solutions, a digital healthcare company, had come forward to invest US $ 15 million in Telangana, generating employment to about 1,000 people.

Several MoU were signed with representatives of these companies, in the presence of the Minister. Mr. Rama Rao also met Governor of Indiana, Mr. Mike Pence at Indianapolis later, also attending the Indianapolis-Hyderabad Sister Cities Committee meeting where he addressed a 500-strong gathering of NRIs hailing from Telangana.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – May 25th, 2016