84-year-old Krishna Swami Secunderabadi did schooling from Mufeedul Anaam Urdu High School, a renowned school in old city. He obtained diploma in Civil Engineering from Osmania University. He has also done P.Arch, IIA and MCA. He developed pen friendship with American presidents, prime ministers and ambassadors. His father was revenue minister during the period of Huzoor Nizam. Krishna Swami has the honour of meeting and presenting poetic tributes to 2nd president Sarwepally Radha Krishna, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, Giani Zail Singh, Shankar Dayal Sharma, K R Narayanan, and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalaam.
Krishna Swami says ‘I am a Hyderabadi and Urdu dwells in my heart. Urdu is such a sweet language that everyone becomes its admirer.’ He had a chance to meet 6 American presidents. He has also named his sons and daughters after international leaders and famous personalities. He has been a regular reader of Siasat Daily for nearly 45 years. He also writes for English and Urdu newspapers including Siasat. He attends Mushairas. He has been felicitated in the parliament house of Pennsylvania.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Hyderabad / Siasat News / Sunday – August 24th,
Manju Latha handing over a bucket of rice to a beneficiary in Hyderabad. Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Hyderabad-based Manju Latha Kalanidhi devises local version of ‘rice bucket challenge’ on Facebook to assist donors who want to help poor
Here is India’s answer to the ALS ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’.
An Indian woman has come up with the ‘rice bucket challenge’ on Facebook to show a way to potential donors who want to help the poor. The message has now gone viral on social media.
The ice-bucket challenge is designed to raise awareness about ALS, a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Facebook users can nominate friends to take up the challenge of pouring a bucketful of ice water on the head, film it, and upload the same on the web or donate money to the ALS Association within 24 hours.
How it started
The ‘rice bucket challenge’ was the innovative idea of Hyderabad-based Manju Latha Kalanidhi who posted the challenge, seeking friends to cook or buy one bucketful of rice and feed the poor in the locality. One can also donate medicines worth Rs. 100 to the nearest government hospital.
“It’s local, desi and a practical solution to issues in the vicinity. Instead of wasting water on ice bucket challenge, save water and feed the hungry,” Manju Latha wrote on her Facebook page.
Her post has got over 150 responses within 24 hours, and people have started making voluntary donations in their respective localities.
Facebook user Devunifrom Vijeye took the challenge and helped a poor daily labourer, Sathibabu, with a bucketful of rice. Sattibabu earns his livelihood by selling idli and dosa on a bicycle.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / by Appaji Reddem / Vijayawada – August 24th, 2014
Golconda Fort was the highlight of Independence Day celebrations in Telangana as it was a departure from the tradition I-Day event at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad (Photo: AP)
Hyderabad:
Chief Minister of the newly formed state, K Chandrasekhar Rao, launched the distribution of three acres of land to Dalits after hoisting the National Flag at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad.
Under the ‘Dalitulaku Bhupampini’ (land distribution to Dalits) scheme, he gave away land titles to 48 women beneficiaries from all districts in Telangana.
The venue, the historic Golconda Fort, itself was the highlight of the Independence Day celebrations in Telangana as it was a departure from the tradition of organizing the I-Day event at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.
After paying tributes to martyrs at a memorial at Parade Grounds, the Chief Minister drove to the Golconda Fort on the outskirts of the city.
With the majestic fort forming the backdrop, he unfurled the National Flag on a pole, over 60 feet tall, from a makeshift platform as the national anthem was played.
Before unfurling the National flag, Rao received salute from the men in uniform.
Due to lack of adequate space, the traditional parade and display of tableaux of different government departments was done away with.
Rao recalled the historic significance and cultural heritage associated with the Golconda Fort, originally built by the Kakatiya kings during 10th century and the seat of power of the Qutub Shahi kingdom subsequently.
The cultural heritage of Telangana was showcased with traditional art forms and performance of Perini Sivatandavam, Gussadi, Manda Hechulu, Naubat, and Mujra dance.
Rao highlighted the number of welfare and development programmes of his government like land distribution for Dalits, farm loan waiver, provision of Rs 482 crores input subsidy to farmers, special Telangana increment for state government employees who played a key role in the separate statehood agitation, enhancing the brand image of Hyderabad by strengthening police, making the city a ‘wifi’ city among others.
The programme was inaugurated in the districts by the ministers.
Sportspersons including shuttlers Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu, P Kashyap, RMV Gurusaidutt, Jwala Gutta, chief national coach P Gopichand, shooter Gagan Narang, all Commonwealth Games medalists, were given away cash awards on the occasion.
As per a policy decision, he gave away Rs 50 lakh for gold medalists, Rs 25 lakh for silver medalists, Rs 15 lakh for bronze medalists and also badminton coaches Gopichand and SM Arif.
Telangana youth, M Purna and Anand Kumar, who created a record by climbing Mount Everest, were also given cash awards.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / PTI / August 15th, 2015
Volunteers collect old newspapers from an apartment in the city; (below) volunteers attend to a young orphan child
Hyderabad :
We don’t often pay attention to things we have already used. Take newspapers for instance, once we have read them, they bear no value to us any longer. As a result, newspapers are used for multifarious purposes – they are found in wardrobes, kitchen sinks, bathrooms, tea stalls and are used to clean up dirt or dropped food. However, Joy of Sharing Society, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the city has taken an initiative to collect old newspapers to raise funds for orphan children. “Instead of money, we have decided to take old newspapers from the people and use those funds to help children by buying them food, clothes, etc. Normally, most people just throw away newspapers or use them for various purposes. But by donating their old newspapers, they will be making a huge difference,” says Raghuvir Reddy, founder of the organisation.
Started in 2013, Joy of sharing society was founded by a group of individuals – Ramakrishna,Hariom Pandey, Roy Debashis, Pavan Yadav, Pramod and Praveen — who have the passion and determination to serve the society. Their active members include students, working professionals and senior citizens. Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Raghuvir says, “There are so many NGOs today that we dint want to be like just another organisation. We want to teach people compassion and would like to create a new generation, where people know the importance of sharing.”
Though they indulge in several charitable activities, their main focus is on helping orphan children. “90 per cent of our work revolves around helping orphan children. We work together with other NGOs to make sure the orphans feel loved and valued. It’s important for them to receive love and support, or they will rebel. Lack of love can make misdirect them,” he explains.
Joy of Sharing Society, which has over 60 volunteers from across the country conducts several events on a regular basis. “It was important for us to not be just another NGO so we decided to help out other existing NGOs and work towards a common cause. For instance, last year we decided to collect old clothes from people and then we gave those clothes to an NGO which specialises in recycling clothes. Later, we gave new clothes to the children,” Reddy informs.
In the past, they have conducted several initiative, including blanket donation to homeless people and blood donation camps for Thalassemia kids, apart from celebrating festivals with the children and taking them on tours. “Children suffering from Thalassemia require blood every three weeks. When we found out that there are several children who suffer from the disease, we conducted several blood donation camps to help them out. Apart from that, our intention is to make them feel special and loved so we share happy occasions with them like Diwali, etc,” explains Reddy.
Next on their agenda is to celebrate Independence day with the orphan kids for which they are organising scrap collection drive in order to raise funds. “We will sell all the old newspapers to raise funds to celebrate Independence Day and other events with the children. On August 15, we will be conducting a food donation camp for orphan kids. We have also planned to take them on an trip in September,” he informs.
Reddy, who has been involved in charity work for several years, feels youngsters must be encouraged to work towards the society. “Our commitment towards the children is permanent. Whenever we go to see them, their faces light up and they’re bursting with happiness. Nothing can replace that feeling – that motivates us to work harder for their cause,” shares Reddy. “We want to work with anyone possible and with other NGOs – together we can make a difference,” he adds on philosophical note.
If you want to participate in this donation drive and would like to donate old newspapers, you can send an email to joyofsharing.kids@gmail.com.
You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ JoyofSharing.Kids
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Suhas Yellapantula / August 12th, 2014
Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Telangana State president M Sarita Reddy (left) and other members at a press conference in Hyderabad on Saturday. | NEERAJ MURALI
Hyderabad :
It is only 67 days since the new state of Telangana has been formed. With every other field in the state rapidly working towards development, an all-women organisation called ‘Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Telangana State (ALETS)’, was launched on Saturday by a group of successful entrepreneurs in the state to empower women.
Some of the main objectives of the organisation are to educate women to come forward and become entrepreneurs in various fields, improve socio-economic aspects of women in urban and rural areas.
“Women, especially those in rural areas, are very industrious and have a lot of ideas. We will go and give them guidance in business planning, capacity building, marketing awareness through linkages,” said M Sarita Reddy, founder-president of ALETS.
“When we use the word start-up, the first thing that comes to mind is money. However, we feel counselling is more important,” she said. Apart from helping women establish their own start-ups, the association also assists them in conducting various exhibitions to showcase their talents.
Sarita remarked, “We will also establish different incubation centres for women entrepreneurs in the future. Formation of Telangana is a sixty year old dream. Women are the foundation of developing State. Hence, there is a need for a common platform to empower women in the state.”
“While many students are graduating from engineering and other degree colleges these days, it is impossible for all of them to get jobs. Therefore, entrepreneurship is one of the most affordable options for the pass-outs who have great ideas in mind,” she opined.
“It is indeed a matter of pride that Telangana women have taken the initiative in entrepreneurship,” said K Sudhir Reddy, president of Telangana Industrialists Welfare Association.
“There are hardly any women entrepreneurs in the state today. If one has to go with the numbers, the total percentage of women entrepreneurs in the state today is a mere three,” Sudhir Reddy said.
“For a country to develop, women are more important. I believe they have better understanding skills and work towards development of the state,” he added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / August 10th, 2014
When Elca met Anjali at a charity event in Hyderabad two years ago, both realised this was the start of something big. Today, the two women are heading an organised movement for gender equality, sexual liberty and against domestic violence in Andhra Pradesh.
“I was looking for opportunities to partner with someone to work in the areas of empowering women. I shared ideas about My Choices and my local know-how, and things started falling into place beautifully. Our goals were the same and we had a straightforward approach to work, which has brought us a long way,” says Anjali Rudraraju, who co-founded My Choices with Elca Groble.
My Choices is an NGO based out of Hyderabad and Warangal that seeks to end violence against women.
Anjali believes that “women can be catalysts and agents of social change.” My Choices aims to reduce domestic violence in India through thousands of recruits called PeaceMakers who are trained in family and marriage counselling and all aspects of the Domestic Violence Act.
“We train local women to support victims of abuse through counselling, rights education and legal aid. We currently have around 80 PeaceMakers working in their communities,” says Anjali, 33, a banker from the US who left her job to return to India to work in this field.
“Local women enroll in the PeaceMaker programme after undergoing an initial screening process. Our PeaceMakers go through a four-week basic training, followed by an eight-week internship where they actively work on domestic violence cases in their own communities,” she explains.
Elca, 44, moved to India from South Africa in 2011 with her husband, Roger, and three children— Gabrielle, Joshua, and Zoe.
“I have a CFA and MBA, and years of experience working in banking and microfinance. It was my initial plan to stay on this trajectory while I branched out towards women’s empowerment in India. I thought I would work in microfinance, but as I listened to women—friends, community leaders, NGO workers—I heard one pervasive and desperate request: Everyone wanted a solution to the violence happening inside homes,” she says.
“Every woman it seemed needed or knew someone who needed help dealing with domestic violence. Although I hadn’t planned on venturing to end domestic violence in India, it became my goal, and the reason for My Choices. The broader goals of impacting other violence against women and girls, child marriage, human trafficking etc. developed later,” says Elca.
In India, over 50 per cent of men and women agree that a man hitting his wife is a justifiable expression of masculinity, the two women point out.
“We believe that this must be addressed in a multifaceted way. The rule of law must be firmly behind the woman, and fortunately India has comparatively progressive laws for the protection of women, but change must start at a more grass-root level; in our homes and schools,” says Anjali.
And Anjali has some startling facts to share. “In Andhra Pradesh, domestic violence is increasing by about 10 per cent every year according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Most countries have gone through periods where violence rises dangerously before it falls, but India is showing a pace that is both terrifying and perplexing,” reveals Anjali, who also runs an organic farm in Hyderabad.
Talking about the biggest challenges that women face today, Anjali says, “It is official, you know, that India is the worst place in the world for a baby girl to be born.
There is a unique acceptance of the use of violence against women, she says. “This is cause for fear in women,” Anjali says. “Fear can hold us back from doing anything. If men on the streets don’t frighten you, Indian politicians and policemen making statements like ‘If you can’t prevent rape, enjoy it’ do,” she points out, referring to the controversial comment allegedly made by the Central Bureau of Investigation chief Ranjit Sinha last year.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Magazine / by Swathi Sharma / August 03rd, 2014
Simarpreet Singh and Tariq Ahmed from Hyderabad who have been selected to represent India in the World Cup football for Homeless to be played in Chile this October. PHOTO: V. V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Soccer fever is reaching a climax in Brazil. But for two young footballers, Tariq and Simarpreet Singh from the city, it might just be the beginning of a journey to recognition. The two boys have been selected to represent India in the Homeless World Cup (for those who come from slums) in Chile in October.
“A World Cup is a World Cup. We are on cloud nine,” the delighted duo exclaimed. They are products of ‘Sports Coaching Foundation’ football camp where Hyderabad Sporting Club chief coach Mohd Saleh trains.
“This is a dream come true and we will try our best to make an impact in this event,” say the soccer duo. Nineteen-year-old Tariq is an engineering graduate from Hussaini Alam and Simarpreet is a commerce graduate from Zaranagar locality of Mehdipatnam. “This is nowhere near the real World Cup soccer but this is a sport that is played with great passion,” the duo says.
“These boys would not have made it to Chile but for the initiative of Kaarmic Education Services’ Dantu Kartik and Adithya Sanjay of Awakening Foundation who spotted talent and started grooming them. I am glad that Tariq and Simarpreet are from the SCF where they have been training under lights,” says a proud K. Sai Baba, general secretary of SCF.
SCF felicitated the duo.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – July 12th, 2014
Anitha is the first Chenchu girl to clear Intermediate from her village now aims to become a teacher at Chench colony, Chandampet mandal in Nalgonda district. Photo: Singam Venkataramana / The Hindu
By clearing the Intermediate exam, Dasari Anitha has not only become the first girl from Chenchugudem to do so, but also an inspiration to other tribal girls
Dasari Anitha may be no Malala Yousufzai, but her achievement has left the whole Chenchu tribal habitation in Chenchugudem ecstatic. The 18-year-old has cleared her Intermediate examination, a feat no girl from the Chenchu tribal village has ever accomplished.
Anitha scored 671 marks out of a total of 1,000, something the villagers say would encourage girl education among Chenchu families.
Located in Timmapur Panchayat under the Chandampet mandal, the 42-house exclusive Chenchu habitation had never sent a girl to college until Anitha was admitted to the Tribal Welfare Residential Education Societies’ College in Damarcherla mandal two years ago (the Biology-Physics-Chemistry group).
The previous highest qualification was that of a girl who had studied up to the class 7, says Anjaiah, Anitha’s father. “But she was married off at a very tender age,” he said.
However, things have changed after Anitha went to college, he said. Twelve girls have since been admitted to the Mini Gurukulam in Chandampet to classes 5, 6 and 8.
Anitha told The Hindu that she aimed to become a teacher after completing her two-year Teacher Training Course (TTC).
Her mother Eedamma said the family was elated at her achievement and was looking forward to seeing Anitha become a teacher. She hoped Anitha’s achievement would inspire her three younger siblings.
The Chenchu couple cultivates various crops in their two-acre land, but that still leaves them little for two square meals a day for their six-member family.
The Chenchu habitation has appealed to the government to provide Anitha a TTC admission and guide her to become a teacher as her achievement could provide a boost to girl education not only in the nine tribal habitations of Chandampet mandal, but also in Chenchu families living in adjoining Nallamala forest.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by Staff Reporter / Chandampet (Nalgonda Dt.) – July 09th, 2014
Aakar Asha Centre for Enablement of Physically Disabled, Kukatpally, has launched a ‘One Rupee Reconstructive Surgery Campaign’ for differently-abled persons. The centre will hold camps at 12 locations in the city to identify persons who might benefit from reconstructive surgeries.
Such surgeries are usually beneficial to patients who have suffered burns, accidents where they have suffered disfigurement and those who are recovering after the removal of benign tumours. “The entire cost of consultation, blood tests and reconstructive surgery will be borne by us. I also request individuals and groups to support us in this noble cause by donating generously,” said director and managing trustee, ‘Aakar Asha’, Bharatendu Swain.
The campaign also aims at seeking partners to mobilise physically disabled persons to camps, reaching out to donors, matching donors and beneficiaries and follow-up care of beneficiaries. “We have noticed that with proper intervention, transformation happens in many cases. The campaign will reach out to credible groups to partner in this cause for raising donations,” he said. Interested donors can call: 23050960/8978468242.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – July 10th, 2014
Guess why people didn’t want Mirza to play tennis growing up? Ans: Tan
Sania Mirza. Photo: Chris Hyde/ Getty Images
Babyjaan’s dear friend got into the car and they began their typical chatter.
I’m wearing pink tights, even I’m wearing pink tights; my T-shirt is nice it has Dora. My T-shirt is also nice it has a picture of a rainbow. You like my shoes? Do you like my shoes? They’re shiny. You washed your shoes? Even I washed my shoes.
And then, bam, without warning, her beautiful friend, always a calming, extremely sensible influence on my rowdy livewire of a daughter, held up her arm to Babyjaan’s and said: My skin is lighter than yours.
I always knew I would have to give Babyjaan the Dark is Beautiful pep talk. Our obsession with skin colour is so pervasive and so predictable it almost makes me yawn. Babyjaan’s faced it on the playground forever, except she doesn’t know it yet. Example: Your daughter’s so pretty (compliment to fair girl). Your daughter has beautiful hair (compliment to Babyjaan).
I’m not worried. I’ll just add it to the list of monsters she needs to know she will encounter in The Indian Girl’s Battle to Grow Up Sane. Note to self: Figure out a way to link it to Maleficent, her current favourite bad girl.
Thankfully, Babyjaan gets comebacks. At 3 I had coached her to respond to idiotic children who say “Your mama’s got funny hair”, referring to my uncoloured, more salt less pepper, more frizz less curls, with traces of gold. My well-trained bot simply replies: “Her hair is interesting. It’s cool, not boring (like your mama’s).” Ok, strike the brackets.
In fact, I had already planned a couple of rejoinders for this dark skin thing. She could say: “That’s because I have more melanin than you, go look it up.” And “Colourism is racism, surely you know that? Or hasn’t your vocabulary gone past four-letter words like dark and fair?”
But I must confess that every Girl Boss who talks about this issue gives me some measure of relief, and revives the belief that we are all in this battle together and that we will eventually wrest back our Right to Colour from the uppity fair and lovelies.
This week’s hero was Sania Mirza for me and Babyjaan (though she doesn’t yet know it). Mirza told reporters that one of the earliest obstacles she faced on her journey to become an international tennis champ was colour prejudice. So many people advised Mirza’s parents not to enrol her in tennis classes because she would __ (that three-letter word most feared and dreaded among parents of girls in India. Ans: Tan). This in turn would affect Mirza’s marriage prospects, never mind that she was then only a couple of years older than Babyjaan.
The international media obliged by retelling stories about India’s disgusting skin colour hang-ups; the national media buried the news on the sports page (even sports fans don’t read the sports pages these days, they are too busy watching Wimbledon and the World Cup). A woman talking about prejudice is hardly newsworthy here, right?
But don’t mind that you didn’t make it to page 1 Sania Mirza. Keep sharing and thank you so much. I think it’s time to introduce Babyjaan and her friend to your growing-up battles.
source: http://www.livemint.com / Live Mint & The Wall Street Journal / Home> Leisure> First Cut / by Priya Ramani / Saturday – July 05th, 2014
