India’s Kashyap Parupalli holds the National Flag as he celebrates beating Singapore’s Derek Wong in the men’s singles badminton for gold medal in 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Parupalli Kashyap achieved what his coach and mentor Pullela Gopichand could not do – win the men’s singles badminton gold in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday. And, quite predictably, this fantastic achievement proved to be a “huge relief” for his parents, Parupalli Uday Shankar and Subadhra.
Immediately after this feat, Telangana State Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao sent him a congratulatory message. “We hope this Hyderabad-born player will win many more medals in future,” Mr. Rao said in the message.
Kashyap’s parents’ anxiety, especially in the decider of the men’s final when he warded off a spirited challenge from Derek Wong of Singapore, was understandable. “Yes, we were all waiting for this ‘golden’ moment. It is a huge relief that finally Kashyap is the gold medallist in a major event,” exclaimed a beaming Uday in a chat with The Hindu.
“We know how much pain and suffering he had to undergo because of the asthma problem. There was a phase when that threatened his career. But sheer grit, support from everyone and by God’s grace, Kashyap overcame all that and is now a champion player,” pointed out the proud father, who is scheduled to leave for Nigeria for a long assignment as the CEO of a company.
File photo of India’s best men’s singles badminton player Parupalli Kashyap sharing a few moments with his parents Uday Shankar and Subadhra after winning the Arjuna Award at his residence in Hyderabad. PHOTO: V. V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Interestingly, though the 27-year-old champion shuttler did try to speak to his mother after the marathon semi-final on Saturday evening, he could not because she was indisposed. “He was a bit disappointed but I just told him that you should win the gold,” reveals Uday Shankar. What has apparently delighted the proud parents is that now Kashyap is the proud owner of a gold in a major event of this magnitude beating his previous best performances of a bronze (men’s singles) and a silver (mixed team event)in the 2010 CWG and a quarter-final appearance in the 2012 London Olympics.
“Yes, we are all proud of his achievement,” his elated parents commented.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – August 04th, 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
The tiger was caught in one of the camera traps set up in Kagaznagar forest range recently. / Photo: By Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Sighting of three more tigers by villagers bears testimony to the efficacy of the slew of measures initiated by the Forest Department. Within days of receiving information from villagers, a round-the-clock protection plan to safeguard the majestic animals from poachers was initiated. This included establishment of four base camps and deployment of a unit of the strike force in the area.
Conservation in Adilabad can be credited with a rare success thanks to the presence of four tigers, where there was none, in the forests of Sirpur-Kagaznagar, apparently for its excellent prey base and density of trees for security cover. Given the scope, only some thrust is needed, to protect and revive the uniquely pristine forests and environment in Adilabad district which were once famous for supporting a great range of biodiversity.
Though presence of only two tigers in the Sirpur forest range of Kagaznagar Division, and the one in Vemanpalli range, has been confirmed through camera traps, villagers have sighted two more in the jungles of Sirpur-Kagaznagar and one in Mangi forests. If the sightings are found to be correct, it will also prove the efficacy of protection measures initiated by the Forest Department.
“The department is eagerly awaiting the green signal for its proposed plan on tiger protection, including in Kawal Tiger Reserve, from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Already, coordination between forest officials of Maharashtra and Telangana has begun to keep a close watch on the movement of the big cats in question,” revealed Adilabad Conservator of Forests, T.P. Thimma Reddy.
“The Sirpur tigers, both females, have come from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur of Maharashtra and have marked their territory in our forest which indicates they are here to stay. There is abundant prey in the form of wild boars and spotted deer for them to survive here comfortably,” observed Kagaznagar Divisional Forest Officer M. Siva Prasad as he confirms the presence of tigers.
Protection plan
Within days of receiving information from villagers, a round-the-clock protection plan to safeguard the majestic animals from poachers was initiated. This included establishment of four base camps and deployment of a unit of the strike force in the area.
“Visits of strangers to villages located in the forests are also being monitored closely with the help of police. We have informers reporting every movement of strangers wherever they go,” Mr. Reddy said.
“We will soon enforce speed restrictions on the 10 km Vempalli-Peddabanda stretch on the Kagaznagar-Sirpur road to prevent accidental deaths of wild animals,” Mr. Prasad said. “Sign boards and speedbreakers will be put in place in a week or two,” he added.
The department has lauded the efforts of Kagaznagar Forest Range Officer (FRO) Jagadish Chander Reddy and Sirur in charge FRO S. Venugopal in so far as maintaining vigil was concerned. “The efforts of Forest Beat Officer Banaiah and section officer Pratap Naik are no less,” the DFO said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by S Harpal Singh / Adilabad – July 28th, 2014
T. Naresh, Sara Ravinder Reddy, Kasi Viswanadha Raju and M. C. H. R. Krishnam Raju who will represent India in the Incheon Asian Games beach volleyball competitions, meet in Hyderabad on Friday. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Even the dearth of facilities for beach volleyball here could not deter these players from winning accolades. The ‘Fab Four’, also represent the way some die-hard athletes continue to struggle despite lack of a proper system.
Hyderabad doesn’t have a beach anywhere in the vicinity. But, the makeshift beach volleyball court at Musheerabad Playground continues to produce quality players good enough to represent India at the highest level.
Asian Games in Incheon from September 19 will witness a rare feature of four Hyderabadis – Sara Ravinder Reddy (Postal), Kasi Viswanadha Raju (Income Tax), Tumpera Naresh and M.C.H.R. Krishnam Raju (both from Customs & Central Excise) – representing India in the beach volleyball competitions. While Ravinder and Kasi earned the privilege by virtue of being the national champions, Naresh and Krishnam Raju were the runners-up in the Chennai edition.
The ‘Fab Four’, also represent the way some die-hard athletes continue to struggle despite lack of a proper system.
“It is very difficult to sustain your interest in the sport for you are not sure of what sort of encouragement you get,” says 34-year-old Ravinder, who along with Kasi will be featuring in his second Asian Games.
Significantly, these beach volley ball players have no coach and train on their own; thanks to the efforts of national volleyball referee M.B. Narsimloo, hailing from the locality.
“Our competitors have long-term training and facilities. You can imagine how difficult it will be for us to adjust to the playing conditions in Incheon where you play on the natural beach with strong winds. It demands high levels of endurance, skills and a different kind of preparation altogether,” the four say.
Ravinder and Kasi won the senior national title last week in Chennai as wild card entrants because the Telangana Volleyball Association is yet to get the affiliation from the Volleyball Federation of India.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – August 02nd, 2014
Confederation of Industries India organised the second green sugar summit in a attempt to make the production of sugar ecofriendly and economically viable.
Gaurav Goel, managing director, Dhampur Sugar Mills Limited, said: “We have cut the consumption of power and steam to almost by 20 times.” India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world after Brazil. “Also, it is the largest consumer of sugar, hence there is a bigger need to enhance the way in which it produced,” said G Venkateshwar Rao, chief operating officer, KCP Sugar and Industries Corporation.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / August 01st, 2014
Harish Reddy is a student of Vasundhara Degree College and he made a map which was displayed at the Secretariat. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad:
On Thursday, 19-year-old Harish Reddy, a student of Vasundhara Degree College, created a record by making a 20 feet x 20 feet Telangana map from coins. The map, comprising 21,031 coins, some of which are hundreds of years old, was on display at the Secretariat.
“I have been collecting these coins since 10-10-2010. It was after my grandmother told me fascinating stories about coins from her era that I got hooked on this hobby. It took me four to five hours to make this map,” says Harish, who had help from NGO Youth in Action, Vasundhara Group of Colleges and Vasavi Seva Telangana organisation.
“Andhra Pradesh was formed on 1-11-1956 and Telangana State on 2-6-2014. The difference between the two is of 21,031 days, which is also the number of coins I have used. For my contribution, I have been included in the India and Limca Book of Records,” he says.
“My family was a big support. Keeping in mind that I spent Rs 1 lakh to procure these coins for the map, they would give me a few thousand rupees every month and I would travel to different villages in and around Hyderabad to buy the required coins,” adds Harish.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC / Anisha Dhiman / July 31st, 2014
The Telangana government has renamed two universities after bifurcating them.
The Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University has been renamed Professor K. Jayashanker Telangana State Agricultural University while the Sri Venkateshwara Veterinary University has been renamed Sri P. V. Narsimha Rao Telangana State Veterinary University.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – August 01st, 2014
Littering on eight roads in the city will soon make a dent in your pocket with a hefty fine, and if caught doing so too often, it will lead to the jail.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation today said it was going to bring out a notification making littering punishable with a fine.
The notification declaring `litter-free’ areas will come into force from August 1 and cover eight roads in the city including one in Jubilee Hill, commissioner Somesh Kumar said.
“It shall be the responsibility of generator of waste to avoid littering and ensure delivery of waste in accordance with the system to be notified by the municipal authority,” he said.
The corporation will make arrangements for collection of garbage through garbage collectors on these eight roads. The owners and occupiers of all premises on these roads including the street vendors shall store their garbage in own premises.
If any garbage is found in front of a shop or a push-cart it will be presumed the culprit is the owner or the vendor.
“If any person is found dumping or throwing the garbage or litter on these eight stretch/ roads after the notification comes into force, he/she will be fined Rs 500 for first violation, Rs 1,000 for second violation, Rs 3,000 for third violation and Rs 5,000 for fourth violation. Fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed besides cancellation of trade license and criminal prosecution will be initiated against such violators (on the fifth occasion),” the GHMC commissioner said.
On conviction, he/she will be liable for imprisonment which may extend to three months or a fine which may extend to Rs 10,000, the release added.
Picture for representational purpose (Photo: DC archives)
Hyderabad:
Confederation of Women’s Entreprenuers (COWE), one of the leading women business associations, would organise a three-day international conference on women entreprenuership in Hyderabad from October 18 to 20.
“It would be an opportunity to promote Indian women entreprenuers globally and showcase our infrastructure facilities to the world. We are expecting atleast 1,500 women entreprenuers to particiapate in the upcoming conference,” said COWE president Soudhamini.
She said that COWE has started work on 30 acres of land alloted in Medak district some time back. Already four units have been constructed and 10 more firms showing interest in setting up their units.
Speaking on the sidelines of COWE India’s annual awards ceremony, Soudhamini said, “We have been alloted 30 acres in Medak district where engineering and auto units are running and apart from that, in Pocharam village, we have been alloted 12 acres where we are planning a food park.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Business> Latest / DC Correspondent / July 29th, 2014
The Hyderabad Metro Rail completed the construction of its 1,000th viaduct at the S.R Nagar bus stop on Sunday. A total of 2,665 viaducts are required for the 72 km Metro Rail.
The 1,000th via duct came up in just 20 months. Mumbai took seven years to complete the 11 km stretch for viaducts, Bengaluru and Chennai took five years to complete 25 km.
N. V. S. Reddy, managing director, HRM, said, “The biggest precast yards at Uppal and Qutubullahpur helped us to finish on time.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / July 28th, 2014
