Monthly Archives: September 2014

Success from very first appearance

Mohammed Ahmed with his coach Ismail Baig. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Mohammed Ahmed with his coach Ismail Baig. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

The 20-year-old Mohammad Ahmed has every reason to look back with a sense of pride after winning the bronze medal being part of the Indian coxed eights team in the Asian Games in his very first appearance.

“It was an unforgettable experience for me. To win a medal in my first Asiad is something which I never dreamt off. I am grateful to Ismail Sir (pointing to coach),” exclaims the young CPRF constable.

“We all enjoyed every moment of the race. It could have been great if only we had won a gold for which we were all confident,” says Ahmed, who incidentally picked his third medal at the Asian level.

‘My dream’

“My dream is to be part of the Indian rowing team for the 2016 Olympics. I am confident I will realise that goal too,” says the smiling young rower, who loves watching soccer and also plays gully cricket whenever he finds time.

The youngest of all the Indian rowers in the Incheon Asian Games is born in a family which survives on his father Mohammad Ismail’s meat shop in the by-lanes of Kavadiguda.

This enterprising young rower took to the sport during one of the routine trips with his father who supplies meat to the rowing contingent as part of their daily diet.

India’s chief national coach and Dronacharya Ismail Baig was quick to spot the spark in the young boy and coaxed him to rowing.

The rest is history. Ahmed won gold in the Kolkata Senior Nationals in the coxed four event, bronze in the Hyderabad Nationals in the coxed eight team and later a silver in the Asian championship later on in Korea.

Later on, he has been groomed as the ‘cox’ in the Indian eights team which also has the 2010 Asiad gold medallist Bajrang Lal Thakkar. Technically, he is supposed to give direction to the team to be straight and keep track of the wind conditions and guide the rowers accordingly.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V.Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – September 29th, 2014

Asian Games: To win five medals is pretty good show, says Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza has lauded Indian tennis team's performance at the 17th Asian Games, given that the country did not come with the best unit possible for the event. Photo: PTI/ File
Sania Mirza has lauded Indian tennis team’s performance at the 17th Asian Games, given that the country did not come with the best unit possible for the event. Photo: PTI/ File

Incheon:

Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza feels the five medals that the team has managed to grab at the ongoing Asian Games is a pretty good performance given that the country did not come with the best unit possible for the event.

“It has been a pretty good week. We (she and Prarthana Thombare) got a medal (bronze) in women’s doubles which is huge because it’s something that we never did. I had to be the leader. It’s a young team we came here with, didn’t come with the best team possible, especially with the guys. Five medals (including today’s) is pretty good,” she said ahead of the mixed doubles semifinals with Saket Myneni at the Yeorumul Tennis Centre.

Hyderabad and Dubai-based Sania spoke to reporters as the matches for the day had been put off due to continuous rains at Incheon since Sunday night. The 27-year-old Indian tennis star, who was initially inclined towards skipping the Games to gain doubles points on the WTA tour before changing her mind, said the reason was to provide the country with its best shot at picking up more medals in these Games, her fourth on the trot.

“The minute I made the decision to come here, I knew it was the right decision. For me the most important thing was to give India the best chance of winning as many medals as possible. I did what I could and I got two in the two events I played (women’s doubles and mixed doubles where she and Myneni will fight for the gold). “I am happy that there was my contribution. Personally it’s my fourth Asian Games in a row and I have got medals in every single Asian Games I have been to. For me to get eight medals in the last four editions is pretty good,” she remarked.

Before the current Games she had won a gold (in mixed doubles in 2006 in Doha), three silver medals (women’s singles and team in 2006 and in mixed doubles in 2010 at Guangzhou) and two bronze medals (women’s singles and doubles in Guangzhou). Besides, she also won silver (singles) and bronze (doubles) in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Sania said she has played her part as a mentor to her women teammates here who are of the same age as her younger sister and is hoping they win medals on their own in the next Games which are scheduled at Jakarta in 2018.

“I have a good rapport with these girls and I am always there to help if they ask. They are all of my sister’s age, like babies for me. They are 7-8 years younger than me. I am sharing a room with one of them.”

“Most definitely these are the best youngsters we have had in a while. My doubles partner (Prarthana) has some potential and is still pretty young. We need to build on this. I hope this gives them a lot of confidence that they can achieve certain things,” Sania said.

“I have held this flag for a long time. It will be great to pass it on to someone else. Hopefully by the next Asian Games, they will be ready to win a medal by themselves,” she added.

Sania, who was the world no 23 at her peak in singles, pointed out quite a few factors like lack of guidance and proper coaching as reasons for the other Indian women being unable to break into even the top 200 In singles.

“There are a few reasons. I definitely think planning is one of them, lack of knowledge and lack of maybe even coaching abilities at certain levels. I think a lot of coaches in India haven’t seen what it takes to really make it because they have not produced anyone nor have they been at that level. “I am not saying you need to be a great tennis player to be a coach, but you need to have watched at the highest level to be a good coach. The best they might have watched is the WTA event a few years ago.”

She also said that most of the women players are content to play at the USD 25,000 level which was simply not enough to go places in the world. “Tennis is very competitive these days. Physically as well they struggle a bit, there are a bunch of reasons. I have been trying to help them with scheduling, trying to tell them which tournament to take part in.”

“First of all they need to come out of the USD 25000 tournaments try and believe they can do better at the bigger tournaments. That’s one of the main things. That’s where they have to perform,” Sania said.

“You are not going to play these for the rest of your life. If you do so you will remain in the 300 rankings for the rest of your career. That’s what they have been doing, go for the easier options. It’s not because they want to but because of lack of guidance at certain levels. About her own career and her immediate plans she said she was leaving Tuesday morning to play in the September 27-October 5 China Open with Cara Black, and would probably play Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s been rough last couple of weeks. Since the US open I have not had any time really. I came back after New York and had literally three days at home. I was not even over jetlag when I left for Tokyo and then came here. It’s a good problem to have, it has been busy. After that I go to Singapore (for the WTA season-ending finals),” she said.

Saina said her season so far, especially the second half, has been pretty good and she wanted to finish it on a high. “It’s been a great year and especially the second half of the season has been unbelievable. Hopefully we (she and Black) can finish on a high, can win here (with Thombare) and hopefully go to Singapore which has been the highlight of my career. I want to do well there,” she said.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports> Tennis / PTI / September 29th, 2014

Blazing a trail in MOM success

A little known company located on the city outskirts also played a significant role in the success of ‘Mangalyan’ (Mars Orbiter Mission or MOM) and earlier, the ‘Chandrayan’ – Mission to Moon. It had built crucial engines for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which puts satellites into their respective orbits.

“PSLV carrying MOM started and ended with our engines – two roll control ones in the first stage and both fourth stage engines. The control valve fabricated by us for the liquid apogee motor of the Orbiter was fired continuously for 520 seconds to put it into the Mars orbit,” explains Ajit Mohandas, Jt. MD, ASACO.

Founded by his father, K. Mohandas, in 1969 with just five employees to manufacture industrial machines in collaboration with European firms, it has 120 staff including engineers to make precision machine components, into material processing and likes applicable in aerospace and defence industry like fighter jets, naval ships besides launch vehicles and probes.

“My father has a fascination for technology and it’s his passion which has made us, the smallest firm among ISRO’s suppliers, to make complete engines. He put at stake everything to come this far,” avers the 42-year-old, happy over MOM’s success.

The senior Mohandas (77) had roped in ISRO’s legendary scientist K. Sivaramakrishnan Nair (led the design team for liquid propulsion engines), to help making of the crucial components. “It was a trial and error method to begin with but we managed to deliver qualitative goods on time and built trust over the decades,” he says.

ASACO located right across the upcoming IIT-Hyderabad campus in Kandi, Medak district, has supplied nearly 150 engines to ISRO for PSLV. “Our collaboration began in mid 80s with developing engine chambers. Our fabrications are based on ISRO designs and their team stationed here continuously monitors,” says the alumni of HPS-Begumpet & IIT (BHU).

Each year ASACO supplies about 25 engines and is now developing the semi-cryogenic engine for ISRO, according to vice-president S. Sreenivasan.

“We want to scale up to the level of making the entire fourth stage engine of PSLV if ISRO permits. We are also looking at strategic partnerships to grow into the international market,” says Mr. Mohandas. The world may have recognised India’s space prowess but he still struggles to get banking support!

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / V. Geetanath / Hyderabad – September 26th, 2014

Samsung Unveils Plan for Smart Hyderabad City

Hyderabad :

The representatives of Samsung Data Systems called on Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao here on Wednesday and explained him about the Central Clearing Housing Systems (CCHS).

A team of members led by Dongsun Choi, general manager and Young IL Kim, project director of Samsung Data Systems, India, called on the chief minister at the Secretariat. The team made a presentation to the chief minister on the Central Clearing Housing Systems (CCHS) with specific reference to Hyderabad.

The team members told Rao that in several cities of the world there is a provision for card-based CCHS system with payment method which helps their citizens to avail the best convenience in public transportation such as Oyster card in UK, Octopus card in Hong Kong, Suica card in Japan.

They said these cards can make payment to various authorities of metros, buses, taxis as well as in any retail shops. They also mentioned that CCHS is a gifted system for any metro city which would provide benefits to all.

Linking this, they said, smart cities could be better managed. The team further appraised about the intelligent manufacturing, intelligent logistics, intelligent office, intelligent home, intelligent surveillance and smart education as part of smart city system.

The chief minister told the Samsung team to come out with specific proposals for Hyderabad to make it a smart city and apply their experiences in a more meaningful way.

Rao also suggested to have a meeting with city police commissioner for further discussions. It was also agreed in principle to conduct a workshop shortly in this regard involving different stakeholders.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 25th, 2014

Anup on a roll, hits gold in China

Anup Kumar Yama of India who won two gold and three silver in the Asian roller-skating championship which concluded in China on Thursday. By Arrangement
Anup Kumar Yama of India who won two gold and three silver in the Asian roller-skating championship which concluded in China on Thursday. By Arrangement

Brushing aside the “huge disappointment” of roller-skating being excluded from the on-going Incheon Asian Games, Hyderabad’s Anup Kumar Yama has re-asserted his class in the Asian Championship in China on Thursday with two gold and three silver.

Anup won a gold each in figure skating, combines (figure and artistic), a silver each in inline free-style, artistic skating and pair dance (with Praneeta). He also won bronze medals in the men’s free-style and pair skating events in the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad.

The 28-year-old, a 2013 World Champion in the inline skating category, is widely perceived to be the face of Indian skating at the Asian and the World levels by the sheer weight of his performances – eight gold, five silver and nine bronze in the Asian level competitions besides a bronze in the 2012 World championship and the gold in the 2013 edition.

“Missing Incheon Asiad is a huge blow. So, the onus was on me to prove what I can achieve. Glad that I could prove it again,” says Anup. He has now set sight on the world championship in Spain where he will be defending his title.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – September 26th, 2014

The legend of braveheart Turehbaz Khan lives on

The great patriot, however, remained unsung on January 24, which marks his 153rd death anniversary

The name of Turehbaz Khan conjures up images of valour and sacrifice. The name also puts Hyderabad on the map of the country’s First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. But how many of us know that January 24 marked the 153{+r}{+d}death anniversary of Turehbaz Khan, who, along with several others, rebelled against the English Resident, Major Cuthbert Davidson. The day simply passed off without a whimper.

It was in January 24, 1859, that many believe that Turehbaz Khan was killed in the forests of Toopran by the Talukdar, Mirza Qurban Ali Baig.

His body was brought to Hyderabad and according to several historical accounts was hung near the Residency, what is now Koti Women’s College, for public display and to act as a deterrent against any future rebellion.

Many in Hyderabad also do not know that the road in front of Osmania Medical College is named after Turehbaz Khan.

To mark the revolt of 1857, a memorial with the words ‘Memorial to the martyrs of July 17, 1857′ was constructed near Koti bus stand.

Even today, the name Turehbaz Khan is etched on the plaque.

Stark reminder:The memorial for Turehbaz Khan and others at Koti.– Photos: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu
Stark reminder:The memorial for Turehbaz Khan and others at Koti.– Photos: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu

The uprising was led by Turehbaz Khan and a fiery preacher, Maulvi Allauddin, along with 500 Rohillas, who were of Pashtun (Pathan) stock.

Unequal fight

Essentially, the revolt was to free Jamedar Cheeda Khan, who was held in the prison inside the Residency. The 500 Rohillas tried to storm the Residency under the direction of Turehbaz Khan and Maulvi Allauddin, who controlled the revolt by occupying the houses of two local moneylenders, Abban Saheb and Jaigopal Das.

Historians point out that the fight between the Rohillas and British troops, who were led by Major S. C. Briggs, continued throughout the night. Apparently, Salar Jung alerted the British about the impending revolt. The British troops were prepared and waiting for Khan to attack.

Needless to say, the Rohillas, who wielded swords, were outclassed by trained British soldiers who opened fire on them. By morning the rebellion was crushed.

Shot dead

Many armed men who took part in the revolt were caught and sent to prison. Among them was Turehbaz Khan, who received a life sentence. However, the canny Turehbaz Khan managed to escape from prison on January 8, 1859.

Sentinel of history:The prison inside the Residency building, which is now the Koti Women's College, where it is believed that Jamedar Cheeda Khan was kept.
Sentinel of history:The prison inside the Residency building, which is now the Koti Women’s College, where it is believed that Jamedar Cheeda Khan was kept.

Immediately after the escape, the British authorities offered a reward of Rs. 5,000 to anyone who could apprehend Turehbaz Khan.

Within a few days, many believe that it was on January 24, 1859, when Turehbaz Khan was shot in the forest of Toopran by Talukdar Mirza Qurban Ali Baig. As a reward, the Talukdar received Rs. 5,000 and his salary was also raised by Rs. 200.

He was also promoted as Sadar Talukdar, say historical accounts.

_____________________________________________________________

Many believe it was on Jan. 24, 1859, that Khan was killed in Toopran forest by Qurban Ali Baig

Khan’s body was hung near the Residency to act as a deterrent against any future rebellion
_______________________________________________________________

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by M. Sai Gopal / Hyderabad – January 27th, 2012

Koti Residency to be restored

Osmania University College for Women (Koti) in Hyderabad, a recognised Heritage structure, is being protected after Rs.5 crores was sanctioned by the Government of India for this purpose. Photo: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu
Osmania University College for Women (Koti) in Hyderabad, a recognised Heritage structure, is being protected after Rs.5 crores was sanctioned by the Government of India for this purpose. Photo: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu

The Koti Women’s College administration is all set to begin restoration of the Residency building in the coming days. Initially, Rs.2 crore received from the World Monument Fund (WMF) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be used to begin the work.

Grand plans
“It will cost us Rs.17 crore in total to restore the entire place to what it was. We will start with the Residency building, and after that the special wells, arches and other buildings on the college premises will be restored,” said B. T. Seetha, principal, Koti Women’s College. She said that a Project Implementation Committee (PCI), comprising donors, engineers, and ASI officials will oversee the works.

Ms. Seetha also said that the National Culture Fund (NCF) had come forward to help them. “But as of now, it is lying low. The Rs.2 crore that we will spend will help us keep the structure in place, by taking care of the cracks and growing vegetation in the old buildings,” she explained, and further stated that a detailed study of the institution’s premises had been done between 2002-03.

 Photo: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu
Photo: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu

Film shooting
Recently, author William Dalrymple had hinted that the old construction could perhaps be a location for shooting a movie based on his book ‘The White Mughals’. When asked about giving permission for shooting of movies in the Residency building, Ms. Seetha said: “The place is in a dilapidated condition, and we can’t allow anything inside as of now.”

The principal also mentioned that the college administration was looking for corporate donors, to see that the structure is restored. “They will of course have to work under the broad guidelines stated by the ASI, and people who have studied the place,” said Ms. Seetha, and added that allowing the public once a week to visit the place is also on the anvil which can generate some income for maintenance.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Yunus Y. Lasania / Hyderabad – September 24th, 2014

Kalvakuntla Kavita, The journey of a woman MP

Kalvakuntla Kavita. (Photo: DC)
Kalvakuntla Kavita. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad:

A tough politician, a proud Telangana bidda, a caring daughter and a loving mother, TRS MP Ms Kalvakuntla Kavita has more to her than meets the eye. Calling herself a pampered “Papa ki Beti”, during a chat with the Deccan Chronicle, she reinstated that politics is not a part-time profession.


KCR the CM and KCR the dad

He is the most wonderful person on the face of the Earth. He is amazing and jovial unlike what is portrayed, and he is very easy going, calm and cool. He doesn’t directly praise like typical, orthodox fathers, but puts it in such a weird way that I don’t know if he is praising me or not. I get away with a lot of things and sometimes as a kid, I used to even cover up for my brother’s mischief. My dad is a very adamant person and he will do what he thinks is right. He has proved himself beyond a point and I am an ardent papa ki beti and will always argue with people on how he is right. I believe him and will stand by him. One should be a Hitler sometimes to get things done. I think the strict approach is required as the system is messed up.

Being a CM’s daughter

Being a chief minister’s daughter has more disadvantages than advantages. All this while, not many people knew me. And now suddenly, so many approach you and talk to you and I wonder where all these people were. The scariest part is that you don’t know if the person talking to you is serious. But I am strict and serious and will stick with people who were with me in my bad times. There are no advantages at all.

Juggling between politics and family

It’s my conscious decision today for being a part of such a busy life and I need to get things right instead of stressing out. Being a modern woman, I compartmentalise my life very well and I manage my time also very well. I discussed this with my husband and in-laws that they wouldn’t get any time. I prepared them and made them understand how life would be. They understand me, except for my sons as they are too young. I miss them and they miss me too. I try to make up as much as possible and sometimes I spoil them. I feel guilty when I am away, but I sit with them and make them understand about my work. When they understand and respect your work, life becomes easier. I am already dealing with three boys, including my husband. It is amazing as I go home and my younger son addresses me in the Telangana slang, and I forget all my tensions. It feels like heaven.

Politics, the family business

All of us breathe, eat and drink politics. We always disagree each other’s views. I am the one who is very vocal and we have arguments like every parent and kid. Sometimes, my dad tells me I don’t know stuff and I go like, “yeah, right.”

One day as the CM

If I was the chief minister for one day, I would appoint a woman inspector in every center and also appoint more women police overall. It is very sad that no matter what happens, nothing is done for women. Women politicians, after coming to power, don’t do anything for women and I have consciously refrained from making a few comments as well as I am seen as an overall leader and not just a woman leader.”


Advice to young girls in politics

Do your homework as whenever you get into a party, people will take you for a ride. When you know you have your stuff right and when you make sense when you speak, people will shut up. Many don’t do their homework and don’t speak sense and go back. They blame this on the politicians and say that we don’t give them a chance. We run a party and it is difficult to find hardworking people. Many are part time politicians with one leg in business and one leg in politics. I have seen my father who has been through good, bad and rough patches in life. But he never did any business except politics and only drew salary as an MLA. I quit business and came into politics. My dad’s experience definitely helps me, but if you don’t perform, people will vote you out.

Choosing Centre over the state

Centre is better in a way as you can give your inputs for policy making, whereas state is more of implementation. Parliament offers greater, wider spectrum of issues to work on and I don’t want to restrict myself only to Telangana. Though development of Telangana is my ultimate view, I want to work on other issues as well.

There are a lot of friends. Supriya Sule, Anupriya Patil and many senior BJP MPs come up to me and tell me that I am active and I speak up. My oratory skills are my hard work. After becoming an MP, I consciously rehearse and tweak my speech a lot. I am on record and I must be careful. I have always wanted
to be a Parliamentarian.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / September 24th, 2014

Awards Presented to Seedsmen

Hyderabad :

Seedsmen Association presented awards to personalities connected with the seed industry at its 19th general body meeting here on Thursday. Telangana agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy honoured them with the awards.

Following is the list of awards presented Life time achievement: K Ayyapu Reddy, founder, Nagarjuna Seeds For developing World Class infrastructure facilities for Indian seed industry: K Prasad, managing director, Prasad Seeds Pvt Ltd. Seed Entrepreneur: K Ramakoteswara Rao, managing director, Sri Sathya Agri Biotech Pvt Ltd Seed Scientist Category: Dr RS Mahala, research director, DuPont Pioneer. Late S Venkata Reddy Memorial Award for retired government officers: D Ashok Kumar, deputy director, agriculture Seed Grower: S Basawaraj Goud, cotton seed grower, Boothpur, Mahabubangar district.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 20th, 2014

Nine-day ‘Bangaru Bathukamma’ from Today

Hyderabad :

In an attempt to keep the age-old tradition and spirit of Telangana culture alive, Telangana Jagruthi, an NGO working for the protection and promotion of the history and culture of the region, is organising Bathukamma festival on a mammoth scale throughout the Telangana region.

The mega event, ‘Bangaru Bathukamma’, will be held across the state from Sept 24-Oct 2
KavithaTELANGANA24sept2014

“Telangana has a rich heritage of respecting human life as a unique principle and all the festivals of this region reflect the strong bond that lies between man and nature. These festivals, unfortunately, have not received the deserved attention in the past from the earlier governments,” said Kavitha Kalvakuntla, MP and founder- president of the organisation.

JagruthiTELANGANA24sept2014

The festivities will begin at 10 am on Wednesday at Bhongir in Nalgonda district. The celebrations will take place in a different district each day. “The festivities will begin at 10 am on Wednesday with the making of Bathukamma at different places, which will go on till 4 pm. At 5:30 pm a rally will be held and from 6:30 to 9:30 all the women will gather on a ground to celebrate the festival,” she said.

The concluding event will be held on the Tank Bund in Hyderabad on October 2, a ceremonial parade with thousands of women.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 24th, 2014