Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Gondi script gets new lease of life

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

Hyderabad :

On international mother tongue day, the script of a tribal language, Gunjala Gondi, was released by the University of Hyderabad in collaboration with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). It is the first such adivasi script discovered and printed in the state.

For three years, four linguists from UoH’s Centre for Dalit and Adivasi Studies and Translation worked with the Gondi tribe of Adilabad to dig out their ancient script. The researchers have not only resurrected the dying script, but also released a web font for those who want to use it on the internet of the computer.

The centre has also released a textbook to be taught in 15 schools under ITDA. Interestingly, the new development will not only benefit the people of the tribe in Andhra Pradesh, but also in five other states, including Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, where the Gondi tribe is thriving.

Tirumala Rao, senior researcher at the centre, said that it was in 2006 that he first found manuscripts of the Gondi language. But the language was written out in Telugu and Marathi scripts. “It was only when I visited Gunjala in Adilabad that I realized that the language had its own script, which only a handful of the elderly pundits in the village knew. I collaborated with other researchers and decided to document the script,” Rao said. Currently, there are only six people from the tribe who know the script of the tribal language. One among them, 76-year-old Kotnak Jangu, said he was worried that the script would get extinct after the elders died as the youngsters had not learnt it. “I have manuscripts which could date back to 150 years. But I thought that these will be of no use as no one would be able to read them,” said Jangu. He expressed happiness that the manuscripts would now be preserved as also the script. The centre is planning to digitally scan and preserve high resolution copies of the manuscripts.

Another researcher, G Manoja from Palamuru University, who is coordinating the Gunjala Gondi Research Centre in Gunjala, said the script is unique as it does not follow the consonant order of other regional languages. “The first consonant in the script is ‘ya’ instead of ‘ka’ as in other languages in the south and north. It should be noted that the tribe not only has a script, but also a rich literature. One of the books, which will soon be translated into Telugu, has a story similar to Milton’s Paradise Lost,” Manoja said.

Vice chancellor Ramakrishna Ramaswamy, who released the book and CD containing the Gondi font, said that big languages often swallow small languages. “But this is a great effort to preserve the small languages,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / February 22nd, 2014

Who coined ‘Jai Hind’ ?

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Many believe that Subhash Chandra Bose coined the slogan ‘Jai Hind’ but a book on legends and anecdotes of Hyderabad  says it was first used by a man from that city who gave up his engineering studies in Germany to become Netaji’s secretary and interpreter.

In his book “Lengendotes of Hyderabad”, former civil servant Narendra  Luther presents a number of interesting articles, based on documentary evidence, interviews and personal experiences, on the city that is much celebrated for its romantic origin and composite culture.

One interesting titbit is on the origin of the slogan ‘Jai Hind’. According to the author, it was coined by Zain-ul Abideen Hasan, son of a collector from Hyderabad, who went to Germany to study engineering.

During World War II, Netaji had escaped to Germany to canvass support for an armed struggle to liberate India , Luther says.

“He addressed meetings of Indian prisoners of war and other Indians exhorting them to join him in his struggle. Hasan met him and inspired by his patriotism and spirit of sacrifice, he told him that he would join him after finishing his studies.

“Netaji taunted him that if he was worried about small things like these, he could not take up big causes. Stung by that rebuke, Hasan gave up his studies and became Netaji’s secretary and interpreter,” the book, published by Niyogi, says.

Hasan became a major in the INA and participated in the march from Burma (now Myanmar) across the Indian frontier. The army reached Imphal. It was severely handicapped in supplies and armaments and so had to retreat, the author says.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / Press Trust of India / New Delhi – February 24th, 2014

Hussain proves yet again he has a nose for the keyboard

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
Mohammed Khurshid Hussain currently holds the world record for typing A to Z on a keyboard in 3.43 seconds. - Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu
Mohammed Khurshid Hussain currently holds the world record for typing A to Z on a keyboard in 3.43 seconds. – Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu

The youngster types a sentence using his nose in 47.44 seconds, more than half-a-minute faster than the current world record

Mohammed Khurshid Hussain, who holds the Guinness World Records for typing the English language alphabet in 3.43 seconds on a keyboard, attempted to break the record for typing a 103-word sentence in the shortest time, with his nose, here on Thursday.

It was Mr. Hussain’s second attempt to break the world record for typing the sentence ‘Guinness World Records have challenged me to type this sentence using my nose in the fastest time’ with his nose.

According to the Guinness website, the current record holder is an Indian named Neeta, who achieved the feat in one minute and 33 seconds at Guinness World Records Pavilion in Global Village, Dubai, UAE, on November 16, 2008.

Mr. Hussain’s clock stopped at 47.44 seconds when he finished typing the sentence with his nose, more than half-a-minute faster than the current world record.

“This is my second attempt to break the record. A few months ago, I typed the sentence with my nose in 54 seconds, for which I am yet to receive the certificate,” he said.

Mr. Hussain currently holds the world record for typing A to Z on a keyboard in 3.43 seconds.

The feat was achieved on February 2, 2012, according to the Guinness website. He performed the feat in the presence of S. M. Arif, Padmashree and Dronacharya awardee; Mohteshyam Ali, silver medallist at the Mr. World body building championship; Naina Jaiswal, an international table tennis player; and Iftekhar Shareef, who acted as witnesses for the record-breaking attempt.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – February 27th, 2014

70 per cent of Hyderabadis are non-vegetarians

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

MeatConsumptionHF01mar2014

Seventy per cent of the city’s population are non-vegetarians and there are nearly 3,000 retail meat shops to cater to their needs – these include 960 mutton shops, 681 beef shops, 1,077 dressed chicken outlets and 241other outlets which sell eggs, pork and fish.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner Somesh Kumar revealed this during the seventh Mayors conference on Friday.

He said that simultaneous modernisation of all the five slaughter houses were taken up at a cost of Rs.69.24 crore, including a rendering plant for solid waste treatment.

Work on the fifth abattoir at Jiaguda was postponed due to delay in getting clearance from the Pollution Control Board. Mayor Majid Hussain requested Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (FPI), Government of India, Siraj Hussain, to release funds for the Jiaguda project.

Mr. Siraj Hussain regretted that no State Government had come forward to seek grants available under the central government scheme to modernise private meat shops and urged the Mayor to encourage private slaughter houses to make use of the grants for modernisation.

“I will take up the issue with private meat shop owners,” the Mayor said and added that the new abattoirs will not cause any hike in prices and also ensure livelihoods are not affected.

A report on ‘Greening of meat and poultry processing Sector in India’ was released and MoUs were signed by the National Meat & Poultry Processing Board with the Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupati, and the National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad, during the meeting.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – March 01st, 2014

Message in the Music

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion
Amy Ziff, Alyson Palmer and Elizabeth Ziff of Betty
Amy Ziff, Alyson Palmer and Elizabeth Ziff of Betty

Saturday morning turned out to be a sunny morning but students of Hyderabad Public School were all charged up as band Betty gave out an electric performance.

Organised by the US Consulate General, the New York-based all woman trio were in the city to perform their brand of music with a message.

Known for using the arts to counter and raise a voice against gender-based violence, Betty, which features Elizabeth and Amy Ziff on the guitar and cello respectively and Alyson Palmer on the bass, has been a unique initiative in the States since 1986.

As they took to the stage, at least a 1,000 students cheered them on. Getting right down to business, the ladies launched into a pop number that got people’s feet tapping. However, singing an underlying message about determination and perseverance, the own compositions told the tale of a sailor which was followed by Elizabeth stressing on the importance of passion.

“Be passionate no matter what it is. No matter what situation you are in, never give up and lose your passion. Spread love and hate none.”

Following this pattern of song and sermon, the morning had messages on bullying, empowerment of the woman and equal rights, peace and love for all.

Playing own compositions, the band garnered much enthusiasm from the crowd with their rock sound, even head-banging to a few numbers. Elizabeth Ziff also had the kids doing a few robotic dance moves, keeping them engaged.

Explaining why they were in India, Alyson said, “We want to build bridges but not walls between New York and India. There shouldn’t be any difference between one and another.”

With issues like equal rights and bullying at the top of their list, the band tried to reach out to students through their music to push their point forward.

“One’s dignity can never be taken away unless it is surrendered. I believe that the students here are the future leaders not only of India but of the world,” said Amy, who appealed to students to not  bully their peers.

At the end of the hour-long concert-with-a-message, students were clamouring for more and called for an encore, which the band willingly obliged to.

While students wished to speak to the artists, the band made a quick exit, leaving their music to the talking for them.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Jiby Varghese – Hyderabad / February 10th, 2014

Endowment talk focuses on development, people’s welfare

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
V. Venugopal, Editor of Veekshana monthly magazine, Hyderabad, delivering 'Abdul Rehman memorial lecture' at the Public Library in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. / Photo: A. Manikanta Kumar / The Hindu
V. Venugopal, Editor of Veekshana monthly magazine, Hyderabad, delivering ‘Abdul Rehman memorial lecture’ at the Public Library in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. / Photo: A. Manikanta Kumar / The Hindu

Services of former trade union leader of VPT recalled

The concept of development had been redefined by former trade union leader of Visakhapatnam Port Trust Abdul Rahman, who passed away 15 years ago.

But his selfless contributions to the port employees in many forms were something to be remembered for a lifetime, senior journalist and editor of monthly magazine ‘Veekshanam’ N. Venugopal has said here on Sunday.

Recalling the expertise of Abdul Rahman on the occasion of his 15 death anniversary at an endowment lecture on the theme ‘Development and its alternate perspectives’ hosted by Abdul Rahman Memorial Committee here at Visakhapatnam Public Library, he said: “Development per se doesn’t have any relevance if it is not in line with people’s welfare. In the modern day context, the definition of development has taken a new dimension and is often confined to individual’s growth in the form of assets and other privileges. However, for Abdul Rahman it was beyond personal and professional preferences.”

His associates and others recalled that Rahman dedicated his life in service to society.

Several political and societal issues were discussed.

Former Union Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma highlighted how people’s views should never be ignored in a democratic country like ours. He said that before setting up any unit, it was important to draft policies in an inclusive manner.

“It was a privilege to work under the leadership of Abdul Rahman.

Till his last days, his focus was always on employees’ welfare. He was an epitome of hard work and perseverance who had led by example,” said convener of the committee P.V. Ramana.

With the first annual event inaugurated by former Mayor D.V. Subba Rao, committee members said that the annual feature will have experts speak on different subjects that would have a positive impact on society.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – February 17th, 2014

Govt to give couples another shot at parenthood

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Science & Technology

Visakhapatnam :

After a spate of population control and family planning measures pushed the total fertility rate (TFR) in Andhra Pradesh (1.8 births per woman) well below the national average of 2.7 births per woman, the state government has now reversed gears and is focusing on population stabilization policies and spacing of children.

Taking this endeavour a step ahead, the state department of health and family welfare has mooted proposals for sanctioning two centres in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam to carry out specialized recanalization surgeries to reverse family planning operations.

“We have proposed setting up of recanalisation centres in Secunderabad (Gandhi Hospital) and Visakhapatnam, utilising this financial year’s National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) funds for infertile couples or those who want an issue after losing their child.

It’s a microsurgery and needs high amount of expertise,” said state joint director of family welfare Dr Ch Jayakumari.

The latest proposals come even as the proposal to set up three infertility clinics in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Kurnool for below the poverty line (BPL) childless couples, which was mooted in 2012, failed to make much headway.

Many couples, who have undergone family planning surgeries like tubectomy or vasectomy, are changing their minds due to various reasons.

Couples generally undergo such surgeries after the birth of their second child as part of family planning operations, which also fetch them monetary incentives. As per the National Family Health Survey, more than 60% women undergo tubectomy, while just around 2-3 % men undergo vasectomy in the state.

Recently, at the King George Hospital (KGH), a 20-year-old woman from Padmanabham lost her newborn daughter to asphyxiation a day after she underwent tubectomy. In a fit of rage and grief, the husband G Naidu alleged that the proced

owever, the issue was resolved after the hospital authorities found the allegations false and assured the husband that a re-canalisation or ‘reverse procedure’ could be done after some days when the wife recuperates from her second Caesarian-section.

Like this couple, there are others, who want a recanalization done for various reasons, mostly after they lose their child.

Around 25 reverse family planning operations or recanalisations take place at KGH every year, which is the biggest state-run teaching hospital in north-coastal Andhra. Couples, who undergo a change of mind, months or years after performance of either tubectomy or vasectomy, usually come for these recanalisation surgeries.

Interestingly, there have also been a few former Maoist couples, who approached doctors in the hope of getting a reverse surgery done, said Dr P V Sudhakar, head, department of plastic surgery, KGH, and acting medical superintendent of the hospital.

“The primary reasons for recanalization include death of the first or second child due to ailments or accidents or when the spouse wants a child with a new partner following the death of or divorce from the first partner. There have also been a few cases of couples, who had undergone tubectomy or vasectomy when they were actively involved in the Maoist movement, changing their minds after surrender and seeking a recanalisation procedure to lead a normal family life,” added Dr Sudhakar.

According to doctors, the success rate of recanalization is around 80% but a lot depends on the time frame and expertise of the surgeons. “If it is done within six months to one year of family planning operations, the chance of success is quite high. This specialised surgery is done under magnification by experts from the genito-urology and plastic surgery departments,” said Dr Soma Raju, regional health director, north coastal Andhra.

“The greater the delay in taking up recanalisation after vasectomy, the greater the risk of antibodies developing against the sperm cells, reducing the sperm count. While, in the case of women, fibrosis and changes inside the fallopian tube obstruct the transport of the ovum, thereby rendering recanalisation ineffective,” averred Dr Sudhakar, who undertakes this highly skilful and specialised surgery at KGH.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhpatnam / by Sulogna Mehta, TNN / February 18th, 2014

Teen fish-seller looks to conquer the waves

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports
Nikhil Kumar at his shop selling fish./ The Hindu
Nikhil Kumar at his shop selling fish./ The Hindu

Fifteen-year-old S. Nikhil Kumar, who took to sailing three years ago, is back from Hong Kong after a training stint under renowned Polish sailing coach Marek Nostitz Jackowski

Fifteen-year-old S. Nikhil Kumar has made rapid strides in the sport of sailing since he took it up about three years ago on the waters of the Hussainagar Lake. His family is in the business of selling fish and when he is not studying or sailing his boat, he too puts in his share of handling the household chores which includes selling fish.

Recently Nikhil had the privilege, along with a few other boys from India, to go to Hong Kong to attend a sailing course conducted by Marek Nostitz Jackowski, the well-known Polish sailing coach based there.

Marek had come to Hyderabad a few months ago following an invitation by Suheim Sheikh, founder of the Yacht Club of Hyderabad. On that occasion Nikhil’s skills in handling his craft had caught the eye of this experienced coach.

Marek had asked Nikhil to come over to Hong Kong for further coaching and recently Nikhil managed to make the trip.

The training was provided free by the coach and YCH paid other expenses. It turned out to be a very exciting and valuable experience for this young lad from Hyderabad.

“Marek sir provided me with very good advice. I was among a group of 16 sailors from different countries. Our coach put us through some tough sailing exercises on the water. Every day we trained for about seven hours. The way he trained us was an eye opener to me in many ways. After my trip, I can truly say that I have emerged a far better sailor and I am sure I will do even better in the days to come,” says Nikhil.

Nikhil Kumar during a sailing session. / The Hindu
Nikhil Kumar during a sailing session. / The Hindu

High on confidence

“Sailing in the sea was quite a different experience from sailing on the Hussainsagar Lake which is an inland venue. Coping with wind speeds, changes and shifts and also handling boats under simulated competitions gave me a lot of confidence in my own abilities. Now I am sure I will do well in the national meets that I am planning to take part in, during the coming year,” Nikhil says.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Abhijit Sen Gupta / Hyderabad – November 20th, 2013

CITY MUSINGS : Naye Masjid a point of confluence in Machilipatnam

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
A view of Naye Maszid at Rajpet in Machilipatnam. / Photo: T. Appala Naidu / The Hindu
A view of Naye Maszid at Rajpet in Machilipatnam. / Photo: T. Appala Naidu / The Hindu

Renovation of the architectural beauty of 1920s is now under way

Idyllic living conditions help peaceful existence of people from different religious practices in Rajpeta area. This peaceful atmosphere of co-existence justifies it to be called ‘Jewel by the sea’ in the port town.

Renovation of Naye Masjid, an architectural beauty of 1920s, is now underway and it is bound to become the most sought-after location for the people in the town in the coming years. Naye Masjid, with two minars, each standing 108 feet tall, has been the sole sacred place for the estimated 700 families belonging to Muslim Sunni sect.

An integral part

Every resident from five streets around it – Rajpeta, Nooruddinpeta, Varregudem, Pathullahbad and the National College Street – need to pass in front of the Masjid everyday as part of their routine. Having a look at the Masjid has become an integral part of the people’s daily lives, irrespective of their religious practices.

“Construction of Masula’s one of the multi-speciality hospitals is on in our area. People from the entire town will appreciate the beauty of the Masjid when they visit the hospital after it goes functional,” feel the Rajpeta residents. The proud locals claim that renowned educational institutions such as The National College and Krishna University were situated in its vicinity.

The Committee Secretary Sheik Hussain with his son. / Photo: T. Appala Naidu / The Hindu
The Committee Secretary Sheik Hussain with his son. / Photo: T. Appala Naidu / The Hindu

“Muslim families in Rajpeta area contribute funds for completion of the ongoing beautification and renovation works of the Naye Masjid. However, people from all other religions take pride in having such a structure,” Naye Maszid Committee Secretary Sheik Hussain told The Hindu.

This landmark construction is visible from majority of the areas in the district headquarters town.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada> City Musings  / by T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam – February 17th, 2014

BS Southern Region corporate quiz: Hyderabad team comes first

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

It was after six challenging rounds and after 35-40 questions that the Sai Mitra Constructions team from Hyderabad won the trophy as well as a gift cheque of Rs 25,000 in the Business Standard Quiz : Southern Region Finals.

The quiz was held on Saturday at Vels University in Chennai. The main sponsor was global watch brand Victorinox and Vels University was the associate sponsor with Coca-Cola being the beverage partner. Hair and beauty salon chain Naturals, silk saree manufacturer and retailer RmKV and Cookie Man were the gift sponsors.

The winning team bagged Rs 25,000 and the first and second runners-up, both from Infosys, received Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively.

Naveen Kumar and Phani Mahesh, the duo from Sai Mitra, said they faced a tough fight from the first runner-up team, comprising Vivek Venkatesan and Senthil Kumar P K from Infosys.

In total, 82 teams from 61 colleges and 21 companies, from the four southern states have participated in the quiz. Each team had two representatives.

The participants included an interesting mix of educational institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Management -(Trichy and its Chennai campus; Kozhikode), Indian Institute of Technology (Chennai), Great Lakes, Bharathidasan Institute of Management, SRM, Veltech, and LIBA, among others, and corporates such as Infosys, TCS, Caterpillar, India Cements, HSBC, ICICI Bank and Indian Overseas Bank.

Quizmaster Gaurav Sri Krishna, who is the leader for Asia-Pacific, India and MEA (Middle East and Africa) region in TCS, was at his best as he challenged the teams with the best of his questions, said one of the participants.

One question that stumped all the finalists was: As an individual contributor, to whom can one submit a BION and what does it mean? While nobody on the stage answered it, one of the participants off-stage came up with the right answer: It is a Believe It Or Not (BION) story sent to Ripley Entertainment Inc. The staff at Ripley’s world headquarters is always searching for new stories of the odd and unusual. Every day, they receive dozens of phone calls, hundreds of posted letters and thousands of emails from people with incredible stories of outlandish feats, amazing works of art, or unexplainable phenomena. It is owned by the Jim Pattison Group, which is Canada’s largest privately-held company.

The first runners-up team from Infosys said it was a googly with a simple answer while they were suspecting it as something associated with the digital currency, bitcoin.

The winning team said that all the questions were impressive and of good quality. “We have been waiting for the Southern Quiz to happen from the time we heard about the BS Quiz which was held in Mumbai,” said Kumar of Sai Mitra.

The quizmaster said the teams were very good and experienced, which could be seen from their performance.

He added the tough question according to him was: This company in the early 1900s undertook every imaginable means of unfair competition, in all probability including physically assaulting competitors’ employees. Its field force consisted of Knockout Salesmen who fanned across the US selling machines that were copies of competitors’ machines, but did not work. Finally in 1913 its top executives were indicted for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and were sentenced.

However, before he could finish reading the question, which appeared on the screen, the winner team came up with the answer: National Cash Register (NCR). The quizmaster explained that its founder John H Patterson and Thomas J Watson (Sr) who was the sales head were two of two-dozen executives of the company who were indicted and sentenced to a year in jail.

K Sekhar, vice-chancellor of Vels University, said the event has improved in several notches and it was evident from the performance of the teams. “Seeing the corporate participants contesting in the event would also motivate our students to come,” he said. R Mathialagan, registrar of the university, added: “This gives us a good platform to connect with the corporates.”

The second edition of Business Standard quiz is one of the largest quiz competitions held in this part of the country. The first edition was held in Chennai last year in association with Vels University.

In this year’s quiz, 82 teams representing various colleges from all disciplines and corporates from the four southern states participated. Participants travelled from various corners of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Around 300 students from the Vels Institute of Business Administration, Vels University and faculties from other colleges have witnessed the Quiz.

Business Standard also conducts written rounds of BS Quiz in various colleges across all disciplines.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Current Affairs> News> National / by BS Reporter / Chennai – February 17th, 2014