Govt Plans Wall Around 1st Satavahana Capital

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

Karimnagar :

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

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

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

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 12th, 2014

Best Indian teacher award for Jubail school principal

Education, Nri's / PIO's, Records, All, Uncategorized, World Opinion
TOP HONOR: A TV grab shows International Indian School-Jubail Principal Dr. Syed Hameed receiving the award from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.
TOP HONOR: A TV grab shows International Indian School-Jubail Principal Dr. Syed Hameed receiving the award from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.

The Indian government has conferred the National Award for Best Teacher on International Indian School-Jubail Principal Dr. Syed Hameed.

The award is given in recognition of Hameed’s valuable contributions to the field of education over the last 37 years. “He has been selected for the coveted award after rigorous scrutiny by the Government of India,” said an official statement from the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry.

Hameed received the award in New Delhi on Sept. 5 from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and in the presence of HRD Minister Smriti Irani. “I’m thankful and grateful to Almighty Allah, my students, colleagues and friends who have supported and guided me throughout my 37-year teaching career,” he told Arab News from the Indian capital.

Sixty-year-old Hameed, a native of Hyderabad, India, is a popular principal with a huge following. Ever since he took the reins at the Jubail school a couple of years ago, he has inculcated a spirit of seeking merit and excellence among both teachers and students. In addition, he is a motivational speaker and has delivered many talks at local and international events. It was he who introduced media studies for 10+2 students at the Jubail school.

The Indian community in Saudi Arabia, and especially in Jubail, is delighted at the national recognition of Hameed. “He richly deserves this award,” said John Thomas, member of the Higher Board of Indian Schools in the Kingdom. “He has rendered exemplary services and made significant contributions to the betterment of thousands of students and teachers across the Kingdom and India.”

Syed Waheed Lateef, a prominent community member and good friend of Hameed, was delighted.

“It is a matter of great pride for the Indian community,” he said. “He is the flag-bearer of the dreams and aspirations of the community in Jubail, and has played a key role in shaping the futures of our children.”

Lateef has, in cooperation with other members of the community, planned a grand celebration for Hameed on Saturday at the Intercontinental Hotel in Jubail. “We want to recognize him for his great achievements,” he said

source: http://www.arabnews.com / Arab News / Home / by Siraj Wahab, Jeddah / Monday – September 08th, 2014

Google Search Over, to Set Up Campus in Hyderabad

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

Hyderabad :

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

IPR PolicyTELANGANA12sept2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hyderabad :

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

NizamMPOs11sept2014

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

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

Muhammad Riyaz Ahmed

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

Team Arshad rout ruling group

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

Hyderabad:

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

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

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

Selection panels to be revamped

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

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

The office-bearers

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

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

Balapur laddu auctioned for Rs. 9.50 lakh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRSC honour for IICT scientist

Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Hyderabad :

Dr B Mahipal Reddy, chief scientist & head of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad has been honoured with the Fellowship of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), London in recognition of his outstanding research contributions to chemical sciences.

Dr Reddy has been selectedfor his more than two decades of research efforts in basic and applied science which resulted in the development of new catalysts for air pollution control, bio-mass conversion to value-added products, synthesis of fine chemicals, production of solar fuels, and conversion of greenhouse gases into useful chemicals.

Some of his contributions are already implemented in the chemical industry and some more are at different stages of exploitation. His outstanding research contributions in the areas of nanomaterials and green chemistry have already been well recognized worldwide and received several national and international awards.

He has published 230 research articles in high-impact international journals, wrote eight book chapters, completed 10 research projects, is the inventor of eight patents, and guided 30 Ph D degrees. He is the recipient of CSIR Young Scientist Award and CSI Young Scientist Award in addition to several other awards and honours. For his outstanding contributions to chemical sciences and technology, he has already been conferred with the fellowships of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (FNAE), the National Academy of Science (FNASc), and the Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences (FAPAS). Dr Reddy is also in the Editorial Boards of various International journals which include Journal of CO2 Utilization and Applied Petrochemicals Research published by Elsevier and Springer, respectively. Dr Reddy has visited and worked in several countries namely, USA, Russia, China, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Hungary, South Africa, and South Korea on various prestigious invitation fellowships.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / Ch. Sunil Rao, TNN / September 05th, 2014

Four city karatekas strike it rich in world championship

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Kartekas from Hyderabad-based Okinawa Martial Arts Academy Sharath Verma, Tatikonda Kinshuk, M. Mohit and V. Saketh who won medals in the recent World karate championship in London are seen with their coaches and officials in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Kartekas from Hyderabad-based Okinawa Martial Arts Academy Sharath Verma, Tatikonda Kinshuk, M. Mohit and V. Saketh who won medals in the recent World karate championship in London are seen with their coaches and officials in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

They left the shores almost unnoticed and came back with a highly creditable three silver and a bronze. From the indoor hall of YMCA Okinawa Martial Arts Academy in Secunderabad to the London World Championship and back home with medals, it has been a memorable journey for karatekas – Sharath Verma (silver in 75 kg category), Tatikonda Kinshuk (silver in below 50 kg), M. Mohit (silver in the 25 kg for under-10 age group) and V. Saketh (bronze in the below 55 kg for under-16 years).

By virtue of being national champions in their respective categories, the karatekas found their way into the Indian team. In fact, four of the five-member squad hail from the city with the fifth being Aashmi Ashishe of Odisha (a silver medalist) and training here for the last few weeks under the tutelage of Grand Master S. Srinivasan and C.S. Shihan Sai Kumar.

Though there were very few to acknowledge their feat in the corridors of AP Olympic Bhavan in the city when they came a few days ago, it did not seem to matter to them. “This performance comes as a huge morale-booster for all those passionate about martial arts. We have a membership of over two lakh across India and about 100 in and around the city,” says Mr. Srinivasan.

Mr. Sai Kumar is grateful to Mahesh Kumar Goud, chief of the newly-formed Telangana Karate Federation, for getting financial help to Kinshuk.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – September 06th, 2014

Sania Dedicates US Open Title to Telangana and India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

SaniaMPOs06sept2014

New Delhi :

Left teary-eyed after her Indianness was put into question just weeks back, tennis star Sania Mirza dedicated her US Open title to the country and the new state of Telangana, where her appointment as brand ambassador triggered a political furore.

Last night, the first-time combination of Sania and Brazil’s Bruno Soares clicked brilliantly as they secured a close win in the final to win the mixed doubles trophy.

“I am very happy, it’s great to win it with Bruno. For the first time we played together, it’s been great two weeks.

I dedicate this victory to everybody in India, my country, and to the state of Telangana and all people of Telangana,” Sania said from New York after winning the final.

“I am extremely ecstatic, it’s a dream come true, hopefully many more will come,” said the 27-year-old.

Sania’s third career Grand Slam came barely a month after she was branded ‘daughter-in-law’ of Pakistan by a BJP leader due to her marriage with cricketer Shoaib Malik. The comment was triggered by the Telangana government’s decision to appoint her brand ambassador of the newly-created state.

The Hyderabadi was forced to issue a statement to assert her roots and was seen breaking down on news channels while trying to do so.

Asked if the controversy played on her mind during the US Open campaign, Sania said she believes in moving forward and remains focussed on her game after stepping into the court.

“I don’t think we should focus on the negatives,” said Sania, who is first Indian female player and only the third from the country after Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes to have won Grand Slam titles.

Sania and Bruno were cruising in the Match Tie break and had five championship points after securing a comfortable 9-4 lead but a flurry of errors threatened to devastate their hopes.

Local hope Abigail Spears and Santiago Gonzalez made it 9-9 and looked like snatching it away from the Indo-Brazilian top seeds.

“We all had our hearts in our mouths at that point but we just tried to be positive and do whatever we could, help each other out and come out on top,” Sania said recalling the crunch moment.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport / by PTI / September 06th, 2014

Navy to Maintain 400-year-old Siva Temple in Rangareddy District

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

Hyderabad :

The Indian Navy is all set to maintain the 400-year-old Siva temple at Pudur village in Rangareddy district in Telangana as villagers opposed relocation of the historical temple.

It all began when Telangana government has decided to allot 2,730 acres in Damagundam Reserve Forest block near Pudur village to the Ministry of Defence for setting up a Very Low Frequency (VLF) station by the Navy. The land includes 32.19 acres belonging to Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple in the village.

Apart from this, the main temple is located in Survey No. 473 in an extent of 12 acres and 04 guntas in which the Gundlam and some small temples are located.

The officials conducted several meetings for allotment of the land and also shifting of the temple in view of the proposed acquisition of the entire Forest Block allocated to the Navy, by the Special Chief Secretary & Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA), Hyderabad.

The Endowments Department has said there is no objection for acquisition of land in respect of 39 acres and 23 guntas for which the Naval authorities have agreed to pay compensation as per new Land Acquisition of Revenue Recovery (LARR) Act 2013, amounting to approximately `5.14 crore.

With regard to 5 acres where the temple complex and also a tank are located, the Navy has sought acquisition of the land and transfer of title as the temple complex is located in the centre of the proposed project area (VLF station).

The Pudur Gram Panchayat has passed a resolution rejecting translocation of the temple complex as the temple is of about 400 years antiquity.

Later, the Naval Commandant concerned has said there are three approach roads from Pudur, Gudupally and Vikarabad to the temple. The Indian Navy is planning to construct 7 km road around the entire campus, which will lead to the main access point on the eastern side near Pudur. As it would take some time, the Navy has agreed to allow conditional access to devotees from all three access points till the road is laid. After the road is ready, there will be only one permanent access from the side of Pudur village.

Revenue Secretary B Venkateswara Rao issued orders on Wednesday stating that the TS government accorded permission to the district collector, Rangareddy for acquisition of the temple land to an extent of 44 acres and 23 guntas (39 acres and 23 guntas of temple land and 5 acres of temple complex), belonging to Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, situated in Survey Nos. 217, 218, 219 and 473 in Pudur village, in favour of the Ministry of Defence, for the establishment of VLF Station.

The condition put forth by the TS govt to the Navy is that “the Indian Navy shall maintain and upkeep the temple which will continue to be there, where it is now situated”. Navy should submit a letter of acceptance from the Naval authorities for providing conditional access to the people, the government said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 04th, 2014