Monthly Archives: August 2014

SUCCESS STORY – A trip down memory lane

Capt. S.N. Reddy / The Hindu
Capt. S.N. Reddy / The Hindu

Capt. S.N. Reddy, former Director of Air India, was the first to operate an Avro flight to Vizag. Capt. Reddy took a trip down memory lane as he recalled his eventful career in Air India. “As Regional Director (Southern Region) of Air India I had introduced 14 international flights from various airports in south India like Chennai and Coimbatore to international destinations.

The Vizag Airport has come a long way since the introduction of Avros during the 1970s to expansion of the runway to 10,500 feet and introduction of Boeings and launching of international flights a couple of years ago.

“I was the first to operate an Avro flight to Vizag and the first to operate a Boeing during the early stages of expansion of the runway (from 6,500 feet to 7,500 feet in the mid-1980s),” recalled Capt S.N. Reddy, former Director of Air India, who is presently CEO Telangana Aviation Academy (formerly AP Aviation Academy) in Hyderabad. He was in the city to participate in a seminar on ‘Regional air connectivity and export of cargo by air’, organised by the Air Travellers’ Association (India), on Sunday.

Capt. Reddy took a trip down memory lane as he recalled his eventful career in Air India. “As Regional Director (Southern Region) of Air India I had introduced 14 international flights from various airports in south India like Chennai and Coimbatore to international destinations. I sought permission from our headquarters to make optimum use of the aircraft at our disposal to operate to international destinations.”

“It was a record in the history of Air India that so many international flights were introduced in a span of six months. Indian Airlines, which was incurring losses for seven years, achieved profits in the southern region due to these operations. I received a cash award for my contribution,” he recalled.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by B. Madhu Gopal / Visakhapatnam – August 24th, 2014

Pioneer of transportation engineering dead

RaghavachariTELANGANA24aug2014
Doyen of traffic & transportation engineering in the country and author of the pioneering ‘Hyderabad Area Transportation Study (HATS)’ in the 1980s S. Raghavachari died in Hyderabad on Tuesday. He was 76 and was suffering from cancer.

Born in 1939 in Chetla Mupparam village in Warangal district, he did his civil engineering from Osmania University. Prof. Raghavachari, also post-graduate from University of Roorkee, was also part of faculty of the Regional Engineering College of Warangal, now National Institute of Technology (NIT), training or guiding three generations of engineering students in highway engineering and urban transportation planning. His most notable contribution is the HATS study, conducted between 1983-88, which became a benchmark for urban transportation planning for Indian cities. His comprehensive integrated transportation planning for Mumbai Metropolitan Development Region (MMRDA), also known as Transform or Transportation Study for Mumbai covering more than four thousand square kilometres of area, is another landmark study leading to metro rail, mono-rail and bus rapid systems projects underway.

As an advisor to the Central and State Governments, he had chaired several expert committees and made path braking suggestions to improve urban and inter-city transportation in the country. Hyderabad Metro Rail MD N.V.S. Reddy points out that the light rail system plan for the city proposed by the professor has led to the current metro rail project. He advised GHMC in flyovers building and executing several other traffic & transportation works. Prof. Raghavachari is survived by a son and a daughter.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – August 21st, 2014

Now, ‘rice bucket challenge’ goes viral

Manju Latha handing over a bucket of rice to a beneficiary in Hyderabad. Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Manju Latha handing over a bucket of rice to a beneficiary in Hyderabad. Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Hyderabad-based Manju Latha Kalanidhi devises local version of ‘rice bucket challenge’ on Facebook to assist donors who want to help poor

Here is India’s answer to the ALS ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’.

An Indian woman has come up with the ‘rice bucket challenge’ on Facebook to show a way to potential donors who want to help the poor. The message has now gone viral on social media.

The ice-bucket challenge is designed to raise awareness about ALS, a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Facebook users can nominate friends to take up the challenge of pouring a bucketful of ice water on the head, film it, and upload the same on the web or donate money to the ALS Association within 24 hours.

How it started
The ‘rice bucket challenge’ was the innovative idea of Hyderabad-based Manju Latha Kalanidhi who posted the challenge, seeking friends to cook or buy one bucketful of rice and feed the poor in the locality. One can also donate medicines worth Rs. 100 to the nearest government hospital.

“It’s local, desi and a practical solution to issues in the vicinity. Instead of wasting water on ice bucket challenge, save water and feed the hungry,” Manju Latha wrote on her Facebook page.

Her post has got over 150 responses within 24 hours, and people have started making voluntary donations in their respective localities.

Facebook user Devunifrom Vijeye took the challenge and helped a poor daily labourer, Sathibabu, with a bucketful of rice. Sattibabu earns his livelihood by selling idli and dosa on a bicycle.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / by Appaji Reddem / Vijayawada – August 24th, 2014

Calligraphy fans come from Jaipur, Japan to hone skills

Allahabad :

In a bid to revive the glory of dying art of calligraphy, youngsters from Jaipur to Japan have assembled here to receive training of the art from Hyderabad-based artist Mohammad Nayeem Sabri. Majority of them do not are experts in Urdu, still they want to carry forward the legacy of this art.

On Friday, TOI spoke to trainees and trainer in the ongoing workshop at Allahabad Museum.

Harpeet Kaur Chabra, a Sanskrit calligrapher, came to know about the training workshop from social site, Facebook in Jaipur. She contacted Allahabad Museum and sought permission to attend the workshop.

“I am a professional dealing with Sanskrit manuscripts and not well acquainted with Urdu language so I decided to participate in the week-long training sessions,” Chabra said.

Asuka from Japan, who was researching on Urdu, joined the workshop to carry the dying art to her country.

“Calligraphy is a medium of expression practiced in English, Urdu and Arabic and others languages. Since I am researching on Urdu, I decided to join the workshop to hone my skills,” Asuka said. Hamidia Girl’s Degree College (HGDC) principal Rehana Tareeq invited her to join the diploma course in calligraphy in her college also.

HGDC student Farheen Kausar and 15 others have decided to join the workshop.

“We are from fine art background, so we decided to learn the difficult form of art. We have added innovations to it by using brush strokes in calligraphy,” Farheen added.

Calligraphist Mohammad Nayeem Sabri (86), who had dedicated his life to the art after getting relieved from 48 years of service as engineer in Hyderabad, said: “There are couple of girls who can make it big in the art of calligraphy if they practice under the guidance of experts.”

“The art is found on nearly every monument in India and even in English there is a immense scope. The calligraphy at Qutab Minar, Taj Mahal had attracted tourists worldwide. At present, this art is passing through a poor phase so I hope government will look into it.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / August 23rd, 2014

Telangana flavours add spice to Hyderabad dining scene

Clockwise from left: Keema biryani, natukodi pulusu, palamuru pottel kura, nawab marag soup, naali mamsam (Photo: DC/File)
Clockwise from left: Keema biryani, natukodi pulusu, palamuru pottel kura, nawab marag soup, naali mamsam (Photo: DC/File)

Hyderabad:

After bifurcation, Telangana cuisine is fast gaining prominence in the city. New food joints and restaurants specialising in Telangana dishes have come up in the twin cities of late. In certain restaurants, non-vegetarian Telangana dishes, kalchina kura (roast mutton), nalli mamsam vepudi (mutton bone marrow fry), natukodi (country chicken) and pulusu, have become popular, particularly among the techies.

“I like dishes like palamuru pottelu kura (a mutton dish from Mahbubnagar) and nalli mamsam. These dishes are quite different from the regular ones and are my favourites,” said G. Nandu, managing director of a software company at Hitec City, who is one of the customers at Palaramu Grills, Madhapur.

N. Parmesh, chief chef at Palamuru Grills said, “Palamuru kura is a mutton dish that is offered during the Kurumurthi Jatara (annual festival) of Mahbubnagar. We have included it in our special Telangana menu.”

Natukodi kura, a chicken dish, is also one of the favourites among customers. “Though spicy, it is good,” said Riya, an actress dining at the Telangana Food Joint in Hitec City.

A vegetarian dish that is gaining in prominence is ragi sangati combo comprising pulusu, pachadi etc.

Simon, general manager of Colour’s and Flavour Restaurant said, “Though there have been many Telangana dishes, they were confined to food festivals. The latest trend is going to give a boost to Telangana cuisine.”

Suraj Chowdary of Telangana Ruchulu at Secunderabad said, “The veinchina mamsam a mutton dish is a popular item. Meat of male goats is more popular in the region,” he added.

Telangana, an arid region, grows millets and seasonal greens. While the people of Andhra use more chilli in their food, those from Telangana region use chilli and masala in equal proportion.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / August 22nd, 2014

The tale of an unsung doctor

Ratnam Pillai
Ratnam Pillai

Ratnam Pillai, a Hyderabad-based doctor, worked as medical assistant to Sir Ronald Ross who linked mosquito bite to malaria in 1897. The proud possession for the four grandchildren of Dr. Pillai – Shela, Shirley, Franklin and Samuel – are the medals.

The whole world remembers the contribution of Sir Ronald Ross, the doctor who linked mosquito bite to malaria on August 20, 1897 and won a Nobel Prize for the discovery. A very few, however, know that there was a Hyderabad-based doctor, Ratnam Pillai, who was a medical assistant to Dr. Ross at the military hospital for Indian soldiers in Begumpet during the epochal discovery.

While the contribution of Dr. Pillai was largely left unsung, his grandchildren still cherish his priceless memorabilia, which they could salvage from getting lost in time. Staying in a modest house in West Marredpally, Secunderabad, Dr. Pillai’s grandchildren have been fighting for due recognition to their grandfather’s work for quite some time.

“He did his medicine from Royapuram Medical School in Madras and joined Indian Medical Service as hospital assistant at Military Hospital, Bolaram and later at Begumpet hospital with Dr. Ross. He has served Indian soldiers in the Burmese war and was promoted as Subedar Major,” says his granddaughter, Shela Paupens.

The proud possession for the four grandchildren of Dr. Pillai – Shela, Shirley, Franklin and Samuel – are the medals.

“My grandfather was awarded silver medals by the British Government for his meritorious service. In fact, he also has received an honorary sword for his work. You can clearly see his name written on the edges of these medals,” says a proud Samuel.

RatnamMedalsTELANGANA23aug2014

‘Contribution has gone unnoticed’
Historians point out that the contribution of Indian soldiers and the doctor in malaria research has largely gone unnoticed.

“The hospital was meant for Indian soldiers, who had malaria and the research was done on them. In fact, Dr. Pillai had played a vital role in malaria research, but his contribution was not acknowledged,” says historian Anuradha Reddy.

Interestingly, a large number of members from Tamil-speaking community had migrated to Secunderabad in the early 1800s after the signing of subsidiary alliance between Nizams and the British. “We believe that Dr. Pillai too migrated from Madras to Secunderabad during this period,” she says.

Family memebers of Rathna Pillai, who worked as a deputy under Ronald Ross, showing his medals and Sword of Honour in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Photo: D. Chakravarthy
Family memebers of Rathna Pillai, who worked as a deputy under Ronald Ross, showing his medals and Sword of Honour in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Photo: D. Chakravarthy

The family members too lament lack of recognition.

“When he died in 1943, we were told by our relatives that he was draped in the British flag and laid to rest in Bhoiguda cemetery. We have tried to find the grave, but unfortunately could not succeed. All we have are his medals and accounts of his work with Dr. Ross. The government should commemorate Dr. Pillai’s contribution too,” the grandchildren demand.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by M. Sai Gopal / Hyderabad – August 09th, 2014

100 MW Solar Power Plant Opened at KITS

Warangal :

Telangana Power Generation Corporation Limited (TPGENO) Chairman and Managing Director D Prabhakar Rao inaugurated the 100 MW capacity solar power generation plan at Kakatiya Institute of Technology & Sciences (KITS) here on Thursday.

Speaking to media persons, soon after inauguration he said, Telangana needs about 6000 MW power. To meet the present requirement an action plan to import 2000 MW power from neighbouring Chattisgarh state is being prepared, he said. In Bhupalpally, Warangal third phase power generation will soon begin, he further added.

On the occasion Prabhakar Rao appreciated KITS management and advised other engineering colleges in the state to establish solar power plants.

K Venkata Narayana, CMD of Telangana Northern power Distribution Company of Telangana (TSNPDCL) said the government is planning to ensure and continuous power to people.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / August 22nd, 2014

Hyderabad Metro rail alignment shift to protect monuments

Coaches of the Hyderabad Metro (Photo: PTI/File)
Coaches of the Hyderabad Metro (Photo: PTI/File)

Hyderabad:

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday said that the Hyderabad Metro Rail alignment was being changed to protect Sultan Bazaar, Moazzamjahi market and the Telangana martyrs’ memorial.

He said that the government had already conveyed its decision to L&T.

L&T has requested to alter the Metro Rail route by the Telangana government.

“We have suggested that the Metro route should be diverted towards Kacheguda at Narayanguda to avoid Sultan Bazaar. Besides, we are looking at diverting the Metro to behind the Assembly building to avoid the Telangana martyrs’ memorial. Also, realigning the Moazzamjahi market route is being worked out,” Chief Minister Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao said.

He added that he had had detailed discussions with HMR and L&T officials over realigning the route and they were convinced with the alternatives proposed by the government.

However, the government has softened it’s earlier stand on taking the Metro underground at these localities and has instead pitched for realignment after builder L&T cited huge financial repercussion that would make the project unviable.

Mr Rao blamed the previous government for entering into an agreement with L&T without addressing Sultan Bazaar and other contentious issues. “When I proposed the alternate routes they were convinced. They said that the then government had not brought these issues to their notice, else they would have planned accordingly,” Mr Rao said.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / August 18th, 2014

Kakatiya dynasty in the spotlight

Hyderabad :

The Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled from Warangal from AD 1083-1323, seems to be in the spotlight post bifurcation.

The Golconda fort, where chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will celebrate the Independence Day for the first time in Telangana state, was constructed by the Kakatiya rulers. Built between AD 945-970, the fort has carvings and relief work in stucco, consisting of lions, peacocks, griffins and lotus, at the entrance of Balahisar. This is often cited as evidence of the fort’s original ownership by the Archaelogical Survey of India.

Previously a mud fort, it was Prataparudra, the last Kakatiya king, who fortified it. It was during his tenure itself that the fort was ceded to the Bahmanis in AD 1363 following a defeat. Almost two centuries later, the Golconda fort became the capital of the Qutb Shahi kings, who ruled from AD 1518-1687.

Prataparudra’s grandmother Rani Rudramadevi too has emerged from history into prominence for the new state. The valour of the queen, who ruled from AD 1259-1289 has fascinated poets, writers and historians across generations. No wonder then that her name also figures in the proposed Telangana state song. Her statue is among the several that dot Tank Bund beside Hussainsagar.

Rani Rudramadevi was the daughter of King Ganapathideva, who, incidentally, strengthened the Warangal fort which features in the emblem of the new state. As the king did not have a son, he rechristened Rudramba as Rudradeva through a Putrika ceremony, thus designating her as a ?son’ so that she could be the heir.

The queen’s story is set to be re-told as a Rs 60 crore budget 3D stereoscopic film directed by filmmaker Gunasekhar. Titled ?Rudramadevi – the warrior queen’, the film is being made in Telugu and Tamil and is expected to be released in October. Its shooting began at the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal in February 2013.

“I have been working on the script for 10 years to show the glory of the Kakatiya kings. We also consulted historians,” Gunasekhar said, adding that actor Anushka Shetty, who plays the main protagonist, learnt horse-riding and sword-fighting to do justice to the role. “I never knew that Rani Rudramadevi was such a great queen until the story was narrated to me by the director. We are working to show the queen the way she was,” Anushka said.

Incidentally, during the shooting for the film at Rama Naidu Studios in June this year, 1.5 kg of gold ornaments meant for the main actor were reported stolen. However, the case was solved later and the ornaments recovered from an ‘insider’.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / August 14th, 2014

City boy wins silver in Youth Olympics

Ragala Venkata Rahul, who was adjudged ‘best lifter’in the recent Commonwealth Youth and Junior weightlifting championship in Penang (Malaysia). Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Ragala Venkata Rahul, who was adjudged ‘best lifter’in the recent Commonwealth Youth and Junior weightlifting championship in Penang (Malaysia). Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

Ragala Venkata Rahul of Telangana Sports School (Hakimpet) won India’s only medal in the ongoing Youth Olympics in Nanjing (China) when he clinched the silver in the 77 kg category with an effort of 316 kg (141+175), according to Badeti Venkatramaiah, secretary of AP Weightlifting Association, here on Thursday.

The 18-year-old Rahul, who is in the senior national camp as part of preparations for the next month’s Asian Games, also bagged gold medals in the Youth Asian, Junior Asian and Junior Commonwealth championships.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – August 22nd, 2014