Enthusiastic forest officer and researcher record rare species of Kagaznagar, which hosts 250 species
Apart from ardent birdwatchers, even those with a rudimentary knowledge of the winged wonders will swear that the fliers add a dash of colour to the surroundings to the place to live in.
Whether it’s a ‘detested’ common crow or endangered birds such as vultures, there is immense diversity among birds. contribute much in making the universe as attractive as it is.
In the wooded environs of Bejjur and Penchikalpet Forest Ranges, among others, in Kagaznagar Forest Division in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district, there are a number of avian species thriving.
In a bid to capture and document this, the Telangana Forest Department has come out with a 62-page field guide titled Birds of Kagaznagar Forest Division, which lists about 250 species, a few belonging to the rare category. About 60% of the images in the guide have come from Bejjur Forest Range.
Bejjur’s fame
Few know that the incidental discovery of the now famous habitat of the critically endangered Indian vulture or the Long Billed vulture (Gyps indicus) in Bejjur also set the Forest Range Officer (FRO) M. Ram Mohan and later wildlife biologist and field researcher M. Ravikanth on a mission to catalogue the avian varieties seen in the forest.
“I started shooting pictures of local birds in 2013 after the vulture discovery not as a dedicated activity, but as part of my travels inside the 260 sq. km of the forest under my jurisdiction,” said Mr. Ram Mohanto The Hindu, tracing the developments in Bejjur since the work began.
His association with the knowledgeable members of the Birdwatchers Society of Andhra Pradesh had the FRO gaining deeper insight into the world of birds and this eventually resulted in a painstakingly assembled collection of photos of about 130 different kinds of birds.
This includes the painted sand grouse and tree creeper of which no sighting records are available for over a decade-and-a-half.
Trove of images
Mr. Ravikanth was appointed as a field researcher in 2015 and has since been actively involved in vulture conservation as well as photography of birds and cataloguing the different species.
His collection of pictures of avian diversity equals that of the FRO.
Create awareness
Kagaznagar Forest Divisional Officer A. Narasimha Reddy supported the publication of the book published within six months of his taking charge.
“I even used the services of professional photographers and others in collecting photos from other ranges in my Division too, which made this field guide possible to fulfill the aim of creating awareness among people and the forest staff,” he revealed.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Telangana / by S. Harpal Singh / Adilabad – April 29th, 2018
An file picture of Guruji Ravinder Sharma. | Photo Credit: S_HARPALSINGH
Founder of Adilabad’s Kala Ashram was suffering from cancer
Ravinder Sharma, fondly called Guruji, the founder of Adilabad’s Kala Ashram died at his house early on Sunday at the age of 65 years. He leaves behind his wife, a son and daughter. Guruji was suffering from cancer since the last three years and died in his sleep. The cremation will take place on Monday morning.
A trained artist, Guruji had been awarded with Kala Ratna by the Andhra Pradesh State government in 2014. After bifurcation of the State, the Telangana government awarded him the Ugadi Puraskaram in 2015. Guruji was also conferred the D. Litt (Honoris Causa) by the SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana the same year. He had won many an other minor awards during his life time. The death was condoled by Forest Minister Jogu Ramanna, Boath MLA Rathod Bapu Rao and others from Adilabad and elsewhere. Ravinder Sharma leaves behind a vacuum for his friends and followers of whom there are hundreds.
Born in a migrant Punjabi family, Ravinder Sharma studied in a local school and showed inclination towards understanding art and also the life of the artisan communities. This quest took him to villages and localities in a radius of 20 km and during the 20 year long journeys, he explored and studied the intricacies of rural life and local technologies.
During the two decade long journey he also collected artefacts and other material from rural areas. His collection includes a lot of material used by tribal people as part of their culture. Guruji emerged a treasure-trove of knowledge about rural economy and technologies, local practices and folk arts. His original and simplistic style of narration of the same infused with interesting insights and anecdotes and stories was easy to comprehend and often had a lasting impact on people who came to Kala Ashram from far and wide to hear him.
The artist-philosopher had lectured at many important fora across the country including the IITs.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Adilabad – April 30th, 2018
Telugu-Sanskrit words engraved on undated stone edifice may offer insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage
A stone inscription, believed to date back to 13th Century A.D., standing majestically on the premises of Venugopala Swamy temple in Rajeshwarapuram of Nelakondapalli mandal, is waiting to be explored to offer an insight into the region’s glorious cultural heritage.
The ten-foot high undated stone inscription located adjacent to the Dwajasthambam on the precincts of the temple has stayed intact withstanding the vagaries of nature, but remained unexplored till date.
The inscription has several lines etched in Telugu-Kannada script akin to the pattern prevalent during the Kakatiya period. An impressive image of Lord Garuda adored with Shankam and Chakram is engraved on the top portion of the stone inscription.
Located about 30 km from Khammam on the Nelakondapalli-Kusumanchi main road, Rajeshwarapuram has a hoary past as is evident from a fort situated in the middle of the village albeit in a dilapidated condition and an old well that served as a prime source of irrigation during the bygone era.
The Telugu-Sanskrit words engraved indicate that it is related to donation of land to “Veeragopala devara” temple probably during the Kakatiya period, says historian Katta Srinivas, who recently conducted an independent study in Rajeshwarapuram on the historical significance of the village.
Sun, moon images
The stone edifice contains the images of sun and moon engraved on the top portion of it reinforcing the fact that it is an inscription. He stresses the need for establishing the exact date and other historical facts by enlisting the services of experts in epigraphy.
Rajeshwarapuram is endowed with historic structures, including a fort and an ancient irrigation structure besides Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples existing side by side, he notes, insisting on the intervention of the Archaeology Department to unravel the rich history of the village and conserve the historical edifices for posterity.
“Our village is part of Nelakondapalli mandal, the abode of ancient Buddhist Mahastupa and also the birthplace of legendary saint composer Bhakta Ramadasu,” says Veeranageswara Rao, a native of Rajeshwarapuram. The ancient Siva temples dating back to the Kakatiya period in Kusumanchi mandal are located just over 10 km from the village and the culturally rich region has potential to secure a prominent place on the tourism map of Telangana, he says with a sense of pride.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Telangana / by P. Sridhar / Khammam – April 23rd, 2018
PathLabs chairman and managing director G.V. Prasad with his son Rakshith starting their 17,000-km bike ride to London from Hyderabad on Thursday.
Father and son duo to ride through two continents and 16 countries in 55 days
A city-based father and son duo embarked on a 55-day-long road trip to London on Thursday.
PathCare Labs chairman and managing director G.V. Prasad along with his younger son, Rakshith, a medical student, commenced their expedition on two bikes, and would cover 17,000 km passing through two continents and 16 countries on the historical silk route.
Dr. Prasad gave voice to his passion to ride two-wheelers on national and international roads three years ago and has so far covered over 96,697 km. He is an active member of Harley Davidson Bikers’ Group and owns 10 super bikes.
“For me, riding is freedom of joy and living the dreams,” Dr. Prasad said.
Mr. Rakshith, who was inspired by his father, said bike-riding taught him discipline, tolerance, sharing, bonding and leadership.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – April 19th, 2018
A 7-year-old boy from Hyderabad scaled the highest peak in Africa, Uhuru peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Samanyu Pothuraju, along with his coach, unfurled the Tricolor at a height of 5,895 meters above the sea level on April 2.
Speaking with ANI, the boy said, “The day was rainy and the road was full of stones. I got afraid, I had leg pains, but I took rest and completed it. I like snow a lot and that is the reason I went to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Pawan Kalyan is my favourite hero, my mom promised me that she will make me meet him if I try the world record, now am eagerly waiting to meet him. I will go to Australia peak in next month ending and want to make a record.”
Pothuraju was accompanied by his mother Lavanya, coach Thammineni Bharath, a fellow mountaineer Shangabandi Srujana, and another woman, all hailed from Hyderabad. A local doctor from Tanzania also accompanied them.
Pothuraju’s mother said “I am really very happy as my son tried to achieve a world record. After reaching there, I stopped in my halfway because of my health condition but my son didn’t quit unless until he reaches the destination. I was very much tensed and worried as there were different climate conditions. Our next target is Australia, 10 peaks in May ending and that will also be the record of my son.”
The trek began on March 29 when the team started from the base point. It took about five days for the team to reach the peak.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Hyderabad News / ANI / April 16th, 2018
Hyderabad fest 2018 promises holistic appeal Photos: K.V.S. Giri, G Ramakrishna
The ten-day fest will present facets unique to the State across food, films, literature and art forms
Hyderabad is home to many a historical and cultural glory since centuries that it becomes imminent for us to refine the understanding of our roots from time to time- the first of its kind Hyderabad Fest 2018 that commences this weekend at NTR Stadium, Domalguda promises to do that in full jest. Fests surrounding culture are often individualistic in the city, be it music, dance, literature, films and beyond, but this one stands out for its attempt to bring all of it under one roof. Featuring theme-pavilions surrounding tourism, education, public sector undertaking, financial institutions, literature and specific sites catering to cultural performances besides short film fests, art and photography exhibitions, Hyderabad Fest 2018 has it all.
Spoorthi Progressive Society, spearheaded by its honorary chairman Chukka Ramaiah is behind this ten-day fest. One of its organising committee members A Nageswar Rao offers us a larger picture, “The aim behind the fest is to promote the culture of Telangana among its residents. Hyderabad presents itself with a manifold of cultures due to its diversity of religions, castes and rituals. The idea is also to let people know about the progress across different spheres in the State. The fest comprises many segments, also the focus is on public sector undertakings that have had a huge role to play in protecting the sovereignty of the country besides the financial support of the banks and other institutions.”
Cultural performances will be on at specific sites at the stadium everyday including a mixture of western, classical and folk forms. A science fair in memoriam of scientist Stephen Hawking is to be organised too, presenting the multifaceted advancements in the medical and the health sector over decades. As a special attraction commemorating the holiday season, the section ‘Balotsav’ targeted at children will see various workshops across arts, crafts, poetry and essay writing arenas. What’s a fest without food? A wide range of food courts sets it eye on the Telangana palette, with a special focus on pindi vantakalu.
In a bid to generate awareness on rights of women around the state, a stall ‘Sabala’ will feature many success stories of women and aspects that have lead to their progress in due course. A short film festival will celebrate the talents of budding, aspirant filmmakers across the state, the organisers have recently hosted a contest to shortlist the entries for the same. Film personalities including L B Sriram, Srikanth, Rajendra Prasad, Kasi Vishwanath will grace the fest.
As a mark of tribute to Charlie Chaplin on his birthday i.e. April 16, the organisers will screen his select films and host various events that throw light on facets that shaped the genius’ career. A photography exhibition featuring caricatures/portraits of Dasaradhi Rangacharya, C Narayana Reddy, Kaloji and other notable literary figures from Telangana promises to attract crowds. “The culture of Hyderabad has been confined to limited aspects, we want to do our bit to expand it. Having conducted similar fests in Visakhapatnam in 2015 and 2017, we’re sure about its success here too.”
(Hyderabad Fest 2018 commences at NTR Stadium on April 13, 5 pm and is on till April 22, 2 pm- 9 pm on weekdays, 12 pm- 9pm on weekends, Entry free)
Chanda Bai ka Bageecha, the funerary garden built by Mah Laqa Bai for her mother. | Photo Credit: @SERISH NANISETTI
Poet’s 250th birth anniversary passes without celebration
April 7 marked the 250th birth anniversary of poet Mah Laqa Bai Chanda, who has left a lasting impression on Hyderabad and its environs with her social and cultural contributions. However, the event passed without any celebrations.
In the lanes of Moula Ali leading to the hill shrine, there are many blank faces about Mah Laqa Bai Chanda. Only a few older residents call the funerary garden built by Mah Laqa Bai for her mother remember it as Chanda Bai ka Bageecha. Restored with funding from the US Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation in 2010, the small masjid is the only facility that is used by locals for prayers. “Tourists come here to see and ask various questions about the tank, the well and the garden. Many people come to photograph the place,” informed the caretaker of the garden.
“In the true sense, Hyderabad has not really appreciated her daughter. Her contribution was immense. It is on record that she gave away ₹1 crore for educating the girl child. Many of her properties have been taken over and razed. Nobody remembers her jagir in Nampally. But there is fantastic response to the play Mah Laqa Bai Chanda wherever we stage it in the country. That shows her appeal. Unfortunately, Hyderabad has forgotten her,” says director Vinay Varma of Sutradhar wryly.
“We are planning an event woven around Mah Laqa Bai Chanda to mark the 100th anniversary of Osmania University. It was her jagir where the university today stands. She is a role model for women empowerment as she wrote poetry and at the same time, stood on par with the ruling elite,” said Anuradha Reddy of Indian National Trust for Cultural Heritage.
Chanda Bai was treated on par with noblemen as she counted the who’s who from the Nizam’s court among her admirers. If Nizam Ali Khan elevated her rank to one where kettledrums were beaten to mark her entry, the prime minister Mir Alum wrote poetry in her honour.
In July 27, 1799, after a triumphant return from the win against Tipu Sultan, Mir Alum organised a splendid party at his mansion. Here, Chanda Bai was the key performer as the British diplomat John Malcolm watched. “The Court of Hyderabad is altered, and the dance and the song no longer prevail. A moody, melancholy sovereign, degraded and dejected nobles, and the impoverished retainers of a fallen Court offer no field for the genius of Chanda; but even yet, changed as she is by eighteen years, she maintains considerable influence, and has the lion’s share of all that is spent in dissipation,” wrote John Malcolm, who was acquainted with Chanda Bai from his earlier stint as a British diplomat. Chanda presented a copy of her collected poems to Malcolm which is now in the British Library.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Serish Nanisetti / Hyderabad – April 07th, 2018
The sculpture showing Kakatiya warrior queen Rudrama Devi in combat with her subordinate chief Kayastha King Ambadeva.
It provides crucial information on the death of warrior queen
A sculptural slab carved in granite that has a life-size portrait of Kakatiya warrior queen Rudrama Devi was discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the sanctum sanctorum of Trikuta temple at Bekkallu village in Siddipet district.
Stating that the discovery has unravelled the mystery of her death, the officials said Rudrama Devi was killed during a war by her own subordinate chief Kayastha King Ambadeva somewhere near Warangal.
During an extensive exploration survey to ascertain the antiquity and architectural ascendancy of ancient shrines that flourished under the celebrated regime of Kakatiyas (11th to 13th century) in both the Telugu States, D. Kanna Babu, Superintending Archaeologist, Temple Survey Project (Southern Region), ASI Chennai, discovered the sculptural slab in which the portrait of Rudrama Devi is carved, a week ago.
“The discovery of the portrait sculpture is a first of its kind that displays a fierce fighting scene between Rudrama Devi and Ambadeva and it stands as a supporting evidence to the recent findings in Telangana,” Mr. Babu said. He said the uniqueness of the sculpture was that it vividly shows Rudrama Devi (A.D. 1262-1289) as a commanding and imperial personality with characteristic gesticulations of a ferocious warrior. “It might answer all the questions and doubts that the historians and archaeologists had about her death since decades. Thanks to the unknown sculptor who left a credible source for us to reconstruct the life history of the queen, particularly her end,” he said.
He said the sculptured panel in a rectangular frame superbly represents the imperial personality of Rudrama Devi who is riding a horse with a sword in her right hand while her left hand holds the reigns.
Describing the sculpture, Mr. Babu said the queen’s arms and wrists are embellished with warrior shields. “She is wearing robes of a male warrior with a waist belt and has her left leg over the hanging pedal while a shield is securing her chest,” he explained.
Ambadeva, the rebellion sub-ordinate chief, is in his war robes with a tightly-fixed lower garment, a waist belt and arm guards.
“He escaped the blows of Rudrama Devi and overpowered the horse and harmed it. The horse falls on its face and Rudrama Devi is surprised of his sudden action of rebel. Finally, Ambadeva kills her and she attains viraswargam,” he said.
The patron and artisan who carved the sculpture acted with far-sightedness who thought that these would serve as commemorative visual aids on Rudrama Devi for her successive generations, he said and added that the queen’s domestic help must have carved the sculpture.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Abhinay Deshpande / Hyderabad – April 08th, 2018
Prabhdeep Singh, originally from Chandigarh, and with work experience in Hyderabad, Antoine Poirson of France, and Jose Leon, a Costa Rican – OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
A trio of MBAs launches a service that’s taking patients and their families across State borders.
They were from three continents and they met at a business school in France. Their idea: simplified medical transport as easy as ride-hailing for patients and caregivers. Prabhdeep Singh, originally from Chandigarh, and with work experience in Hyderabad, Antoine Poirson from France, and Jose Leon from Costa Rica, came up with StanPlus.
The year-old Hyderabad start-up opened with an offer to send an ambulance in under 15 minutes.
It got the most unusual requests. An ailing man was transported from Hyderabad to Guwahati – a 2,500 km drive –after his doctors informed his family that he was at the end of his life and suggested he be taken to his native place. The patient’s son turned to StanPlus and was even prepared to face a crisis en route. Mr. Singh, the CEO, says, “We arranged for an ambulance equipped with a body freezer and two drivers. Luckily, the person reached home alive.”
It recently ferried a four-hour-old baby from Hyderabad to Vizianagaram, a distance of 700 km. The vehicle had an incubator and a facility for light therapy. “A few days back, a lady gave birth to twins in an ambulance .”
The idea originated when Mr. Poirson, working with an energy major in Rajasthan, saw his colleague die in an accident because no ambulance was nearby. Mr. Singh, with his healthcare stint, saw the demand for a responsive ambulance service. The company is plugged into real-time live tracking, aided by a call centre. “We are not in the pay of hospitals, so the patient takes the call. The option is to go to the nearest hospital and charge per km,” he says. Hyderabad also has the emergency-only “108” ambulances. Only 20% of ambulance calls are emergencies, says Mr. Singh, who runs 300 vehicles.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Serish Nanisetti / Hyderabad – April 04th, 2018
The Sikh community not only has a glorious present in Telangana, making successful strides in every sphere, but it also has a rich history, writes Kota Saumya
Come April, the streets of Ameerpet will come alive with the sounds of nagar keertans, prabhat pheris in the wee hours of the morning, and a fascinating display of gatka by Sikh youngsters. Thousands of Sikhs will come together for the festival of Vaisakhi at the Gurudwara Sahib in Ameerpet which celebrates it on a large scale.
This year, Vaisakhi falls on April 14 and the office of the Prabhandhak Committee of Ameerpet Gurudwara is abuzz with activity. There is constant ebb and flow of people as its president, Sardar Bhagender Singh tells us about the history of the Sikh community, and how they came to Hyderabad during the Nizam’s time. The story goes that, around 1832 AD, the Nizam of Hyderabad was facing trouble from Jagirdars who were not paying revenue. Upon the advice of his Prime Minister, Chandulal, he wrote to Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, governing the North-West province for help. “Along with the letter, the Nizam also sent a beautiful canopy (chandni) embedded with precious stones, gems and diamonds to the king,” explains Bhagender Singh.
Obliged by the beautiful canopy, King Ranjeet Singh sent a 14,000-strong army led by Risaldars (chieftain) to Hyderabad.
Their ordinance was — “It is the duty of the Sikhs to give protection to anyone, who comes for protection.” The soldier’s wages were to be paid by the Punjab treasury. The forces carrying the 14 Nishans (holy flags) were placed at the Sikh Chawniat, Attapur, and the place came to be called Barambala. “Later, the Sikh forces were absorbed into the City Police. Most members of the community are self-employed now and run small-time businesses, factories or work in the IT industry or part of the defence forces,” adds Bhagender Singh.
Oldest gurudwara
Today, the Sikh Chawni is known as Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Nagar which is home to some 1,200 Sikh families. Tucked away in a quiet lane of the area is the historic Gurudwara Sahib Barambala constructed in Kishanbagh in 1832 AD.
Recently, a new gurudwara, said to be the largest in the State, was inaugurated in January, next to the almost 150-year-old gurudwara. At a time, it can seat some 5,000 to 6,000 devotees at its langar hall. One interesting aspect of this place is old religious texts, marriage invitations with Gurubani are cremated here.
“Old and damaged copies of the Holy Book, Guru Granth Sahib, are given a ritualistic cremation at the Guru Granth Bhavan known as Angeetha Sahib. We do this for two days once in a year,” says Harbans Singh, chairman, Sikh Chawniat, whose family lineage goes back to the Risala force.
The old gurudwara constructed during the Nizam’s time, seen in the background is the newly-built gurudwara.— Photo: Surya Sridhar
Core philosophy
Philanthropy is ingrained in the Sikh community for whom seva and simran (service and meditation) are sacrosanct. A monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak Dev around the 15th century, the word Sikh originates from the Sanskrit word, ‘shishya’ meaning disciple. Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak and the nine Sikh Gurus who succeeded him. “The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, named the holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib as his successor ending the line of human gurus. The scripture is the eternal religious and spiritual guide for Sikhs and is considered a living Guru,” says Gyani Jagdev Singh, head granthi, Gurudwara Sahib, Secunderabad.
Guru Nanak Dev travelled far and wide to pilgrimage centres, propagating his beliefs and teachings which became the guiding principles of the Sikh religion. His successors, the nine Gurus, are: Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan, Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh.
Devotees offer their prayers in front of the Guru Granth Sahib at the Secunderabad gurudwara. — Photo: Surya Sridhar
In service to humanity
During the Mughal conquest, the Kashmiri Pandits went to the ninth Guru, Tegh Bahadur, to safeguard the Hindu community from forcible conversion. “Guru Tegh Bahadur said, ‘If they can convert me from Sikhism, then the entire community will convert. He went to the Red Fort, where he was martyred. The forcible conversion stopped then,” says Bhagender Singh. Subsequently, Guru Gobind Singh called a congregation and told them that he wanted a community distinctive from others and asked for volunteers willing to give their heads. The five volunteers who sacrificed themselves and were reborn were called Panj Pyaare.
It led to the formation of the ‘Khalsa’ (pure) and a code of conduct for Sikhs. The code being they keep five items —kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kada (steel bracelet), kirpan (a small dagger) and kacchera (shorts) on their person at all time. “They are also prohibited from cutting their hair, consuming Halal meat, committing adultery, and consuming tobacco and liquor,” explains Sardar Harbans Singh of Sikh Chawniat.
Generally, most Punjabi families go by the name Singh, but in actuality they should take the name only after being initiated into the faith in a ceremony called Amrit Sanchar or Khande di Pahul. “There is no timeline as to when it should be done. The child must understand the significance of the rite and be able to take care of the five items. It must be done at least before they marry. The initiated people are known as Amritdhari Sikhs,” says Sardar Bhagender Singh. After this, the men take the name ‘Singh’, while the women take ‘Kaur’.
Sacred scripture
A truly secular book, the Guru Granth Sahib is a unique amalgamation of compositions of not only the Sikh Gurus but also of saints such as Ravidas, Ramananda and Kabir. Written in the Gurumukhi script, the first scripture called Adi Granth was prepared by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru. It later expanded into the Guru Granth Sahib. The compositions, called Gurbani, (Guru’s own words) are devotional hymns and prayers to the God, and propagate message of love, truth, humility, brotherhood, equality, service to others and purity of mind and soul. The hymns numbering 3,384 spread over 1,430 pages are arranged under different ragas known as shabad kirtan which are sung by ragi jathas (person who sings the hymns).
Granthi Gyani Jagdev Singh reads a passage from the holy book at Gurudwara Sahib, Secunderabad. — Photo: Surya Sridhar
Festivals galore
The Sikh community is a sizeable one in the city, so it’s a given that the festivals are also going to be equally grand in scale. A number of gurudwaras dot the city landscape, but those who hold a prominent position are the — Gurudwara Sahib, Barambala; Gurudwara Sahib, Secunderabad; Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Afzalganj; Central Gurudwara, Gowliguda; and Gurudwara Sahib, Ameerpet.
Traditionally, celebrations of any festival were observed by spending quality time with close relatives and friends at local gurudwara with shabad kirtans playing in the background. But, over the years, with influx of more and more Sikhs in the city, centralised celebrations of Vaisakhi, Guru Purab, Prakash Utsav, etc; have become a norm. To avoid a clash and through mutual understanding, each of these gurudwaras celebrate one festival on a large scale with the others observing it on a smaller level.
For instance, Vaisakhi, also known as the Khalsa Foundation Day, is celebrated by the Ameerpet Gurudwara with great fervour where ragi jathas and speakers from other cities are invited.
“The day begins with ardaas (prayer) at the gurudwara followed by nagar kirtan and a vishal deewan (mass congregation of Sikhs) which takes place at the Sri Guru Gobind Singhji playground,” says Bhagender Singh, president, Ameerpet Prabhandhak Committee.
Similarly, Guru Nanak Jayanti which falls on November 4 is observed by organising a procession from Secunderabad Gurudwara. “We carry the Guru Granth Sahib on a beautifully-decorated vehicle flanked by religious flag-bearers called Nishaan Sahebans. Children who have learnt gatka (martial arts) in the summer camps show their skill here as well,” explains Baldev Singh Bagga, president, Prabhandak Committee, Gurudwara Sahib Secunderabad.
Charity, their second nature
Patients undergo dailysis treatment at the Guru Nanak Medical Centre in Secunderabad. The treatment charges are kept nominal for those who can’t afford the procedure. — Photo: Surya Sridhar
Helping others through small acts of kindness like making sure the underprivileged get access to education, healthcare, and monetary support to widows is managed by the Prabhandhak Committee of the gurudwaras. The larger gurudwaras like those at Ameerpet and Secunderabad provide well-equipped rooms at nominal rates of Rs 300 and Rs 600, respectively, to anyone who is either in the city for work or medical reasons.
“Many parents of girls who come to the city for work stay here since they feel very secure. They stay till they find a permanent place. We also give accommodation for two months in exceptional cases. Many needy people who are relatives of patients at nearby hospitals also stay here,” states Baldev Singh Bagga who also serves as the chairman of the Guru Nanak Medical Centre near the Secunderabad Railway Station. The polyclinic and diagnostic centre provides free medical treatment to the needy from all communities. A similar clinic is being planned near the Ameerpet Gurudwara premises now.
“Over 36 patients come here for dialysis daily. Most of the patients get to know about the centre through word of mouth. We also provide free annual checkup for senior citizens twice a year,” adds Baldev Singh Bagga whose wife Jasbeer Kaur serves as the chairperson of the ladies wing of the gurudwara. Their son Dilpreet Singh owns the well-known Hotel Royal Reve in Secunderabad.
Match made in heaven
While arranged marriages are the norm in the community, these days, parents are also taking due note of their children’s wishes. A Sikh wedding is a simple affair, which begins with roka that happens a few days prior to the engagement ceremony, where parents of both bride and groom give their consent. Following a few more rituals near the wedding day, the groom’s family visits the bride’s side for the chunni chadana ceremony where they give the bride her wedding dress, jewellery, etc. Other ceremonies similar to a Hindu one are the vatnaa which is like the haldi ceremony.
Synonymous with the Sikh bride is the chooda, a set of 21 red-and-white bangles gifted to her by her maternal uncle. She also wears umbrella-shaped metallic ornaments called kalire attached to her bangles. “It is believed that if the kalire fall on the head of an unmarried girl, she will be the next person to get married,” adds Dr Meeta. After ceremonies such as Sehra bandi, milni, the actual wedding ceremony called Anand Karaj takes place at the gurudwara. The bride and groom sit side by side facing the Guru Granth Sahib, during which ardaas is offered by singing shabads. The granthi recites the four lavaa or stanzas from the book, and the couple slowly walks around the book clockwise after completion of first stanza, the same ritual is followed for the next three stanzas which are called lavaa pheras
Melange of cultures
(From Left) Harinder Singh, Akanshi Madan, Tanvir Meeta, Naunihal Singh and Samarth Singh. The family runs the well-known Tanvir hospital in the city.
Since many of the Sikh forces settled here, many married local girls leading to an intermingling of traditions and food. While the Dakhni Sikhs follow the same rituals and traditions as the Sikhs who came here later, the staple food in their households is a tad different. “Usually, roti is a staple but they also eat rice, there is a lot of Maa chole ki dal and tur dal in the diet. Chole bhature and paneer are also used extensively in dishes. These days, it’s become very cosmopolitan. We make dry fruit laddoos and kadha prasad (rava with ghee and sugar) at home on auspicious occasions or birthdays and marriages,” says Dr Meeta whose husband’s grandfather, Sardar Khem Singh, was a Risaldar and the first president of the Ameerpet Gurudwara.
A community which is self-sufficient to the nth degree and doesn’t turn away anyone from their door when they ask for help, it continues to astound others with its giving nature.
Langar
Anyone who has visited a gurudwara at least once can attest to the delicious and homely food served at the langar. At the Ameerpet gurudwara which serves langar to some 600 people during weekends, the menu comprises rotis, maa chole ki daal and salad. The food is prepared by kar sevaks (volunteers). Kar seva can be anything, from washing the vegetables, cooking the dal, making chappatis, serving the food or even washing used utensils or sweeping the hall.
“A lot of hostellers studying in nearby institutes tend to miss ghar ka khana and come here to have meals. On weekdays, we also serve full meals along with sweets like kheer. The idea is no one should leave here without a full stomach,” says Bhagender Singh. Caste, creed, financial status are done away with in a langar, where people from various communities or stratas of societies come and eat together. Devotees also sponsor the langar and have the option to decide what they want on the menu.
Kar sevaks serve food at the langar at Ameerpet gurudwara which sees close to 600 people eating the meals. — Photo: Hrudayanand
source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home / by Kota Soumya / April 01st, 2018
