Rishikesh Reddy Kayathi of Oakridge International School has been declared a ‘World Topper in Mathematics’, in the Grade X International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Examinations conducted by Cambridge University.
Toppers in IGCSE exam: report from Bangalore
Three Class X students of a private school in Bangalore have topped the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examination held in June 2014 in three subjects at the national level. While Ami Mehta has secured the first rank in English, Uma Shekhawat topped in Entrepreneurship and Mahesh Bhide has stood first in Chemistry. They are students of Indus International School.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Education Plus / September 04th, 2014
IN HONOUR Shobha Gosa receives the Sadguru Gnananda Fellowship.
Honour for social entrepreneurs for their contribution to society
Why would Management professionals abandon promising careers or a wheel chair-bound individual serve the disabled through setting up their own NGOs? If heart did not rule head, social entrepreneurs would seldom be born. Fortunately, three such champions of change were identified by the Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani (MSDS) and awarded the Sadguru Gnanananda Fellowship Program in the city last week.
Having met with a road accident Dilip Patro a software professional suddenly found himself wheel chair bound. This could hardly curtail his passion for reaching out to help others and in 2007 he set up The Ability People (TAP) an NGO that educates and supports rehabilitation of spinal cord injured persons (SCIP) at Vizag.
IN HONOUR Dilip Patro receives the Sadguru Gnananda Fellowship
Appointed as a representative under the National Trust, TAP provides mobility aids and appliances for various disabilities besides working with the police for road safety and promoting Right to Emergency Care in the critical ‘golden hour’ (the first one hour of an accident). The TAP website provides an All India Helpline and a toll free number within the state for easy access to citizens.
With a similar motive to serve the masses, Shobha Gosa, Founder, Young People for Life India based at Hyderabad was chosen for empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds with communication skills and behavioural management.
Her years as a Business Coach inspired her to focus on education and training of teenage girls gifting them leadership skills, cross cultural engagement, human rights etc.
The third awardee, Akshai Abraham an MBA from Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal founded Project KHEL in 2012 at Lucknow merging his interest in social work and sports in order to positively impact the lives of underprivileged children. KHEL being the acronym for Kids Holistic Education & Life skills his NGO playfully develops confidence, leadership, team work, trust and addresses important issues of health and sanitation through games. “Across the world sport is being applied to address development issues such as creating health awareness, promoting peace and gender equity,” said Abraham.
MSDS, is a registered Public Charitable Trust that initiates social consciousness amongst people.
The Fellowship constitutes monthly monetary support for a period of one year, extendable on impact.
Their learning Centres for Social Initiative & Management are located at Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Coimbatore.
It’s the helping hand that truly serves the world and the world comes to those that serve selflessly!
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Padmini B. Patell / Hyderabad – September 15th, 2014
Rasool Khan. / -PHOTO: S. HARPAL SINGH / The Hindu
This former Sepoy of the Royal Indian Service Corps, did not join Netaji’s Army as he had taken an oath to be loyal to the outfit he served
Honour and loyalty are known to be the mark of a perfect soldier. And World War II veteran, Rasool Khan, a resident of Chanchalguda in Hyderabad, fits the bill notwithstanding his age at over 90 years.
This former Sepoy of the Royal Indian Service Corps, a British Army unit active in the Burmese front during WW II, had even denied himself the chance to enrol in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army as he had taken an oath to be loyal to the outfit he served.
“We were excited when we got an offer to join Netaji’s force but were bound by our oath,” says the ex-soldier, referring to the days when feelers were sent to Indian personnel in the British Army in Burma to desert their units. “We came out of the War with honour,” he adds as he throws light on the crucial period in World history.
The veteran was talking to The Hindu after being honoured at the ex-servicemen rally, which he came to attend in Adilabad, on Sunday. However, he observes, “The uncertainty of those times was quite an experience.”
Born on September 9 1923, Rasool Khan had enrolled in the British outfit in Secunderabad in 1939 at the tender age of 16. He was trained in a military training facility in Allahabad before being shifted to the Burmese front in an anti-aircraft gunnery unit.
“We never got a chance to use the anti-aircraft guns during all the six years I served on the front. Life in the trenches and open jungles, however, taught me to be tough,” says the nonagenarian ex-solider, who has remained single.
The fast paced events associated with the country’s independence made people forget about WW II and its veterans, which had Rasool Khan live a life of virtual seclusion. “Humku koi bhi nai puchte the,” he says in a typical Hyderabadi accent as he talks about the condition of WW II veterans in the wake of independence.
Later in life nevertheless, the ex-soldier was given employment in the Army Supply Corps (Maintenance and Transport) at Ramagundam. He is thankful for the support given by the Army.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by S. Harpal Singh / Adilabad – September 15th, 2014
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
