Monthly Archives: April 2018

Telangana bird-loving duo bring out a field guide

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

Guruji Ravinder Sharma passes away

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

A riddle set in stone, waiting to be cracked

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

Telangana IRS officer is Civils topper

He is presently posted as Assistant Commissioner in city

Durishetty Anudeep, a native of Chittapur village near Metpally town in Jagtial district of Telangana, has emerged topper in the Civil Services examination this year. The results were declared on Friday.

Anudeep is presently in the Indian Revenue Services (IRS) and is posted as Assistant Commissioner, Central, GST, in Hyderabad. This is his fourth attempt at Civils. He worked with Google in Hyderabad before he got into IRS and he is still a bachelor.

An engineer from BITS Pilani in Rajashtan in 2011, he had his schooling from Suryodaya High School in Metpally. Anudeep’s father is an Assistant Engineer with the TS Transco, while his mother is a home-maker.

The topper’s optional subject was anthropology though he is an engineer. Speaking to The Hindu, Anudeep said he was not expecting the first rank. “It is a tough exam and so many deserving candidates with brilliant minds attempt. So you can never expect a top rank,” he said with all humility. Anudeep prepared without assistance of any coaching institution. Meanwhile, R.C. Reddy IAS Study Circle said that he appeared for mock interview at their centre.

A sports buff, Anudeep has obsession for Roger Federer and Lionel Messi. In one of his Facebook posts, he praised Messi, saying the game of football is not really beautiful, it’s brutal but Messi has an artistic, symphonic beauty to his play that makes the brutal look beautiful.

Expressing his love for sports, he posted, “So I asked myself what do I value more – sports, movies, books or music? Movies are good, books are great and music is soothing. But my life wouldn’t be half as joyful or interesting if it were not for the time I spend watching and playing sports.”

Several Telugu students bagged good ranks in the examination. Sai Praneeth, son of former Additional DG of Maharashtra, V. Lakshminarayana, bagged the 196th rank. Other successful Telugu candidates are Sheelam Sai (43), Narapureddy Maurya (100), G. Madhuri (144), Yedavalli Akshay Kumar (624), Vivek Jhonson (195) and Bhargav Shekar (816).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by R. Ravikanth Reddy / Hyderabad – April 27th, 2018

Former assembly speaker Patlola Ramachandra Reddy dies

Patlola Ramachandra Reddy.

Ramachandra Reddy was the Assembly Speaker of unified Andhra Pradesh between 1989 and 1993.

Patlola Ramachandra Reddy, former assembly speaker and industries minister from 1989 to 1993 in the unified Andhra Pradesh and five-time MLA from Sangareddy passed away on Saturday night. He was 89 years.

His mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar, Hyderabad for the people to pay respects. The last rites will be performed at Mahaprasthanam, Jubilee Hills, Wisper Valley, Hyderabad this evening.

Ramachandra Reddy was native of Marepally in Kondapur mandal.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has expressed his deep condolences over the demise of Ramachandra Reddy and recalled his long association with him. He said that Ramachandra Reddy was known all over the country as the first generation of political leaders who have worked for strengthening the Panchayat Raj institutions. He conveyed his condolences to the members of the bereaved family.

The Chief Minister has instructed Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi to organise the official funeral for Ramachandra Reddy’s mortal remains.

Ramachandra Reddy is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter.

Born on December 3, 1929, in a middle class agriculture family at Marepally village in Kondapur mandal of Sangareddy district, he had his primary education at Sangareddy and secondary education at Medak. He has completed his BA followed by LLB at Osmania University.

He started his practice at Hyderabad in 1956 and later shifted to Sangareddy. He carried on lucrative practice along with involvement in politics.

He was inspired by Swami Ramananda Tirtha and others of the Congress party in erstwhile Hyderabad State. He was student leader and participated in the struggle against the Nizam’s autocratic rule and was imprisoned. He was elected as the president of Patancheru Panchayat Samithi in 1957 which was selected on experimental basis for the introduction of panchayat raj system under Balawnat Rai Mehta report.

He was elected to Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 1962, 1971, 1983, 1985 and 1989. He was also chairman of Industrial Development Corporation. In 1989, he was elected as the Speaker when Dr Marri Channa Reddy was the Chief Minister. Later, he joined the cabinet of N. Janardhan Reddy as Industries Minister.

Since 1999 he has disassociated from the Congress party and unsuccessfully contested against Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) candidate A Narendra in 2004. From then on he has confined only to home due to old age.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Telangana / by R. Avadhani / Sangareddy – April 29th, 2018

HUDCO awards: two in Telangana’s kitty

Special Chief Secretary (Housing) Chitra Ramachandran receiving the HUDCO award from Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, on behalf of the Telangana State Housing Corporation Ltd.

2BHK scheme and use of GIS in land mapping clinched it

Telangana government’s innovative initiatives in the housing sector and the Municipal Administration wing has been recognised at the national level, with the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, giving away awards to the best performing departments on the occasion of HUDCO’s 48th foundation day celebrations in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The Housing Department has bagged two awards, one for its housing designs and layouts, – it had to compete with the private sector and was the only government wing across the country to have got the recognition – which comes with a cash award of ₹one lakh, and the second award for the novel steps taken to give a filip to the two-bedroom scheme.

Special Chief Secretary (Housing) Chitra Ramachandran along with Chief Engineer Satyamurthy and GHMC Additional Commissioner Bharati H took the HUDCO award on behalf of the Telangana State Housing Corporation Ltd. for its outstanding contribution to the 2-bedroom housing scheme.

Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration T.K. Sreedevi received the HUDCO Award for Best Practices for ‘Use of GIS technology and Land Property Mapping for Revenue Improvement’. Ms. Sreedevi received the award from the HUDCO chairman and managing director M. Ravi Kanth.

Both the awards come with a cash prize of IRs. 1 lakh each, along with the citation.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – April 26th, 2018

Indo-Pak war veteran Brig. Regis no more

Brigadier Francis Regis Campos

Indo-Pak 1971 war veteran Brigadier Francis Regis Campos, VSM, AVSM, passed away at Secunderabad on Monday afternoon after ailing for a few months.

During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, his meticulous planning and foresight as Adjutant Quarter Master General (AQMG) of 54 Infantry Division, led to effective logistic support during a critical phase of the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh Sector. For his distinguished service in an operational area, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

Reggie, as he was popularly known, first joined the Hyderabad Army in 1946.After the Police Action in 1948 when the Hyderabad Army was disbanded, in one of the rare circumstances, he was one of the few officers to have been absorbed into the Indian Army, which he had actually fought against. As an infantry officer, he then served in the 8th Gorkha and Madras regiments.

In 1976, as Commander, Allahabad Sub Area, he established a great rapport with the civil administration and helped them plan effective flood relief schemes. His untiring efforts and organisational skills during the floods, averted to a great extent large-scale loss of life and property. In 1977, during the Maha Kumbh Mela, he worked round the clock to complete, in record time, all tasks allotted to the Army.

In October 1977, consequent on a major rail accident near Allahabad, he once again displayed unusual initiative in rendering aid to civil authorities. He planned and executed quick medical aid and evacuation of casualties to various hospitals, which saved many lives. For this distinguished service of exceptional order, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).

Laid to rest at the Narayanguda cemetery in the grave of Marie, his wife of 66 years, he is survived by his daughter, two sons and two grandchildren.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Telangana / by A. Joseph Anthony / Hyderabad – April 25th, 2018

GI tag for Warangal dhurries brings hope to weavers

Signature style: Warangal dhurries are known for their geometrically repetitive patterns and zigzag motifs.

Marketing the carpets directly can lead to better profits for the struggling sector in Telangana.

There’s a ripple of excitement and sliver of hope in Warangal’s artisan community as word spreads on the Geographical Indication certificate given on March 28 by the Chennai-based GI Registry for Warangal dhurries.

“We had to do all our business through the handloom society. But now, with the GI tag, we will be able to market our products on our own, leading to better profits,” says Adepu Ramesh of Kothawada in Warangal, a crafts-centred location in the city. Only last year, some of the carpet sellers here began using online platforms to sell their products. The shatranji carpets and jainamaaz prayer mats made in Warangal range in size from the smallest 2 feet by 3 feet to a massive 60 feet by 90 feet, examples of which are seen in some museums.

Bright colours, geometrically repetitive patterns and interlocking zigzag motifs in cotton and jute are the signature styles of the carpets.

One of the newest innovations by the weavers here is an adaptation of tie-dyed ikat techniques and hand-painted or block-printed kalamkari designs for the dhurries to save time and energy.

“We weave a plain carpet and send it to Machilipatnam and Pedana [famous for the kalamkari style] for colouring based on the design given by us,” says Mr. Ramesh.

‘No’ for family trade’

It takes two days labour by two expert craftsmen to create a 6 feet by 9 feet carpet that sells for Rs. 2,000. “If the design is intricate or made-to-order then the cost goes up,” says Adepu Ravi, who uses pit looms to weave the carpets.

“I am expecting better business, especially if export orders pick up with the GI tag. Over the past 25 years, business has fallen drastically. I am doing 20% of the business that I was doing back then. I am insisting that my children focus on education rather than the family trade,” says Mr. Ravi.

Interestingly, for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, two carpets woven in silk were sent from Warangal. They held a place of pride among over one lakh exhibits, which included the fabled Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Today, the bright red and yellow carpets are housed in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Serish Nanisetti / Hyderabad – April 24th, 2018

KTR comes to ailing writer’s rescue

Chaitanya Prakash

Chaitanya Prakash was incapacitated after a paralytic stroke

Minister for Industries, IT and Urban Development K. Taraka Rama Rao came to the rescue of a progressive writer and poet from Mustabad mandal in Sircilla-Rajanna district, Chaitanya Prakash, who was incapacitated following a paralytic stroke suffered by him in February this year.

A masters degree holder in Telugu literature Mr. Prakash has been living in a tin shed along with his mother and sister. However, being active in the field of literature, he has been penning poems and short stories influenced by Left ideology for the last 25 years.

A book of about 6,000 proverbs in Telangana dialect compiled by Mr. Prakash was published during the World Telugu Conference conducted by the Telangana State government here in December last. Mr. Prakash has three books and a large number of poems published to his credit. Mr. Prakash suffered a paralytic stroke in February this year and was admitted to a private hospital at Karimnagar, where the doctors prescribed long-term treatment and medication. Unable to meet the expenses he returned home and is being looked after by his mother Yellamma and sister as he is not in a position even to attend to nature’s call on his own.

After learning about Mr. Prakash’s condition through media report, the Industries and IT Minister, who also represents Sircilla constituency in the Assembly, directed his office to contact Mr. Prakash and extend necessary help. After getting in touch with Mr. Prakash and his mother, the Minister’s office extended ₹3 lakh special assistance to meet his immediate needs apart from arranging treatment for his ailment. The cheque would be handed over to Mr. Prakash at Sircilla on Monday. Reacting to the Minister’s gesture, Mr. Prakash thanked Mr. Rama Rao and said he did not expect the assistance, particularly from the government, though he was in dire need of it. His mother Yellamma, also thanked the government for aiding her son.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – April 22nd, 2018

City firm rolls out tyres

A bootstrapped firm in the city has made a foray into the competitive tyre and tube market.

The launch by Neumex follows two years of research, said K. Ravi Shankar, one of its promoters. The company has partnered with a manufacturing facility in Hyderabad from which many automobile OEMs source tyres, he added.

Briefing the media here on Friday, he said Neumex has introduced a range of tyres and tubes for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, small commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles and farm equipment segment. On the marketing front, Neumex would sett up stores, starting with Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The company plans to have eight-nine outlets, a mix of own and franchisee-run, in the twin cities this year and expand to the rest of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and other south Indian States by 2019.

By 2021, it aims to become a pan-India player. The outlets, Mr. Ravi Shankar and management consultant Suprajj Reddy, said would redefine the buying experience of the customers. With regard to the sales targets, they said Neumex has chosen not be in the numbers game, but develop as a brand.

The company would operate through a flat distribution system and a profit sharing equation by partnering with dealers and distributors.

source:http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – April 21st, 2018