Monthly Archives: December 2014

Venkatswamy’s was an illustrious career

Leaders

Mr. Venkatswamy was first elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 1952 from Chennur segment in Adilabad district. He was MLC from 1978 -1984 during which term he became Minister for Labour and Civil Supplies. He was thrice MP from Siddipet in 1967, 1971 and 1977.

In the Cabinet of Indira Gandhi, he was Union Deputy Minister for Labour and Rehabilitation in 1973, and Union Deputy Minister for Supply and Rehabilitation from November 1973 to March 1977. After his election to Lok Sabha in 1977, he resigned his membership of Parliament and returned to State politics to become Labour and Civil Supplies Minister in the Cabinet of Chenna Reddy and his successors.

He shifted his Lok Sabha constituency to Peddapalli in 1989 and wrested the seat in 1989, 1991, 1996 and 2004 general elections. He lost the election in 1998 and was denied ticket in 2009. After P.V. Narasimha Rao became Prime Minister in 1991, he was inducted in his Cabinet as Union Minister of State for Rural Development till 1993. He was Minister of State for Textiles in 1993-95 and promoted to Cabinet rank in the same portfolio in 1995.

He was president of APCC from 1982-84 when the Congress lost power. His son G. Vinod is a former Labour Minister and former president of Hyderabad Cricket Association. Another son Vivekanand was elected Peddapalli MP on Congress ticket in 2009.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – December 23rd, 2014

Getting the Royal Look

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

RoyalMPOs22dec2014

Hyderabad :

The bylanes of Charminar have series of shops offering Zardozi work. Most of them have been running the show for the past thirty to thirty-five years.

Stopping by Mohammed Haji at Laad Bazar, the artist, Mohammed Haji himself sits on the floor behind the wooden equipment working on a piece of cloth, held taut with two long pieces of wood and thread to enable him to work easily.

“Though in the beginning of my career, I used to do a lot of work on sarees, I mostly work on blouses now as people these days like heavy blouses,” says the 24-year-old, who started designing when he was in school.

Not being a family business, he got into the craft full-time after his class VII. “I started with helping my brother Mohammed Latif in my childhood as my mother would not like me wasting time. She asked me to pick up the skill as it would make a good source of income in future. I later dropped the idea of continuing schooling,” clarifies Haji.

He now has set up a separate workshop for himself in Laad Bazar and works along with one of his helper.

He says, “The way sarees are pre-designed these days has changed the fashion style.”

Today, we can witness a blend of the past with the present, the old with the modern. Zardozi has become a well-known and fashionable hand embroidery. “Earlier people would prefer heavy zardozi sarees. But now its limited to blouses only. Which in turn is affecting our income,” he rues.

The Zardozi work has not only kept up with modern embroidery but is also booming.

Ranging from gold to silver to the metal one, the craft though has changed with the passing time, Haji is more focussed on using the metal one, which he blends with zari, kundan, lace, chain, beads and resham threads. “But zardozi is what completes the design,” he informs.

Speaking about designs, he says, “Peacock and mango are the most popular designs which people prefer these days. They come up with their own designs. Sometimes if the customer has no idea about the design, I suggest them as per their material and the occasion. They add their own ideas to it and that’s how we brainstorm.”

Budget plays an important role while deciding design he says.

As his workshop is on first floor, there is not much footfall there so he generally picks orders from a nearby boutique.

The materials used to do the embroidery are bought from the city market.

The smallest work takes a day to be completed. “Gold, silver and antique Zardozi is in vogue now. Along with that, people also prefer using coloured ones,” explains Haji.

Each piece is charged as per the design and the materials used for embroidery. The quality check of the Zardosi, Haji says comes through years of experience.

The Zardosi works can specify patterns and motifs to suit their budget and choice. “Normally for a blouse we charge anywhere between `1,000 to `5,000. But for bigger works we charge more,” says Haji.

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

‘There is a need to rewrite history with a Dalit Bahujan perspective’

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

Canada-based Carleton University Assistant Professor Chinnaiah Jangam, on Saturday exhorted academics and history writers to include the stories of unsung heroes in their works.

Many Dalits and underprivileged persons like M.V. Bhagyareddy Varma did not find a place in history though they waged agitations against caste discrimination at least 30 years before the advent of the Ambedkar era, he explained.

Delivering the keynote address at the Lecture Series-2014, Dr. Chinnaiah spoke on ‘Role of Dalits in the Making of Modern India’ at Telangana University here. He stated that there was caste discrimination against Dalits in the writing of history too.

Stressing the need to rewrite history with a Dalit Bahujan perspective, he stated that it was time that the contributions of underprivileged sections get highlighted and are included in history books. There were numerous sacrifices and umpteen movements waged by Dalits in India and they remain unrecognised till date, he added.

You [students and youth] should not forget your roots and emulate the sacrifices made by your forefathers for the freedom that we are enjoying now, he said and emphasised the importance of achieving social freedom in the country where people belonging to underprivileged castes get equal respect and dignity.

Varsity registrar R. Limbadri said that Dr. Chinnaiah rose from a very humble background and went on to become a university professor in a foreign university through sheer hard work and passion for education.

Explaining the childhood plight of Dr. Chinnaiah, the registrar got emotional and broke down. Humanities Principal Prof. P. Kanakaiah presided over the meeting, while V. Triveni welcomed the guests and proposed the vote of thanks.

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

Adopt Lake and Name it after You: Government Tells NRIs

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

HarishRaoTELANGANA22dec2014

Hyderabad :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

162-year-old church in Secunderabad restored

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel
The CSI Garrison Wesley Church before the restoration. – PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT
The CSI Garrison Wesley Church before the restoration. – PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT

The foundation for the church, believed to be the oldest situated at Trimulgherry in the Cantonment area, was laid in 1853

The 162-year-old Church of South India Garrison Wesley Church, which was meant only for British Army officers before Independence, has been restored to its original shape nd is all set to regain its glory.

The cornerstone for the heritage church, believed to be the oldest situated at Trimulgherry next to the post office in the Cantonment area, was laid in 1853 and completed in 1881. During last monsoon, the rafters of the church gave way prompting repairs.

Painstaking effort
The church built with lime and mortar has a hoary past and its construction was taken up only after Rev. William Burgess came from Madras in 1878. A Kanyakumari-based firm that specialises in conservation architecture and worked on heritage sites was assigned the task of restoring the church to its original shape. According to Mr. Thomas, who represents the firm, a mixture of eggs, jaggery, herbs, aloe vera leaves, fine lime powder and lime mortar were ground with jute to prepare the concentrate that was used for the finishing job. An amount of Rs 1 crore was spent on restoration work.

D. Sudesh Kumar, secretary of Pastorate Committee, told The Hindu on Saturday that there is a tragic tale to its construction. Lillian Burgess and Arthur Burgess, wife and son of Rev William Burgess had set sail from London with the bell to be fixed in the newly constructed church. But the ship they were travelling sank in the sea and the bell was never installed. Even today, there is no bell in the Church, which now has over 250 families worshipping every Sunday.

Rev William Burgess was assisted by Rev Charless Walker Posnett, who later went on to oversee construction of the imposing Medak church, according to Rev Jyothy Sunder, Presbyter in charge of CSI Garrison Wesley Church. The renovated church is being re-dedicated at a ceremony on Sunday by the Moderator of Church of South India Rev Dyvaashirvadam.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by Ravi Reddy / Hyderabad – December 21st, 2014

SoI Plans Digi Maps Better than Google’s

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Hyderabad :

It will not be too long when using digital maps becomes part of daily life. Web-based maps will become an integral part while carrying out daily activities like buying a home, travelling and shopping.

Though maps have been in use for many years, with the advent of ‘Google maps’ people have got a taste of usage of maps in daily life. Already, many youngsters have got accustomed to using Google navigation app while driving.

“Though extremely useful Google map provides just a very minute part of the basic information needed for people. Even more complex and useful information can be presented in the form of maps,” SV Singh, director of Survey of India (SoI), Hyderabad, said on the sidelines of the 34th annual Congress of Indian National Cartographic Association (INCA) here on Tuesday.

More complex information like knowing about density of forest cover, availability of water bodies, population density, sex ratio, agriculture potential, literacy levels, among others can all be depicted through maps.

“Survey of India prepares maps in various categories. Sensing the curiosity among public, half of SoI maps were made available for public on www.surveykshan.gov.in,” Singh said. The fact that there are more than hundred thematic maps, tells how a vast range of information can be compiled and presented through maps.

“SoI has launched a virtual reference system (VRS) through which the whole of India will be mapped for serving as a reference and navigation tool. It will be more accurate than Google navigation as points on Google are away at a distance of 15 metres while points in VRS system will be away by just half metre,” explained Swarna Subba Rao, surveyor-general of India.

Virtual reference system is being taken up with an outlay of `12,000 crore and using GPS.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by J. Deepti Nandan Reddy / December 17th, 2014

Ghanta Chakrapani is first Chairman of TSPSC

Leaders
Ghanta Chakrapani / The Hindu
Ghanta Chakrapani / The Hindu

Academician, journalist and political commentator Ghanta Chakrapani has been appointed as the first Chairman of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC). Three other members were also appointed while the Governor is said to have rejected the names of few other members.

Prof. Chakrapani, who is presently the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) is a well-known intellectual face of the Telangana movement strongly arguing its case at the State and national level. Born in Yaswada village, which was submerged in the Lower Maneru Dam construction, he did his post-graduation in Sociology and Communication and Journalism from Osmania University. He started his journalism career after Intermediate and worked in all the popular Telugu newspapers before moving into academics. Recipient of national and international fellowships including the prestigious India China Institute fellowship, he worked on Globalisation and Inequalities in India and China. He published 12 books and 52 research articles. He also received the best teacher award in 2014.

Widely travelled around the world, Prof. Chakrapani made his mark in journalism reporting on inequalities in the society and later as a political commentator on television. He received wide appreciation for his unflinching support to the Telangana agitation and making a strong case for separate statehood. He will hold the TSPSC office for six years.

The constitution of the TSPSC was approved by the Governor with these members but he rejected recommendation of the government to nominate T. Srinivas, Dinesh Kumar (of Kakatiya University), Rajeshwar Reddy (OU) and advocates Sriranga Rao, Gopu Chandrashekhar Reddy.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – December 18th, 2014

Horse show organised

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

The Hyderabad Horse Show organised here saw the spirited participation of horses and jockeys, including children, across three equestrian events.

The event was organized by Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club with Telangana State Equestrian Association at Hyderabad Riding Club in Gandipet.

Participants from Hyderabad Race Club, National Police Academy, NCC, Michael’s Horse Riding Academy, Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club, Mounted Police and others participated.

Chevella MP K. Vishweshwar Reddy gave away the trophies to winners and runners up.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – December 15th, 2014

Telangana IT Minister Addresses Investors’ Meet in Dubai

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

Hyderabad :

Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao today explained new industrial policy and various “advantages” associated with investing in the state at the ‘investors meet’ held in Dubai.

Rama Rao, who is leading a state delegation, addressed over 100 investors at the event organised by FICCI in cooperation with the India Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai and Consulate of India in Dubai.

“At the meet, new industrial policy was explained. The special advantages like abundant land availability, fast track clearances, additional incentives that are offered in Telangana were discussed in detail,” a state government release said here.

Many of the investors showed “tremendous interest” in investing in Telangana, it said.

“Most of them have interest in sectors like textiles, food processing, mineral-based industries, biotechnology and other general engineering. A few investors have also shown interest in infrastructure development in industrial parks and industrial townships,” the release said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by PTI / December 15th, 2014

ICRISAT Director-General William D Dar to Retire on Dec 31

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Sangareddy :

Dr William D Dar, Director General, Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is relinquishing his post on 31 December 2014 after an unprecedented three, five-year terms. Dr Dar is leaving behind a legacy of benefiting millions of marginal farmers in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and other dryland regions of the world.

“After 15 years, we have completely transformed ICRISAT into one of the best international agricultural research for development (AR4D) centres in terms of innovative and inclusive research programmes, scientific excellence, impact on smallholder farmers, and financial health and stability,” said Dr Dar who assumed the institute’s top position in 2000.

Through his strong and transformative leadership and astute governance, Dr Dar has quadrupled the income and investments poured into ICRISAT by development partners, from US$ 22 million in 2000 to US$ 85 million as of 2014.

This financial stability has brought improved capacity and high morale among scientists and staff over the years, translated into unprecedented achievements in the institute’s AR4D programmes, and the corresponding impacts on food security and poverty reduction goals.

Over the decades, ICRISAT has grown into a pipeline of innovations and impacts that are changing the lives of the dryland poor on a large scale, showing high returns on social investment. In a 2014 ex-post impact assessment study of ICRISAT’s highly successful breakthrough innovations called ‘Jewels of ICRISAT’ – a return on investment of US$70 on average for each dollar invested in AR4D, and an internal rate of return of 35 per cent was generated. These outstanding economic rates of return to investment illustrate ICRISAT’s core science and impacts.

Restoring strong relations with countries that host ICRISAT in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, and forging strategic public-private-people partnerships worldwide, the institute was able to broaden its donor base and to mobilise new resources that are fully compatible with the public-goods orientation of ICRISAT and the CGIAR. ICRISAT is a member of the CGIAR Consortium.

Today, ICRISAT’s three top donors, outside the CGIAR system, are the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, India (the largest of any CGIAR host country), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Gates Foundation is funding three of the institute’s major AR4D initiatives: the HOPE project (Harnessing Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement of Sorghum and Millets); the Tropical Legumes II (TL-II) project; and the Village Dynamics in Southeast Asia (VDSA).

With the innovative AR4D programmes and the culture of scientific excellence that Dr Dar introduced, ICRISAT continues to attract much-needed investments into the development of climate-smart and sustainable crop cultivation and technologies of the institute’s mandate crops – chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum and pearl millet – crops that are farmed by millions of smallholder farm families in the drylands of the world.

ICRISAT-DirectorTELANGANA16dec2014

The ICRISAT Governing Board has appointed Dr David Bergvinson as the next Director General of ICRISAT for a five-year term, effective January 01, 2015 to move the institute further in generating and sharing cutting-edge global scientific innovations, and bring about genuine pro-poor growth and inclusive market-oriented development in the drylands.

A Philippine national, he is set to return to his country to share his management and technical experience and knowledge with Filipino farmers particularly in transforming rain-fed and unproductive farmlands into productive, sustainable and climate-smart farms through an agri-based social movement called Inang Lupa (Motherland).

Notable achievements of ICRISAT  1.The formulation of a new, more dynamic institutional strategy known as Inclusive Market-Oriented Development (IMOD) which shifted ICRISAT’s focus towards enabling poor farmers to harness markets for poverty escape

2.Establishment of Centres of Excellence for genomics, transgenic research, climate change research for plant protection, and information and communications technology (ICT) innovations for agriculture

3.An inclusive and technology-based entrepreneurship and agribusiness strategy – the Agribusiness and Innovation Platform – through public-private partnerships to bring science-based technologies and products to the market for the benefit of marginal farmers

4.Scaling out a sustainable natural resource management model called Bhoochetana (land rejuvenation), which uses soil analysis as an entry point, that has brought prosperity to resource-poor farmers in India

5.Establishment of the ICRISAT Development Centre (IDC) to undertake large-scale uptake of science-based technologies for the benefit of marginal farmers

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / December 15th, 2014