Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Three-day Visakha Utsav gets off to a colourful start

December 30, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Festive fervour: Folk artists participating in a rally on the inaugural day of the Visakha Utsav, on Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Friday. (Right) Thaikkudam Bridge troupe performs on Beach Road. | Photo Credit: K_R_DEEPAK

Students and NCC cadets steal the show in the inaugural programme at RK Beach; entertainment zone with giant wheel, play activities for kids also organised

The three-day annual festival, Visakha Utsav-2018m got to a colourful start here on Friday, with a carnival. It was the students of various colleges and schools and NCC cadets, who stole the show in the carnival, which was the main event in the inaugural programme, at RK Beach.

The carnival began with the performance of girls from Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), followed by the Naval Band. A large number of students from around 30 schools, entertained the crowd with their myriad performances. The carnival, marched from Andhra University Convention Centre to the main venue at RK Beach. Students from DAV School, Visakha Valley school, Sri Chaitanya Techno, Sri Krishna Grammar School and many others took part, carrying placards ‘We love Vizag’.

A number of students donning, traditional attire came up with folk dances such as ‘Puli Veshalu’. Many spectators were seen clicking selfies with the performers, as they marched down the road. The NCC students who marched down the road humming ‘Left-Right-Left, Ek-Do-Ek’ along with the ENC band, caught the imagination of the spectators.

Athletes from the District Sports Authority, representing various teams such as hockey, football, basketball, archery, cycling and boxing were also part of the contingent.

ENC pepped up the show with an air operational display by its Chetak Helicopter near the shores. The marching contingent was followed by tableau representing various government departments.

Food stalls

“The carnival was amazing. The best thing in it was that the local students were given the opportunity to perform. We really liked the way schoolchildren performed various folk dances with flair,” said M. Manasi, an employee in a private firm, who came to see the carnival with her children.

A number of lip-smacking food stalls serving fast foods like chat, pani poori, samosas, rolls, ice creams, biryanis, special delicacies of the State like Athreyapuram Pootharekulu, Madugula Halwa, and many others were arranged on the shore. Entertainment zone with giant wheel, play activities for kids were also organised .

Despite the carnival was liked by many, the fun of it was dampened when many had to face the traffic snarl that began around 4 p.m. A number of areas such as Siripuram Junction, AIR Junction, Jagannadha swamy temple area, witnessed traffic jams. Vehicles were restricted from Park Hotel Junction to Naval Coastal Battery.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – December 29th, 2018

Collector dons the role of a quizmaster

December 27, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

East Godavari district Collector Kartikeya Misra conducting quiz for students in Kakinada on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIALARRANGEMENT

Conducts grand finale of contest in run-up to ‘Jnana Bheri’

East Godavari district Collector Kartikeya Misra donned the role of a quizmaster to make youngsters aware of the importance of getting enrolled as voters. He conducted the grand finale of the quiz competition conducted in the jam-packed Ambedkar Auditorium on Friday in run-up to the ‘Jnana Bheri’ programme scheduled for December 22 here in which Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is to interact with the students of different educational institutions.

Seven teams, each consisting of two members of representing one revenue division each, took part in the grand finale that lasted for about a couple of hours. Along with students, parents and teachers, officials of all the government departments and elite from the city formed part of the audience. The quiz is all about the Indian Constitution with special reference to the right to vote. Questions on history and cultural heritage were also asked.

The first round consisting of general knowledge while the second one was about elections and the third round was on Indian heritage. The participating teams were given a chance of choosing a particular topic from the given list for the fourth round and the audio, visual questions find place in the penultimate round. It was the rapid fire round that selected the winners for the first and the second places.

Selection of winning team for the third place became another challenge with three teams vying with one another by scoring equally. The quizmaster opted for the tie-break and announced the winning team for the third position. Mr. Misra handled the quiz in a professional way and tried not to imitate the professional quizmasters. Besides highlighting the importance of casting the vote in between the rounds, he also elaborated a few points related to the quiz questions.

Winners

Team consisting of Prasanth Patel and P. Sameesh from Bhashyam English Medium High School, Ramachandrapuram won the first place, while G. Sai Abhinay of Suryadeep English Medium High School and Yamini of Government Junior College, Gokavaram, representing Rajamahendravaram team stood in the second place. O. Bhavani and P. Nagachandra Poorna from Chebrolu Zilla Parishad High School representing the Peddapuram team won the third place.

Trophies and prizes were presented to the winners.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Kakinada – December 15th, 2018

Citizens gear up for two-day Kondaveedu fete

December 12, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Sportsadmin

Plans for trekking and boating facilities, a walking track, zoological park and colourful lightings have also been proposed in an attempt to attract more tourists to the Kondaveedu fort.

Guntur :

The State government has decided to hold the two-day Kondaveedu festival from February 2. Plans for trekking and boating facilities, a walking track, zoological park and colourful lightings have also been proposed in an attempt to attract more tourists to the Kondaveedu fort.

Keeping this in view, the government has spent Rs 60 crore on the development of the fort and Rs 35 crore for construction of the ghat road leading to it. Collector K Sasidhar said the administration would begin preservation works at the fort which was in good condition despite being centuries old.

“Temples, mosque, military camps and three tanks on the hilltop will also be renovated,” he said. Phase three works of a 670-metre road connecting historical sites in the area has also begun.

Civil Supplies Minister P Pulla Rao, who visited the fort on Tuesday, said, “Plantation of one lakh medicinal and other plants at Kondaveedu will be done on December 30,” and directed forest officials to remove wild plants before December 25.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / December 12th, 2018

Skater Rana’s marathon reaches Vizag

November 24, 2018Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sportsadmin

Way to go: Rana Uppalapati has covered 4,500 km till date. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam

‘Indian Golden Quadrilateral’ aims at raising money for girl child education

Noted skater Rana Uppalapati, who has taken up the task of covering the 6,000-km Golden Quadrilateral to create awareness and raise money for girl child education, reached Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

The ‘Indian Golden Quadrilateral’ programme, being funded by the Titan Company Limited in collaboration with the Tata Group, was flagged off at Hosur in Karnataka on September 5 and he had so far covered Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha.

The 37-year-old skater, who covered about 4,500 km and reached his home town after 70 days, was given a warm welcome by the denizens, skaters and friends, at the VUDA Children’s Arena in Siripuram.

Money mobilised so far

He is accompanied by a six-member logistic team, who travel in a car ahead.

“In the last 70 days, we have interacted with at least 5 lakh people across various parts of the country and raised ₹3.60 crore, which would be enough for educating close to 10,000 girls. But our target is to provide education for 25,000 girls and I am sure in the next 30 days, we would achieve it,” Mr. Rana Uppalapati said.

Earlier he undertook two such skating trips to create awareness on health issues.

The longest trip he had taken up was from Vizag to Chennai, around 800 km.

Covering 6,000 km now was definitely a tough task, “but it will be a milestone if I can achieve it,” he said.

“In the first 30 days, due to bad roads, high temperature and a few other hassles, we would cover around 12 km per day, starting at 4 am. But later we started to cover close to 50 to 60 km, on a daily basis. Today, I skated from Tagarapuvalasa to Lankapalem, covering almost 67 km in just two and half hours. When we show people the amount of difficulty involved in our journey, the message reaches in a strong way,” said Mr. Uppalapati.

He said his journey would end by meeting kids, communities and other people in schools, colleges, meeting halls etc every day.

“Apart from educating underprivileged girl children, we are also creating awareness among children on safety, especially on good touch and bad touch.”

The mission is expected to end on December 18 at Hosur. A grand event is being planned in Bengaluru.

Managing Director of the Titan Company Bhaskar Bhat, AVP & Head, Corporate Sustainability Titan NE Sridhar, family members, city-based skaters, athletes and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Harish Gilai / Visakhapatnam – November 22nd, 2018

Ongole’s cricket stadium has scary past!

November 20, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Sportsadmin

The city of Ongole, in Prakasam district, is known for a particular breed of oxen. It’s also known for the CSR Sarma College, where Tollywood star Chiranjeevi studied from 1970-72

Ongole :

The city of Ongole, in Prakasam district, is known for a particular breed of oxen. It’s also known for the CSR Sarma College, where Tollywood star Chiranjeevi studied from 1970-72. Few know that the cricket ground at CSR Sarma College has a unique history.

It’s perhaps the only cricket ground in India which is built on a burial ground. It was home to venomous snakes and other wild creatures. It was in 2008 when the Prakasam District Cricket Association (PDCA) and the college decided to sign a memorandum of understanding to build a quality stadium, which the city lacked.

“A decade ago, this place was in a totally different state,” says PDCA secretary Pratap Kumar. “It used to be a burial ground and was even named as crime zone. Since 2008, we have been developing it gradually. The ground, with a hillock in the backdrop, had a pond, 15 feet in depth. We dumped almost 16,000 truck loads of soil and renovated a lot to make it look like this.”

Looking like any other cricket venue now, this ground has hosted four Ranji Trophy matches. The fifth, between Andhra and Tamil Nadu, starts on Tuesday. “The eastern side is where we put up chairs. During the last match, crowds turned up in huge numbers to watch Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw in action. We can expect a sizeable turnout for the Tamil Nadu tie, although it would be more exciting if Dinesh Karthik and R Ashwin were in the team,” said Pratap.

The main objective of the ACA to set up a cricket ground amidst unusual surroundings was to develop cricket at the grassroots. “We saw the potential to have a stadium here. With BCCI’s permission we allowed PDCA to host matches. Our aim is to conduct matches in every district. Wherever there are facilities, we grant them permission to organise first-class matches,” ACA general secretary Arun Kumar said.

With the aim to improving infrastructure, PDCA has arranged a 12-foot sight screen. The ground is equipped with underground cables (both electrical and optical), six cameras for recording the match, two air-conditioned rooms for video analysts, BCCI match referees and scorers.

Conducting matches during rainy season does not pose any hurdle despite the ground lacking an advanced drainage system. “Water drains out automatically. With a low hillock, even if it rains heavily, we can resume the match an hour after rain stops,” explained Pratap.

It was in January 2015 that the ground got the nod to host its maiden Ranji match. The first four-day match saw Andhra taking on Tripura. In four Ranji matches it has hosted till date, the Andhra-Mumbai encounter which took place last November witnessed nearly 7,000 spectators.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Srinidhi PR / Express News Service / November 20t, 2018

Proof of Kakatiya-era Shaivism school comes to light

November 18, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, Alladmin

Lamudigalam sect worshipper sculpted on a granite slab during Kakatiya regime in Abbayapalem village of Telangana.

A slab depicts a person with Shivalinga and pitha on his head

Proof of existence of a sect of Shaivism during the Kakatiya rule came to light during a survey and exploratory work conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India in a temple in Mahabubabad district of Telangana recently.

A sculptural slab carved on granite stone illustrating a life-size portrait of a dedicated worshipper of Lord Shiva was discovered in a corner of Sri Agastisvaraswamy temple complex at Abbayapalem village in Maripeda Mandal of the district.

Superintending Archaeologist in Temple Survey Project (Southern Region, ASI) D. Kanna Babu, who is on a mission to explore, ascertain the antiquity and architectural pre-eminence of ancient shrines in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana chanced upon this proof of Lamudigalam — a school of Shaivism prevalent from the 11th C AD to 13th C AD.

The man on the granite slab is seen in vertical position with dignified features and folded hands in worship. The facial features are oval distinguished by wide open eyes and an elongated nose. He wears a dhoti fastened with a broad waist band having a central medallion.

Mr. Kanna Babu says the worshipper sports a beaded necklace, sacred thread, prominent ear rings, arm bands, bracelets and his hair is tied in a circular bun. A small Shivalinga with pitha is adorned by him on his head.

Mr. Kanna Babu told The Hindu, “The discovery of this spectacular portrait sculpture is the first of its kind in the two Telugu States. Unfortunately, a thick coat of colour painted by locals on it during the recent temple festivals had turned it unrecognisable.”

A new school

The uniqueness of the image is that a label inscription in Telugu (from 12th Century AD) is engraved on the top of the sculptural frame and ends at the bottom. The script is self-explanatory: ‘I affectionately adore the linga and placed on my head by tying with my hair.’

The spiritual significance of wearing a Shivalinga on head was considered the most pious act of an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva in the contemporary society of the Kakatiya regime. “The religious connotation of this thematic sculpture is for magnifying the beliefs of the Lamudigalam sect,” the ASI official says.

The prime principle was that one should achieve the state of advaita (non-separation) i.e. there is no difference between Paramatma (Supreme Being) and Jivatma (human being) by practising divine doctrines like Lingadharanam — bearing Shivalinga on his head.

The Agastisvaraswamy temple on the hillock served in those days as the place of worship and the principal seat of this sect finally emerged into Virashaiva aphorism,’ says Kanna Babu who deciphered the inscription.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Ramesh Susarla Anantapur / November 17th, 2018

For her, sweet memory over a bitter dish

November 16, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, Alladmin

Delectable delight: Winners of the The Hindu Our State Our Taste contest at Chilakaluripet on Wednesday.

An array of delicious recipes at cookery event

People who eat this vegetable either love it or hate it; there doesn’t seem to be an in-between.

A winning recipe of bitter gourd would remain a sweet memory for a long time to come for M. Prasanna of Chilakaluripet city in Guntur district where The Hindu’s ‘Our State Our Taste’ cookery contest attracted close to 200 enthusiastic participants. The event was organised in association with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Women of all age groups descended on the Prathipati Gardens at Chilakaluripet on Wednesday to showcase their amazing kitchen skills. The kakarakaya-ulli kaaram (stuffed karela) won hands down.

The dish won a cash prize of ₹50,000 for Ms. Prasanna. Korameenu chepala pulusu, a dish prepared by J. Dhana Lakshmi, was adjudged the second best by the jury, fetching a cash prize of ₹30,000 and biryani made with kanda (elephant yam) got the third prize (₹20,000) for N. Prasanna.

Prathipati Venkata Kumari, wife of Minister P. Pullarao, was the chief guest. She went around the tables laden with an array of delicious recipes and tasted some of them. Later, she told the participants it was heart-warming to see such good response in the small town.

The event was powered by Butterfly in association with RKG Ghee and oil and rice partner Fortune. Gift hampers were sponsored by CMR Shopping Mall, Guntur.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / the Hindu / Home> News>Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / November 15th, 2018

Literary award for police officer

November 15, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, Alladmin

V Sunil Kumar, Additional DG and Managing Director of AP Police Housing Corporation, was conferred the Sahiti Puraskaram by the Potti Sriramulu University, Hyderabad, for the year 2017.

Mr. Kumar is a prolific writer who has written novels, short stories and poems.

His anthology of short stories Neelaveni , published in 2016 was a run away success.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / Guntur – November 15th, 2018

Healthy dishes tickle the taste buds in The Hindu cookery contest

November 9, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Winners of the Our State- Our Taste at Macharla in Guntur district on Sunday. | Photo Credit: HANDOUT_E_MAIL

‘Varigala annam’ preparation tops the jury’s list

More and more people are realising the need to include in their daily menu nutritious millets that have more health benefits than the current food ingredients in our kitchens today.

Sources of fibre are hugely in demand, especially by people wanting to cut down on their weight and millets are loaded with it.

That precisely was the reason why the varigala annam (rice substituted with proso millets) cooked by V. Divya Bharathi, elbowed out many other delicious dishes, to emerge as the winner of the ‘Our State, Our Taste’ cookery contest being organised by The Hindu, in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Tourism, in Macherla of Guntur district on Sunday.

The bran of proso millet contains vital nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet and is also an excellent source of fiber. It is gluten-free and has a significant amount of carbohydrates, protein, niacin (Vitamin B3) and fatty acids.

138 participants

Ms. Bharathi served ‘varigala annam’ preparation with ‘thotakura’ (amaranthus leaves) pulusu and ‘pappucharu’ and won the jury’s hearts.

A total of 138 participants showcased their recipes. A 10-year-old participant grabbed everybody’s attention at the venue.

A large part of the dishes comprised desserts like ‘kharjuram barfi,’ Apple-dry fruit kheer, ‘korra laddu’, ‘paala thaalika-paayasam’, ‘Nuuvulu-raagi laddu’, ‘mokkajana halwa’.

K. Prameela was the first runner-up, who made the traditional ‘sajja thappela chekkalu’ while B. Vijaya Lakshmi, the second runner-up, cooked ‘mulakkaya-endu royyala’ (drumstick-dry fish) curry. Two consolation prizes were also given to Parvathi and Veera Raghavamma. RKG, Fortune, Butterfly and Kanchi Kamakshi were the main sponsors of the event while CMR Group sponsored the gifts.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Medha Sreya / Vijayawada – November 05th, 2018

Fervour, gaiety mark ‘Sirimanotsavam’

October 24, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

People taking part in Sirimanotsavam in Vizianagaram on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: K_SRINIVASARAO

About 2.6 lakh devotees from different parts witness the proceedings

About 2.6 lakh devotees participated in the ‘Sirimanotsavam’ in Vizianagaram on Tuesday. The festival, which has association with each and every family in fort town, went off peacefully despite presence of a large number of people from different parts of north Andhra region. About 2,000 police personnel supervised by 10 DSPs and 35 CIs provided security.

As per the tradition, the ‘Sirimanu’ carrying the chief priest Bantupalli Venkata Rao moved three times from Three Lamps Junction to Vizianagaram Fort. The chief priest, considered to be the replica of Goddess Pydimamba, blessed devotees who waited between 3.45 p.m. and 5.05 p.m. for his ‘darshan’. Customary Anjali Ratham, Jalari Vala and replica of white elephant have also followed ‘Sirimanu’.

Tragic background

The devotees have thrown banana ‘prasadam’ in a long-established way at chief priest who was seen in calm and pleasant mood although he was tied up to a long trunk of a tree.

Normally chariot is used in Indian festivals but in ‘Sirimanotsavam’, the chief priest himself blesses the devotees who would stay all along the route between Three Lamps Junction and Vizianagaram fort.

The festival which started in 1757 had a sorrowful background.

The then Vizianagaram Maharaja Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju’s sister Pydimamba committed suicide by jumping into ‘Pedda Cheruvu’ in the town after knowing about her brother’s death in the historic fight at Bobbili fort on January 23, 1757. In fact, she anticipated the outcome of the battle and warned her brother not to go for war when she and other family members were ill with plague. Her sudden death was another big shock for the family and people of Vizianagaram.

However, she reportedly told Raja’s aide Pativada Appalanaidu that she would protect the town as Goddess Pydimamba. Later her idol was found in the tank and a temple was constructed in her name. That is why all the families which connected with the episode play a key role in ‘Sirimantosavam’ which has been continuing for the last 260 years.

Interestingly, families of both Vizianagaram and Bobbili Princely States have jointly observed the ‘Sirimanotsavam’ this year.

Former Union Minister P.Ashok Gajapathi Raju, wife Sunila Gajapathi Raju and their daughter Aditi had offered prayers from the fort. Along with them, Bobbili Raja and Minister for Mines and Geology Sujay Krishna Ranga Rao and others watched the procession. Vizianagaram MLA Meesala Geeta and Zilla Parishad chairperson Sobha Swati Rani and others also offered prayers both at the temple and fort. YSR Congress Party leader Botcha Satyanarayana and MLC Kolagatla Veerabhadra Swamy and other opposition leaders have watched the procession from DCCB bank located near writer Gurajada Apparao’s house.

Earlier, Minister for Human Resources Development Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Minister for Energy Kala Venkata Rao and other VIPs offered prayers at the temple. They hailed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s decision to conduct ‘Sirimanotsavam’ as the State festival.

Elaborate arrangements

District Collector M. Hari Jawaharlal and Superintendent of Police G. Palaraju made elaborate arrangements for the utsavam. APSRTC operated more than 100 additional bus services to ensure hassle-free travel for the devotees who came from Saluru, Parvatipuram, Gajapathinagaram, Palakonda, Rajam, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Vizianagaram – October 24th, 2018

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