Girls offer abhisekam with milk to Saibaba at Tapovanam temple on the occasion of Guru Purnima in Anantapur on Friday. (Photo: DC)
Karimnagar/Warangal:
Guru Purnima was celebrated with religious fervor across the district on Friday. People, in a large numbers, thronged temples of Sri Sai Baba to mark the occasion. Special prayers were held in the temples. Guru Purnima is a sacred day to commemorate ancient sages and spiritual teachers of Hindu religion such as Vyas who edited four scriptures and authored 18 epics, Maha Bharath and Srimadbhagavatham. Feeding poor programmes were also organised on this auspicious occasion.
People from all walks of life made beeline to nearby temples of Sri Sai Baba from early morning and performed prayers.Thousands of devotees visited Sai Baba temple in Sainagar of the city. Special programmes were held on the premises of government and private educational institutions as part of the celebrations. Students greeted their teachers and sought blessings.
Similar celebrations were conducted across the district. Devotees flocked the Sai Baba temple in Hanamkonda in large numbers. Temple authorities performed special prayers and conducted annadanam to over 5,000 people. Temple trusty Srinivas said the special prayers began with harathi early in the morning and then mangala snanam was conducted. Devotees formed beelines for darshan of Sai Baba.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Deccan Chronicle / August 01st, 2015
While other children at the age of 10 were busy brushing up their mathematical skills, Hyderabad’s child prodigy authored books on the subject and became the youngest income tax payer for the royalty he received from developing the math laboratory.
Meet Nischal Narayanam, 19, who last week became the country’s youngest chartered accountant, capping an already long list of achievements. Not only did he display his talent by completing five classes, class 8 to 12, in one academic year, securing the top rank in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education board in Cambridge University in 2010, he also is a double Guinness world record holder in the category of memory. He made the record first at the age of 11. He is also the recipient of the National Gold Medal for exceptional achievement in 2008, presented by the then central government.
A prodigy from the start, Nischal’s skills were honed by 40 tutors from across the world, who taught him almost all the Math methodologies. “I have been taught almost all Math methodologies such as Abacus (China), Trachtenberg system (Germany), Napier Bones (Scotland), Vedic Math (India), among many others. These mental methodologies are the foundation of my success,” said Nischal.
In fact, Nischal designed the Math laboratory at the age of 10. Manufactured by Nischal Learning Solutions Pvt Ltd., the Math lab includes various tools and equipment to explain various mathematical concepts. “The Math lab teaches basic concepts such as multiplication of six digit numbers, algorithms, structures etc. with a wide choice of problem solving skills. Through these portable labs, teachers can teach several concepts which cannot be taught only through textbooks,” said Nischal.
No wonder then that the Math lab is technically empanelled by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It is already being used in almost 2 lakh schools across the country and will be introduced in the schools run by the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments from this academic year.
In the meantime, Nischal, who plans to study further in the field of finance and statistics, is relaxing with movies and travelling. “I watch movies almost twice a week. I don’t isolate myself from social life and attend almost all family functions,” said Nischal, who had already been to 18 countries so far.
National Geographic Channel has recently named Nishal among “7 brilliant brains of the world”. Deloitte International audit firm, recognizing his amazing abilities, had invited him as a special invitee and speaker at their global conference in Shanghai. The conference was attended by delegates from 190 countries. At Deloitte, Nischal is the youngest amongst their two lakh members, globally. Nischal’s passion for mathematics was spotted by his parents at an early age of nine and since then they have encouraged him for all his achievements.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / July 24th, 2015
Nischal Narayanam (second from left) with his parents and brother at an event where he was felicitated on Wednesday.– Photo: Mohammed Yousuf
Nischal Narayanam, who is hailed as a mathematical genius, has cleared the CA exam recently and is said to be the youngest in the country to do so.
The kid who spotted the mistakes in a balance sheet of his dad’s company as a nine-year-old has become the youngest Chartered Account in the country at just 19.
Nischal Narayanam, who is hailed as a mathematical genius, has cleared the CA exam recently and is said to be the youngest in the country to have successfully cleared one of the toughest exams in the country. However, he will have to wait for two more years to sign on the balance sheets of the company as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) doesn’t enrol members less than 21 years.
“The journey wasn’t easy and a tough one. But I was determined to achieve it,” Nischal said. His mother, Padmavathy, who holds a Ph.D in Sanskrit from Osmania University, was the first to recognise his talent when he was just nine. “He was passionate about numbers and I was amazed at his skills.” The curious mother then checked the Internet to find mentors from across the world to guide his son on improving his mathematical skills.
“He has mentors from across the world and is trained in methodologies of several countries in Mathematics and Memory,” she said. Her son had exhibited enormous talent as a child and won several laurels from a very young age. His extraordinary memory and abilities enabled him to become the youngest ‘Double Guinness World Record holder’ in the category of memory, youngest World Memory Champion, one of the “7 brilliant brains of the world” as accredited by National Geographic Channel and youngest graduate in the history of Osmania University from where he completed his B.Com and M.Com.
Deloitte International audit firm, where Nischal did his articleship for CA, recognised his amazing abilities and invited him as a special invitee and speaker at their Global Conference in Shanghai, attended by delegates from 190 countries.
At Deloitte, Nischal is the youngest amongst their two lakh members, globally.
Nischal also found ‘Nischal’s Smart Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd’ through which he designed and developed a Mathematics Laboratory that is adopted by hundreds of schools in the State. He plans to assist poor but talented students through the royalty he gains from this company.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by R. Ravikanth Reddy / Hyderabad – July 23rd, 2015
Stack them, put them alongside or line them up in a row – Safeducate’s mobile school concept uses re-cycled freight containers to erect schools overnight in the rural belts of the country. Divya Jain, CEO of Safeducate (the education and learning arm of logistics firm Safexpress), says, “It’s like Lego blocks. You can add space or remove, depending on the need of the area.” Showing us pictures of the said containers, she tells us that a school could vary from a single classroom to six containers. To begin with, their first container school set up on their own piece of land, commissioned two weeks ago in Ambala, will have 189 logistics students, who are all over 18 years old.
In the box
“Learning logistics is difficult in a closed environment. But with these movable classrooms we can take the students as close to their working environment as possible,” says Jain, adding that this idea came to them two and a half years ago. “Since then, we’ve done extensive research on cooling methods, insulations and checked the containers for life, rusting, etc. They have been checked though seasons to see how they withstand the elements,” Jain adds about the background work that has gone into ensuring that these ISI certified containers are safe for their students. “This is just our first draft and we are looking at making them even more self-reliant with solar panels,” she says, pointing out that this will especially be handy when setting up in rural places that have minimal access to electricity. Other points that work in favour of these 40-foot containers is that they can be turned into classrooms, labs, libraries or even toilets or bedrooms and require an investment of as low as `8 lakhs.
While these container schools will initially be set up in around 20 places like Bihar, Agra, Hyderabad and Chennai (in two months, we’re told), Jain is confident that it is the answer to setting up schools in rural areas. Given that they are already converted into offices and hotels outside the country, it might not be long before we come up with many more uses for them. “We see these being used as schools for children and even as hospitals – especially on highways, where emergency services are poor,” Jain concludes.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express Features / July 09th, 2015
A view of JNAFAU cillege of fine arts at Masabtank which is celebrating 75 years . Photo: G. Ramakrishna
To mark the 75 years of JNAFAU, the department of painting is coming up with an all-women show of its former students titled ‘Viewpoint’
Hyderabad :
Come next week, the painting department of the Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) College of Fine Arts in Masab Tank will step into realms of history for celebrating womanhood with an art show by its former women students covering seven decades. The occasion is 75 years celebration of the college and the department headed by Priti Samyukta deemed to bring together all the works of women artists starting from 1942. The idea was conceived by Priti to let the young students understand and see the works of its alumni. But why only women artists? “This is a patriarchal society and women artists often go unnoticed. In fact, women artists have to put in extra effort to be noticed and recognised,” points out Priti and adds, “We are saluting all those women, those unsung heroes who strived hard to make a mark. And, the way the artists have evolved is tremendous with new mediums, thoughts and styles keeping up with the trends.”
Priti Samyukta, Head of the Department of painting at JNAFAU college of fine arts Photo: G. Ramakrishna
The show titled ‘Viewpoint’ and to be held at Nehru Art Gallery inside the college premises features artworks by women who are practising artists, women who shifted gears, students-turned-teachers, recent pass outs and artists, who killed their interest in art due to different reasons. Priti, a former student from the college says she hit upon the idea in January. “As an in-charge, I wanted to take the department to another level. This is an indirect way of teaching the students. We initially thought of holding the show in March to coincide with Women’s Day but the work was exhaustive and required more co-ordination. Since the College completed 75 years, the display found an ideal reason,” she smiles.
The work involved constant co-ordination with women artists spread out across the country and even abroad. While thanking artists who parted with their works, Priti mentions about all her colleagues in the department who played a major role. “I am excited as this is my baby but everyone is taking care of it,” laughs Priti.
The title was chosen to give a different perspective to the exhibition. “The title is secular and women’s views are not always heard or part of any conversation,” she says.
Overall, 43 artists are participating starting from Freny Behmanshaw from the ’42 batch. “Freny mam was also the first woman teacher of the college and is currently in Bengaluru.
A painting by artist Kavita Deuskar
Kavita Deuskar and Anjani Reddy are also student-turned-teachers and even headed the department, whose works will be showcased. Lydia Victor, who lives in the US sent her work through a print,” explains Priti.
A painting by Anjani Reddy of the 1971 branch
Pointing towards a canvas, Priti says, “This is Hoor Girglani, a ’75 batch student’s work done in egg tempera. Many artists do not work in this medium now.”
A painting by Hoor Girglani of the 1975 branch
The fascinating feature of the exhibition is that students featured are from every decade since ’42. Besides Priti’s work, the display includes works of old students like Kusum Viswanath, Laxmi Reddy and Padma Reddy and the young clan is represented by Priyanka Aeley, Afza Tamkanath, Vineela, and Annapurna. “We have tried to represent as many students as we can,” says Priti.
Kavita Deuskar, a former head of the department remembers her student days. “We were taught a lot of techniques by our teachers. Freni mam’s (Freny Behmanshaw) uniqueness was her beautiful drawings and she would work in water colours. The depth in leaves, petals and flowers had a different feel,” she states.
On a parting note, Priti, who is curating the show says, “I feel privileged and honoured to be able to bring across the works of such wonderful artists on a single platform. The show to begin by next week will continue at Nehru Art Gallery, JNAFU, for 20 days.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Society / by Neeraja Murthy / July 09th, 2015
A group of students showcased how the buzzwords ‘technology’ and ‘innovation’ can help provide effective and affordable healthcare in the country.
At the ‘ReDx: Engineering the Eye’ workshop, which was inaugurated on Sunday, engineering students collaborated with their mentors from the medical fraternity to exhibit unique alternatives as well as newer ideas in eye care. In the workshop organised by L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Camera Culture Group and MIT Media Lab, about five potential prototype models were on display.
One such model was JULIA (Just Use Logic in Imaging App), which was developed by a team of ten members selected from various institutes from across the country. “Autorefraction and Retinoscopy are the two methods used to detect refractive errors.
The equipment is expensive and the process is time consuming,” said Venu Madhav, IIIT student and member of the project.
“We have developed a device, which if manufactured on a large scale, costs only Rs.100 per piece. This can be operated even by an illiterate person and the test results can be known immediately. We tested this on 200 people and the difference of results of our device when compared with usual equipment was minor.”
Another tool called ‘visual field testing for babies’ is a first, according to those developing it. “Babies in the age group of three months to twelve months are checked for sight issues. There is no such testing for babies available now and this will help in early detection of Glaucoma and other eye ailments,” said Prem Nandini, mentor of the group.
Telangana IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao, who inaugurated the workshop, assured that the State government would provide favourable conditions for entrepreneurs and suggested that students ‘Indianise’ their products for the benefit of society.
Gullapalli N. Rao, Founder-Chair, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, said that they aim to reach the most neglected citizens with the efforts.
In its third year, the programme saw about 100 participants.
The exhibits will be showcased for the next one week in Engineering Staff College of India in Gachibowli.
L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Camera Culture Group and MIT Media Lab organise ‘ReDx: Engineering the Eye’ workshop
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – July 07th, 2015
Littérateur and member of text book review committee, Sunkireddy Narayana Reddy said that they gave greater importance to Telangana history, literature, prominent places and persons in the revised text books.
Addressing a discussion organised by Jayamitra Sahitya Samskrutika Vedika and Department of Education on the revised school text books here on Sunday, Mr. Narayana Reddy, said that they have discussed thoroughly on each and every lesson that were to be included in the curriculum. and quality of content was improved.
Noted poet, Venu Sankoju presided over the discussion. M.V. Gona Reddy, Belli Yadaiah, Achuyutha Ramaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Telangana / by Staff Reporter / Nalgonda – July 06th, 2015
Shop with fun: The Bethel Store. Photo: Special Arrangement
In a first of its kind in the country, St. Francis College sets up a retail store to be managed by students of Retail Management & IT course
For better learning experiences and prospects, students won’t settle for anything less than the best. The Department of B.Voc (Retail Management & IT) of St. Francis College for Women, Begumpet is attempting to provide just that, as it takes opportunity into a completely new, uncharted and exciting array.
Bethel Retail Store is a first of its kind in the country — a store for and by the students — aiming to to provide students with a hands-on experience of managing a retail store.
“The idea of the store stemmed from the need to provide students a way to implement classroom learning; industry assignments, projects, live research and internships are limited due to time and resource constraints. The course is a skill-based and focused on practical learning. So, it’s like a lab for the students to explore and be trained in,” shares Subi Verghese, Head of Department of B.Voc (RM & IT).
The store will showcase merchandise from various retailers for products ranging from textile, footwear, jewellery, books, cosmetics, handbags and designer wear. The present focus is on collaborating with small entrepreneurs, but could tie up with bigger brands in future. The format of the store will chang every month.
In running and managing the store, students will handle everything from promoting and marketing it to unpacking the products, setting up the display counters and shelves, selling to a customer, billing and handling cash operations of the store. Department faculty explains that they have set aside an hour in their timetable for skilling and students would handle the store in shifts.
“Industry retail experts will also train the students. The store isn’t expected to be a commercial establishment, but a platform to learn. A lot of initiative has been taken by the students themselves during the initial stages in terms of contacting people and implementing the idea. They’re thrilled about it,” adds Subi.
Mahati, a student shares her excitement: “At first we were sceptical of the idea and how we would go about it. But as it built up we realised it was an amazing opportunity. I’m expecting to learn more about aspects like how to visually market products.”
“This is something beyond what we’ve expected and we’re all eagerly waiting to start working at the store!” adds Usha, another student.
The store will be operational from mid-August, during the college hours. With the tagline “The Threshold of learning”, the store aspires to be that and more.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Sadiyah Y. Lasania / July 02nd, 2015
Inspired by the state government’s effort to revive lakes in the state under Mission Kakatiya, a group of NRI children donated Rs 30,000 to irrigation minister T Harish Rao on Wednesday.
The children said the amount was raised by working during weekends by cleaning up gardens and cars in their locality.
Born in US and studying in prestigious schools in the city like Oakridge, Chirec, Delhi Public schools, the students run a social service organisation called Hill County Interactive Club.
Harish Rao congratulated them for their gesture.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / June 25th, 2015
Stanford University students Aashna Shroff, Akhila Moturu and John Kamalu at the launch of Girl Code Camp at Chirec International School in Madhapur on Saturday | RVK Rao
Hyderabad :
An alumnus of city-based CHIREC International School, along with two of her undergraduate batch mates from Stanford University, has launched a concept named Girls Code Camp (GCC) which is aimed at creating a network of young women who are confident in their abilities to computer code and use technology to foster change. The Girls Code pilot boot camp at CHIREC is scheduled to be held from June 29 to July 4, 2015.
The trio – Aashna Shroff, Akhila Moturu and John Kamalu – is conducting GCC as a 6-day workshop in partnership with select schools in Hyderabad. Aashna Shroff is a sophomore at Stanford pursuing Computer Science and Economics; Akhila Moturu is a freshman majoring in Computer Science at Stanford University, seeking a minor in Education; and John Kamalu is a freshman interested in Computer Science and Linguistics at Stanford University.
Each workshop is being planned around an innovative theme that allows girls to align their interests with what they are learning. Workshops will be on Mobile App development, web development and hands-on tinkering for 8th to 10th grade girls.
Speaking at the launch of the pilot boot camp at CHIREC, on Saturday, BVR Mohan Reddy, founder and executive chairman, CYIENT and chairman, NASSCOM, told young girls to be fearless and compete with men in every field. He urged the students to make full use of technology around in creating social equity. “Technology today is all pervasive and accessible. It is constant though the velocity of change is increasing. Predictability of technology has come down and ICT is at the pinnacle of the change,” he said. Further, he opined that use of technology can bring about a social transformation in sectors like education, health, hygiene, and agriculture.
“The idea is to bridge the gender disparity in technological fields in India. With better exposure to computer science skills, girls can take charge of their lives and their communities,” said Aashna. According to her, there exists better awareness abroad for bridging gender disparity apart from combat mechanisms in the form of special scholarships for girls, and student groups.
Iffat Ibrahim, principal, explained about the efforts being taken by the school in empowering students. The GCC will be conducted at NASR girls school, Meridian International School, Sreenidhi International School, and Oakridge International School in the city.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / June 28th, 2015
