Category Archives: Records, All

Saji Thomas named for Arjuna Award

Records, All, Sports
A file Photo of ace rower Saji Thomas in Hyderabad. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu
A file Photo of ace rower Saji Thomas in Hyderabad. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu

For someone who made the Hussainsagar Lake his ‘second home’ for the last 17 years to pursue his passion for rowing, 35-year-old Saji Thomas had reason to sport a big smile on Tuesday as he was named one of the would-be recipients of the prestigious Arjuna Award for his outstanding contribution to the sport.

“It has been a real struggle over the years. And, I could not have achieved whatever little I did, but for the support of my parents, coaches and the Rowing Federation of India’s officials – the most important of all being CPS Deo Singh Sir,” recalled Saji.

“I had a natural inclination towards water sports coming from Kerala, which even now is full of canals and boats. Once I joined Alleppey Centre for Water Sports under my first coach G. S. Nair, the passion for rowing only doubled,” said the Subedar-Major in EME Centre about his formative years.

“Frankly, it was not a surprise at all. I have been hoping to get this award for the last three years. But, I stopped thinking about it since last year. However my Sir was in touch the officials to see that some justice was done to my achievements,” said the delighted Saji Thomas, winner of two silvers in the last Asian Games.

This indefatigable rower has won 13 international medals in all including the Asian championship in a career spanning from 2001 to 2011. “I am at the fag end of my career now and hence this Award could not have come at a more appropriate time,” Saji said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – August 17th, 2014

AMU Professor Gets SAARC Best Law Teacher Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Eminent academician Faizan Mustafa, who is senior vice-president of city-based NGO Rural Litigation Entitlement Kendra, has been conferred with this year’s prestigious SAARC Best Law Teacher Award.

In a unanimous decision the high-powered jury conferred this award on Mustafa, according to a press statement released by the NGO here today.

The award which carries Rs 1 lakh in cash, a citation and a plaque would be given to Mustafa by the Union Law Minister in Delhi on September 6, in the presence of eminent professors of law, judges and eminent lawyers, it said.

Earlier awardees include leading jurists N R Madhav Menon, Ranbir Singh, G V Ajjappa, V S Mani, Prof. Laxminath and Prof. Mizanur Rehman of Bangladesh’s Dhaka University.

Mustafa is Aligarh Muslim University’s Law Faculty member and is widely respected for his passion for teaching. He introduced several courses such as Intellectual Property Rights, International Human Rights Law and Tourism Laws at AMU.

At NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad where he is presently working as Vice-Chancellor, he designed and taught new courses like Diversity Management Law, Comparative Strict Liability Law, Multiculturalism & Minority Rights.

He is the only academic who has been nominated as member of the National Legal Services Authority, which is headed by the Chief Justice of India.

He is member of several Executive Councils, Academic Councils and General Councils of various universities. He has been member of several search committees for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.

Noted rights activist Avadhash Kaushal who heads the NGO has suggested that the Uttarakhand government should utilise the services of Mustafa in planning the proposed National Law University of Uttarakhand.

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> News / Dehradun – August 19th, 2014

Telangana CM hoists National Flag at Golconda Fort

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
K. Chandrasekhara Rao, Chief Minister of Telangana addressing the Independence Day celebrations of the first Telangana Government being held at the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on Friday. Photo: P. V. Sivakumar / The Hindu
K. Chandrasekhara Rao, Chief Minister of Telangana addressing the Independence Day celebrations of the first Telangana Government being held at the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on Friday. Photo: P. V. Sivakumar / The Hindu

A colourful Independence Day celebrations by Telangana government inside the historic Golconda fort saw the Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao launching a tirade against “evil forces” for spreading a disinformation campaign about the intensive household survey in the State on Tuesday.

Mr. Rao was accorded a rousing reception when he arrived at the fort. After the customary guard of honour at the entrance, he was driven in his Toyota Prado by horse borne outriders on the bumpy stretch of stones up to the rostrum.

In his 25 minute speech from a makeshift rostrum after unfurling the national flag, Mr. Rao listed out several achievements of his government in the last two months, including the flagship programme of debt waiver to farmers which cost Rs. 18,000 crore to the exchequer.

The household survey was not intended to cause any inconvenience but a sincere effort to extend the benefits of government to the needy. It was being done in the absence of real statistics, Mr. Rao said.

He criticised the indifference of the previous governments to drought and natural calamities in Telangana in the last five years and announced distribution of input subsidy to farmers in all districts from Friday.

The Independence Day celebrations of the frst Telangana Government being held at the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on Friday. Photo: P. V. Sivakumar / The Hindu
The Independence Day celebrations of the frst Telangana Government being held at the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on Friday. Photo: P. V. Sivakumar / The Hindu

He launched the prestigious land distribution programme for poor Scheduled Caste families by distributing pattas to women from all the districts. He also gave away cheques to the two teenaged conquerors of Mount Everest – Malavath Poorna and S. Anand – and medal winners in the recent Commonwealth games. He announced measures to enhance the brand image of Hyderabad and creation of a land bank of 35 lakh acres for industrial development.

After his speech, cultural artistes in their colourful attire blew conches and beat drums standing on the ruins of the fort. The students of National Green Corps who were dressed in national colours released balloons into the air. The lawns opposite Rani Mahal where the function was held bustled with the crowd. Mr. Rao’s car was mobbed by people when he left.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Telangana / by N. Rahul / Hyderabad – August 15th, 2014

Telangana: KCR launches land distribution scheme for Dalits on I-Day

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
Golconda Fort was the highlight of Independence Day celebrations in Telangana as it was a departure from the tradition I-Day event at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad (Photo: AP)
Golconda Fort was the highlight of Independence Day celebrations in Telangana as it was a departure from the tradition I-Day event at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad (Photo: AP)

Hyderabad:

Chief Minister of the newly formed state, K Chandrasekhar Rao, launched the distribution of three acres of land to Dalits after hoisting the National Flag at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad.

Under the ‘Dalitulaku Bhupampini’ (land distribution to Dalits) scheme, he gave away land titles to 48 women beneficiaries from all districts in Telangana.

The venue, the historic Golconda Fort, itself was the highlight of the Independence Day celebrations in Telangana as it was a departure from the tradition of organizing the I-Day event at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.

After paying tributes to martyrs at a memorial at Parade Grounds, the Chief Minister drove to the Golconda Fort on the outskirts of the city.

With the majestic fort forming the backdrop, he unfurled the National Flag on a pole, over 60 feet tall, from a makeshift platform as the national anthem was played.

Before unfurling the National flag, Rao received salute from the men in uniform.

Due to lack of adequate space, the traditional parade and display of tableaux of different government departments was done away with.

Rao recalled the historic significance and cultural heritage associated with the Golconda Fort, originally built by the Kakatiya kings during 10th century and the seat of power of the Qutub Shahi kingdom subsequently.

The cultural heritage of Telangana was showcased with traditional art forms and performance of Perini Sivatandavam, Gussadi, Manda Hechulu, Naubat, and Mujra dance.

Rao highlighted the number of welfare and development programmes of his government like land distribution for Dalits, farm loan waiver, provision of Rs 482 crores input subsidy to farmers, special Telangana increment for state government employees who played a key role in the separate statehood agitation, enhancing the brand image of Hyderabad by strengthening police, making the city a ‘wifi’ city among others.

The programme was inaugurated in the districts by the ministers.

Sportspersons including shuttlers Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu, P Kashyap, RMV Gurusaidutt, Jwala Gutta, chief national coach P Gopichand, shooter Gagan Narang, all Commonwealth Games medalists, were given away cash awards on the occasion.

As per a policy decision, he gave away Rs 50 lakh for gold medalists, Rs 25 lakh for silver medalists, Rs 15 lakh for bronze medalists and also badminton coaches Gopichand and SM Arif.

Telangana youth, M Purna and Anand Kumar, who created a record by climbing Mount Everest, were also given cash awards.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / PTI / August 15th, 2015

Modified Luna: A celebrity Moped

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Picture perfect: Ramulu on his famous ride which was also featured in Andala Rakshasi
Picture perfect: Ramulu on his famous ride which was also featured in Andala Rakshasi

Hyderabad:

It’s not a Ferrari but it will stop traffic wherever it goes. In the spotlight is a Luna moped, one that is more than 25 years old. Surprised? Once you read what Chandrasekhar Singh discovered you’ll never see the old-fashion Luna in the same light. Chandrasekhar Singh, an employee of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and a photographer by passion, spotted a unique ride on the busy roads of Koti recently.

“The incident took place on Sunday. The Luna passed me in busy traffic and I was very curious when I saw it. I overtook the vehicle and stopped it. Ramulu, the rider, was patient and answered my questions with a smile,” says Chandrasekhar. “It was amazing to meet Ramulu and his old Luna moped which he has owned for more than 25 years. There were such fine detailing and intricate art work. I could see an eagle, a cow, a lion, a deer, few bells and even an antique mirror on the vehicle,” he says.

Ramulu, who runs a small shop selling puja related items, has spent more than Rs 15,000 on the moped, which had originally cost around `2,000 according to Chandrasekhar. “He even used 9 kg pure brass. He has changed and covered almost every part with brass,” he adds.

When on the road, the moped always manages to turn heads. “You just can’t miss it. In a conversation with Ramulu, I discovered that the bike was even featured in the Tollywood movie Andala Rakshasi. So, he does admit that he owns a celebrity figure,” says Chandrasekhar.

source: http://www.decccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> LifeStyle> Offbeat / DC / Anisha Dhiman / August 12th, 2014

Conquering the stumbling blocks

Education, Records, All, Sports
Desai Handing over certificates to IIT Hyderabad's students at their third convocation ceremony at Kandi in Medak. / The Hindu
Desai Handing over certificates to IIT Hyderabad’s students at their third convocation ceremony at Kandi in Medak. / The Hindu

Polio-afflicted Kiran Kumar not only gets his B.Tech from IIT-H but also lands a lucrative job with global software giant Microsoft

He was not even a gold medalist, but the spotlight was clearly on 23-year-old Kiran Kumar, when he was handed over his degree out of the 200-plus students who received them on Friday at the Indian Institute of Technology – Hyderabad (IIT-H).

He is an example of how physical disability is not a hindrance to fulfil dreams. And Kiran’s hard work has pulled-off, for the B.Tech graduate in computer science, was hired by software giant Microsoft a month ago.

“Teachers and my friends were very helpful, and the director of the institution was also very supportive,” beamed Kiran, who hails from Srikakulam district in AP. Having completed his intermediate in the International Institute of Technology, Nuzvid, this son of a bus conductor bagged a scholarship in IIT-H, which lessened the financial burden for him, as he had taken a loan to pursue his education.

“I have two sisters who are 17 and 21. So, now I am also supporting my family, apart from paying back the bank loan I took for my studies,” he said. Kiran also thanked U. B. Desai, Director, IIT-H, and his professors for being accommodative during his course. “My classes were shifted to the ground floor, and my hostel room was also on the same level. Not only that, my teachers would let me finish my work on the laptop, and would check it there itself,” explained the youngster, who suffers from polio, and requires a wheelchair to move around. But his disability is anything but a hindrance, as he said that he was able to enjoy every part of his four years at IIT-H.

“Whenever my friends went out, they would take me around, ensuring that I never skipped any enjoyment. Plus, I had an uncle who stayed with me, to take care of me,” he said, enjoying the limelight.

source: http;//www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Yunus Y. Lasania / Hyderabad – August 10th, 2014

No cash incentive for international hockey player

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
File Photo of Yendala Soundarya, international hockey player. Photo: K.V. Ramana / The Hindu
File Photo of Yendala Soundarya, international hockey player. Photo: K.V. Ramana / The Hindu

“Can anyone help me please?” This exasperated appeal from international hockey player Yendala Soundarya might well sum up how the less privileged and those not good at projecting themselves suffer for want of help from the powers-that-be.

The 25-year-old hockey player, silver medallist in the 2009 Senior Asia Cup, is the only international women’s hockey player now from Telangana, hailing from Nizamabad. She also won a silver in the Asian championship, representing India in the Women’s World Cup.

Her fervent appeal came on a day when Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced a cash incentive of Rs. 50 lakh for the World women’s junior boxing champion, Nikhat Zareen, also from Nizamabad. Apparently, he was not briefed about this outstanding hockey player!

The failure of Soundarya’s parents, who happen to be daily wage earners, to project their daughter’s achievements, is proving costly.

“Please tell me how I can get some help from the government. It has been a struggle right through and it really hurts that no one is there to take up my cause,” said Soundarya from the national camp in an exclusive chat with The Hindu.

Soundarya, gold medallist in the 2008 Japan international tournament (under-18), is not bothered as to what others got. “I am more concerned about myself. Will I get any incentive at all is the big question,” says the star forward, who is preparing for next month’s Asian Games.

“It makes me wonder as to why I pursued the sport when there is no system in place to get due recognition,” she complains. When contacted, a senior sports authority official, wishing to remain anonymous, said the gaffe was the result of the lack of a clear-cut sports policy especially with regard to cash incentives.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – August 08th, 2014

Time to get Nizam’s jewels to Hyderabad?

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
A decade after a strong pitch was made to shift the Nizam's jewels worth millions of dollars to Hyderabad, they are still in the custody of the National Museum, Delhi and safe in the vaults of the Reserve Bank of India.
A decade after a strong pitch was made to shift the Nizam’s jewels worth millions of dollars to Hyderabad, they are still in the custody of the National Museum, Delhi and safe in the vaults of the Reserve Bank of India.

Hyderabad :

A decade after a strong pitch was made to shift the Nizam’s jewels worth millions of dollars to Hyderabad, they are still in the custody of the National Museum, Delhi and safe in the vaults of the Reserve Bank of India.

From 12 April to 27 July 2014, some of the jewels were displayed for the first time outside the country at the State Museum of Moscow, Kremlin.

For permanent display of the jewellery in Hyderabad, the state government even offered to look at different places in the city for a decision to be taken on where the permanent museum could be located. One was a building at the public gardens, another place that was considered was said to be on Road no. 3, Banjara Hills which was, however, ruled out due to security considerations, and another proposal was to buy land behind the museum where a building could be constructed for the permanent display of the jewels.

One location that was felt appropriate was the Dewan Devdi, where the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) office is located. Sources said there was, however, one hitch. The state government wanted the centre to pay for the land and premises. The union ministry of culture outrightly dismissed the idea. Since then, the proposal, which was at least being considered, has been in a limbo.

Some of the Nizam’s jewels were displayed for the first time outside the country last month in the State Museum of Moscow, Kremlin. The centre had acquired the famed jewellery in 1995 after a protracted legal battle with the heirs of the Nizams. For the first time, the dazzling jewellery was displayed at the National Museum in 2001. The 173 set collection comprising 348 pieces was brought to Hyderabad and displayed at the Salar Jung Museum the same year. Subsequently, for the second time, the exhibition was organized from December 31, 2005 to October 2006. This exhibition was followed by another exhibition at the National Museum, Delhi.

In 1991, the entire jewellery was valued at $ 162 million by Sotheby’s. The jewellery included the third largest diamond in the world — the Jacob diamond.

When contacted, Salar Jung Museum director A Nagendar Reddy said the state government would have to take the initiative to bring the jewels to Hyderabad and talk to the centre about it. “Even if we had to organize an exhibition like we did two times in the past, it may not be possible at the Salar Jung Musem. The Eastern block where the jewellery exhibition was conducted now has many galleries where several artefacts are on display,” he said.

Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao who is showing interest in organizing the Independence Day celebrations at the centuries old Golconda fort may also have to think of bringing the Nizams jewels back to Hyderabad for permanent display.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / Ch. Sushil Rao, TNN / August 06th, 2014

Suven Life secures two product patents

Records, All, Science & Technology, Uncategorized, World Opinion

Hyderabad :

Hyderabad-based biopharmaceutical company Suven Life Sciences Ltd on Wednesday said it has secured one patent each from Australia and Eurasia for its new chemical entities (NCEs). The NCEs will be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and these patents are valid through 2030 and 2029.

“The granted claims of the patents include the class of selective 5-HT compounds discovered by Suven that are being developed as therapeutic agents and are useful in the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Huntington’s disease, Parkinson and Schizophrenia,” the company informed the bourses.

Commenting on the development, Suven chief executive officer Venkat Jasti, said, “We are very pleased by the grant of these patents to Suven for our pipeline of molecules in CNS arena that are being developed for cognitive disorders with high unmet medical need with huge market potential globally.”

With these new patents, Suven has a total of 18 granted patents from Australia and 12 product patents from Eurasia. “These granted patents are exclusive intellectual property of Suven and are achieved through the internal discovery research efforts. Products out of these inventions may be out-licensed at various phases of clinical development like at phase-I or phase-II,” the company statement said.

The company has twelve internally-discovered therapeutic drug candidates currently in pre-clinical stage of development targeting conditions such as ADHD, dementia, depression, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and obesity.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / Swati Rathor, TNN / August 06th, 2014

India’s first eyeball implant surgery at Hyderabad’s L.V. Prasad

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Picture for representational purpose
Picture for representational purpose

Hyderabad:

A one-year-old child, born with only one eye, was implanted with an artificial eyeball in the second eye socket. This procedure made L.V. Prasad Eye Hospital the first in the country to implant an “Inflatable Orbital Tissue Expander.”

The implant allows the proper growth of skull bones around the eyeball and keeps the face from becoming distorted. Most of the children born with only one eye have asymmetrical facial bone growth.

This child was lucky as the mother was insistent and despite resistance from the family opted for the implant. This technology has been developed recently and 13 children in the US have got this implant.

Dr Tarjani Dave, consultant at L.V. Prasad Eye Hospital, said, “It’s an inflated silicon implant, which is filled with saline and as the child grows, the saline needs to refilled from time to time. So far, the reports from the US have been positive.”

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / August 06th, 2014