Monthly Archives: September 2014

UoH Assistant Professor Gets Harvard Fellowship

Education, World Opinion

Hyderabad :

Assistant professor at the University of Hyderabad Dr Amit Kumar was awarded a fellowship by the Weatherhead Initiative on Global History (WIGH), Harvard University.

The fellowship gives Kumar an opportunity to be a part of the curriculum towards teaching and research on global history. “I will contribute on the theme — Global Migration,” he said.

The assistant professor at the UGC Centre for Study of Indian Diaspora (CSID) at the UoH will spend the 2014-115 academic year at Harvard.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / August 28th, 2014

Event industry body formed in Telangana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

With the newly-formed Telangana state trying to give an impetus to the events industry, a new industry body Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI) has been floated today to tap the potential.

TCEI, a non-profit private body, comprises six industry sub-sectors, namely, events, sound, light and video, facilitators, event caterers, event venue and entertainers.

TCEI was formally launched by Telangana IT and Panchayat Minister K T Rama Rao, according to a release from the organisers.

The release quoted Rama Rao as having welcomed the formation of the new professional body.

“This makes easy for government to interact with the industry. For any industry to grow, you need an industrial body. I am happy TCEI is formed. It is the first of its kind of a body in India. It is a wonderful initiative,” he said.

The state government is keen to see many global events happening in Hyderabad, he added.

The events industry in Telangana is estimated to be around Rs 300 crore, the release said, adding that the industry’s request for a single-window clearance for their events is being accepted.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / Press Trust of India / Hyderabad – August 27th, 2014

Why should shopping online be solo? Hyderabad-based VioletStreet aids in matching your outfits

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

For many, shopping for clothes is an emotional experience. Usually people take someone along with them when they shop to solicit third party opinion because not everyone believes in what they see inside the trial room mirror. People want to look their best in front of other people. But it is quite a task to purchase the right outfits.

In the quest to become India’s fashion discovery platform, VioletStreet, based in Hyderabad, wants to aid shoppers with matching decisions.

VioletStreet-HyderabadTELANAGANA13sept2014

How VioletStreet works

The site saves you from going through thousands of products and inventory to find the right match.

VioletStreet aggregates fashion products from all the online stores in one place. The core offering is finding relevant matching products for every product viewed and real-time shopping with friends which no other player in this space offers.

VioletStreet’s algorithm is all about mixing and matching fashion products and enabling users to express their fashion ideas using simple drag and drop process. When a user views a particular product, VioletStreet recommends which other products would pair best with it, which no other platform provides. It is the first platform in India to launch real-time shopping with friends which reduces the pain of sharing products via links/mails.

The inspiration came, “while observing the behavior of shoppers at a shopping mall in Hyderabad. People generally came along with friends or family, tried products, showed it to their friends, picked matching products and made the purchase. Why is online shopping such a lonely process? How close can we bring it to offline shopping?” says Nayan Kumar, Co-founder of VioletStreet.

He adds, “Online fashion sales have crossed $559 million in India last year. There are too many fashion e-commerce sites, but none engage the user socially. There is a huge need for relevant data and a collaborative shopping experience, especially in fashion.”


The team behind VioletStreet.com

Ankur Gupta is the CEO of VioletStreet and he also heads its technology. He is a graduate in Computer Science Engineering from NIT, Allahabad. Ankur has worked in Microsoft R & D for three years until he quit his job in 2013 to start his own venture.

Nayan Kumar heads UI/UX, Sales, and Digital Marketing. He is a graduate of Chemical Engineering and Economics from BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad. Before co-founding VioletStreet, he worked in the service industry.

Divya Sisodia is the fashion expert in the team. Graduated in Textile Design from NIFT Hyderabad, Divya handles all aspects related to fashion and creative content for VioletStreet.

Ankur and Nayan are Startup Leadership Programme (SLP) fellows and that is where they met first.

Creating 100 looks every day

Users can follow each other to chat and share products instantaneously.

Users can also interact with their Facebook network – friends who have already signed up for VioletStreet will be automatically added to the user’s chat list.

The startup claims that about 100 looks are created every day which is increasing at 100% month-on-month and the site receives more than 20,000 unique visitors every month. On average, the user spends 04:31 minutes on the site, according to external sources.

Their current business model is generating revenue through affiliate sales and advertising. They make money from the traffic that they send to e-commerce sites (Jabong, Myntra, StalkBuyLove, Koov, Pretty Secrets and the likes). VioletStreet didn’t disclose the size of their revenue but they plan to break even in one-and-half years. So far they have raised Rs.10 lakhs investment at TiE Smashup TechStocks.

VioletStreet wants to include men’s fashion and lifestyle products, and establish a pan India presence in the first two years before going global.

Limeroad , Voonik, Roposo. and fashupp.com are some of the players in the space in the domestic market. In the global market, Polyvore, Wanelo, Fancy, Lyst operate in a similar model.

source: http://www.yourstory.com / YourStory.com / Home / by Emmanuel Amberber / September 13th, 2014

Sania’s gesture to young talent

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Sports

Former National tennis champion Shaikh Jafreen (in the hearing impaired category) was in for a pleasant surprise at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy in Hyderabad on Friday morning when the three-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza walked across to present a cheque of Rs. 5 lakhs to the former to help her prepare for the major events lined up over the next few months.

The 17-year-old Jafreen shifted her base to Hyderabad at the initiative of Sania Mirza and joined the SMTA last year. Ever since, she has been given free coaching and also being mentored personally by the star tennis player.

Only on Thursday, Telangana State Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao presented a cheque of Rs. 1 crore to Sania, who is brand ambassador of the State Government, as incentive for winning the US Open mixed doubles title.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Miscellaneous> Others / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – September 13th, 2014

Govt Plans Wall Around 1st Satavahana Capital

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel

Karimnagar :

A perimeter wall was proposed around Koti Lingala village, which was the first capital of Satavahana kingdom centuries ago, to protect it from submergence by the Sripada Yellampalli project backwaters.

A team consisting of officer on special duty (OSD) Sridhar Deshpande of the irrigation department, minister T Harish Rao, archeology department incharge director D Srinivas, archeology assistant director N Mallikarjun Rao, project CE Hariram and historians Jaishetti Kishan, Jitender Babu, Veda Kumar and S Nagender Sharma visited Koti Lingala village in Velgatoor mandal here on Thursday. Deshpande told the media that the government is planning to resume excavations at Koti Lingala site and there are also plans to build a world-class archeology museum with well-preserved historical data.

The historians present also opined that previous excavations were done using unscientific methods due to which damage was caused to inscriptions on the walls and monuments.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 12th, 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

Google Search Over, to Set Up Campus in Hyderabad

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

Hyderabad :

Internet search giant Google Inc has reaffirmed its commitment to set up its first campus outside the US in Telangana, while TCS, the country’s largest software services exporter, will set up a 25,000-seat facility at Adibatla, KT Rama Rao, Minister for IT & Communication, said.

IPR PolicyTELANGANA12sept2014

Google already employs 3,000 at its Hyderabad facility. Typically, a campus will be based on walk-to-work concept and will have several recreational facilities. Stating that California-based Google’s executives during their recent visit had reiterated interest in setting up a campus, Rao said, “There are some issues with the land allocation. We are sorting it out.” He added several other existing IT companies such as HSBC will expand their operations in the city.
The then State government in 2007 had allotted Google 20 acres at Kokapet but it ran into legal trouble. Similarly, online retail giant Amazon was given 10.57 acres at Nanakramguda in 2005 to build a 1.6 million square feet facility, touted as its biggest facility outside its headquarters in the US. The project is yet yo take off. Amazon currently employs 4,000 at its leased facility in Hyderabad. Interacting with media after signing pacts with three institutions to get his marquee initiative — Telangana Hub (T-Hub) — off the ground, Rao said the first phase will be ready in six months and house 700-800 start-ups and later 1,500 or more.

The three institutions namely IIIT-Hyderabad, Indian School of Business (ISB) and National Academy of Legal Studies and Research are jointly working with the government on the T-Hub, which promotes entrepreneurship and aims at building a startup ecosystem in the State. “The incubation centre will be a top class facility, not just for Telangana but also the world,” said Rao. The first phase will operate in six months from an 80,000 sft facility at IIIT-Hyderabad. Gradually, it will move into a standalone unit with 3 lakh sft in two years. “We have already started looking for a possible site,” he said

Rao will be meeting the Union IT Minister on September 15 to get a perspective on the Centre’s plans on ITIR. The IT department will soon issue a request for proposal from service providers for the proposed wi-fi connecitivty project. Meanwhile, two companies — one each from the UK and Japan — have shown interest in setting up units at the electronic manufacturing clusters.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by ENS Economic Bureau / September 10th, 2014

When Osman Ali Khan donated 5 tonnes of gold to Govt. of India

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Hyderabad :

After emerging victorious in the war against Pakistan in 1965, India faced threat from its other neighbour China. In that situation the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri started collecting funds to combat any potential threat. He set up National Defence Fund for the purpose. The government of India appealed to Rajas to help in the difficult situation but they didn’t come up to the expectations.

NizamMPOs11sept2014

Then Lal Bahadur Shastri headed for Hyderabad; he knew that Huzoor Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan would not disappoint Indian government. The PM visited Hyderabad and requested the Nizam to contribute generously to the National Defence Fund. Without a second thought, Mir Osman Ali announced that he would contribute five tonnes of gold for National Defence Fund. The announcement left the people present their flabbergasted. But Asif Jah VII created a record by making biggest ever contribution by any individual or organisation in India that remains unsurpassed till today. In terms of today’s gold price this donation translates to a whopping Rs 1,500 to 1600 crore.

Do the prejudiced and communal leaders who demand to celebrate liberation day on September 17 dare to break this record of generous donation for the country?

Muhammad Riyaz Ahmed

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Hyderabad / by Muhammad Riyaz Ahmed / Thursday – September 11th, 2014

Team Arshad rout ruling group

Sports
Newly-elected Hyderabad Cricket Association joint-secretary R. Vijayanand (left), president Arshad Ayub (centre) and secretary K. John Manoj flash the victory sign after sweeping the elections at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal on Sunday
Newly-elected Hyderabad Cricket Association joint-secretary R. Vijayanand (left), president Arshad Ayub (centre) and secretary K. John Manoj flash the victory sign after sweeping the elections at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal on Sunday

Hyderabad:

The Arshad Ayub-John Manoj panel swept the Hyderabad Cricket Association elections, winning all 10 office-bearers’ posts by handsome margins on Sunday. While each of the winners polled more than 100 votes, none from the ruling group could cross double digits. Counting of votes for the 12 Executive Committee member posts was still on at the time of this edition going to bed.

In a 208-ballot battle after nine votes were rendered invalid, Arshad defeated G. Vinod 133-75 for the presidential chair. John Manoj was elected secretary. He beat acting secretary S. Venkateshwaran 119-89.R. Devraj dislodged Naresh Sharma from the treasurer’s post with a 115-93 verdict while R. Vijayanand and sitting member Purushottam Agarwal were elected joint secretaries, having polled 144 and 135 votes respectively. The two were involved in a tie (106 votes each) which was broken by a draw of lots by outgoing president Arshad Ayub in the previous elections in 2012.

As many as eight sitting members lost their seats this time around. Among the prominent losers are president and former state minister G. Vinod, his brother and Member of Parliament G. Vivekanand and BCCI cricket operations manager and former secretary M. V. Sridhar. M. Narender Goud (148 votes), Surender Agarwal (142), Prakash Chand Jain (123), Syed Moizuddin (123) and P. Yadagiri (122) are the five vice presidents.

Selection panels to be revamped

Soaking in the heady win, Arshad reiterated his group’s pre-poll promise of cricket first. “Development of the game will be our main focus,” he said.Arshad also said the selection panels appointed by the previous committee much after their tenure in office was over, would be revamped. “We will change the committees and bring in fresh faces,” he said.

Asked about the unhealthy financial situation in the Association, Arshad said: “We will have to make do with it… will cut short on expenditure and try and invest more in infrastructure.”John Manoj vowed to do his best. “I will work to the best of my ability and will ensure all matters pertaining to cricket will be decided at EC meetings,” the newly-elected secretary said.

The office-bearers

President: Arshad Ayub
Vice-presidents: M. Narender Goud, Surender K. Agarwal, Prakash Chand Jain,Syed Moizuddin, P. Yadagiri
Secretary: K. John Manoj
Joint secretaries: R. Vijayanand, Purushottam Agarwal
Treasurer: R. Devraj

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports> Cricket / DC Correspondent / Septmeber 08th, 2014

Balapur laddu auctioned for Rs. 9.50 lakh

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
The Balapur laddu which was auctioned amidst religious fervour during the Ganesh Idols immersion at Balapur in Hyderabad being taken into the temple in a huge procession on Monday. Photo: Satyanarayana Gola ./ The Hindu
The Balapur laddu which was auctioned amidst religious fervour during the Ganesh Idols immersion at Balapur in Hyderabad being taken into the temple in a huge procession on Monday. Photo: Satyanarayana Gola ./ The Hindu

Local resident and agriculturist Singi Reddy Jaihind Reddy wins the bid. Speaking to press after offering prayers, Mr. Jaihind said that the family for long has been planning to bid the laddu and tasted success now.

Excitement and surprises marked the Balapur laddu auction. An agriculturist, Singireddy Jaihind Reddy, bought the laddu for Rs. 9.50 lakh on Monday. Last year, TDP leader Teegala Krishna Reddy bought it for Rs. 9.26 lakh.

A total of 24 people participated in the auction but the main competition was between Maheshwaram MLA Teegala Krishna Reddy, businessman K. Madan Mohan Reddy, and a local resident Singi Reddy Jaihind Reddy. The bidding started at around 10 a.m. with a minimum bid amount of Rs. 1,116.

After the auction, Mr. Jaihind Reddy along with his family members took the laddu to nearby temple and offered prayers. The laddu is later distributed amongst the villagers and also sprinkled in the fields for they believe it brings good luck.

Speaking to press after offering prayers, Mr. Jaihind said that the family for long has been planning to bid the laddu and tasted success now.

The tradition was started in the year 1994 – the first time the laddu was auctioned for Rs. 450 and was bought by one K Mohan Reddy, a local resident of the village.

Many dignitaries including Transport Minister P. Mahender Reddy, Achampet MLA P. Bala Raj, Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Committee president Bhagvanth Rao and other visited the Balapur Ganesh.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Asif Yar Khan / Hyderabad – September 08th, 2014