Category Archives: Nri’s / PIO’s

Mahbubnagar Professor Named Fulbright Specialist Roster

Education, Nri's / PIO's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Hyderabad :

An Indian-American professor hailing from Mahbubnagar district in Telangana has been selected for the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Roster for his achievements in the field of pharmacy.

Rajender R Aparasu is the first pharmacy faculty member at the University of Houston selected to be the candidate roster of the Fulbright Specialist Programme, which helps US faculty share their academic expertise and develop linkages with non-US institutions on curriculum, assessment, faculty development and research training.

The Fulbright programme, which is funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, serves to promote international engagement of academic scholarship and build linkages between the US and overseas institutions. “There are very few Fulbright Specialists in pharmacy, I am really honoured to be selected for Fulbright Specialist Roster,” said Aparasu.

This is a great opportunity to offer my expertise in developing professional and graduate pharmacy programmes that involve pharmaceutical health outcomes and policy,” said Aparasu, whose five-year term runs through 2021.

Aparasu completed his school education in Hyderabad, and got his B Pharm degree from Kakatiya University in Warangal. He studied M Pharm at Jadavpur University in Kolkata and obtained Ph D in Pharmacy Administration from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in the USA and joined UHCOP in 2006 after serving as a faculty at the South Dakota State University for more than a decade.

His primary areas of expertise include pharmacoepidemiology, geriatrics, psychopharmacology and evidence-based medicine.

Aparasu’s current research project, supported by an R01 grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), is evaluating safety profiles of anticholinergic medications in the elderly nursing home residents.“Dr Aparasu’s selection as a Fulbright Specialist validates his professional accomplishments and enhances our the institutional profile. I am glad he now joins such a select group of outstanding US academicians and scholars that will soon engage in collaborative endeavours,” said Jaime Ortiz, UH vice provost for Global Strategies and Studies.

Aparasu has authored or coauthored nearly 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and seven book chapters. He was made Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association (FAPhA) for his exemplary professional achievements and contribution to the pharmacy profession.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / April 03rd, 2016

Digital library inaugurated at Gitam

Education, Nri's / PIO's, Science & Technology

Prof. S.S. Rao from the University of Miami, Florida, USA, inaugurated the ‘Digital Library’ at Gitam University, Hyderabad campus on Tuesday and appreciated School of Technology (SoT) for the latest state-of the-art high technology e-learning such as 30 lakh e-books, Ebrary (90,300 titles), Digital Engineering Library, Pearson E-Books, SONET & NPTEL videos, IRC technical papers and the course material developed by GITAM faculty, etc. He stressed the importance of “e-resource and digital library”.

Prof. P. Nithiarasu, College of Engineering, Swansea University, UK, inaugurated the systems in the digital library. The digital library aimed at thwarting out the traditional difficulty in finding out information required for the students for academic as well as for extracurricular purposes from huge voluminous books of numerous pages, is highly beneficial for the students as it has been structured with quick search facilities and various multimedia streaming techniques. With a single click, the students will be able to access information needed for them stored in the digital library server in various content formats.

Prof. N. Siva Prasad, Director, SoT, Prof. Ch. Sanjay, Prof. S.S. Prasada Rao, D.V.V.S.R. Varma, resident director and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Telangana / by Staff Reporter / Sangareddy – December 16th, 2015

NRI Kids Donate Rs 30,000 for Mission Kakatiya

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / PIO's

Hyderabad :

Inspired by the state government’s effort to revive lakes in the state under Mission Kakatiya, a group of NRI children donated Rs 30,000 to irrigation minister T Harish Rao on Wednesday.

The children said the amount was raised by working during weekends by cleaning up gardens and cars in their locality.

Born in US and studying in prestigious schools in the city like Oakridge, Chirec, Delhi Public schools, the students run a social service organisation called Hill County Interactive Club.

Harish Rao congratulated them for their gesture.

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

A true gentleman

Nri's / PIO's, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Dr. Gorur Harinath
Dr. Gorur Harinath

Dr. Gorur Harinath, former chairman of Cricket New South Wales, recalls his interactions with Richie Bernaud

Sydney Cricket Ground may not be the same again, especially after the PASSING away of one of its greatest sons, the legendary Richie Benaud. And, this is the feeling not just of the millions of cricket fans but also for someone like Dr. Gorur Harinath, the gentleman who studied in Aliya High School in Hyderabad and completed Medicine in Osmania University before settling ‘Down Under’ in 1977. For, Dr. Harinath also happened to be the chairman of Cricket New South Wales and happens to be the only Indian-origin cricket administrator in Australia who had regular interactions with the great Benaud.

SCG’s 100th TEST match
Dr. Harinath, more popular in Australian cricketing circles as Dr. Harry, had a unique experience when the SCG hosted its 100th test match — interestingly against India in 2012. This match also featured the elegant VVS Laxman, manager N. Shivlal Yadav and left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. “I was always a huge follower of RB (as Richie was affectionately called by his friends) since my childhood days. I met him in the corridors of SCG numerous times in my role as the Chairman of CNSW,” recalls Dr. Harinath. “He (Richie Benaud) was always a pleasant, courteous and wonderful PERSONALITY to talk to. He loved the game so much and that talk rarely veered away from the game,” he explains. “In fact, the memories of RB walking through the corridors into the commentary box will forever be etched in my memory. He would be immaculately dressed in pastel colours suit and matching tie. He was an ornament for the game,” recalls the former NSW boss.

Revealing the other side of Richie Benaud, the Hyderabadi says that the former always wanted Australia to win. “But, above all, he longed to see the game to be a winner. I have never heard him utter even a single foul WORD. He was so respectful and a man of few words once he is out the commentary box,” Dr. Harinath recalls. “No wonder he added so much colour to the ambience right through his career as a player and then as a commentator,” he added.

“His death is one of the saddest days to the entire cricketing FRATERNITY, not just to Australia. I feel sad for his wife Daphne. If Sir Donald Bradman was the God of Cricket, RB was not far behind. A great cricketer, an equally great commentator who never took sides and to cap it all a perfect gentleman. He was a true legend of the game and I shall cherish his memories for ever,” concluded Dr. Harinath.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / April 15th, 2015

Adopt Lake and Name it after You: Government Tells NRIs

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nri's / PIO's, Records, All, World Opinion

HarishRaoTELANGANA22dec2014

Hyderabad :

Contribute for the development or restoration of a lake and get it named after your or your dear ones. This is the method to be adopted by the state government to get participation from the people, particularly non-resident Indians of Telangana origin, in the development of lakes in the state.

As multitude of people joined their hands in achieving statehood for Telangana, the state government now wants to involve the same collective energy to realise its proposed goal of golden Telangana.

To restore minor irrigation and to restore lakes in Telangana, the government wants NRIs to chip in for this ambitious project. Irrigation minister T Harish Rao drafted an open letter to NRIs persuading them to adopt lakes and to extend an helping hand in sprucing up the local water bodies.

The minister claimed that already three NRIs had promised to take part in ‘Mission Kakatiya’ project slated to begin in January.

Hailing the efforts of NRIs in achieving Telangana, the minister said the Telangana expatriate community had played a vital role in mobilising support for Telangana cause worldwide.

“Despite staying away from the homeland, you are emotionally connected to the region. The people of Telangana acknowledge how you had longed for a separate state,” he said in his letter addressed to NRIs.

In realisation of the promises, made during the Telangana movement, the state government felt that restoration of lakes is an important programme which can contribute to the holistic development of the Telangana’s countryside, he pointed out.

Recognising the contributions made by the Kakatiya rulers, he said chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao christened the project asw ‘Mission Kakatiya’.

The minister urged the NRIs to take part in the restoration of lakes in their native villages. Based on the name proposed by the donor, the restored lake would get its new name, he said.

“If you wish the lake to get your father’s or mother’s name or perhaps your name, the government will approve that name officially,” he told them and added that organisations can also chip in for the cause.

He informed that he would conduct a tele-conference with NRIs in January to drum up support for the flagship project of the TRS government.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / December 22nd, 2014

TDF Atlanta chapter inaugurated

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

The Telangana Development Forum has started its Atlanta chapter to make its activities more inclusive in order to contribute to the development of Telangana State.

Telangana Development Forum, vying for its fair share of visibility among the Telugus in the USA, is gaining momentum overseas what with the new executive, under Vishweshwar Kalavala’s leadership, giving wings to various city chapters in USA.

Bharath Naravetla, who was elected for the TDF USA Board of Trustees (BOTs) recently from Atlanta, took the initiative and made the first meeting of Telanganites a huge success in Atlanta.

The attendance of 70 people represented a balanced diversity of age groups, professions, and places they came from back home and was a good mix of local organisations ATA, NATA, TANA and others.

The TDF Atlanta Advisory Panel comprising Narender Reddy Ganta, T. Ramchander Reddy, Mohan Reddy KomatiReddy, Laxma Reddy Paripati, Rathnaker Elugunti, Sathyanarayan Reddy Thangirala, Dr. Sreenivas Gangasani, Srijan Joginpally, Kiran Pasham, Vivek Reddy Edula, Upender Kadire and Goutam Goli was also announced on the occasion.

The members present and the advisory panel provided their inputs for the development of Telangana and announced an action plan of TDF Atlanta to work in tandem with the local organizations to develop Telangana region and promote Telangana culture in USA, said the TDF Media Chair, Santosh Reddy Kakulavaram.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – November 14th, 2014

Liver transplant surgeries performed successfully

Amazing Feats, Nri's / PIO's, Science & Technology

Surgeons of Apollo Hospitals conducted three liver transplant surgeries and a kidney transplantation, all within a span of 40 hours, last month. Of the three patients who received liver, one received the organ from a brain dead victim in Visakhapatnam where the organ had to be flown-in in a commercial flight and transplanted immediately.

Mahendra Kumar Kar, Ketan Ramesh Patel and Dnyandev Warule underwent liver transplantations while Kareemullah Khan underwent kidney transplantation. Thanks to the Jeevandan programme, Kar, Patel and Khan received the organs from brain dead victims while Warule received a small part of liver from his son, Suresh Warule.

“It was a medical and logistical challenge because the liver had to be brought from Visakhapatnam. Mr. Patel had developed serious blood stream infection. We took the help of several experts to settle him down before transplantation,” said liver transplant surgeon Manish C. Varma.

While Mr. Kar, an NRI in US, came here for treatment, Mr. Warule is a farmer from Maharashtra. “We have a success rate of 99 per cent when it comes to liver transplants and 100 per cent success rate with live donor liver transplantation,” Dr. Varma claimed.

Mr. Khan (43), who underwent kidney transplantation, was a known diabetic and hypertension patient for the past eight years. “These were very complicated cases but we managed to complete the surgeries within 40 hours,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – November 06th, 2014

Best Indian teacher award for Jubail school principal

Education, Nri's / PIO's, Records, All, Uncategorized, World Opinion
TOP HONOR: A TV grab shows International Indian School-Jubail Principal Dr. Syed Hameed receiving the award from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.
TOP HONOR: A TV grab shows International Indian School-Jubail Principal Dr. Syed Hameed receiving the award from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.

The Indian government has conferred the National Award for Best Teacher on International Indian School-Jubail Principal Dr. Syed Hameed.

The award is given in recognition of Hameed’s valuable contributions to the field of education over the last 37 years. “He has been selected for the coveted award after rigorous scrutiny by the Government of India,” said an official statement from the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry.

Hameed received the award in New Delhi on Sept. 5 from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and in the presence of HRD Minister Smriti Irani. “I’m thankful and grateful to Almighty Allah, my students, colleagues and friends who have supported and guided me throughout my 37-year teaching career,” he told Arab News from the Indian capital.

Sixty-year-old Hameed, a native of Hyderabad, India, is a popular principal with a huge following. Ever since he took the reins at the Jubail school a couple of years ago, he has inculcated a spirit of seeking merit and excellence among both teachers and students. In addition, he is a motivational speaker and has delivered many talks at local and international events. It was he who introduced media studies for 10+2 students at the Jubail school.

The Indian community in Saudi Arabia, and especially in Jubail, is delighted at the national recognition of Hameed. “He richly deserves this award,” said John Thomas, member of the Higher Board of Indian Schools in the Kingdom. “He has rendered exemplary services and made significant contributions to the betterment of thousands of students and teachers across the Kingdom and India.”

Syed Waheed Lateef, a prominent community member and good friend of Hameed, was delighted.

“It is a matter of great pride for the Indian community,” he said. “He is the flag-bearer of the dreams and aspirations of the community in Jubail, and has played a key role in shaping the futures of our children.”

Lateef has, in cooperation with other members of the community, planned a grand celebration for Hameed on Saturday at the Intercontinental Hotel in Jubail. “We want to recognize him for his great achievements,” he said

source: http://www.arabnews.com / Arab News / Home / by Siraj Wahab, Jeddah / Monday – September 08th, 2014

They rise above all to run

Nri's / PIO's, Sports, World Opinion

Facing the challenges, many women have been competing in marathons across the country. After seven years of running, 30 marathons and more than 12 podium finishes, Sayuri Dalvi no longer feels her son’s autism is a handicap.

Sayuri Dalvi, mother of an autistic child, is all set to run in the Hyderabad half marathon this year. / The Hindu
Sayuri Dalvi, mother of an autistic child, is all set to run in the Hyderabad half marathon this year. / The Hindu

They have broken through the glass ceiling to enter board rooms, head financial institutions, juggle domestic responsibilities to teach IITians and even overcome the grief of autism that inflicted their children. These women have gone ahead and competed in marathons and ultra-marathons.

Hyderabadis will have an opportunity to applaud and celebrate the accomplishments of such women amateur runners, who have managed to multitask and strike a balance between work, domestic life, ailments, family bereavements and other challenges with running. And some of them are highly recognisable in the Indian running circuit with numerous podium finishes to their credit. Take for instance, Vaishali Kasture, MD of a US global investment banking firm in Bangalore. First amateur women runner from India to qualify for Boston Marathon, finishing on the podium has become a second nature for her.

Vaishali Kasture, MD of US based financial institution, and a seasoned runner is all set to participate in the Hyderabad Marathon. / The Hindu
Vaishali Kasture, MD of US based financial institution, and a seasoned runner is all set to participate in the Hyderabad Marathon. / The Hindu

“This is my fourth straight year in Hyderabad marathon. Since this is the starting of running season, I am doing a half-marathon. Balancing running and then fulfilling the role of professor in Chemical Engineering at IIT (Madras) and handling children has become a part of life for Preeti Aghalayam. “I just love running and it definitely helps you keep fit and refreshed. I never miss Hyderabad because of its pleasant weather and the marathon route, which is challenging,” says Preeti.

After seven years of running, 30 marathons and more than 12 podium finishes, Sayuri Dalvi no longer feels her son’s autism is a handicap. “Women should prioritise and think what they want from their lives,” she says.

Turkish Consul General to participate

The Turkish Consul General for India, Murat Omeroglu, is hoping that weather in Hyderabad remains cool on August 24 when he will take part in the Hyderabad marathon. This is the first time that the Consul General is running a half-marathon in Hyderabad. Last year, he did his first half-marathon in Berlin, Germany in 2.08 hours.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by M. Sai Gopal / Hyderabad – August 23rd, 2014

‘Entrepreneurs should be dreamers, and they should dream big’

Business & Economy, Nri's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World Opinion
FOR MEET-- Gurram Srinivas Reddy, TEA founder. .PHOTO: BY ARRANGMENT
FOR MEET– Gurram Srinivas Reddy, TEA founder. .PHOTO: BY ARRANGMENT

Entrepreneurship is the buzzword now and Indians, unfortunately, have not made much impact on this front despite possessing sufficient knowledge and making huge strides in the IT sector across the world.

Gurram Srinivas Reddy, a first generation entrepreneur who formed Telugu Entrepreneurs’ Association (TEA) in the U.S. to promote entrepreneurs among Telugus, recently received Excellence Award at the North America Telugu Association (NATA), 2014 meet. A Hyderabadi by heart, he tells R. Ravikanth Reddy that its time engineering colleges provide platform to encourage entrepreneurs among students than just churning out degree holders.

How should engineering or management students go about developing entrepreneurship skills while in college?

First they should offer more courses in entrepreneurship and then conduct workshops by inviting industry experts in chosen fields. Invite first generation entrepreneurs as a motivational speakers and role models.

No, there has to be a paradigm shift in the approach of the educational institutions. An institution can create such environment just like Telugu Entrepreneurs’ Association (TEA) does by inviting open competition for students to prepare business plans, preparing best business practices, inviting bankers and venture capitalists to institutions as judges of those business plans. This will give an opportunity for students to interact with experts. TEA does all these activities as part of fostering entrepreneurship among Telugus around the world on a regular basis.

Entrepreneurs have to be a dreamers and when they dream, they have to dream big. There a big difference between businessmen and entrepreneurs. A businessman always thinks of profit. Most of them are not dreamers and there won’t be much of innovation in what they do. On the other hand, entrepreneurs always come up with new ideas and their approach always deals with improving peoples’ or end users’ lives.

If you take last 20 years, new innovations in Information Technology have helped in improving productivity and changing the loves of end users or customers. There is so much productivity growth in many industry sectors and all this was possible because of the entrepreneurs.

For example, Bill Gates of Microsoft, Steve Jobs of Apple, Micheal Dell of Dell computers, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook have several things in common, they all are young and they wanted to change the world using technology to help all the human beings. They also started their entrepreneurial activity at a very young age. They had some idea about their products and they worked on it day and night without giving up. Also, they never lost focus or hope and started developing their products from their garages and they did whatever it took. None of these people have rich background.

All the students must do internship in their chosen industry as part of their course. By doing this, students will have firsthand experience out there in the real world and they will know dos and don’ts of the entrepreneurship.

There is no instant success to anything that we do. One should have a complete belief and trust in himself no matter what they go through. They should just move on. One should have the tenacity, perseverance and stubbornness to make it happen.

The mistake is to not dream, to not have self confidence, discipline, self control, developing skills, and to not have proper role models as they do not read bios of some of these successful entrepreneurs.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by R. Ravikanth Reddy / August 17th, 2014