By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 15: The chirping sounds of domestic sparrows and quaint scenes of a mother feeding her children by showing them these birds will soon vanish from the state, with these common birds fast disappearing, 75 per cent of them already gone in urban areas. A recent study conducted by city-based zoologists of Andhra University revealed that the depletion of sparrows is 75 percent in urban areas and 40 percent in rural areas in the past 15 years. These birds, which were seen in flocks earlier, are rarely seen nowadays. The prime reason for the disappearance of sparrows is shocking. According to Prof B Bharatha lakshmi of Zoology department in AU, the killer is not a vague concept like pollution and lack of trees, but cockroaches.
"Over-usage of powerful pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is causing the depletion in sparrow numbers," Lakshmi told this correspondent. According to her, these birds generally feed on small insects like dragon flies found in small grass patches and gardens and grains but these days due to lack of enough food sparrows started eating dead cockroaches that are thrown out by public in large numbers after killing them by powerful insecticides in the households. "Its an unusual phenomenon where sparrows started eating dead cockroaches. After eating these cockroaches that were killed by using powerful insecticides available in the market sparrows also started dieing," she said. These birds are also facing nesting problems due to the cities changing into concrete jungles. And in rural areas usage of modern technology of harvesting these birds are finding it difficult to get food.
The researcher also said that though there will not be any immediate affect due to the disappearance of these, the impact would hit the future, as each bird has its role in the eco system. "We can not just rule out the importance of these small birds. Importance of vultures was realized only after their number started declining and now government is taking measures to safeguard the existing vulture population. Our future generations will not be able to see sparrows which are very close to humans if something is not done to reverse the situation" she said. To halt the present situation greenery has to be encouraged and pesticides, insecticides and herbicides usage should be reduced. Bharatha Lakshmi with a group of students were studying the sparrows trend since 15 years. The research was conducted in various urban and rural places in Andhra Pradesh. She lamented that nothing has been taken up by the government even after the glaring decline of these sparrows issue was brought up in many national and international meets.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
HIV+ form family for self-help
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Nov 12: Tired of fighting stigma from the society, around 200 HIV affected persons in the three districts of north Andhra –Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam decided that they would take care of themselves, by becoming a family. The HIV patients have formed a network among them and involving each other in their lives, be it to attend a celebration or to help one of them in need. They all gather at least once in a month and share their joys and sorrows. The patients even help each other in their last rituals. This initiative was taken up by the state nodal officer for control of aids, department of insured medical services Dr Phaninder Ketha who started "Positive Self Help Group" in the Employee State Insurance hospital in the industrial area of the city in 2005. "Being industrial workforce, most of them are prone to this dreaded disease because of their high-risk behaviour. We have formed a SHG in the hospital where industrial workers visit very frequently" says the doctor. In fact Vizag's ESI hospital is the only one in the entire state to have such a network to help and counsel the 'Positive' patients. Dr Phaninder, who earned a fellowship in HIV medicine from Christian Medical College in Raivellore, further says that the SHG was formed to give moral, psychological, social and emotional support. The patients eagerly wait for the seventh of every month, the day on which they meet. "I still remember those struggling days of mine. I was literally thrown out by my family members. I thought of ending my life before the disease killed me. But fortunately I came in contact with this group. Now I have some hope, to live happily for at least a few years. And I think these will be the most memorable moments in my life" said Nagaraju, 35, (name changed) who was getting treated for HIV positive since 3 years. Similar are the stories of all the members in the group. "Sometimes I feel lonely and gets tensed about my future but immediately there comes an invitation about some one or the other's birthday party and it's a real fun time for us" said another 40-year-old positive patient. Phaninder also said that regular meetings of these patients will infill some confidence among them and would help them regularly take their medicines and monitor their health condition. "Even the HIV patients have right to live in the society. Unfortunately we have this stigma in our system, which deprives these people of normal life. And this is what provided here to them. They will also take part in the funerals of other patients who die and they pretty well know that some day they would also die if medicines are not taken regularly and health monitored regularly" he said. The group also helps the positive people to get to earn their living also. There are some patients in the group who got jobs in the firms or places of the some well off persons who were also affected by the disease and part of the group. "I belong to Bihar and was with a private factory since a few years away from my family. After the co workers and my supervisors came to know about my disease they started avoiding me, which forced me to leave the job and when I came out there were none to offer me a job. I thought that's the end of life. But it was here where I got in contact with a person who helped me to get a job in one of his friends firm. Now I have some hope to live for some more time with out any hitches,” said the 38-year-old man from Patna..
Visakhapatnam, Nov 12: Tired of fighting stigma from the society, around 200 HIV affected persons in the three districts of north Andhra –Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam decided that they would take care of themselves, by becoming a family. The HIV patients have formed a network among them and involving each other in their lives, be it to attend a celebration or to help one of them in need. They all gather at least once in a month and share their joys and sorrows. The patients even help each other in their last rituals. This initiative was taken up by the state nodal officer for control of aids, department of insured medical services Dr Phaninder Ketha who started "Positive Self Help Group" in the Employee State Insurance hospital in the industrial area of the city in 2005. "Being industrial workforce, most of them are prone to this dreaded disease because of their high-risk behaviour. We have formed a SHG in the hospital where industrial workers visit very frequently" says the doctor. In fact Vizag's ESI hospital is the only one in the entire state to have such a network to help and counsel the 'Positive' patients. Dr Phaninder, who earned a fellowship in HIV medicine from Christian Medical College in Raivellore, further says that the SHG was formed to give moral, psychological, social and emotional support. The patients eagerly wait for the seventh of every month, the day on which they meet. "I still remember those struggling days of mine. I was literally thrown out by my family members. I thought of ending my life before the disease killed me. But fortunately I came in contact with this group. Now I have some hope, to live happily for at least a few years. And I think these will be the most memorable moments in my life" said Nagaraju, 35, (name changed) who was getting treated for HIV positive since 3 years. Similar are the stories of all the members in the group. "Sometimes I feel lonely and gets tensed about my future but immediately there comes an invitation about some one or the other's birthday party and it's a real fun time for us" said another 40-year-old positive patient. Phaninder also said that regular meetings of these patients will infill some confidence among them and would help them regularly take their medicines and monitor their health condition. "Even the HIV patients have right to live in the society. Unfortunately we have this stigma in our system, which deprives these people of normal life. And this is what provided here to them. They will also take part in the funerals of other patients who die and they pretty well know that some day they would also die if medicines are not taken regularly and health monitored regularly" he said. The group also helps the positive people to get to earn their living also. There are some patients in the group who got jobs in the firms or places of the some well off persons who were also affected by the disease and part of the group. "I belong to Bihar and was with a private factory since a few years away from my family. After the co workers and my supervisors came to know about my disease they started avoiding me, which forced me to leave the job and when I came out there were none to offer me a job. I thought that's the end of life. But it was here where I got in contact with a person who helped me to get a job in one of his friends firm. Now I have some hope to live for some more time with out any hitches,” said the 38-year-old man from Patna..
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Tradition - Homam to save innocents
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sep 23: When floods and fires struck, the ancients used to invoke the Gods for help.
Though times have changed, the basic impulse of the vast majority of humankind is still the same.
This was in evidence at the nine-day fire ritual held here to protect innocents from natural disasters, where the most powerful Vedic hymns were invoked.
It was Satguru Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy of Anandavanam who took the initiative to hold the Maharudra Homam at Bheemunipatnam, 30 km away from the city.
He decided to hold the homam after several astrologers, in their annual predictions before the Ugadi festival, warned of disasters and loss of life. Some of them even warned that carnages of unexpected scales may occur.
All this has created fear in the minds of the devout and the homam was meant to provide the assurance that the blessings of heaven were with them.
"What power does the common man have against such disasters?" asked the Satguru. "Only the power of prayer."
According to him, it was foolish to pray for individual well-being. One's safety is intimately connected with that of society.
"The greatest prayer, therefore, is to ask for the well-being of all," he added.
At an individual level, a person should ideally pray for the protection of the dharma within. "If the dharma in each person is protected, the dharma of society is intact," he said. In all, 11 Ritviks (fire priests) including the Satguru took part in the homam in which the Rudram hymn was chanted thrice during each rite, three times a day, while oblations were offered to the sacred fire.
When this was repeated for nine days, the cycle of the homam was completed.
Interestingly, no one was invited for the ritual. According to tradition, the news of the ritual should spread by word of mouth and people should come on their own. This is exactly what happened.
Thousands of people attended the homam and they were all given sumptuous meals. In the evenings, pravachanams or discourses on the holy texts were conducted.
Here too, the Satguru focused on the Rudram hymn, which made the ritual more meaningful for people.
During the Purnahuti, the culmination of the ritual, thousands gathered at the mango grove where the homam was performed.
As the mantras touched a crescendo, the Ritwiks appealed to the deity to shower grace upon the innocents threatened by the onslaught of evil. "Every individual who lives in society must contribute for the cause of general welfare," said the Satguru. "This is our message."
Visakhapatnam, Sep 23: When floods and fires struck, the ancients used to invoke the Gods for help.
Though times have changed, the basic impulse of the vast majority of humankind is still the same.
This was in evidence at the nine-day fire ritual held here to protect innocents from natural disasters, where the most powerful Vedic hymns were invoked.
It was Satguru Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy of Anandavanam who took the initiative to hold the Maharudra Homam at Bheemunipatnam, 30 km away from the city.
He decided to hold the homam after several astrologers, in their annual predictions before the Ugadi festival, warned of disasters and loss of life. Some of them even warned that carnages of unexpected scales may occur.
All this has created fear in the minds of the devout and the homam was meant to provide the assurance that the blessings of heaven were with them.
"What power does the common man have against such disasters?" asked the Satguru. "Only the power of prayer."
According to him, it was foolish to pray for individual well-being. One's safety is intimately connected with that of society.
"The greatest prayer, therefore, is to ask for the well-being of all," he added.
At an individual level, a person should ideally pray for the protection of the dharma within. "If the dharma in each person is protected, the dharma of society is intact," he said. In all, 11 Ritviks (fire priests) including the Satguru took part in the homam in which the Rudram hymn was chanted thrice during each rite, three times a day, while oblations were offered to the sacred fire.
When this was repeated for nine days, the cycle of the homam was completed.
Interestingly, no one was invited for the ritual. According to tradition, the news of the ritual should spread by word of mouth and people should come on their own. This is exactly what happened.
Thousands of people attended the homam and they were all given sumptuous meals. In the evenings, pravachanams or discourses on the holy texts were conducted.
Here too, the Satguru focused on the Rudram hymn, which made the ritual more meaningful for people.
During the Purnahuti, the culmination of the ritual, thousands gathered at the mango grove where the homam was performed.
As the mantras touched a crescendo, the Ritwiks appealed to the deity to shower grace upon the innocents threatened by the onslaught of evil. "Every individual who lives in society must contribute for the cause of general welfare," said the Satguru. "This is our message."
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Panama Canal way to Sethu
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sep 21: An expert has suggested a ‘Panama Canal' solution to the Rama Sethu controversy that will keep all contending parties happy.
Mr B.V. Audinarayana, a retired assistant garrison engineer of the Military Engineering Services, said that instead of cutting open Rama Sethu, the existing gap in the Pumban canal could be widened to allow ships to pass through.
The gap, created by Krishna Naik in 15th century and expanded by the British in the 18th century, is 30 km before the Rama Sethu.
This is similar to the design adopted in the famous Panama Canal and would be more economical and less controversial, he said.
Mr Audinarayana, who has done extensive research on the Rama Sethu, also known as Adam's Bridge, says that the project can be carried out, but with some modifications.
"The gap in the Pumban Canal can be further widened without disturbing the other structure," he said.
In the 15th century, Krishna Naick built a canal which was only a few feet wide and only four feet deep. Boats could pass through the canal during high tide and carts could cross when the water level was low.
When it opened to the sea the canal expanded to a width of about 2 km. This allowed the sand and silt to move from the east coast and Palk Bay into the deep sea.
The British widened the canal to allow ships to move easily to Ceylon instead of taking a circuitous route.
"The current approach being debated is based on the Suez Canal design," said Mr Audinarayana. "But it will be better if the Panama Canal model is adopted with dock locks at the Pumban Bridge."
The scientist, who had helped build the huge dry dock in the naval dockyard at Vizag in the 1970s, said that different kinds of dock locks can be provided for ships of varying sizes.
With this plan, the route would become shorter and the huge expenditure on dredging will come down.
"Also, dock locks will help check sand erosion due to further deepening of Pumban canal which will wreak major disasters," he said. "Big cities such as Vizag and Chennai will go under the sea in the long run if it is unchecked."
An expert has suggested a ‘Panama Canal' solution to the Rama Sethu controver- sy that will keep all con- tending parties happy. Mr B.V. Audinarayana, a retired assistant garrison engineer of the Military Engineering Services, said that instead of cutting open Rama Sethu, the existing gap in the Pumban canal could be widened to allow ships to pass through. The gap, created by Krishna Naik in 15th centu- ry and expanded by the British in the 18th century, is 30 km before the Rama Sethu. This is similar to the design adopted in the famous Panama Canal and would be more economical and less controversial, he said. Mr Audinarayana, who has done extensive research on the Rama Sethu, also known as Adam's Bridge, says that the project can be carried out, but with some modifications. "The gap in the Pumban Canal can be further widened without disturbing the other structure," he said. In the 15th century, Krish- na Naick built a canal which was only a few feet wide and only four feet deep. Boats could pass through the canal during high tide and carts could cross when the water level was low. When it opened to the sea the canal expanded to a width of about 2 km. This allowed the sand and silt to move from the east coast and Palk Bay into the deep sea. The British widened the canal to allow ships to move easily to Ceylon instead of taking a cir- cuitous route. "The current approach being debated is based on the Suez Canal design," said Mr Audinarayana. "But it will be better if the Panama Canal model is adopted with dock locks at the Pumban Bridge." The scientist, who had helped build the huge dry dock in the naval dockyard at Vizag in the 1970s, said that different kinds of dock locks can be provided for ships of varying sizes. With this plan, the route would become shorter and the huge expenditure on dredging will come down. "Also, dock locks will help check sand erosion due to further deepening of Pumban canal which will wreak major disasters," he said. "Big cities such as Vizag and Chennai will go under the sea in the long run if it is unchecked."
Visakhapatnam, Sep 21: An expert has suggested a ‘Panama Canal' solution to the Rama Sethu controversy that will keep all contending parties happy.
Mr B.V. Audinarayana, a retired assistant garrison engineer of the Military Engineering Services, said that instead of cutting open Rama Sethu, the existing gap in the Pumban canal could be widened to allow ships to pass through.
The gap, created by Krishna Naik in 15th century and expanded by the British in the 18th century, is 30 km before the Rama Sethu.
This is similar to the design adopted in the famous Panama Canal and would be more economical and less controversial, he said.
Mr Audinarayana, who has done extensive research on the Rama Sethu, also known as Adam's Bridge, says that the project can be carried out, but with some modifications.
"The gap in the Pumban Canal can be further widened without disturbing the other structure," he said.
In the 15th century, Krishna Naick built a canal which was only a few feet wide and only four feet deep. Boats could pass through the canal during high tide and carts could cross when the water level was low.
When it opened to the sea the canal expanded to a width of about 2 km. This allowed the sand and silt to move from the east coast and Palk Bay into the deep sea.
The British widened the canal to allow ships to move easily to Ceylon instead of taking a circuitous route.
"The current approach being debated is based on the Suez Canal design," said Mr Audinarayana. "But it will be better if the Panama Canal model is adopted with dock locks at the Pumban Bridge."
The scientist, who had helped build the huge dry dock in the naval dockyard at Vizag in the 1970s, said that different kinds of dock locks can be provided for ships of varying sizes.
With this plan, the route would become shorter and the huge expenditure on dredging will come down.
"Also, dock locks will help check sand erosion due to further deepening of Pumban canal which will wreak major disasters," he said. "Big cities such as Vizag and Chennai will go under the sea in the long run if it is unchecked."
An expert has suggested a ‘Panama Canal' solution to the Rama Sethu controver- sy that will keep all con- tending parties happy. Mr B.V. Audinarayana, a retired assistant garrison engineer of the Military Engineering Services, said that instead of cutting open Rama Sethu, the existing gap in the Pumban canal could be widened to allow ships to pass through. The gap, created by Krishna Naik in 15th centu- ry and expanded by the British in the 18th century, is 30 km before the Rama Sethu. This is similar to the design adopted in the famous Panama Canal and would be more economical and less controversial, he said. Mr Audinarayana, who has done extensive research on the Rama Sethu, also known as Adam's Bridge, says that the project can be carried out, but with some modifications. "The gap in the Pumban Canal can be further widened without disturbing the other structure," he said. In the 15th century, Krish- na Naick built a canal which was only a few feet wide and only four feet deep. Boats could pass through the canal during high tide and carts could cross when the water level was low. When it opened to the sea the canal expanded to a width of about 2 km. This allowed the sand and silt to move from the east coast and Palk Bay into the deep sea. The British widened the canal to allow ships to move easily to Ceylon instead of taking a cir- cuitous route. "The current approach being debated is based on the Suez Canal design," said Mr Audinarayana. "But it will be better if the Panama Canal model is adopted with dock locks at the Pumban Bridge." The scientist, who had helped build the huge dry dock in the naval dockyard at Vizag in the 1970s, said that different kinds of dock locks can be provided for ships of varying sizes. With this plan, the route would become shorter and the huge expenditure on dredging will come down. "Also, dock locks will help check sand erosion due to further deepening of Pumban canal which will wreak major disasters," he said. "Big cities such as Vizag and Chennai will go under the sea in the long run if it is unchecked."
Monday, September 17, 2007
Coffee plantation near Vizag under control of Maoists
By SNV Sudhir
GK Veedhi (Vizag Agency), Aug 30: Government gave away a huge chunk ofcoffee plantation to the outlawed Maoists in the Agency tracts of thisdistrict offering little resistance. The Maoists now own huge chunks ofthe plantation though the officials confess that only 160 acres ofplantation was under a short of dispute. A visit by this correspondentfound that a part of Kumkumpudi and Marripakala coffee estate in this GKVeedhi mandal, which buzzed with round the clock activity of plantationtill 3 months back, has literally turned into a no man zone now. The staffof AP Forest Development Corporation and local tribals working in thoseplantations dares not to step into these fields spread around in 160acres. The Maoists of east division sent an ultimatum a few months backwarning the APFDC, which is the leased owner of the reserve forest, toleave the fields to the local tribals. They also told the tribal labourersnot to go for work. The west division coffee plantation of APFDC has RVNagar, Gudem I, II, Lanakalapalem and Kumkumpudi estates. The totalplantation in these estates extends to 2, 600 acres of reserve forestwhere the coffee seeds of international repute are produced. The coffeeseeds that are cultivated in these plantations are exported to manycountries through Banglore and Chennai based agencies who buy them fromthe APFDC. Around 3 tonnes of coffee seeds are produced in the westdivision which fetches Rs 2 to 3 crores per anum. The APFDC is the biggestemployer in the agency and 1,000 tribals are employed in west divisionplantations.Around 200 tribals belonging to seven to eight surrounding villages, whowere working in 160 acres of Kumkumpudi estate where the naxals gainedupper hand recently, are sitting idle.Though it was a long pending demand by the naxals of the Vizag Agency ofdistribution of coffee plantation in the Agency to the tribals, it was nottaken seriously by the government. But recently naxals have sent a word toAPFDC officials through the lower staff not to enter the fields. Thiscorrespondent could see two red flags pitched by the extremists and alsosome marking stones in the hillock of approximate 160 acres where no onedares to enter. “They told us not to work in the coffee fields of APFDC instead theypromised to distribute these lands to us so that we can take up thecoffee cultivation on our own. But we cannot take up the cultivation asit needs expertise and it’s not that easy. We are in a confused state. Wecan’t ignore the warnings of the naxals and also cannot sit back at home.We already lost daily wages since 2 months. I don’t know when thisproblem will be solved,” said Somra (name changed), a native Kondh tribalof Cheepurugondi.The outlawed Maoists have also pitched a red flag on the most advancedcoffee-pulping unit acquired by the APFDC recently. “We are not able tounderstand what to do now. No one dares to go there. Entire plantationwork in these 160 acres came to a standstill since 2 months. We arehelpless,” said an APFDC official under the conditions of anonymity who isin a grip of fear. The works of fertilization, weeding, handling, whichhas to be carried in this season was stopped here.At this juncture the GK Veedhi police had stepped in and startedcounseling sessions to the tribals of these surrounding villages tomotivate them to get back to work. Police are also explaining them theconsequences which would arise if they occupied those plantations at thebehest of the naxals. “For the past few months we are going into thesevillages and conducting counseling sessions to these tribals.. They arealso losing daily wages for not attending the regular work,” said the GKVeedhi SI, K Srinivasa Rao. APFDC pays Rs 84.85 paise per day to alabourer.The Officer on Special Duty of the police department, Ch Srikanth saidthat they took a step further and started counseling the tribals in orderto motivate them to join work. “We are here to provide security toeveryone. It’s true that a problem cropped up in this particular area withthe support of some external forces. We are on our job and will definitelysort out it very soon. And as part of it we are conducting counseling”said the senior police official.
GK Veedhi (Vizag Agency), Aug 30: Government gave away a huge chunk ofcoffee plantation to the outlawed Maoists in the Agency tracts of thisdistrict offering little resistance. The Maoists now own huge chunks ofthe plantation though the officials confess that only 160 acres ofplantation was under a short of dispute. A visit by this correspondentfound that a part of Kumkumpudi and Marripakala coffee estate in this GKVeedhi mandal, which buzzed with round the clock activity of plantationtill 3 months back, has literally turned into a no man zone now. The staffof AP Forest Development Corporation and local tribals working in thoseplantations dares not to step into these fields spread around in 160acres. The Maoists of east division sent an ultimatum a few months backwarning the APFDC, which is the leased owner of the reserve forest, toleave the fields to the local tribals. They also told the tribal labourersnot to go for work. The west division coffee plantation of APFDC has RVNagar, Gudem I, II, Lanakalapalem and Kumkumpudi estates. The totalplantation in these estates extends to 2, 600 acres of reserve forestwhere the coffee seeds of international repute are produced. The coffeeseeds that are cultivated in these plantations are exported to manycountries through Banglore and Chennai based agencies who buy them fromthe APFDC. Around 3 tonnes of coffee seeds are produced in the westdivision which fetches Rs 2 to 3 crores per anum. The APFDC is the biggestemployer in the agency and 1,000 tribals are employed in west divisionplantations.Around 200 tribals belonging to seven to eight surrounding villages, whowere working in 160 acres of Kumkumpudi estate where the naxals gainedupper hand recently, are sitting idle.Though it was a long pending demand by the naxals of the Vizag Agency ofdistribution of coffee plantation in the Agency to the tribals, it was nottaken seriously by the government. But recently naxals have sent a word toAPFDC officials through the lower staff not to enter the fields. Thiscorrespondent could see two red flags pitched by the extremists and alsosome marking stones in the hillock of approximate 160 acres where no onedares to enter. “They told us not to work in the coffee fields of APFDC instead theypromised to distribute these lands to us so that we can take up thecoffee cultivation on our own. But we cannot take up the cultivation asit needs expertise and it’s not that easy. We are in a confused state. Wecan’t ignore the warnings of the naxals and also cannot sit back at home.We already lost daily wages since 2 months. I don’t know when thisproblem will be solved,” said Somra (name changed), a native Kondh tribalof Cheepurugondi.The outlawed Maoists have also pitched a red flag on the most advancedcoffee-pulping unit acquired by the APFDC recently. “We are not able tounderstand what to do now. No one dares to go there. Entire plantationwork in these 160 acres came to a standstill since 2 months. We arehelpless,” said an APFDC official under the conditions of anonymity who isin a grip of fear. The works of fertilization, weeding, handling, whichhas to be carried in this season was stopped here.At this juncture the GK Veedhi police had stepped in and startedcounseling sessions to the tribals of these surrounding villages tomotivate them to get back to work. Police are also explaining them theconsequences which would arise if they occupied those plantations at thebehest of the naxals. “For the past few months we are going into thesevillages and conducting counseling sessions to these tribals.. They arealso losing daily wages for not attending the regular work,” said the GKVeedhi SI, K Srinivasa Rao. APFDC pays Rs 84.85 paise per day to alabourer.The Officer on Special Duty of the police department, Ch Srikanth saidthat they took a step further and started counseling the tribals in orderto motivate them to join work. “We are here to provide security toeveryone. It’s true that a problem cropped up in this particular area withthe support of some external forces. We are on our job and will definitelysort out it very soon. And as part of it we are conducting counseling”said the senior police official.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Tribal women head for cities
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam: About 600 tribal women from remote villages of Vizag agency areas have got jobs in giant garment manufacturing units in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Andhra Pradesh.
It was the ITDA and Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty which took the initiative to train 3,000 tribal women in tailoring.
Of them, 600 had a lucky break when whey were recruited by Bangalore based Integra and Arvind Mills of Ahmedabad.
They are now earning monthly salaries of Rs 3,000 with free accommodation and subsidised food.
"Their salary may go up further depending upon their work and some women even went up to the supervisory level where they get a salary of Rs 6,000," said ITDA Project officer A. Sarath.
These women were trained at centres set up in Paderu, Chintapalli and Araku by the State government.
"After seeing the success of their sisters, more women are showing interest in joining the training classes," said the project officer. Unemployed tribal youth were also given training in six sectors including masonry and plumbing. And their services are being utilised in the construction of houses in the Agency areas under the Indira Kranthi scheme.
"Income sources for tribal families are very limited," said Mr Sarath. "They need to depend upon farming or selling forest produce. The returns are meagre. These training classes are a boon for them."
Visakhapatnam: About 600 tribal women from remote villages of Vizag agency areas have got jobs in giant garment manufacturing units in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Andhra Pradesh.
It was the ITDA and Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty which took the initiative to train 3,000 tribal women in tailoring.
Of them, 600 had a lucky break when whey were recruited by Bangalore based Integra and Arvind Mills of Ahmedabad.
They are now earning monthly salaries of Rs 3,000 with free accommodation and subsidised food.
"Their salary may go up further depending upon their work and some women even went up to the supervisory level where they get a salary of Rs 6,000," said ITDA Project officer A. Sarath.
These women were trained at centres set up in Paderu, Chintapalli and Araku by the State government.
"After seeing the success of their sisters, more women are showing interest in joining the training classes," said the project officer. Unemployed tribal youth were also given training in six sectors including masonry and plumbing. And their services are being utilised in the construction of houses in the Agency areas under the Indira Kranthi scheme.
"Income sources for tribal families are very limited," said Mr Sarath. "They need to depend upon farming or selling forest produce. The returns are meagre. These training classes are a boon for them."
Nudity implies purity
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam: Nudity is revered and worshipped in the Sri Meru Nilayam temple of Devipuram, which houses the world's largest Srichakra.
The unique temple, which is located 30km from here, has been attracting devotees from all over the world.
Sri Chakra is the most sacred and potent representation of the energy of the mother goddess in Hindu culture.
The three-storied temple is constructed in the exact form of a pyramidal Sri Chakra called Sri Meru. It was built on 108 square feet and soars up to 54 feet.
There are 108 life-sized icons of the goddesses of Khadgamala here. Devotees can sit in front of them and meditate, do archana or perform homan. Most of the deities are nude or "skyclad", implying that they are pure Shaktis. It is believed that the deities want the devotees to worship their nudity.
Sitting on top of the Meru is the thousand-eyed Lalita Devi called Sahasrakshi Rajarajeshwari, who is the presiding deity.
"The temple itself is the body of the mother goddess," says Swami Amritananda Natha Saraswathy, the man behind the magnificent structure. "Here you can learn about the Cosmos and your nature."
Amritananda, who is fondly called Guruji by the devotees, explains that nudity is a sign of having nothing to hide and being pure in nature.
"That is how God made us," he says. "This temple is a symbol of unity between thought, word and deed."
Symbolism is extended further in Kamakhya Peetham on the nearby hill and the Siva temple on top of hill. Kamakhya is the mother of all and has the shape of a female genital. In its centre is the Sri Chakra Meru, a symbol of the universe. A 12-foot Sri Chakra can also be seen on top of the Shiva Temple. This temple also allows devotees to perform puja to the Devi without distinction of caste.
Maha Meru, also called the Sri Chakra, is said to be the mother of all Mandalas. This geometrical form is said to have originated from the Himalayan masters and is revered in all eastern traditions. Amritananda was once a nuclear scientist named Dr Nishtala Prahlada Sastry. He graduated from the Andhra University and received his doctorate from the University of Bombay while working at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Sastry spent 23 years in research at TIFR. Later, he worked as a teacher in Zambia for two years. But he had a deep spiritual yearning which took him from one temple to another. It was in 1977 that Shastry visited the Balaji temple in Hyderabad. As he prostrated before the lord, he felt a thrill passing through his body. Amritananda terms this an initiation from Balaji. This proved to be the turning point in his life.
After that incident, he immersed himself in spiritual practices. He performed a Devi Yagam in Visakhapatnam in 1983, when he received the hillock where the temple stands as a donation. On the slopes of that hillock, he noticed a formation very similar to that of the Kamakhya Peetham in Assam.
While meditating, he had a vision of himself lying on the Peetham, while four others performed a homam with the flames emanating from his body.
He dug up the very site and unearthed a Sri Chakra Maha Meru made of panchaloha. It was later discovered that a big yagna had been performed there 250 years ago. Later he saw the goddess of creativity, Kamakhya Devi, in a triangular pit formation in a rock boulder nearby. She showed him all the various deities who receive puja in Sri Chakra, and he made sculptures of them.
"The Goddess guided me during every step in the building of the present temple," he says. "It took 11 years to make the Sri Meru Nilayam temple a reality."The fame of the temple has reached far and wide. "Sri Chakra is considered to be the genetic code of the cosmos, mind and the atom," says Asa Dustin, a yoga teacher who is on a visit from New Jersey.
Visakhapatnam: Nudity is revered and worshipped in the Sri Meru Nilayam temple of Devipuram, which houses the world's largest Srichakra.
The unique temple, which is located 30km from here, has been attracting devotees from all over the world.
Sri Chakra is the most sacred and potent representation of the energy of the mother goddess in Hindu culture.
The three-storied temple is constructed in the exact form of a pyramidal Sri Chakra called Sri Meru. It was built on 108 square feet and soars up to 54 feet.
There are 108 life-sized icons of the goddesses of Khadgamala here. Devotees can sit in front of them and meditate, do archana or perform homan. Most of the deities are nude or "skyclad", implying that they are pure Shaktis. It is believed that the deities want the devotees to worship their nudity.
Sitting on top of the Meru is the thousand-eyed Lalita Devi called Sahasrakshi Rajarajeshwari, who is the presiding deity.
"The temple itself is the body of the mother goddess," says Swami Amritananda Natha Saraswathy, the man behind the magnificent structure. "Here you can learn about the Cosmos and your nature."
Amritananda, who is fondly called Guruji by the devotees, explains that nudity is a sign of having nothing to hide and being pure in nature.
"That is how God made us," he says. "This temple is a symbol of unity between thought, word and deed."
Symbolism is extended further in Kamakhya Peetham on the nearby hill and the Siva temple on top of hill. Kamakhya is the mother of all and has the shape of a female genital. In its centre is the Sri Chakra Meru, a symbol of the universe. A 12-foot Sri Chakra can also be seen on top of the Shiva Temple. This temple also allows devotees to perform puja to the Devi without distinction of caste.
Maha Meru, also called the Sri Chakra, is said to be the mother of all Mandalas. This geometrical form is said to have originated from the Himalayan masters and is revered in all eastern traditions. Amritananda was once a nuclear scientist named Dr Nishtala Prahlada Sastry. He graduated from the Andhra University and received his doctorate from the University of Bombay while working at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Sastry spent 23 years in research at TIFR. Later, he worked as a teacher in Zambia for two years. But he had a deep spiritual yearning which took him from one temple to another. It was in 1977 that Shastry visited the Balaji temple in Hyderabad. As he prostrated before the lord, he felt a thrill passing through his body. Amritananda terms this an initiation from Balaji. This proved to be the turning point in his life.
After that incident, he immersed himself in spiritual practices. He performed a Devi Yagam in Visakhapatnam in 1983, when he received the hillock where the temple stands as a donation. On the slopes of that hillock, he noticed a formation very similar to that of the Kamakhya Peetham in Assam.
While meditating, he had a vision of himself lying on the Peetham, while four others performed a homam with the flames emanating from his body.
He dug up the very site and unearthed a Sri Chakra Maha Meru made of panchaloha. It was later discovered that a big yagna had been performed there 250 years ago. Later he saw the goddess of creativity, Kamakhya Devi, in a triangular pit formation in a rock boulder nearby. She showed him all the various deities who receive puja in Sri Chakra, and he made sculptures of them.
"The Goddess guided me during every step in the building of the present temple," he says. "It took 11 years to make the Sri Meru Nilayam temple a reality."The fame of the temple has reached far and wide. "Sri Chakra is considered to be the genetic code of the cosmos, mind and the atom," says Asa Dustin, a yoga teacher who is on a visit from New Jersey.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A new star on the chess horizon
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, July 21: Chess may not be a popular sport in the country. But Andhra Pradesh has distinction of producing world class chess players. Pratyusha, is all set to join the elite club of Koneru Humpy and P Hari Krishna of AP. But it's an unusual success story of this 11-year-old girl hailing from a remote Agency village in the district making to international arena which any normal kid of a rural background dare to dream about. Hailing from Koyyuru, a remote Agency village in the district, Bodda Pratyusha, 11, is a new chess star in the making. She is just back from Thailand after winning three medals at the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) youth chess championship held recently. And it's not easy for her to achieve big in her life. Pratyusha do not have comforts unlike other kids of her age. Only things she has are will and confidence to tackle any situation. She just notes down the theory given by her master and gets onto the game. And when she gets onto it Pratyusha forgets everything except her moves.
For one's surprise this young chess prodigy equipped with confidence travels alone to take part in chess tournaments abroad as her parents or coach cannot afford to accompany her to the international events due to severe financial crunches. She took part in various international tournaments held at Singapore, Greece, Iran, Georgia and Thailand and won laurels for the country. And she managed on her own except the Georgia trip where her coach R Amarnath accompanied her. "I can manage myself. Wherever I go my only aim, ambition and thoughts would be to win the game. Other than that nothing remains in my mind and nothing distracts me. Their absence never affects me," says Pratyusha with a mild but confident tone.
She also carries storybooks, comics and Telugu poetry books with her to read whenever she gets a little time during the international tournaments. "I don't feel any difference whether it is India or Thailand my focus would be only on the brain game. Of course sometimes I miss my family members when I see my fellow players along with their parents encouraging them. But I need to shun down all such thoughts to achieve something big in life" she adds.
Pratyusha's grandfather, VV Ramana who always accompanies her in the tournaments held within the country says that they cannot afford to go with Pratyusha wherever she goes. "We some how manage by pooling some funds and sometimes by taking hand loans and send her to the international events. We just want to encourage her hidden talents. That's it," said Ramana. Pratyusha's father B S Prasad, a secondary grade teacher at Koyyuru government school recollects how it all started. "Koyyuru is remote place with no recreation or entertainment. When she was at the age of 6 Pratyusha first played with one of our neighbour. That's how it all started. She attracted the attention of local people with her talents by playing chess with senior players at Koyyuru" he says. Prasad further says that recognizing her inner talents his neighbours advised him to get her trained by a professional. R Amarnath, a national chess player took the child prodigy under his wings, since then Pratyusha never looked back. She went on a winning spree. She participated at the state level and international level from December 2003. "Most of her age group kids who practice 8 hours a day with all comforts were no match to her. She is brilliant and has that killer instinct, confidence and attitude to win. It's not an easy thing to go all the way alone to alien lands without family and winning tournaments. One should not feel nervous and should be cool always, which she is," says her coach Amaranath. In recognition of her talent Sri Prakash Educational Institutions in Payakaraopeta, is providing her with free education and hostel facility and also sponsors her to various tournaments in the country. Now Pratyusha has her eye set to become the youngest Indian Grand Master at 11. At present Parimarjan Negi, 13 of Delhi hold the record of being the youngest Indian Grand Master.
Visakhapatnam, July 21: Chess may not be a popular sport in the country. But Andhra Pradesh has distinction of producing world class chess players. Pratyusha, is all set to join the elite club of Koneru Humpy and P Hari Krishna of AP. But it's an unusual success story of this 11-year-old girl hailing from a remote Agency village in the district making to international arena which any normal kid of a rural background dare to dream about. Hailing from Koyyuru, a remote Agency village in the district, Bodda Pratyusha, 11, is a new chess star in the making. She is just back from Thailand after winning three medals at the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) youth chess championship held recently. And it's not easy for her to achieve big in her life. Pratyusha do not have comforts unlike other kids of her age. Only things she has are will and confidence to tackle any situation. She just notes down the theory given by her master and gets onto the game. And when she gets onto it Pratyusha forgets everything except her moves.
For one's surprise this young chess prodigy equipped with confidence travels alone to take part in chess tournaments abroad as her parents or coach cannot afford to accompany her to the international events due to severe financial crunches. She took part in various international tournaments held at Singapore, Greece, Iran, Georgia and Thailand and won laurels for the country. And she managed on her own except the Georgia trip where her coach R Amarnath accompanied her. "I can manage myself. Wherever I go my only aim, ambition and thoughts would be to win the game. Other than that nothing remains in my mind and nothing distracts me. Their absence never affects me," says Pratyusha with a mild but confident tone.
She also carries storybooks, comics and Telugu poetry books with her to read whenever she gets a little time during the international tournaments. "I don't feel any difference whether it is India or Thailand my focus would be only on the brain game. Of course sometimes I miss my family members when I see my fellow players along with their parents encouraging them. But I need to shun down all such thoughts to achieve something big in life" she adds.
Pratyusha's grandfather, VV Ramana who always accompanies her in the tournaments held within the country says that they cannot afford to go with Pratyusha wherever she goes. "We some how manage by pooling some funds and sometimes by taking hand loans and send her to the international events. We just want to encourage her hidden talents. That's it," said Ramana. Pratyusha's father B S Prasad, a secondary grade teacher at Koyyuru government school recollects how it all started. "Koyyuru is remote place with no recreation or entertainment. When she was at the age of 6 Pratyusha first played with one of our neighbour. That's how it all started. She attracted the attention of local people with her talents by playing chess with senior players at Koyyuru" he says. Prasad further says that recognizing her inner talents his neighbours advised him to get her trained by a professional. R Amarnath, a national chess player took the child prodigy under his wings, since then Pratyusha never looked back. She went on a winning spree. She participated at the state level and international level from December 2003. "Most of her age group kids who practice 8 hours a day with all comforts were no match to her. She is brilliant and has that killer instinct, confidence and attitude to win. It's not an easy thing to go all the way alone to alien lands without family and winning tournaments. One should not feel nervous and should be cool always, which she is," says her coach Amaranath. In recognition of her talent Sri Prakash Educational Institutions in Payakaraopeta, is providing her with free education and hostel facility and also sponsors her to various tournaments in the country. Now Pratyusha has her eye set to become the youngest Indian Grand Master at 11. At present Parimarjan Negi, 13 of Delhi hold the record of being the youngest Indian Grand Master.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Entire village donates eyes
SNV Sudhir
Bhimavaram (Vizianagaram), July 4: A remote village, Bhimavaram in thisdistrict might put many a philanthropists to shame. The 450 semi-literatefamilies of the village have pledged their eyes to the sightless, enmasse, proving that no matter how little one has, could give the world tosomeone after the death. At the time when the organ donation still didn’tpickup in the urban areas and cadaver donors in scarce in the country,these villagers stand by their word and voluntarily inform the doctors ofthe nearby Operation Eyesight Lions Eye hospital and eye bank of Garividiwhenever a death occurs in their village to take the cornea pair, whichhas to be taken out within hours of death. “It’s a very strange thing to happen in villages where people havedifferent opinions, apprehensions, superstitions and ‘blind beliefs’,misconceptions. But somehow everyone in Bhimavaram en masse filled thepledge forms to donate eyes after death. Initially we didn’t take themserious as with spot enthusiasm some persons sign the forms and laterreject when we go to collect the eyes after death as we have seen manycases. But this village is totally different. They inform us wheneverthere’s a death and some villagers help us in convincing the relatives ofthe deceased if they get any second thought” said the medicalsuperintendent of the eye hospital, Dr Sunil Kumar Thangaraj.It started in 2005 when as part of the eye hospital’s mission to createawareness in the rural areas on eye donation, the hospital team bumped onto this village and showed a short film on eye donation, which can changethe life of the sightless. The film showed about the misconceptions of eyedonations, procedure of taking out the cornea from the dead body. Thisinspired the headman of the village Pericharla Sanyasi Appala Raju, 65, alocal landlord whose words are diktats to the entire village. And verysoon he could convince the entire village and all duly signed the pledgeforms. Its not just signing the forms. Till now villagers donated 12 pairsof eyes from the village since the campaign launched in this remotevillage. Death of the persons suffering with prolonged illness and othercomplaints are never informed. “Eyes are life to the human beings.And one cannot imagine life withoutvision which made me infuse the feeling of eye donation among ourvillagers and the result is that the legacy would continue and we willpass it onto the next generations” said the headman. The OE Lions eyehospital and eye bank is the only hospital in the rural Andhra Pradeshdoing cornea transplantation. Dr Sunil observed that the corneacollection was not up to the demand in the two districts of north Andhra.He said at any given time there will be minimum of 300 persons on thewaitlist for cornea transplantation from these areas. “According tolatest statistics of the Eye Bank Association of India around 4 lakh eyepairs are needed per year and 8-9 million deaths occurred last year butonly 25,000 pairs could be collected which shows the big gap. This is alllack of awareness about the eye donation and commitment by the donorswhich this village has in abundant” said Dr Sunil.“ I used to see Appamma, a young girl in our village who was born blindand how she suffered in life which inspired me to donate eyes. I saw theshort film and signed the pledge and my mother in law’s eyes was the firstto be donated when she died in 2005 end,” said Mudunuri Appala Raju. Whenasked another villager Penmatsa Narasimha Raju about how do they feeleverything about eye donation, he said “Its very simple. We inform thedoctors they come and cover the dead body with a cloth and take out thecornea from the dead. It’s as simple as that. It all finishes in just10minutes”.“Our relatives stopped me calling the doctors after my wife died sayingthat if the dead take a rebirth they will born with no vision if the eyesare donated after death. I ruled out all those arguments and called thedoctors. They came and took my wife’s eyes. One should live and also givelife to someone after death, which is possible only by eye donation” saidMamidi Appala Naidu, who faced ire from his relatives at the time of hiswife’s death. But he was determined to donate the eyes. Some villagersthink that the dead will not come into their dreams if their eyes weretaken out. And if they come, they would curse for removing eyes. “But tillnow I didn’t got any such dream. Its all rubbish. Even I used to believethis gossip earlier but not now,” said Pydinaidu. Cornea of Naidu’s mother was given to the doctors. Another unique featureof the village is that there is no scope for politics. They do not castany vote to elect the president of their panchayat. All the villagers sittogether and select a candidate unanimously. Since 1951 they have beenpracticing this without affiliation to any political parties.Perhaps this unanimity led them to take up the unique social cause withoutany hindrance.
Bhimavaram (Vizianagaram), July 4: A remote village, Bhimavaram in thisdistrict might put many a philanthropists to shame. The 450 semi-literatefamilies of the village have pledged their eyes to the sightless, enmasse, proving that no matter how little one has, could give the world tosomeone after the death. At the time when the organ donation still didn’tpickup in the urban areas and cadaver donors in scarce in the country,these villagers stand by their word and voluntarily inform the doctors ofthe nearby Operation Eyesight Lions Eye hospital and eye bank of Garividiwhenever a death occurs in their village to take the cornea pair, whichhas to be taken out within hours of death. “It’s a very strange thing to happen in villages where people havedifferent opinions, apprehensions, superstitions and ‘blind beliefs’,misconceptions. But somehow everyone in Bhimavaram en masse filled thepledge forms to donate eyes after death. Initially we didn’t take themserious as with spot enthusiasm some persons sign the forms and laterreject when we go to collect the eyes after death as we have seen manycases. But this village is totally different. They inform us wheneverthere’s a death and some villagers help us in convincing the relatives ofthe deceased if they get any second thought” said the medicalsuperintendent of the eye hospital, Dr Sunil Kumar Thangaraj.It started in 2005 when as part of the eye hospital’s mission to createawareness in the rural areas on eye donation, the hospital team bumped onto this village and showed a short film on eye donation, which can changethe life of the sightless. The film showed about the misconceptions of eyedonations, procedure of taking out the cornea from the dead body. Thisinspired the headman of the village Pericharla Sanyasi Appala Raju, 65, alocal landlord whose words are diktats to the entire village. And verysoon he could convince the entire village and all duly signed the pledgeforms. Its not just signing the forms. Till now villagers donated 12 pairsof eyes from the village since the campaign launched in this remotevillage. Death of the persons suffering with prolonged illness and othercomplaints are never informed. “Eyes are life to the human beings.And one cannot imagine life withoutvision which made me infuse the feeling of eye donation among ourvillagers and the result is that the legacy would continue and we willpass it onto the next generations” said the headman. The OE Lions eyehospital and eye bank is the only hospital in the rural Andhra Pradeshdoing cornea transplantation. Dr Sunil observed that the corneacollection was not up to the demand in the two districts of north Andhra.He said at any given time there will be minimum of 300 persons on thewaitlist for cornea transplantation from these areas. “According tolatest statistics of the Eye Bank Association of India around 4 lakh eyepairs are needed per year and 8-9 million deaths occurred last year butonly 25,000 pairs could be collected which shows the big gap. This is alllack of awareness about the eye donation and commitment by the donorswhich this village has in abundant” said Dr Sunil.“ I used to see Appamma, a young girl in our village who was born blindand how she suffered in life which inspired me to donate eyes. I saw theshort film and signed the pledge and my mother in law’s eyes was the firstto be donated when she died in 2005 end,” said Mudunuri Appala Raju. Whenasked another villager Penmatsa Narasimha Raju about how do they feeleverything about eye donation, he said “Its very simple. We inform thedoctors they come and cover the dead body with a cloth and take out thecornea from the dead. It’s as simple as that. It all finishes in just10minutes”.“Our relatives stopped me calling the doctors after my wife died sayingthat if the dead take a rebirth they will born with no vision if the eyesare donated after death. I ruled out all those arguments and called thedoctors. They came and took my wife’s eyes. One should live and also givelife to someone after death, which is possible only by eye donation” saidMamidi Appala Naidu, who faced ire from his relatives at the time of hiswife’s death. But he was determined to donate the eyes. Some villagersthink that the dead will not come into their dreams if their eyes weretaken out. And if they come, they would curse for removing eyes. “But tillnow I didn’t got any such dream. Its all rubbish. Even I used to believethis gossip earlier but not now,” said Pydinaidu. Cornea of Naidu’s mother was given to the doctors. Another unique featureof the village is that there is no scope for politics. They do not castany vote to elect the president of their panchayat. All the villagers sittogether and select a candidate unanimously. Since 1951 they have beenpracticing this without affiliation to any political parties.Perhaps this unanimity led them to take up the unique social cause withoutany hindrance.
Heritage - Ruins point to Buddhist belt
S.N.V. Sudhir
Visakhapatnam: Buddhist monasteries dotted the hills and vales of North Andhra centuries ago.
All schools of Buddhism flourished here, particularly the Hinayana tradition, and monks travelled from the monasteries of the region to other countries, spreading the gospel of the Enlightened One.
Excavations carried out by archaeologists in the coastal region of north Andhra have unearthed sites which give ample evidence of this. They have also given indications of the links of Buddhists with Sri Lanka and other parts of Southeast Asia.
"They have filled up gaps of knowledge on the links of the Kalinga Empire with various countries," said an archaeologist.
There are many Buddhist sites along the coastline of Vizag and Srikakulam. Monuments in Thotlakonda, Bojjannakonda, Bhavikonda and Pavuralakonda in Visakhapatnam district, Rama Thirtham in Vizianagaram district and Dantapuri and Salihundam in Srikakulam district are evidence of the prevalence of the faith in North Andhra between 300 BC and 700 AD.
Historians argue that Visakhapatnam itself derives its name from a Buddhist monk, Vaisakhi, who is said to have propagated Buddhism in the area.
The Chinese traveller Huien Tsang has mentioned the Visakha kingdom in his travelogue and the prevalence of Hinayana Buddhism in that kingdom.
Interestingly, majority of the sites discovered in north Andhra belong to the Hinayana tradition of Buddhism which developed after the death of Lord Buddha. Chaityas, viharas, stupas, gold, silver and copper coins and earthenware were found in all these sites. But each site had its own unique facet.
The Thatlakonda complex, located 16 km from Vizag, for instance, has a number of viharas, stupas and rectangular halls.
A refectory belonging to the Hinayana school was discovered here as well as pottery, beads, bangle pieces, tiles, stuccos and iron objects. Its existence was first noticed during during an aerial survey undertaken by the Indian Navy.
The State government has declared it as a protected monument. In fact, Thatlakonda, which is located on top of a picturesque hill, is the first Buddhist site of the State to have been explored and excavated completely. It is also important in the sense that it is located within the ambit of the ancient Kalinga kingdom. Bojjannakonda, located 3 km from Anakapalle town and 40 km from Vizag, was excavated under the aegis of Alexander Rim in 1906.
A gold coin belonging to the Samudra Gupta period, copper coins of the Chalukya king Kubja Vishnu Vardhan, coins of Andhra Satavahanas and pottery were discovered at the site. The unique feature of the Bojjannakonda site is that it shows features of all the three major sects of Buddhism — Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.
A figure of Kalabhairava, with the head of Lord Ganesha wearing conch shells and the image of a Buddhist monk `Harati’ have also been found at the site. Another Buddhist site was discovered at Bavikonda, 15 km northeast of Vizag city.
Hinayana Buddhism flourished here between 300 BC and 300 AD. It has the remains of an entire Buddhist complex, comprising 26 structures and belonging to three phases.
A piece of bone stored in an urn recovered here is believed to belong to the Lord Buddha. Archaeologists excavating Pavuralakonda or Pavurallabodu in Bhimli found 16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns for collecting rainwater. Near the entrance of the tank were found Brahmini label inscriptions. Foundations of viharas with cells and common verandah, circular chaityagruhas, votive stupas and halls were also excavated. It is believed that the Gosthani river which flows nearby served as a navigation canal for inland trade in the early centuries of the Christian era. The Buddhist site Ramatirtham on Gurubhaktakonda hill in Vizianagaram contained images of the Buddha, a Satavahana lead coin, clay seals and the remains of a monastery.
It was Rao Saheb Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy Pantulu who discovered the Salihundam site in 1919 and it was later excavated by archaeologists A.H. Longhurst, T.N. Ramachandran and R. Subrahmanyan. Its monuments and images belong to the later Buddhist period. In olden days it was called Salivatika, meaning rice emporium. Another important Buddhist site in the north coastal Andhra region is Dantapuram in Srikakulam district on the banks of the Vamsadhara River.
A stupa was constructed here to consecrate a tooth of the Buddha and the relic was then shipped to Sri Lanka several centuries. It was the capital of ancient Kalinga and the earliest Buddhist settlement in the entire South India.
Visakhapatnam: Buddhist monasteries dotted the hills and vales of North Andhra centuries ago.
All schools of Buddhism flourished here, particularly the Hinayana tradition, and monks travelled from the monasteries of the region to other countries, spreading the gospel of the Enlightened One.
Excavations carried out by archaeologists in the coastal region of north Andhra have unearthed sites which give ample evidence of this. They have also given indications of the links of Buddhists with Sri Lanka and other parts of Southeast Asia.
"They have filled up gaps of knowledge on the links of the Kalinga Empire with various countries," said an archaeologist.
There are many Buddhist sites along the coastline of Vizag and Srikakulam. Monuments in Thotlakonda, Bojjannakonda, Bhavikonda and Pavuralakonda in Visakhapatnam district, Rama Thirtham in Vizianagaram district and Dantapuri and Salihundam in Srikakulam district are evidence of the prevalence of the faith in North Andhra between 300 BC and 700 AD.
Historians argue that Visakhapatnam itself derives its name from a Buddhist monk, Vaisakhi, who is said to have propagated Buddhism in the area.
The Chinese traveller Huien Tsang has mentioned the Visakha kingdom in his travelogue and the prevalence of Hinayana Buddhism in that kingdom.
Interestingly, majority of the sites discovered in north Andhra belong to the Hinayana tradition of Buddhism which developed after the death of Lord Buddha. Chaityas, viharas, stupas, gold, silver and copper coins and earthenware were found in all these sites. But each site had its own unique facet.
The Thatlakonda complex, located 16 km from Vizag, for instance, has a number of viharas, stupas and rectangular halls.
A refectory belonging to the Hinayana school was discovered here as well as pottery, beads, bangle pieces, tiles, stuccos and iron objects. Its existence was first noticed during during an aerial survey undertaken by the Indian Navy.
The State government has declared it as a protected monument. In fact, Thatlakonda, which is located on top of a picturesque hill, is the first Buddhist site of the State to have been explored and excavated completely. It is also important in the sense that it is located within the ambit of the ancient Kalinga kingdom. Bojjannakonda, located 3 km from Anakapalle town and 40 km from Vizag, was excavated under the aegis of Alexander Rim in 1906.
A gold coin belonging to the Samudra Gupta period, copper coins of the Chalukya king Kubja Vishnu Vardhan, coins of Andhra Satavahanas and pottery were discovered at the site. The unique feature of the Bojjannakonda site is that it shows features of all the three major sects of Buddhism — Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.
A figure of Kalabhairava, with the head of Lord Ganesha wearing conch shells and the image of a Buddhist monk `Harati’ have also been found at the site. Another Buddhist site was discovered at Bavikonda, 15 km northeast of Vizag city.
Hinayana Buddhism flourished here between 300 BC and 300 AD. It has the remains of an entire Buddhist complex, comprising 26 structures and belonging to three phases.
A piece of bone stored in an urn recovered here is believed to belong to the Lord Buddha. Archaeologists excavating Pavuralakonda or Pavurallabodu in Bhimli found 16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns for collecting rainwater. Near the entrance of the tank were found Brahmini label inscriptions. Foundations of viharas with cells and common verandah, circular chaityagruhas, votive stupas and halls were also excavated. It is believed that the Gosthani river which flows nearby served as a navigation canal for inland trade in the early centuries of the Christian era. The Buddhist site Ramatirtham on Gurubhaktakonda hill in Vizianagaram contained images of the Buddha, a Satavahana lead coin, clay seals and the remains of a monastery.
It was Rao Saheb Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy Pantulu who discovered the Salihundam site in 1919 and it was later excavated by archaeologists A.H. Longhurst, T.N. Ramachandran and R. Subrahmanyan. Its monuments and images belong to the later Buddhist period. In olden days it was called Salivatika, meaning rice emporium. Another important Buddhist site in the north coastal Andhra region is Dantapuram in Srikakulam district on the banks of the Vamsadhara River.
A stupa was constructed here to consecrate a tooth of the Buddha and the relic was then shipped to Sri Lanka several centuries. It was the capital of ancient Kalinga and the earliest Buddhist settlement in the entire South India.
Lord Vishnu in the garb of Shiva
S.N.V Sudhir
Visakhapatnam: The Simhachalam temple is the only Vaishnava temple in the country in which the deity appears in a form which resembles the Shivalinga.
The presiding deity of the temple is Varaha Lakshminarasimha, an incarnation of lord Vishnu and combines the iconographic features of Varaha (Pig) and Narasimha (Lion) and is covered with sandal paste.
Local legends say that the ugra form of Narasimha as he killed the demon Hiranyakashipu was so fierce that devotees are not able to look at it. Sandal paste is applied on the deity throughout the year to ‘cool him down’.
Only once in a year, on Akshaya Tritiya Day, is the sandal paste removed from the idol. Then devotees will get to see the real shape. It is sculpted in tribhanga posture and has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso.
The Nijaroopa Darshan, or appearance in true form, continues for 12 hours and lakhs of people from various parts of the State gather at the temple to worship the deity. The Chandanotsavam falls in Vaisakha month (May) every year. Peeling off the old sandal paste from the idol and applying new paste takes around 18 hours. It is believed that the sanctum sanctorum would get hot during this time. Devotees get to see the true form of the deity during the interregnum.
Sandalwood specially brought from Vellipoottur in Tamil Nadu is used to prepare the paste which is applied three times a year, on Vaisakha Pournami, Jyestha Pournami and Ashadha Pournami. About 120 kg of sandal paste is applied each time. "On Sravana Pournami, day the sandal covered idol is decorated with ornaments," said Mortha Seetaramacharyulu, the chief priest of the temple. "This rite is called Karala Chandana Samarpana."
Noted historian Dr Kolluru Suryanayana believes that the deity was originally Shiva and the temple became Vaishnavite after the great saint Shri Ramanuja visited it in the 11th century. "According to the Agama Shastra, the pedestal of the presiding deity in any Vaishnava temple would be near the rear wall," he said. "But in Simhachalam the pedestal is exactly in the centre of the sanctum sanctorum as in Shiva temples."
Kulottunga Chola I of Tamil Nadu made endowments to this temple and Vengi Chalukyas of Andhra Pradesh renovated the original shrine in the 11th century. The present structure was shaped by Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the second quarter of the 13th century. There are as many as 525 inscriptions in this temple, which also has a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas-reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu.
Visakhapatnam: The Simhachalam temple is the only Vaishnava temple in the country in which the deity appears in a form which resembles the Shivalinga.
The presiding deity of the temple is Varaha Lakshminarasimha, an incarnation of lord Vishnu and combines the iconographic features of Varaha (Pig) and Narasimha (Lion) and is covered with sandal paste.
Local legends say that the ugra form of Narasimha as he killed the demon Hiranyakashipu was so fierce that devotees are not able to look at it. Sandal paste is applied on the deity throughout the year to ‘cool him down’.
Only once in a year, on Akshaya Tritiya Day, is the sandal paste removed from the idol. Then devotees will get to see the real shape. It is sculpted in tribhanga posture and has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso.
The Nijaroopa Darshan, or appearance in true form, continues for 12 hours and lakhs of people from various parts of the State gather at the temple to worship the deity. The Chandanotsavam falls in Vaisakha month (May) every year. Peeling off the old sandal paste from the idol and applying new paste takes around 18 hours. It is believed that the sanctum sanctorum would get hot during this time. Devotees get to see the true form of the deity during the interregnum.
Sandalwood specially brought from Vellipoottur in Tamil Nadu is used to prepare the paste which is applied three times a year, on Vaisakha Pournami, Jyestha Pournami and Ashadha Pournami. About 120 kg of sandal paste is applied each time. "On Sravana Pournami, day the sandal covered idol is decorated with ornaments," said Mortha Seetaramacharyulu, the chief priest of the temple. "This rite is called Karala Chandana Samarpana."
Noted historian Dr Kolluru Suryanayana believes that the deity was originally Shiva and the temple became Vaishnavite after the great saint Shri Ramanuja visited it in the 11th century. "According to the Agama Shastra, the pedestal of the presiding deity in any Vaishnava temple would be near the rear wall," he said. "But in Simhachalam the pedestal is exactly in the centre of the sanctum sanctorum as in Shiva temples."
Kulottunga Chola I of Tamil Nadu made endowments to this temple and Vengi Chalukyas of Andhra Pradesh renovated the original shrine in the 11th century. The present structure was shaped by Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the second quarter of the 13th century. There are as many as 525 inscriptions in this temple, which also has a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas-reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Kidney ailments killing villagers, 100 dead in 2 years
By SNV Sudhir
Gunupalli (Srikakulam), Mar 15: The remote Gunupalli village in Vajarapukotturu mandal of Srikakulam district is cursed. The people are dying a slow death and neighbouring villagers even fear to dream of visiting this place.The reason- people fear an unknown ailment would destroy their kidneys if they drink the water available there.. And if the visit is a must people carry their own water and they never dare to stay overnight. The worst part of it is the youngsters of this village were not offered girls from other villages to marry. Similar is the state of around 35villages in this mandal. Villagers from other mandals do not visit these villages for any marriage or other functions. People in around 40 villages of Vajrapukothuru, Kaviti mandals and few in Palasa of Srikakulam district suffering with various kidney ailments are now looking for aid from state government.
It was reported that more than 100 persons died with unknown kidney ailments in these mandals in a short span of two years. The number is high in Vajrapukothuru mandal. But until now there was no constructive study or efforts made by the State into this serious issue. Ganogala Komalamma, a resident of Gunupalli is still in the state of shock. She cannot digest the fact that her loving husband and caring son are no more. They died a two years back due to chronic renal failure, which had become a very common disease in these mandals. More than 85 died in just 12 villages coming under Akkupalli Primary Health Centre in Vajrapukothuru mandal but the official records available at the PHC shows the number is just 7. And the names of Rama Rao, 50 and Santha Rao, 26, husband and son of Komalamma whom this correspondent met were not listed in the PHC records. Now these villagers go all the way to Vizag around 180kms from the village to get kidney treatment, as the government was not able to provide any facilities to treat this ‘costly’ disease. “It’s a very costly affair. And there is no guarantee that one would survive after the treatment starts. Regular usage of medicines can just prolong the life for few more days. And it costs around Rs 2,000 per month to get treatment and medicines which is burden for a small time villager” said the sarpanch of the village Surada Dharma Rao. The main vocation of most of the kidney-affected persons is fishing as all the villages are on the coast. Dharma Rao said that most of the villagers died in no time after they were detected with renal failure. He added that the kidney disease was discovered in their village from 2003 end onwards. Till then there were not many kidney complaints from their village. “After 2004 if any death occurred other than old age deaths and accidents that must be due to kidney ailment only. By the time people come to know that they were affected with some kidney ailment they die. And it’s continuing till now. Last night also Gavada Upendra Rao, 45, a small time employee died of chronic kidney disease” said the sarpanch. Goapalsetty Venkat Rao, a resident of Metturu goes to Vizag every month to consult a private nephrology specialist. He was going there for the past 4 years and knows that he may die in any moment. “It at least costs me around Rs 2,000 per trip to Vizag and it’s very hard to bear the regular expenses” he said. Ironically the people there still do not know why they are affected with kidney ailments, which was not like this earlier and dying. The Akkupalli PHC just have a facility to test the blood and glucose levels but no sophisticated equipment to detect the ailment. “There should be at least a ultra sound equipment and auto analyzer to detect the kidney disease,” said DR B S Nehru, renowned nephrology specialist of Vizag. Most of the kidney-affected persons from these mandals are his patients. He observed that there was no scientific research or serious study made to look into the root cause for these ailments in these villages, which is a need of the hour. Dr Nehru also opined that excessive usage of painkillers and less water consumption by the people living in these villages might be one of the reasons for the kidney complaints. The nephrology specialist also once visited some of the villages after more number of renal failure cases were reported a few months back. People there believe that due to consumption of fish caught by them from the sea having heavy metals could be cause for the kidney ailments and dying. But it always remained a mystery for us, said N Linga Raju another patient. The district medical and health department had tested the bore and natural water available in the villages and the results were negative. The district medical and health officer Dr Jaganmohan Rao said that from this April onwards the kidney ailments could be detected at the multi specialty center being setup at Srikakulam under the State’s prestigious Arogya Sri programme. Srikakulam was one of the two places identified in the state to setup this multi specialty center. He also added that the kidney patients from these villages can also avail other benefits under this scheme. The chief investigator for Andhra Pradesh of the national programme Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney diseases (SEEK) and Vizag’s King George Hospital superintendent Dr P Raviraju said that they have collected around 400 blood samples from one of the three mandals and sent them to Ranbaxy’s central laboratory at Mumbai and are awaiting the reports. “We would start detailed, scientific study into the reasons of the kidney diseases in these villages after we get the reports and if the number of kidney affected people is more than normal. Till now there is no serious study. We are expecting results in one or two months and would start the study” said Dr Raviraju, who visited these villages several times in the past.
Gunupalli (Srikakulam), Mar 15: The remote Gunupalli village in Vajarapukotturu mandal of Srikakulam district is cursed. The people are dying a slow death and neighbouring villagers even fear to dream of visiting this place.The reason- people fear an unknown ailment would destroy their kidneys if they drink the water available there.. And if the visit is a must people carry their own water and they never dare to stay overnight. The worst part of it is the youngsters of this village were not offered girls from other villages to marry. Similar is the state of around 35villages in this mandal. Villagers from other mandals do not visit these villages for any marriage or other functions. People in around 40 villages of Vajrapukothuru, Kaviti mandals and few in Palasa of Srikakulam district suffering with various kidney ailments are now looking for aid from state government.
It was reported that more than 100 persons died with unknown kidney ailments in these mandals in a short span of two years. The number is high in Vajrapukothuru mandal. But until now there was no constructive study or efforts made by the State into this serious issue. Ganogala Komalamma, a resident of Gunupalli is still in the state of shock. She cannot digest the fact that her loving husband and caring son are no more. They died a two years back due to chronic renal failure, which had become a very common disease in these mandals. More than 85 died in just 12 villages coming under Akkupalli Primary Health Centre in Vajrapukothuru mandal but the official records available at the PHC shows the number is just 7. And the names of Rama Rao, 50 and Santha Rao, 26, husband and son of Komalamma whom this correspondent met were not listed in the PHC records. Now these villagers go all the way to Vizag around 180kms from the village to get kidney treatment, as the government was not able to provide any facilities to treat this ‘costly’ disease. “It’s a very costly affair. And there is no guarantee that one would survive after the treatment starts. Regular usage of medicines can just prolong the life for few more days. And it costs around Rs 2,000 per month to get treatment and medicines which is burden for a small time villager” said the sarpanch of the village Surada Dharma Rao. The main vocation of most of the kidney-affected persons is fishing as all the villages are on the coast. Dharma Rao said that most of the villagers died in no time after they were detected with renal failure. He added that the kidney disease was discovered in their village from 2003 end onwards. Till then there were not many kidney complaints from their village. “After 2004 if any death occurred other than old age deaths and accidents that must be due to kidney ailment only. By the time people come to know that they were affected with some kidney ailment they die. And it’s continuing till now. Last night also Gavada Upendra Rao, 45, a small time employee died of chronic kidney disease” said the sarpanch. Goapalsetty Venkat Rao, a resident of Metturu goes to Vizag every month to consult a private nephrology specialist. He was going there for the past 4 years and knows that he may die in any moment. “It at least costs me around Rs 2,000 per trip to Vizag and it’s very hard to bear the regular expenses” he said. Ironically the people there still do not know why they are affected with kidney ailments, which was not like this earlier and dying. The Akkupalli PHC just have a facility to test the blood and glucose levels but no sophisticated equipment to detect the ailment. “There should be at least a ultra sound equipment and auto analyzer to detect the kidney disease,” said DR B S Nehru, renowned nephrology specialist of Vizag. Most of the kidney-affected persons from these mandals are his patients. He observed that there was no scientific research or serious study made to look into the root cause for these ailments in these villages, which is a need of the hour. Dr Nehru also opined that excessive usage of painkillers and less water consumption by the people living in these villages might be one of the reasons for the kidney complaints. The nephrology specialist also once visited some of the villages after more number of renal failure cases were reported a few months back. People there believe that due to consumption of fish caught by them from the sea having heavy metals could be cause for the kidney ailments and dying. But it always remained a mystery for us, said N Linga Raju another patient. The district medical and health department had tested the bore and natural water available in the villages and the results were negative. The district medical and health officer Dr Jaganmohan Rao said that from this April onwards the kidney ailments could be detected at the multi specialty center being setup at Srikakulam under the State’s prestigious Arogya Sri programme. Srikakulam was one of the two places identified in the state to setup this multi specialty center. He also added that the kidney patients from these villages can also avail other benefits under this scheme. The chief investigator for Andhra Pradesh of the national programme Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney diseases (SEEK) and Vizag’s King George Hospital superintendent Dr P Raviraju said that they have collected around 400 blood samples from one of the three mandals and sent them to Ranbaxy’s central laboratory at Mumbai and are awaiting the reports. “We would start detailed, scientific study into the reasons of the kidney diseases in these villages after we get the reports and if the number of kidney affected people is more than normal. Till now there is no serious study. We are expecting results in one or two months and would start the study” said Dr Raviraju, who visited these villages several times in the past.
Praying forces of nature
By SNV Sudhir
Gajapathinagaram (Vizianagaram), April 8: Nature blossomed and even the scorching summer heat bowed in reverence to the vibrations of the four Vedas chanted by around 200 Veda pandits and students who gathered in Gajapathinagaram. A 100kms from Visakhapatnam, in the Vizianagaram district, the Veda Sammelan was held on March 7 and 8. The chanting of Vedas is a prayer to the forces of nature. True to this trait, the Devathadhipathis of the five elements of the nature were propitiated and the weather stood testimony. The two-day fete 'Veda sammelan' conducted by the Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Trust was a feast to the eyes and ears of all who visited the site. Veda pandits from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and the students learning Vedas at various Veda Pathashalas across the state gathered at one site. They chanted the four Vedas-Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana all the day to please Mother Nature for the welfare of humanity and universal peace. "We need to pray to the forces of nature to pacify them, so that they maintain balance for the benefit of the entire humanity. This is why Veda pandits are necessary these days in the society,” says Raghavendran of the Anandavanam of Bheemili. The Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Trust comes under Anandavanam of Bhimili, the abode of the spiritual master Satguru Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy. Durvasula Bhaskara Murthy, the member of the trust says that ironically no one was coming forward to learn Vedas in today's modern world thinking that it will not benefit them in any way. In order to revive the vedic culture in the three districts the trust was conducting these sammelans since 2000. Around 100 Veda pandits belonging to Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts and the students right from the age of six studying Vedas in Veda pathashalas in Vizianagaram, Simhachalam, Tuni, Annavaram, Kakinada, Kapileswarapuram, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Srisailam,Mahanandi and Kanchi in Tamilnadu took part in the event. "The main aim of the Sammelan was to revive vedic culture in the three districts of north Andhra which was known for Vedas before a decade. It was learnt that there were more than 100 Veda pandits experts in their field in these districts but now there are less than ten. And in a bid to encourage the younger generations and boost up the existing old pandits the sammelans are being conducted regularly" says Bhaskara Murthy. The students also took part in the oral examinations conducted by the organizers. They were given bahumanam (gift) as per their performance on the last day. Rs 60 is paid per panna (cantos). As many pannas they recite that much bahumanam they get besides to and fro travelling expenses and some clothes. The teachers who taught the students were also felicitated by Satguru Sivananda Murthy. Urlam veda mahasabhas that were held near Srikakulam by Urlam Zamindars between 1890-1930 were very popular in those days and Veda pandits from various parts of the country used to take part. But after some years the sabhas got a break and in order to bring back the past glory also these sammelans are held in the three districts. "It takes 16 years for any person just to learn a single veda completely which is a person's entire education period during his life time, besides complete dedication, concentration without any diversions. These days most of the youngsters are showing interest in learning other subjects that can fetch lucrative jobs. Daily chanting of Vedas please the Mother Nature and maintains the balance. So Veda pandits are need of the hour. These youngsters who are learning Vedas are sacrificing their life for the benefit of the entire mankind in order to restore the universal peace" adds Bhaskara Murthy. The Veda sammelan started with the procession taken out by the Pandits and students on March 7 in the streets of Gajapathinagaram. And all the day during the two days four Vedas were chanted. On March 7 Satguru K Sivananda Murthy inaugurated the Jana sabha and stressed the need to conduct these sort of sammelans in villages as they are the places of culture. "Veda sammelans should be conducted regularly to restore and revive the rich Indian heritage and culture. Everything related to mankind right from music, medicine, science and technology are there in these Vedas. Vedas should be taught and chanted daily for the universal peace," said Sivananda Murthy."I take pride in learning Vedas in this state of modern days. I chant Vedas for the universal peace and for the benefit of the entire humanity. Even though I earn very little when compared to the present day pay packets earned by a software professional, doctor or an IT person I have the satisfaction of working for the mankind" said Chityala Lakshmi Nrusimha Sarma, 17 who was learning Yajurvedam at Simhachalam Veda pathashala since 2 years. The Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Trust was founded in 2000 with benign blessings of Kanchi Kama Koti Peethadipathi Sri Janardhananada Saraswathi. It was Janardhananda Saraswathi's last desire to revive vedic culture. This was promised by Satguru Sivananda Murthy and the trust was formed in 2000 and has been conducting Veda sammelans ever since.
Gajapathinagaram (Vizianagaram), April 8: Nature blossomed and even the scorching summer heat bowed in reverence to the vibrations of the four Vedas chanted by around 200 Veda pandits and students who gathered in Gajapathinagaram. A 100kms from Visakhapatnam, in the Vizianagaram district, the Veda Sammelan was held on March 7 and 8. The chanting of Vedas is a prayer to the forces of nature. True to this trait, the Devathadhipathis of the five elements of the nature were propitiated and the weather stood testimony. The two-day fete 'Veda sammelan' conducted by the Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Trust was a feast to the eyes and ears of all who visited the site. Veda pandits from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and the students learning Vedas at various Veda Pathashalas across the state gathered at one site. They chanted the four Vedas-Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana all the day to please Mother Nature for the welfare of humanity and universal peace. "We need to pray to the forces of nature to pacify them, so that they maintain balance for the benefit of the entire humanity. This is why Veda pandits are necessary these days in the society,” says Raghavendran of the Anandavanam of Bheemili. The Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Trust comes under Anandavanam of Bhimili, the abode of the spiritual master Satguru Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy. Durvasula Bhaskara Murthy, the member of the trust says that ironically no one was coming forward to learn Vedas in today's modern world thinking that it will not benefit them in any way. In order to revive the vedic culture in the three districts the trust was conducting these sammelans since 2000. Around 100 Veda pandits belonging to Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts and the students right from the age of six studying Vedas in Veda pathashalas in Vizianagaram, Simhachalam, Tuni, Annavaram, Kakinada, Kapileswarapuram, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Srisailam,Mahanandi and Kanchi in Tamilnadu took part in the event. "The main aim of the Sammelan was to revive vedic culture in the three districts of north Andhra which was known for Vedas before a decade. It was learnt that there were more than 100 Veda pandits experts in their field in these districts but now there are less than ten. And in a bid to encourage the younger generations and boost up the existing old pandits the sammelans are being conducted regularly" says Bhaskara Murthy. The students also took part in the oral examinations conducted by the organizers. They were given bahumanam (gift) as per their performance on the last day. Rs 60 is paid per panna (cantos). As many pannas they recite that much bahumanam they get besides to and fro travelling expenses and some clothes. The teachers who taught the students were also felicitated by Satguru Sivananda Murthy. Urlam veda mahasabhas that were held near Srikakulam by Urlam Zamindars between 1890-1930 were very popular in those days and Veda pandits from various parts of the country used to take part. But after some years the sabhas got a break and in order to bring back the past glory also these sammelans are held in the three districts. "It takes 16 years for any person just to learn a single veda completely which is a person's entire education period during his life time, besides complete dedication, concentration without any diversions. These days most of the youngsters are showing interest in learning other subjects that can fetch lucrative jobs. Daily chanting of Vedas please the Mother Nature and maintains the balance. So Veda pandits are need of the hour. These youngsters who are learning Vedas are sacrificing their life for the benefit of the entire mankind in order to restore the universal peace" adds Bhaskara Murthy. The Veda sammelan started with the procession taken out by the Pandits and students on March 7 in the streets of Gajapathinagaram. And all the day during the two days four Vedas were chanted. On March 7 Satguru K Sivananda Murthy inaugurated the Jana sabha and stressed the need to conduct these sort of sammelans in villages as they are the places of culture. "Veda sammelans should be conducted regularly to restore and revive the rich Indian heritage and culture. Everything related to mankind right from music, medicine, science and technology are there in these Vedas. Vedas should be taught and chanted daily for the universal peace," said Sivananda Murthy."I take pride in learning Vedas in this state of modern days. I chant Vedas for the universal peace and for the benefit of the entire humanity. Even though I earn very little when compared to the present day pay packets earned by a software professional, doctor or an IT person I have the satisfaction of working for the mankind" said Chityala Lakshmi Nrusimha Sarma, 17 who was learning Yajurvedam at Simhachalam Veda pathashala since 2 years. The Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Trust was founded in 2000 with benign blessings of Kanchi Kama Koti Peethadipathi Sri Janardhananada Saraswathi. It was Janardhananda Saraswathi's last desire to revive vedic culture. This was promised by Satguru Sivananda Murthy and the trust was formed in 2000 and has been conducting Veda sammelans ever since.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
AP researchers search DNA markers causing cancer
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, May 9: City based human genetic researchers in collaboration with American scientists embarked upon finding genetically triggering factors causing the dreaded disease cancer in humans. They are in search of finding the DNA markers in the human beings that cause cancer. The researchers say that knowing these markers will enable a person to take preventive measures before the disease affect the person. The research was taken up under the ‘Human genome diversity project’. “ While the Human Genome Project (HGP) is to map and then sequence the human genome, Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) the new version is interested in human biodiversity” says Andhra University college of science and technology principal, Prof P Veeraraju. The researchers at Andhra University in collaboration with the radiation oncologist at the New York Medical College Dr C Murthy have established a DNA lab to further the studies. They are also collecting some samples from US in this regard for their study. Prof Veeraraju said that a particular gene in human body is related to each disease. As part of the study they collected samples of woman affected with breast cancer in north Andhra. During their study the researchers found that about 5to 10 percent of all breast cancers are hereditary due to mutations in breast cancer gene but sporadic (Non inherited) breast cancer accounts for nearly 90-95 percent. The cause of breast cancer in sporadic cases might be due to methylation of promoter, which leads to silencing of gene expression, said A Vijaya Lakshmi, the human genetics researcher. Prof Raju further said that it’s a prognostic study. For example a just born baby can be detected of cancer if the baby have the common DNA markers possessed by the persons affected by the sporadic cancer. Precautionary measures can be taken right from the birth itself for that baby to curtail the disease. “Further gene based medicines can also be developed which can be used to stop the progress of the disease,” said Prof Raju. He further added that the future would be controlling these diseases at the genetic level by genetic counseling, knowing the DNA markers at early stage and using gene based medicines to totally eradicate the disease. The AU researchers will also study the genetic angle of another dreaded disease HIV/Aids after the research on cancer.
Visakhapatnam, May 9: City based human genetic researchers in collaboration with American scientists embarked upon finding genetically triggering factors causing the dreaded disease cancer in humans. They are in search of finding the DNA markers in the human beings that cause cancer. The researchers say that knowing these markers will enable a person to take preventive measures before the disease affect the person. The research was taken up under the ‘Human genome diversity project’. “ While the Human Genome Project (HGP) is to map and then sequence the human genome, Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) the new version is interested in human biodiversity” says Andhra University college of science and technology principal, Prof P Veeraraju. The researchers at Andhra University in collaboration with the radiation oncologist at the New York Medical College Dr C Murthy have established a DNA lab to further the studies. They are also collecting some samples from US in this regard for their study. Prof Veeraraju said that a particular gene in human body is related to each disease. As part of the study they collected samples of woman affected with breast cancer in north Andhra. During their study the researchers found that about 5to 10 percent of all breast cancers are hereditary due to mutations in breast cancer gene but sporadic (Non inherited) breast cancer accounts for nearly 90-95 percent. The cause of breast cancer in sporadic cases might be due to methylation of promoter, which leads to silencing of gene expression, said A Vijaya Lakshmi, the human genetics researcher. Prof Raju further said that it’s a prognostic study. For example a just born baby can be detected of cancer if the baby have the common DNA markers possessed by the persons affected by the sporadic cancer. Precautionary measures can be taken right from the birth itself for that baby to curtail the disease. “Further gene based medicines can also be developed which can be used to stop the progress of the disease,” said Prof Raju. He further added that the future would be controlling these diseases at the genetic level by genetic counseling, knowing the DNA markers at early stage and using gene based medicines to totally eradicate the disease. The AU researchers will also study the genetic angle of another dreaded disease HIV/Aids after the research on cancer.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Condom machines to hit liquor shops and bars
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, July 16: Here’s a good news for the tipplers who tend to rush away straight to sexworkers forgetting to carry a condom with them. The hi tech machines called Any Time Condoms (ATCs)that doles out five condoms after insertion of a five rupee coin will soon hit most of the liquor shops andbars in the city. These machines `as part of the Condom Vending Machine project of the Hindustan LatexLtd under the administrative control of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare' were initially setup in thepan shops, medical shops and petrol bunks on the highway. After understanding the need of the condoms, Society for Education and Environment Development (SEED), an NGO working with the Family WelfareDepartment for identifying hot spots for these condom needs, had taken an initiative to install thesemachines in the bars and liquor shops of the city."After a thorough research and surveys we have identified these liquor shops and bars as most vulnerableplace as they forget to carry a condom with them in that ‘condition’ so we thought of suggesting the barand liquor shop owners to install these machines at their places" said the secretary, SEED, V SanyasiRaju. Till now around 350 such ATCs were installed in the city at various places and in some liquorshops. Very soon they will hit all the other bars and liquor shops. He added that most of the owners hadagreed to keep a machine with them. The caretaker of the machine will get a rupee on every five rupeeinserted as charges for using his premises.One can get a wallet with 3 moods condoms of premium quality after inserting three five rupee coins, awallet of extra time condoms with 2 five rupee coins and Ustaad brand condoms with 1 five rupee coin.The AP State Aids Control Society has been promoting the condoms not only as a protective measure forthe HIV/Aids but also as a tool for family planning. "Our aim was that the condom should be readilyavailable for anyone whether it is used for protection from the dreaded virus or for family planning.Earlier we used to keep manual boxes supplying free condoms. Now these ATCs that work automaticallyare user friendly and are giving good results. Condoms are always safe especially these machines are veryuseful for the people in inebriated conditions" said the Nodal Officer of Aids Control Society and Districtleprosy Officer, Dr P Rajendra Prasad. The condom usage has gone up from 2 percent in 2002 to 60percent now.
Visakhapatnam, July 16: Here’s a good news for the tipplers who tend to rush away straight to sexworkers forgetting to carry a condom with them. The hi tech machines called Any Time Condoms (ATCs)that doles out five condoms after insertion of a five rupee coin will soon hit most of the liquor shops andbars in the city. These machines `as part of the Condom Vending Machine project of the Hindustan LatexLtd under the administrative control of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare' were initially setup in thepan shops, medical shops and petrol bunks on the highway. After understanding the need of the condoms, Society for Education and Environment Development (SEED), an NGO working with the Family WelfareDepartment for identifying hot spots for these condom needs, had taken an initiative to install thesemachines in the bars and liquor shops of the city."After a thorough research and surveys we have identified these liquor shops and bars as most vulnerableplace as they forget to carry a condom with them in that ‘condition’ so we thought of suggesting the barand liquor shop owners to install these machines at their places" said the secretary, SEED, V SanyasiRaju. Till now around 350 such ATCs were installed in the city at various places and in some liquorshops. Very soon they will hit all the other bars and liquor shops. He added that most of the owners hadagreed to keep a machine with them. The caretaker of the machine will get a rupee on every five rupeeinserted as charges for using his premises.One can get a wallet with 3 moods condoms of premium quality after inserting three five rupee coins, awallet of extra time condoms with 2 five rupee coins and Ustaad brand condoms with 1 five rupee coin.The AP State Aids Control Society has been promoting the condoms not only as a protective measure forthe HIV/Aids but also as a tool for family planning. "Our aim was that the condom should be readilyavailable for anyone whether it is used for protection from the dreaded virus or for family planning.Earlier we used to keep manual boxes supplying free condoms. Now these ATCs that work automaticallyare user friendly and are giving good results. Condoms are always safe especially these machines are veryuseful for the people in inebriated conditions" said the Nodal Officer of Aids Control Society and Districtleprosy Officer, Dr P Rajendra Prasad. The condom usage has gone up from 2 percent in 2002 to 60percent now.
Corporation services now a SMS away
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Aug 14: The services provided by the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation will now become dearer to the user with the new SMS project that they are going to launch very soon. With the new project under T Governance, which is first of its kind in the country being developed, one can know the details of house tax, vacant land tax dues and other details like the birth and death registrations by just sending an SMS to a 4-digit number. The SMS notification server would be connected to the centralized database of the Corporation and retrieves the necessary information whenever a sender seeks information. “We are very happy that any information would be just an SMS away. We are waiting for the 4-digit number to be allotted for which we are holding discussions with various service providers. The project would be launched very soon,” said the GVMC Commissioner, N Srikanth. The project under T Governance as the name suggests, aims at bridging the gap between the citizens and the government by letting both them access and disperse information using the all prevalent mode of communication- The Telephone, said the Satyendra B, CEO of Dialabs, which designed the project for the GVMC. “Its not that easy to get information from the E Seva centers which was known as user friendly places. We have to wait for long hours to get out turn just to seek small information. But with this project I think the information will be on our finger tips” said a delighted K Paramseh, software professional who came to know about the project. There will be four components under this project- Samacharam- to get any information about the services provided by the authorities through SMS. Prajanadi- fully automated opinion poll gathering system. Dandora- Information Broadcasting and Alert system through SMS and Firyadu Kendram- automated complaint management system. “Not every one can browse Internet to get information but most of the public have mobiles in them. Whenever one needs information he will get it in just few seconds. And the project also does not cost much, but has lot many uses. We are on trail run right now and may launch the new service in a month” said the Officer on Special Duty, IT and HRD of GVMC, P Rambabu.
Visakhapatnam, Aug 14: The services provided by the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation will now become dearer to the user with the new SMS project that they are going to launch very soon. With the new project under T Governance, which is first of its kind in the country being developed, one can know the details of house tax, vacant land tax dues and other details like the birth and death registrations by just sending an SMS to a 4-digit number. The SMS notification server would be connected to the centralized database of the Corporation and retrieves the necessary information whenever a sender seeks information. “We are very happy that any information would be just an SMS away. We are waiting for the 4-digit number to be allotted for which we are holding discussions with various service providers. The project would be launched very soon,” said the GVMC Commissioner, N Srikanth. The project under T Governance as the name suggests, aims at bridging the gap between the citizens and the government by letting both them access and disperse information using the all prevalent mode of communication- The Telephone, said the Satyendra B, CEO of Dialabs, which designed the project for the GVMC. “Its not that easy to get information from the E Seva centers which was known as user friendly places. We have to wait for long hours to get out turn just to seek small information. But with this project I think the information will be on our finger tips” said a delighted K Paramseh, software professional who came to know about the project. There will be four components under this project- Samacharam- to get any information about the services provided by the authorities through SMS. Prajanadi- fully automated opinion poll gathering system. Dandora- Information Broadcasting and Alert system through SMS and Firyadu Kendram- automated complaint management system. “Not every one can browse Internet to get information but most of the public have mobiles in them. Whenever one needs information he will get it in just few seconds. And the project also does not cost much, but has lot many uses. We are on trail run right now and may launch the new service in a month” said the Officer on Special Duty, IT and HRD of GVMC, P Rambabu.
Zoologist designed structure stands strong
By SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
The municipal authorities first disapproved the plan for this temple in 1982 thinking that the temple structure cannot withstand with bamboos instead steel rods. But the then Municipal Commissioner KV Rao with his personal interest and having confidence upon the design gave a nod for the construction, but no Vizagite knows about this. The temple is none other than the major tourist attraction of the city, the Bhavatarini temple for learning popularly known as 'Kali Temple' on the beach road. The temple is designed on the basis of coral structure using bamboo reinforced cement concrete structure. No steel or iron was used for this construction not even for foundation. The temple, founded by Dayanand Banerjee, was constructed 21 years ago. The foundation, just four feet deep, was laid on sand on a one-foot thick concrete bed instead of the regular columns. Normally if such a huge structure needs to stand on hard soil, it needs at least a seven feet deep foundation and if it is on sand the depth is much more. Despite being right near the sea the structure stands strong without any corrosion.Another interesting fact is that the man who designed this structure is not a civil engineer but a Zoologist, Head of the department of Zoology, Andhra University, Prof A Joseph. The structure is totally against vasthu. The south end has a depression and the northeast is elevated. Being constructed on sand bed it can withstand earthquakes also. Joseph says that Zoology is related to every branch of knowledge and every subject is part and parcel of Zoology. He was inspired by the sea coral and designed accordingly the shape of the temple. Professor says it is animal structural engineering.The construction was started in 1982 and was completed in 1984. Now the present busiest and lovely beach road started developing only after the temple came up here.“ No worker dared to come forward to remove the supporting bamboo beams to the slab, fearing that the slab will collapse since iron was not used anywhere in the construction. I myself with the help of some tribals removed the supporting beams and all the people who anticipated a collapse were shocked to see that it is very strong,” Joseph said.The zoologist used iron in a part of the railing for his own research purpose and it had to be repaired three times because of rust in these years but no other part of this majestic structure underwent major repair. Joseph says that the construction is heat and sound resistant and structurally very safe. Easy to construct, light weight and cheap.
The municipal authorities first disapproved the plan for this temple in 1982 thinking that the temple structure cannot withstand with bamboos instead steel rods. But the then Municipal Commissioner KV Rao with his personal interest and having confidence upon the design gave a nod for the construction, but no Vizagite knows about this. The temple is none other than the major tourist attraction of the city, the Bhavatarini temple for learning popularly known as 'Kali Temple' on the beach road. The temple is designed on the basis of coral structure using bamboo reinforced cement concrete structure. No steel or iron was used for this construction not even for foundation. The temple, founded by Dayanand Banerjee, was constructed 21 years ago. The foundation, just four feet deep, was laid on sand on a one-foot thick concrete bed instead of the regular columns. Normally if such a huge structure needs to stand on hard soil, it needs at least a seven feet deep foundation and if it is on sand the depth is much more. Despite being right near the sea the structure stands strong without any corrosion.Another interesting fact is that the man who designed this structure is not a civil engineer but a Zoologist, Head of the department of Zoology, Andhra University, Prof A Joseph. The structure is totally against vasthu. The south end has a depression and the northeast is elevated. Being constructed on sand bed it can withstand earthquakes also. Joseph says that Zoology is related to every branch of knowledge and every subject is part and parcel of Zoology. He was inspired by the sea coral and designed accordingly the shape of the temple. Professor says it is animal structural engineering.The construction was started in 1982 and was completed in 1984. Now the present busiest and lovely beach road started developing only after the temple came up here.“ No worker dared to come forward to remove the supporting bamboo beams to the slab, fearing that the slab will collapse since iron was not used anywhere in the construction. I myself with the help of some tribals removed the supporting beams and all the people who anticipated a collapse were shocked to see that it is very strong,” Joseph said.The zoologist used iron in a part of the railing for his own research purpose and it had to be repaired three times because of rust in these years but no other part of this majestic structure underwent major repair. Joseph says that the construction is heat and sound resistant and structurally very safe. Easy to construct, light weight and cheap.
Vizag unprepared for Kalachakra tourists
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, December 30: The district tourism department is trying its level best to attract international Buddhist monks to the city of destiny, who would arriving in the State for the ensuing prestigious sacred Kalachakra inunciation to be solemnised by the international Buddhists spiritual leader Dalailama from January 2 to 16 at Amaravathi, Guntur district.It is estimated that more than 1.5 lakh Buddhists will witness the Kalachkra who would come from various parts of the world. Visakhapatnam has prominent Buddhist sites like Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Pavuralakonda, Bojjanakonda, Gopalapatnam.But those international tourists interested in visiting the Buddhists places in Vizag would be shocked to see these places, as adequate facilities would not be provided for them at these places.There were not even display boards erected near the chaityas, viharas depicting the historical importance of the Buddhists sites. The district tourism department had printed literature to distribute them during the Kalachakra at Amaravathi and also created an exclusive website HYPERLINK "http://www.visakhabudhistsmoments.com" www.visakhabudhistsmoments.com to enable the international tourists for better accessibility to the places. A separate stall was also being at Amaravathi to attract them.But not even a single effort was being made to give a facelift these premises. Speaking to this correspondent the Project Manager of the Kalachakra Organising committee, Thupten Tsewang said Vizag district collector Praveen Prakash met the organizers few days ago and planned for a tourism promotion of the Buddhist places in and around Visakhapatnam.We have taken the brochures of the Vizag sites and supplied them to all our concerned offices. And whoever tourist visit these offices may pick those brochures and may visit Vizag added Thupten. The district torism officer, G Subbarao said that they cannot step into the above buddhsits sites as it was archelogy departments duty to take care of these places including erecting those display boards, maintenance etc. The Assistant Director of department of Archeology, Mr PrasadaRao is not available to comment.The Buddhist places like Thotlakonda and Bavikonda are considered to be the very promiennet budhist places in the country.Thotlakonda happens to be the only site that has been explored and excavated completely and for which a report too has been made available. For the first time, the report was brought out on the layout and pattern of growth of a Buddhist monastic establishment in the coastal Andhra region, said a veteran budhist of the city, BS Chalam.Archeologists felt the absence of clear data from Kalinga Empire for tracing Buddhist cultural links with Sri Lanka and various parts of South East Asia has been filled up to some extent by the excavations at Thotlakonda. They even felt that this place provided a good starting point to understand the process of trans - oceanic diffusion of Indian culture and particularly Buddhism Chalam.
Visakhapatnam, December 30: The district tourism department is trying its level best to attract international Buddhist monks to the city of destiny, who would arriving in the State for the ensuing prestigious sacred Kalachakra inunciation to be solemnised by the international Buddhists spiritual leader Dalailama from January 2 to 16 at Amaravathi, Guntur district.It is estimated that more than 1.5 lakh Buddhists will witness the Kalachkra who would come from various parts of the world. Visakhapatnam has prominent Buddhist sites like Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Pavuralakonda, Bojjanakonda, Gopalapatnam.But those international tourists interested in visiting the Buddhists places in Vizag would be shocked to see these places, as adequate facilities would not be provided for them at these places.There were not even display boards erected near the chaityas, viharas depicting the historical importance of the Buddhists sites. The district tourism department had printed literature to distribute them during the Kalachakra at Amaravathi and also created an exclusive website HYPERLINK "http://www.visakhabudhistsmoments.com" www.visakhabudhistsmoments.com to enable the international tourists for better accessibility to the places. A separate stall was also being at Amaravathi to attract them.But not even a single effort was being made to give a facelift these premises. Speaking to this correspondent the Project Manager of the Kalachakra Organising committee, Thupten Tsewang said Vizag district collector Praveen Prakash met the organizers few days ago and planned for a tourism promotion of the Buddhist places in and around Visakhapatnam.We have taken the brochures of the Vizag sites and supplied them to all our concerned offices. And whoever tourist visit these offices may pick those brochures and may visit Vizag added Thupten. The district torism officer, G Subbarao said that they cannot step into the above buddhsits sites as it was archelogy departments duty to take care of these places including erecting those display boards, maintenance etc. The Assistant Director of department of Archeology, Mr PrasadaRao is not available to comment.The Buddhist places like Thotlakonda and Bavikonda are considered to be the very promiennet budhist places in the country.Thotlakonda happens to be the only site that has been explored and excavated completely and for which a report too has been made available. For the first time, the report was brought out on the layout and pattern of growth of a Buddhist monastic establishment in the coastal Andhra region, said a veteran budhist of the city, BS Chalam.Archeologists felt the absence of clear data from Kalinga Empire for tracing Buddhist cultural links with Sri Lanka and various parts of South East Asia has been filled up to some extent by the excavations at Thotlakonda. They even felt that this place provided a good starting point to understand the process of trans - oceanic diffusion of Indian culture and particularly Buddhism Chalam.
Lal Bahadur Shastry gets a raw deal again
By SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
Yet another year in succession, the second prime minister of the country and freedom fighter Lal Bahadur Sasstry was neglected on his birth anniversary. One of the reason could be his birth anniversary coinciding with that of the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi.. No doubt Mahatma has his own place in the hearts of every Indian and his statue in every Gulli of the country. In the city of destiny, Sastry is humiliated in every place in the city perhaps not done in any part of the country. All the newspapers and electronic media beamed picures of netas garlanding the statue of Gandhi but not one on Shastryji. The netas who has to follow the foot steps of Lal Bahadur Shastry for his political values not even observed his birthday. Few days ago a group of senior citizens of the city were shocked to notice that the only Lal Bahadur Shastry’s statue of the city was missing from its place opposite to Municipal Corporation. Later when they probed into the issue they found out that the statue was removed from its place for some reasons by Corporation authorities. The group submitted a letter to the district administration and the corporation authorities on September 22 saying the statue was missing from the place and requested the administration to install the statue temporarily by October 2nd to garland Shastryji’s statue on his 101 birth anniversary. Shockingly there was no response.“We gave a letter to the district administration and the municipal corporation authorities ten days before so that they can arrange by October 2nd. But they kept mum” said Thynala Vijay Kumar a former Congress corporator. Another interesting fact is that this statue was brought from the Town hall of old town in 2003, as it was not taken care by anyone there. The then Mayor of the city Rajana Ramani unveiled the statue opposite to Municipal Corporation. “We tried hard to get this statue from the Town hall to this place as it was neglected there but there was no use. Now, the authorities vanished the statue from here also. I don’t know why this is happening only to Shastryji’s statue. The same statue was neglected twice which was the only one for the entire city,” said Pappu Sri Ram Murthy, a 65 year oldman said“We thought that the authorities will be temporarily installing Shashtryji’s statue aside of the existing Gandhiji’s statue opposite to Municipal Corporation, so that we could celebrate both birth anniversaries at a time” said Dhamma Nageswara Rao a 70 year old man.Visakhapatnam city has several statues of various personalities on the beach road including one of Rajiv Gandhi’s. The Municipal Commissioner N Srikanth said, “The statue is in a safe place. Because of some road alignment works we had to remove the statue. We will be erecting it after December as the alignment work completes by that time.”
Yet another year in succession, the second prime minister of the country and freedom fighter Lal Bahadur Sasstry was neglected on his birth anniversary. One of the reason could be his birth anniversary coinciding with that of the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi.. No doubt Mahatma has his own place in the hearts of every Indian and his statue in every Gulli of the country. In the city of destiny, Sastry is humiliated in every place in the city perhaps not done in any part of the country. All the newspapers and electronic media beamed picures of netas garlanding the statue of Gandhi but not one on Shastryji. The netas who has to follow the foot steps of Lal Bahadur Shastry for his political values not even observed his birthday. Few days ago a group of senior citizens of the city were shocked to notice that the only Lal Bahadur Shastry’s statue of the city was missing from its place opposite to Municipal Corporation. Later when they probed into the issue they found out that the statue was removed from its place for some reasons by Corporation authorities. The group submitted a letter to the district administration and the corporation authorities on September 22 saying the statue was missing from the place and requested the administration to install the statue temporarily by October 2nd to garland Shastryji’s statue on his 101 birth anniversary. Shockingly there was no response.“We gave a letter to the district administration and the municipal corporation authorities ten days before so that they can arrange by October 2nd. But they kept mum” said Thynala Vijay Kumar a former Congress corporator. Another interesting fact is that this statue was brought from the Town hall of old town in 2003, as it was not taken care by anyone there. The then Mayor of the city Rajana Ramani unveiled the statue opposite to Municipal Corporation. “We tried hard to get this statue from the Town hall to this place as it was neglected there but there was no use. Now, the authorities vanished the statue from here also. I don’t know why this is happening only to Shastryji’s statue. The same statue was neglected twice which was the only one for the entire city,” said Pappu Sri Ram Murthy, a 65 year oldman said“We thought that the authorities will be temporarily installing Shashtryji’s statue aside of the existing Gandhiji’s statue opposite to Municipal Corporation, so that we could celebrate both birth anniversaries at a time” said Dhamma Nageswara Rao a 70 year old man.Visakhapatnam city has several statues of various personalities on the beach road including one of Rajiv Gandhi’s. The Municipal Commissioner N Srikanth said, “The statue is in a safe place. Because of some road alignment works we had to remove the statue. We will be erecting it after December as the alignment work completes by that time.”
A 100 days wait for one last look
SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
It’s more than 100 days since Surapu Rajulamma received the shocking news of husband’s death but continues to nurture the hope of seeing his body some day. Her only lifeline now is his recorded voice sent to her a few days before he supposedly committed suicide.Surapu Appiah, a fisherman of the remote Geddalapadu village, Santabommali mandal of Srikakulam district, aspiring for a better life for himself and his two children, went to Kuwait in April. He paid Rs 80,000 to a Bazi of Rajahmundry, an agent.On June 9, the dreadful morning 28-year-old Rajulamma will never forget, she was informed through a telegram from the Indian embassy at Kuwait that Apaiah had died by hanging himself on May 8 and requested the consent of the family to either cremate the body there or pay Rs 3,000 for the body to be sent to their village. Poor innocent people who could not understand the message ignored it. They received a similar telegram again on June 25 that they managed to comprehend. The amount was sent to the Kuwaiti officials within two days. But the body wasn’t sent as promised.When this correspondent tried to speak to the tearful Rajullamma, she couldn’t utter a word. “She was the most active woman in our group; so bubbly and full of energy. Now she just keeps gazing at the sky trying to spot the aircraft that would bring her husband’s body,” says Manemma, Rajulamma’s mother in law.On the other hand, the death of Apaiah raises many doubts. Just a few days before his death, Appaih had sent an audiocassette stating that he was fine. The family alleges that the agents at Kuwait who recruited Appiah might have killed him. Some of the letters Appiah sent to his family clearly indicate that the agents, Krishna Reddy and Karimullah were harassing him. They used to lock him in a room and beat him. The job he was recruited for was apparently some ‘company work’ but he was asked to work in laundries and look after sheep. When contacted the local agent, Baji of Rajahmundry, who had earlier told the family that his job ended with sending the man abroad, says, “It takes at least a month for a dead body to come from Kuwait after many formalities. But even I’m confused why it is taking so long now. I am trying to get the body with the help of Karimullah and Krishna Reddy.”
It’s more than 100 days since Surapu Rajulamma received the shocking news of husband’s death but continues to nurture the hope of seeing his body some day. Her only lifeline now is his recorded voice sent to her a few days before he supposedly committed suicide.Surapu Appiah, a fisherman of the remote Geddalapadu village, Santabommali mandal of Srikakulam district, aspiring for a better life for himself and his two children, went to Kuwait in April. He paid Rs 80,000 to a Bazi of Rajahmundry, an agent.On June 9, the dreadful morning 28-year-old Rajulamma will never forget, she was informed through a telegram from the Indian embassy at Kuwait that Apaiah had died by hanging himself on May 8 and requested the consent of the family to either cremate the body there or pay Rs 3,000 for the body to be sent to their village. Poor innocent people who could not understand the message ignored it. They received a similar telegram again on June 25 that they managed to comprehend. The amount was sent to the Kuwaiti officials within two days. But the body wasn’t sent as promised.When this correspondent tried to speak to the tearful Rajullamma, she couldn’t utter a word. “She was the most active woman in our group; so bubbly and full of energy. Now she just keeps gazing at the sky trying to spot the aircraft that would bring her husband’s body,” says Manemma, Rajulamma’s mother in law.On the other hand, the death of Apaiah raises many doubts. Just a few days before his death, Appaih had sent an audiocassette stating that he was fine. The family alleges that the agents at Kuwait who recruited Appiah might have killed him. Some of the letters Appiah sent to his family clearly indicate that the agents, Krishna Reddy and Karimullah were harassing him. They used to lock him in a room and beat him. The job he was recruited for was apparently some ‘company work’ but he was asked to work in laundries and look after sheep. When contacted the local agent, Baji of Rajahmundry, who had earlier told the family that his job ended with sending the man abroad, says, “It takes at least a month for a dead body to come from Kuwait after many formalities. But even I’m confused why it is taking so long now. I am trying to get the body with the help of Karimullah and Krishna Reddy.”
Voters demand better booze
SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
Petty politicians of the jaggery town of Anakapalle are in dilemma as the Generation X voters of the place are not ready to sell their valuable vote to the arrack and cheap liquor. This was the situation, which they never expected would arise. Now these politicians got good kick without raising a toast. This is the state of all the political parties. They are not able to find the reason behind the realization of voters. Usually liquor flows during the D-day. “Its our turn now why should we lose our chance. All the time we consume the cheap stuff.. At least let us have a costly one at their cost, as we cannot afford at normal times. Pandagaputa kuda pacchadi annamena” says Thathalu, a farmer. It is learnt that these politicians had purchased the stocks of cheap liquor worth Rs 25,000 per ward for the 34 wards of Anakapalli, without having any idea of what the voters are waiting for .Now they are confused as what to do with the huge stocks. The condition of the small time politicians is even worst as they were entangled between the top brass politicians and the common voter. They can neither convince the top brass politicians nor the common voter. “They are asking for one full bottle of Royal Stag whisky or Mansion House brandy or McDowell whisky per tow persons which is a very costly affair. I’m confused what to do now. I never faced this sort of situation in my 15 years of political life. Even though if we provide the costly liquor we are not sure whether they cast vote to our party or not, Who knows it after they go in” said a petty politician anonymously. “We are not able to convince our party apex people nor the commoner” said another person. “Politicians remembers us only at the time of elections. But this time let them remember us till the next elections as it will be a shock for them.” Ramayya a daily labourer said. Sources said it was liquor syndicate which egged on the voters to demand for IMFL.
Petty politicians of the jaggery town of Anakapalle are in dilemma as the Generation X voters of the place are not ready to sell their valuable vote to the arrack and cheap liquor. This was the situation, which they never expected would arise. Now these politicians got good kick without raising a toast. This is the state of all the political parties. They are not able to find the reason behind the realization of voters. Usually liquor flows during the D-day. “Its our turn now why should we lose our chance. All the time we consume the cheap stuff.. At least let us have a costly one at their cost, as we cannot afford at normal times. Pandagaputa kuda pacchadi annamena” says Thathalu, a farmer. It is learnt that these politicians had purchased the stocks of cheap liquor worth Rs 25,000 per ward for the 34 wards of Anakapalli, without having any idea of what the voters are waiting for .Now they are confused as what to do with the huge stocks. The condition of the small time politicians is even worst as they were entangled between the top brass politicians and the common voter. They can neither convince the top brass politicians nor the common voter. “They are asking for one full bottle of Royal Stag whisky or Mansion House brandy or McDowell whisky per tow persons which is a very costly affair. I’m confused what to do now. I never faced this sort of situation in my 15 years of political life. Even though if we provide the costly liquor we are not sure whether they cast vote to our party or not, Who knows it after they go in” said a petty politician anonymously. “We are not able to convince our party apex people nor the commoner” said another person. “Politicians remembers us only at the time of elections. But this time let them remember us till the next elections as it will be a shock for them.” Ramayya a daily labourer said. Sources said it was liquor syndicate which egged on the voters to demand for IMFL.
Vizag sand to build planes
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 1: Thousands of regular beach goers of the city know very little that the golden sands, which they often tread, have rich and rare hidden mineral treasures. It was proved that of the entire 950kms of east coast of Andhra Pradesh right from Srikakulam in the north to Nellore district in the south and the stretch between Kakinada and Itchapuram is enriched with rare minerals like ilmenite, rutile, garnet, monazite, silliminate, and zircon which were not explored of its value since ages.“Ilmenite is a titanium bearing mineral is used in making aircrafts, defence equipment and artillery due to its qualities of light weight and corrosion free nature. It can withstand any kind of environment, the reason for which it is used in making aircrafts. Most of the material used in aircraft making is of light weight titanium. Beach sand of the north coastal Andhra has huge reserves of this ilmenite,” said Prof C Kasipathi of department of geology, Andhra University. Of the total 375 million tonnes of proved ilmenite reserves across the country Andhra Pradesh stands first by having an estimated reserves of 116MT which was left unexploited till now. Kasipathi, known as man of mining and mineral exploration observes that minerals like ilmenite, rutile et al has huge demand in the international markets as they are found rarely and said that globally India stands third next to Australia and South Africa in having ilmenite reserves but stands sixth in production or mining of these minerals. He attributed several factors like lack of political will and other issues that made the country stand in sixth position in mining of the rarest of the rare mineral which has lot of demand in international markets. The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation had recently signed three MoUs to mine these minerals with an estimated investment of Rs 7,500 crores from the firms along the coast in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts. APMDC would be getting 26 percent equity in all the three MoUs without any investment. According to the first MoU, with Stork Handlges of Austria and Bothli Trades AG of Switzerland, they would mine these minerals in 8,237 hectares of area allotted to them at Lawsons Bay, Bheemili, Konada, Kandivalasa and Koyyam in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts, Bendi, Baruva and Donkur in Srikakulam district. Official sources said that the mining would provide direct employment to around 20,000 people in the north coastal Andhra districts. Another MoU was signed with Indian based VV Minerals allotting 1,500 hectares in Srikakulam district and the third one was signed with Trimax, another local agency, to which 10,000 hectares was allocated at Kalingapatnam and Bavanampadu. As per the agreement reached between the Austrian and Switzerland firms 10-lakh tones of ilmenite would be extracted per year. Sand separation plant would be setup to produce value added products like synthetic rutile and titanium dioxide. The project officer of the APMDC D Radhakrishna said that the mining work is yet to start in the region as only MoUs were signed and are waiting for some statutory clearances. However, environmentalists fear the project would create environmental imbalance in the region.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 1: Thousands of regular beach goers of the city know very little that the golden sands, which they often tread, have rich and rare hidden mineral treasures. It was proved that of the entire 950kms of east coast of Andhra Pradesh right from Srikakulam in the north to Nellore district in the south and the stretch between Kakinada and Itchapuram is enriched with rare minerals like ilmenite, rutile, garnet, monazite, silliminate, and zircon which were not explored of its value since ages.“Ilmenite is a titanium bearing mineral is used in making aircrafts, defence equipment and artillery due to its qualities of light weight and corrosion free nature. It can withstand any kind of environment, the reason for which it is used in making aircrafts. Most of the material used in aircraft making is of light weight titanium. Beach sand of the north coastal Andhra has huge reserves of this ilmenite,” said Prof C Kasipathi of department of geology, Andhra University. Of the total 375 million tonnes of proved ilmenite reserves across the country Andhra Pradesh stands first by having an estimated reserves of 116MT which was left unexploited till now. Kasipathi, known as man of mining and mineral exploration observes that minerals like ilmenite, rutile et al has huge demand in the international markets as they are found rarely and said that globally India stands third next to Australia and South Africa in having ilmenite reserves but stands sixth in production or mining of these minerals. He attributed several factors like lack of political will and other issues that made the country stand in sixth position in mining of the rarest of the rare mineral which has lot of demand in international markets. The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation had recently signed three MoUs to mine these minerals with an estimated investment of Rs 7,500 crores from the firms along the coast in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts. APMDC would be getting 26 percent equity in all the three MoUs without any investment. According to the first MoU, with Stork Handlges of Austria and Bothli Trades AG of Switzerland, they would mine these minerals in 8,237 hectares of area allotted to them at Lawsons Bay, Bheemili, Konada, Kandivalasa and Koyyam in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts, Bendi, Baruva and Donkur in Srikakulam district. Official sources said that the mining would provide direct employment to around 20,000 people in the north coastal Andhra districts. Another MoU was signed with Indian based VV Minerals allotting 1,500 hectares in Srikakulam district and the third one was signed with Trimax, another local agency, to which 10,000 hectares was allocated at Kalingapatnam and Bavanampadu. As per the agreement reached between the Austrian and Switzerland firms 10-lakh tones of ilmenite would be extracted per year. Sand separation plant would be setup to produce value added products like synthetic rutile and titanium dioxide. The project officer of the APMDC D Radhakrishna said that the mining work is yet to start in the region as only MoUs were signed and are waiting for some statutory clearances. However, environmentalists fear the project would create environmental imbalance in the region.
Medicos work out alternatives to fly to the US
SNV SudhIr/Visakhapatnam
Medicos desirous of pursuing PG in the US generally apply for a PG in some other stream to gain entry into the country.After completion of MBBS, medicos face an uphill task comprising four long steps of MLE (Medical Licencing Examination), the gateway for medico’s to enrol for PG in the US. Students prefer to complete two steps here and two in the US.But here the problem starts they say. After the first two steps they have to apply for a visa. “The interviewer most often rejects our visa saying we may become potential migrants and lured by the stipends and salaries a doctor gets there, we will not return,” Nagesh (name changed) a final year MBBS student of Andhra Medical College said under the circumstances of anonymity. ). Medical students say it is not so difficult for engineers and students of other professional courses.A PG course in medicine known as Residency Course in US takes four years and a residency student gets at least $ 6,000 to $ 7,000 per month as stipend. The stakes are much higher after completion of residency. A US study shows that a 10 per cent increase in surgeons leads to 3 to 4 per cent increase in unnecessary surgeries, the phenomenon of supplier induced demand comes to play here. This could also be one of the reasons for visa rejection.“It takes at least one year to complete the first two steps in India and if he is rejected finally at the interview a student’s valuable year gets wasted. Moreover PG entrance patterns in India are entirely different from the US and a student ends up in a huge mess,” says Vikram (name changed). And the rule demands that within seven years from the day one starts the first step of MLE, a medico should complete his PG in US.To overcome the problem, most students write GRE to get admission into American universities for some other PG like hospital management, Public health, et al as it is relatively easier to secure visas for these courses. Then they attempt the four steps of MLE and jump to medical Residency.But the challenge lies in completing these four steps before they complete their PG on which they got their visa. Moreover MLE in the US is a very costly affair, test fee for every step costs approximately Rs 40,000.
Medicos desirous of pursuing PG in the US generally apply for a PG in some other stream to gain entry into the country.After completion of MBBS, medicos face an uphill task comprising four long steps of MLE (Medical Licencing Examination), the gateway for medico’s to enrol for PG in the US. Students prefer to complete two steps here and two in the US.But here the problem starts they say. After the first two steps they have to apply for a visa. “The interviewer most often rejects our visa saying we may become potential migrants and lured by the stipends and salaries a doctor gets there, we will not return,” Nagesh (name changed) a final year MBBS student of Andhra Medical College said under the circumstances of anonymity. ). Medical students say it is not so difficult for engineers and students of other professional courses.A PG course in medicine known as Residency Course in US takes four years and a residency student gets at least $ 6,000 to $ 7,000 per month as stipend. The stakes are much higher after completion of residency. A US study shows that a 10 per cent increase in surgeons leads to 3 to 4 per cent increase in unnecessary surgeries, the phenomenon of supplier induced demand comes to play here. This could also be one of the reasons for visa rejection.“It takes at least one year to complete the first two steps in India and if he is rejected finally at the interview a student’s valuable year gets wasted. Moreover PG entrance patterns in India are entirely different from the US and a student ends up in a huge mess,” says Vikram (name changed). And the rule demands that within seven years from the day one starts the first step of MLE, a medico should complete his PG in US.To overcome the problem, most students write GRE to get admission into American universities for some other PG like hospital management, Public health, et al as it is relatively easier to secure visas for these courses. Then they attempt the four steps of MLE and jump to medical Residency.But the challenge lies in completing these four steps before they complete their PG on which they got their visa. Moreover MLE in the US is a very costly affair, test fee for every step costs approximately Rs 40,000.
Andhra expert gives RSS vastu advice
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, June 10: Vaastu takes care of everything, including security said a senior RSS leader after the terrorists attack on the RSS headquarters at Nagpur on June 1. The incident happened after the RSS started restructuring its building. The troubled RSS got the go ahead nod for the restructuring by the city based 88 year old veteran vaastu expert GSK Arya.“The re construction taken up by them might have resulted in no human loss of RSS and not even a small damage to the headquarters during the recent terrorists attack. Instead the attackers were killed on the spot. It was very hard to identify the terrorists as they were in police uniform and came in a car with the alarming light. But they were killed” said the vaastu expert to this correspondent. He recalled that in the month of February RSS chief K S Sudersan had sent a Swayamsevak to him seeking suggestions on a new construction plan, designed by one Abhishek Deshpande of Nagpur.He also suggested the RSS brigade not to use the huge land lying vacant, south side of the headquarters’ building, for many years. They were using that vacant land since many years and they were asked to abandon it, he said.“The RSS was facing a plethora of problems due to the wrong vaastu in the building. I suggested them to change the present entrance of the building from south to east as the south entrance is inauspicious according to the position of the site” said Arya, who always carries a compass with him.Arya made several trips to Nagpur RSS headquarters and his last trip was about four years ago. The vaastu expert who was basically a building contractor, served as Sanghachalak for Vizag district for a period of six years from 1976. “I used to go to headquarters at Nagpur once in every year to attend annual conferences when I was Sanghachalak. The people in the headquarters never asked me about vaastu in all these years, recently they approached me and I gave some suggestions. I never say vaasthu to anyone unless they ask me, as it’s not my profession,” said Arya. The veteran vaastu expert and the tough RSS person also said that construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is not an easy task as the entire south side of the 2 ½ acres land, where a Ram temple was proposed in Ayodhya is very deep. At a point he said Sangh Parivar would not be successful in constructing a Ram Temple at Ayodhya due to defects in that site. “Its better to chose another site for construction of the Ram Mandir. Lord Rama is every where in Ayodhya” he said.He was the brain behind the construction of various educational institutions run by RSS in the city like Vignana Vihara School in Gudilova, BVK College, Sri Krishna Vidyamandir, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, which are running successfully.
Visakhapatnam, June 10: Vaastu takes care of everything, including security said a senior RSS leader after the terrorists attack on the RSS headquarters at Nagpur on June 1. The incident happened after the RSS started restructuring its building. The troubled RSS got the go ahead nod for the restructuring by the city based 88 year old veteran vaastu expert GSK Arya.“The re construction taken up by them might have resulted in no human loss of RSS and not even a small damage to the headquarters during the recent terrorists attack. Instead the attackers were killed on the spot. It was very hard to identify the terrorists as they were in police uniform and came in a car with the alarming light. But they were killed” said the vaastu expert to this correspondent. He recalled that in the month of February RSS chief K S Sudersan had sent a Swayamsevak to him seeking suggestions on a new construction plan, designed by one Abhishek Deshpande of Nagpur.He also suggested the RSS brigade not to use the huge land lying vacant, south side of the headquarters’ building, for many years. They were using that vacant land since many years and they were asked to abandon it, he said.“The RSS was facing a plethora of problems due to the wrong vaastu in the building. I suggested them to change the present entrance of the building from south to east as the south entrance is inauspicious according to the position of the site” said Arya, who always carries a compass with him.Arya made several trips to Nagpur RSS headquarters and his last trip was about four years ago. The vaastu expert who was basically a building contractor, served as Sanghachalak for Vizag district for a period of six years from 1976. “I used to go to headquarters at Nagpur once in every year to attend annual conferences when I was Sanghachalak. The people in the headquarters never asked me about vaastu in all these years, recently they approached me and I gave some suggestions. I never say vaasthu to anyone unless they ask me, as it’s not my profession,” said Arya. The veteran vaastu expert and the tough RSS person also said that construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is not an easy task as the entire south side of the 2 ½ acres land, where a Ram temple was proposed in Ayodhya is very deep. At a point he said Sangh Parivar would not be successful in constructing a Ram Temple at Ayodhya due to defects in that site. “Its better to chose another site for construction of the Ram Mandir. Lord Rama is every where in Ayodhya” he said.He was the brain behind the construction of various educational institutions run by RSS in the city like Vignana Vihara School in Gudilova, BVK College, Sri Krishna Vidyamandir, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, which are running successfully.
Prez says ‘Keep away impossible’
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Feb 12: “Keep yourself away from people who utter the word impossible, ” President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam told the students of Ramanath Secondary school of Naval Science and Technological Laboratory here.Interacting with the children on Sunday, Dr Kalam has narrated a story how the words of Lord Kelvin the president of Royal Society of London and a great scientist of 18th century were proved wrong in 1902 after Wright brothers discovered the aircraft. “Kelvin said that any heavy object cannot fly, but that was proved wrong within a decade and these sort of discoveries could be possible only if one thinks that nothing is impossible and of course science is dynamic” said Kalam.He not only gave suggestions to the children but also advised the teachers to inculcate the sense of oneness and religious tolerance among the children. Answering a query raised by K Nithin, a 9th standard student of the school about terrorism he said terrorism and other social disorders in the society are due to differences in opinions, Kalam recollected his school days and said he was taught daily about all the religious and spiritual leaders like Jesus Christ, Khalifa, Lord Buddha, Einsten, Mahatma Gandhi and Srinivas Ramanujam for one hour at school, which made him a tolerant and peace mongering person. He stressed that if kids are taught in a similar way at their school levels there won’t be any difference of opinions.Answering another query rose by Prashanthi a 10th standard student about the cloning and its impact on India, he said “no” to the cloning. “We are created millions and millions of years ago by the genetic engineering techniques of god and my personal opinion is not to disturb the god’s creation. It would be beneficial if human components like eyes, arms can be cloned” Kalam said. He further stated that three persons are very important in anyone’s life and they are Mother, Father and the elementary teacher.
Visakhapatnam, Feb 12: “Keep yourself away from people who utter the word impossible, ” President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam told the students of Ramanath Secondary school of Naval Science and Technological Laboratory here.Interacting with the children on Sunday, Dr Kalam has narrated a story how the words of Lord Kelvin the president of Royal Society of London and a great scientist of 18th century were proved wrong in 1902 after Wright brothers discovered the aircraft. “Kelvin said that any heavy object cannot fly, but that was proved wrong within a decade and these sort of discoveries could be possible only if one thinks that nothing is impossible and of course science is dynamic” said Kalam.He not only gave suggestions to the children but also advised the teachers to inculcate the sense of oneness and religious tolerance among the children. Answering a query raised by K Nithin, a 9th standard student of the school about terrorism he said terrorism and other social disorders in the society are due to differences in opinions, Kalam recollected his school days and said he was taught daily about all the religious and spiritual leaders like Jesus Christ, Khalifa, Lord Buddha, Einsten, Mahatma Gandhi and Srinivas Ramanujam for one hour at school, which made him a tolerant and peace mongering person. He stressed that if kids are taught in a similar way at their school levels there won’t be any difference of opinions.Answering another query rose by Prashanthi a 10th standard student about the cloning and its impact on India, he said “no” to the cloning. “We are created millions and millions of years ago by the genetic engineering techniques of god and my personal opinion is not to disturb the god’s creation. It would be beneficial if human components like eyes, arms can be cloned” Kalam said. He further stated that three persons are very important in anyone’s life and they are Mother, Father and the elementary teacher.
Now, Konda Doras can read and write their mother tongue
By SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
Now, the Kondadoras of the agency areas of the district can read and write their own mother tongue . Jacob and Susan George, Masters degree holders in Linguistics, from the University of Arlington, Texas gave the written script as a gift to this tribal group. It all started in the year 1979 when the couple wanted to do some research on the tribal languages in India and strayed into the remote village Lakshmipuram in Ananthagiri mandal of the Visakha agency. The earnest desire of the illiterate people to read and write, prompted Jacob and Susan to learn the spoken Konda and develop a script based on Telugu language. From that day they lived among the Kondadoras, ate their food and slept with them. With their close association with this tribe they could assimilate the sounds of their spoken words. They have also prepared storybooks in the Konda language to make them understand their mother tongue in a better way. Jacob and Susan also strived hard to translate the New Testament of the Holy Bible in to the Konda language, which was released very recently. Now these Konda Doras can read the holy book in their mother tongue. Konda language is mainly spoken by this tribal group comprising a population of approximately 20,000. They live in the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Koraput district in Orissa. This language belongs to the Dravidian family. The literacy rate was 2 per cent among them. Konda language consists of 32 letters whereas Telugu has 56. For an illiterate Konda it is easy to learn these 32 letters, which helps him first to read and write his mother tongue. Then with the help of the bridge premier, a book designed by them will introduce the rest of the alphabets in Telugu, so that they could read Telugu language. “What we observed while interacting with these Konda Doras that they were not interested in education as it was taught in Telugu which they do not understand at all. Now they are showing interest in going to schools. Once these tribals are taught in their own mother tongue it will develop some interest initially and motivates them to learn more. And education makes a person perfect for better living”, said Jacob. He admitted that they could not take the written script to many places of the agency to teach the Kondas their own language as they have their own constraints like manpower, infrastructure etc.The state government also observed the need for the education in one’s own mother tongue and is introducing the Konda medium at primary levels in 50 schools of agency on experimental basis, says D Annapurnamma, DEO of Paderu. "This is the beginning we will soon learn to write songs in our own language. This written script will help us in creating interest among our children to go to schools" says Someli Ghasi,a farmer.A first book on Phonemic Summary of Konda language was brought out in 1981. The then District collector C S Rao said in his foreword of the book that Jacob and Susan made a systematic attempt to organize the materials in a meaningful manner. He also added that they have analyzed the basic sound units and patterns in an intelligible way into vowels and consonants and graded them into syllables and words in varying their placements. “Initially we learned the Telugu language for six months and then learned to speak Konda. Later we analysed the sound system and developed the grammatical structure,” says a contended Susan.
Now, the Kondadoras of the agency areas of the district can read and write their own mother tongue . Jacob and Susan George, Masters degree holders in Linguistics, from the University of Arlington, Texas gave the written script as a gift to this tribal group. It all started in the year 1979 when the couple wanted to do some research on the tribal languages in India and strayed into the remote village Lakshmipuram in Ananthagiri mandal of the Visakha agency. The earnest desire of the illiterate people to read and write, prompted Jacob and Susan to learn the spoken Konda and develop a script based on Telugu language. From that day they lived among the Kondadoras, ate their food and slept with them. With their close association with this tribe they could assimilate the sounds of their spoken words. They have also prepared storybooks in the Konda language to make them understand their mother tongue in a better way. Jacob and Susan also strived hard to translate the New Testament of the Holy Bible in to the Konda language, which was released very recently. Now these Konda Doras can read the holy book in their mother tongue. Konda language is mainly spoken by this tribal group comprising a population of approximately 20,000. They live in the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Koraput district in Orissa. This language belongs to the Dravidian family. The literacy rate was 2 per cent among them. Konda language consists of 32 letters whereas Telugu has 56. For an illiterate Konda it is easy to learn these 32 letters, which helps him first to read and write his mother tongue. Then with the help of the bridge premier, a book designed by them will introduce the rest of the alphabets in Telugu, so that they could read Telugu language. “What we observed while interacting with these Konda Doras that they were not interested in education as it was taught in Telugu which they do not understand at all. Now they are showing interest in going to schools. Once these tribals are taught in their own mother tongue it will develop some interest initially and motivates them to learn more. And education makes a person perfect for better living”, said Jacob. He admitted that they could not take the written script to many places of the agency to teach the Kondas their own language as they have their own constraints like manpower, infrastructure etc.The state government also observed the need for the education in one’s own mother tongue and is introducing the Konda medium at primary levels in 50 schools of agency on experimental basis, says D Annapurnamma, DEO of Paderu. "This is the beginning we will soon learn to write songs in our own language. This written script will help us in creating interest among our children to go to schools" says Someli Ghasi,a farmer.A first book on Phonemic Summary of Konda language was brought out in 1981. The then District collector C S Rao said in his foreword of the book that Jacob and Susan made a systematic attempt to organize the materials in a meaningful manner. He also added that they have analyzed the basic sound units and patterns in an intelligible way into vowels and consonants and graded them into syllables and words in varying their placements. “Initially we learned the Telugu language for six months and then learned to speak Konda. Later we analysed the sound system and developed the grammatical structure,” says a contended Susan.
Muslim is a priest in Hindu temple
SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
One would be surprised to know that the person rendered the Devi Ashothara Sathanamavali with perfect pronunciation in Maa Durga temple on Seethammavari Konda of Payakaraopeta, Visakhapatnam district is a Muslim to the core. Yes, Sheik Mira Saheb of Gopalapatnam village of Payakaraopeta, was performing regular Hindu rituals, pujas strictly following vedic hymns and regulations with sanctity at the temple for the last 10 years. And people from in and around 24 villages throng this place to have a darsan of the sitting deity and to offer pujas, never feel the difference. It all happened exactly 10 years ago when Mira Saheb was like any other rigorous Musalmaan going to Masjid and offering Namaz five times a day and observing regular Rozas during every holy month of Ramzan. Mira, who used to work as a gardener at the site chosen by the archeologists for excavations of Bhuddhist aramas on the hill Seethammavarikonda, found a three feet statue of the Maa Durga during his regular work of cutting trees. He says it changed the entire course of his life. From that day onwards the Goddess used to come in his dreams, he used to see her wherever he went and whatever he did. A sort of unknown holy feeling developed in within him. Then he decided to personally serve the goddess by performing pujas and other rituals. For that initially he observed the priests of other temples in and around how they were performing their pujas and rituals, as no one would teach him, as he was a Muslim. "One day while I was searching for my Guru I came in contact with a very old man Subramanya Sastry at Pithapuram near Kakinada. He opened his hands and welcomed me without any hesitation. He taught me some basic things for three to four months, even though he got severe opposition from his people. I met him very long back, I don't know whether he is living or dead. But he is a revolutionary kind of person. Later due to my own interest I read many Hindu books and scriptures to know more about Hinduism and the Maa Durga ". But Mira Saheb's son Shiek Khan and relatives never liked his new avatar but never came in his way. "Islam is the greatest religion, my father is a like a black spot of our religion. Our family members and relatives excommunicated him. We are no way concerned with him even though he stays with us. I told him several times to change his attitude but what to do he never listens. I go to Masjid and he goes to temple. But I will admit my children in a Madarsa, as my father may influence my children too" said Khan who runs a mutton shop and a cycle shop. Another interesting thing is Shiek Mira Saheb's wife Mira Bi attends Christian prayers and sometimes goes to Church, which their son Khan doesn't like either. "He stays months together on that hill when he wears Bhavani mala saying that he need to be sacred. I think he is gone Mad." Said Nagur, Mira Saheb's niece.
One would be surprised to know that the person rendered the Devi Ashothara Sathanamavali with perfect pronunciation in Maa Durga temple on Seethammavari Konda of Payakaraopeta, Visakhapatnam district is a Muslim to the core. Yes, Sheik Mira Saheb of Gopalapatnam village of Payakaraopeta, was performing regular Hindu rituals, pujas strictly following vedic hymns and regulations with sanctity at the temple for the last 10 years. And people from in and around 24 villages throng this place to have a darsan of the sitting deity and to offer pujas, never feel the difference. It all happened exactly 10 years ago when Mira Saheb was like any other rigorous Musalmaan going to Masjid and offering Namaz five times a day and observing regular Rozas during every holy month of Ramzan. Mira, who used to work as a gardener at the site chosen by the archeologists for excavations of Bhuddhist aramas on the hill Seethammavarikonda, found a three feet statue of the Maa Durga during his regular work of cutting trees. He says it changed the entire course of his life. From that day onwards the Goddess used to come in his dreams, he used to see her wherever he went and whatever he did. A sort of unknown holy feeling developed in within him. Then he decided to personally serve the goddess by performing pujas and other rituals. For that initially he observed the priests of other temples in and around how they were performing their pujas and rituals, as no one would teach him, as he was a Muslim. "One day while I was searching for my Guru I came in contact with a very old man Subramanya Sastry at Pithapuram near Kakinada. He opened his hands and welcomed me without any hesitation. He taught me some basic things for three to four months, even though he got severe opposition from his people. I met him very long back, I don't know whether he is living or dead. But he is a revolutionary kind of person. Later due to my own interest I read many Hindu books and scriptures to know more about Hinduism and the Maa Durga ". But Mira Saheb's son Shiek Khan and relatives never liked his new avatar but never came in his way. "Islam is the greatest religion, my father is a like a black spot of our religion. Our family members and relatives excommunicated him. We are no way concerned with him even though he stays with us. I told him several times to change his attitude but what to do he never listens. I go to Masjid and he goes to temple. But I will admit my children in a Madarsa, as my father may influence my children too" said Khan who runs a mutton shop and a cycle shop. Another interesting thing is Shiek Mira Saheb's wife Mira Bi attends Christian prayers and sometimes goes to Church, which their son Khan doesn't like either. "He stays months together on that hill when he wears Bhavani mala saying that he need to be sacred. I think he is gone Mad." Said Nagur, Mira Saheb's niece.
Attender’s PhD becomes a text book for AU students
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 18: In the present scenario of youth neglecting research works, falling prey for easy money by working in call centres, Bora Venkata Ramana Reddy becomes an inspiration to them. B V R Reddy, who joined Andhra University as a temporary attender in 1982, is a proud possessor of PhD in Telugu now. He was the first person to get a doctorate from the non-teaching staff of the Telugu department, which was formed in 1931. Andhra University was initially started with lone Telugu department. Till now 255 PhDs and 133 M Phil degrees were awarded in the department. His thesis “Andhra University-spread of functional Telugu” work was just published in a form of 300page book. And now he takes pride himself calling “Dr B V R Reddy”.It all started when Reddy joined the Andhra University as a temporary attender in the Telugu Etymological Scheme in 1982 immediately after writing his SSC exam. After getting inspired seeing the research scholars and the letters “Dr” before the names of the PhD holders, he decided to get a doctorate from the university. He strived hard to attend night classes, at the Bharatiya Tutorials College in Dabagardens between 1982 and 1984, after a day’s hectic work at the department and completed his intermediate.Later he immediately joined in the night college of Mrs AVN College and did his graduation in B Com between 1984-87. Here he got a break for almost 6 years to join Post Graduation through distance mode in MA Telugu due to his personal works. At this juncture responding to a notification released by the varsity administration for typists he applied for it and became a typist in the same department in 1993 as by that time he was qualified as a graduate after toiling at Night College. “Sometimes I still do not believe am I the person who did all these, going to night classes and then completing PG through distance mode besides working as a attender and later typist in the age old Telugu department. That spark which got ignited in me when I joined the department to get a PhD in my lifetime drove me ” said Reddy.He started his research in 1995 and submitted his thesis in 2000. The PhD was awarded in the year 2001. His thesis was just published in 300 pages book and was released by the University press. Book will be sent to the varsity library soon. “It is pride to our department as Reddy who started his career as an attender got a doctorate. University authorities should encourage such people by giving them good avenues which will inspire many other people like him” says the Co Director of Reddy’s research work and HOD of Telugu department, Andhra University, Yelavarthy Viswanadha Reddy. Now Dr B V R Reddy stands beside the famous Telugu writers like Chalamarthy Kanakayya and Vavilala Subbarao who got doctorates from this department. “Telugu language should be given the ancient language status. How can the union government ignore the Telugu language besides the other Dravidian language Tamil was given such status” says Reddy.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 18: In the present scenario of youth neglecting research works, falling prey for easy money by working in call centres, Bora Venkata Ramana Reddy becomes an inspiration to them. B V R Reddy, who joined Andhra University as a temporary attender in 1982, is a proud possessor of PhD in Telugu now. He was the first person to get a doctorate from the non-teaching staff of the Telugu department, which was formed in 1931. Andhra University was initially started with lone Telugu department. Till now 255 PhDs and 133 M Phil degrees were awarded in the department. His thesis “Andhra University-spread of functional Telugu” work was just published in a form of 300page book. And now he takes pride himself calling “Dr B V R Reddy”.It all started when Reddy joined the Andhra University as a temporary attender in the Telugu Etymological Scheme in 1982 immediately after writing his SSC exam. After getting inspired seeing the research scholars and the letters “Dr” before the names of the PhD holders, he decided to get a doctorate from the university. He strived hard to attend night classes, at the Bharatiya Tutorials College in Dabagardens between 1982 and 1984, after a day’s hectic work at the department and completed his intermediate.Later he immediately joined in the night college of Mrs AVN College and did his graduation in B Com between 1984-87. Here he got a break for almost 6 years to join Post Graduation through distance mode in MA Telugu due to his personal works. At this juncture responding to a notification released by the varsity administration for typists he applied for it and became a typist in the same department in 1993 as by that time he was qualified as a graduate after toiling at Night College. “Sometimes I still do not believe am I the person who did all these, going to night classes and then completing PG through distance mode besides working as a attender and later typist in the age old Telugu department. That spark which got ignited in me when I joined the department to get a PhD in my lifetime drove me ” said Reddy.He started his research in 1995 and submitted his thesis in 2000. The PhD was awarded in the year 2001. His thesis was just published in 300 pages book and was released by the University press. Book will be sent to the varsity library soon. “It is pride to our department as Reddy who started his career as an attender got a doctorate. University authorities should encourage such people by giving them good avenues which will inspire many other people like him” says the Co Director of Reddy’s research work and HOD of Telugu department, Andhra University, Yelavarthy Viswanadha Reddy. Now Dr B V R Reddy stands beside the famous Telugu writers like Chalamarthy Kanakayya and Vavilala Subbarao who got doctorates from this department. “Telugu language should be given the ancient language status. How can the union government ignore the Telugu language besides the other Dravidian language Tamil was given such status” says Reddy.
Malaria slows down combing operations in agency areas
By SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
The threatening anopheles mosquito has no reason to spare the armed police keeping guard at the agency areas. The fear of these deadly insects seems to be weighing more on their minds than mosquitoes.Earlier Health Minister, K Rosaiah while speaking to a reporter regarding this problem in agency areas remarked sarcastically that the only way of eradication of mosquitoes would be to chase and kill each mosquito individually with a stone.The mosquito, which causes malaria, must have hit the armed police in the agency areas. More than Maoists, armed police are now scared of mosquitoes in agency areas. Malaria fevers slows down combing operations in the agency areas. Now police had to catch each and every mosquito and kill it with a stone as how the health minister K Rosaiah told a reporter regarding the eradication of mosquitoes in the agency areas during his visit to these areas in the month of July.Inside sources said that the combing operations, search operations were slowed down since one and half months as these operations takes place in the remote forest areas where the government can not take any malaria eradication methods . Professionally trained commandos will take part in the search operations especially in the places where there are signs of militancy in the agency. In Visakhapatnam district 11 mandals were identified as extremists effected areas and police will regularly take part in the search operations.These days much debated topic was the malarial deaths. How ever, Rural Superintendent of Police, VV Srinivasa Rao said that the search parties will be deployed at the places where there is a threat to the civilians from extremists, unlawful assembling by Maoists etc. “ We give designated medical kits to these armed police. And these days we are providing special medicines for malaria” Srinivasa Rao said. Srinivasa Rao also said that the recent incidents like killing of two persons by Maoists, blast of a check post on Friday and another person’s murder on Saturday by the Maoists is not the effect of sluggishness in search operations but the Maoists are trying to react to the Nerrallabanda exchange of fire on August 3, Puttakota exchange of fire in the month of July and the Gunukurayi exchange of fire by which Maoists had to wind up their Guttikonda dalam.
The threatening anopheles mosquito has no reason to spare the armed police keeping guard at the agency areas. The fear of these deadly insects seems to be weighing more on their minds than mosquitoes.Earlier Health Minister, K Rosaiah while speaking to a reporter regarding this problem in agency areas remarked sarcastically that the only way of eradication of mosquitoes would be to chase and kill each mosquito individually with a stone.The mosquito, which causes malaria, must have hit the armed police in the agency areas. More than Maoists, armed police are now scared of mosquitoes in agency areas. Malaria fevers slows down combing operations in the agency areas. Now police had to catch each and every mosquito and kill it with a stone as how the health minister K Rosaiah told a reporter regarding the eradication of mosquitoes in the agency areas during his visit to these areas in the month of July.Inside sources said that the combing operations, search operations were slowed down since one and half months as these operations takes place in the remote forest areas where the government can not take any malaria eradication methods . Professionally trained commandos will take part in the search operations especially in the places where there are signs of militancy in the agency. In Visakhapatnam district 11 mandals were identified as extremists effected areas and police will regularly take part in the search operations.These days much debated topic was the malarial deaths. How ever, Rural Superintendent of Police, VV Srinivasa Rao said that the search parties will be deployed at the places where there is a threat to the civilians from extremists, unlawful assembling by Maoists etc. “ We give designated medical kits to these armed police. And these days we are providing special medicines for malaria” Srinivasa Rao said. Srinivasa Rao also said that the recent incidents like killing of two persons by Maoists, blast of a check post on Friday and another person’s murder on Saturday by the Maoists is not the effect of sluggishness in search operations but the Maoists are trying to react to the Nerrallabanda exchange of fire on August 3, Puttakota exchange of fire in the month of July and the Gunukurayi exchange of fire by which Maoists had to wind up their Guttikonda dalam.
Dumb rock unravels truth
By SNV Sudhir/Visakhapatnam
One needs witnesses and evidences to prove one’s guilt. But here there is no need. . An accused and the affected are enough; rest of all is taken care by a dumb rock. Most of the never-ending cases of 20 to 25 surrounding villages were solved just in fraction of minutes here in a small village Chinna Patchila of Ravikamatham mandal. There is neither court nor a judge to solve these cases but this 200-year-old Sathyapitham unravels every case. The villagers call it as Pedda Rayi. Few months ago Sidda Thathababu who booked a theft case against a person was suggested by police to resolve their issue at Peddarayi after a severe interrogation had failed to achieve any results. The moment the accused approached the rock, the accused became nervous and he confessed to his crime. Villagers believe whoever utters a lie standing on this rock would die within 10 to 15 days. Aravelli Varadacharyulu, priest of the Kodandarama temple whose family is staying in this village for more than 90 years, said that 200 years back the then village head Sasubilli Nagappa Naidu saw a dream. In his dream a village god suggested him to go to Nagallakonda, a nearby hill where he can get a rock to solve social cases, on which saints and sages did tapasya for salvation.. People say it took 3 months for the villagers to roll down the rock to the present place which is approximately 8 kilometers away. From that day onwards if any one do not have any evidences in any case, the village heads ask the accused to go and have a bath in the near by well and bring water in a new pot to the Pedda Rayi where he has to clean the rock, light a lamp and say whatever he wanted to say. The best part of it during this entire episode none would be present in and around the rock. Only the complainant and accused will be there. If the accused lie after lighting the lamp standing on the rock, death will follow him in no time, the villagers strongly believe. Three years back a pregnant woman Ramayamma lied for Rs 50 standing on Pedda Rayi and she died four days later without any severe ailments " I still remember that incident. The woman lost her life just lying for Rs 50" said Thathababu a veteran villager. In a similar way just two years back there was a property dispute between two brothers and one of them Rukla Gangu Naidu killed by lightening, after lying on this rock. "There were many others in the home none died except Gangu Naidu during the lightening which fell only on his house," said Sasubilli Raja Rao who is the descendent of Nagappa Naidu, who installed this rock. It has become a trend in the surrounding villages of Chinnapathcila even in today’s world to approach this rock for justice. " Many cases were solved after years of pending in courts and police stations" said Hari Hara Rao, Sarpanch of the village. "I heard a lot about this Satyapitham, many villagers go to this rock for justice from small disputes to big disputes where they won’t have any evidences or witnesses" said the SI of Ravikamatham, K Malleswara Rao.
One needs witnesses and evidences to prove one’s guilt. But here there is no need. . An accused and the affected are enough; rest of all is taken care by a dumb rock. Most of the never-ending cases of 20 to 25 surrounding villages were solved just in fraction of minutes here in a small village Chinna Patchila of Ravikamatham mandal. There is neither court nor a judge to solve these cases but this 200-year-old Sathyapitham unravels every case. The villagers call it as Pedda Rayi. Few months ago Sidda Thathababu who booked a theft case against a person was suggested by police to resolve their issue at Peddarayi after a severe interrogation had failed to achieve any results. The moment the accused approached the rock, the accused became nervous and he confessed to his crime. Villagers believe whoever utters a lie standing on this rock would die within 10 to 15 days. Aravelli Varadacharyulu, priest of the Kodandarama temple whose family is staying in this village for more than 90 years, said that 200 years back the then village head Sasubilli Nagappa Naidu saw a dream. In his dream a village god suggested him to go to Nagallakonda, a nearby hill where he can get a rock to solve social cases, on which saints and sages did tapasya for salvation.. People say it took 3 months for the villagers to roll down the rock to the present place which is approximately 8 kilometers away. From that day onwards if any one do not have any evidences in any case, the village heads ask the accused to go and have a bath in the near by well and bring water in a new pot to the Pedda Rayi where he has to clean the rock, light a lamp and say whatever he wanted to say. The best part of it during this entire episode none would be present in and around the rock. Only the complainant and accused will be there. If the accused lie after lighting the lamp standing on the rock, death will follow him in no time, the villagers strongly believe. Three years back a pregnant woman Ramayamma lied for Rs 50 standing on Pedda Rayi and she died four days later without any severe ailments " I still remember that incident. The woman lost her life just lying for Rs 50" said Thathababu a veteran villager. In a similar way just two years back there was a property dispute between two brothers and one of them Rukla Gangu Naidu killed by lightening, after lying on this rock. "There were many others in the home none died except Gangu Naidu during the lightening which fell only on his house," said Sasubilli Raja Rao who is the descendent of Nagappa Naidu, who installed this rock. It has become a trend in the surrounding villages of Chinnapathcila even in today’s world to approach this rock for justice. " Many cases were solved after years of pending in courts and police stations" said Hari Hara Rao, Sarpanch of the village. "I heard a lot about this Satyapitham, many villagers go to this rock for justice from small disputes to big disputes where they won’t have any evidences or witnesses" said the SI of Ravikamatham, K Malleswara Rao.
Sea urchins at the verge of extinction
By SNV Sudhir/VisakhapatnamNext time you buy a unique ashtray on the Vizag beach front remember that you are also party to the destruction of valuable marine life. The ashtrays are made from sea urchins that clear the sea base and sea rocks by consuming all the filth, algae, decay, dead material. It is an organism which provides amicable environment to other organisms to live. Now they are at the verge of extinction. The zoology students who often visit the sea shore at Vizag beach as part of their field visits to study sea organisms used to see these Urchins in large numbers on the rocks with their naked eyes. But this was the situation four or five years ago. And now the students rarely encounter these organisms as the number is rapidly depleting day by day. Zoologists are worried about the situation; they cannot even imagine sea without these Urchins that are very essential for the sea and for the other marine organisms.Sea Urchins are Saprophytes and purely marine form. They have a unique feature of water vascular system apart from the normal blood vascular system for movement. Zoologist of the city, Prof A Joseph says that the depletion of these organisms was due to over exploitation by innocent public and also by commercial cell collectors who catch them to make ornaments and ashtrays. Pollution due to the submergence of domestic and industrial waste into seawaters adds to the misery.“Innocent boys catch these urchins to make ornaments, ash trays and sell them for a song. They do not know the value of these organisms. Government should safeguard this rich marine zone, which is highly potential ” said Joseph.Dr Jayanth Kumar Mishra, a marine technologist, who did a research on these sea urchins three years on the Vizag seacoast said that Vizag seacoast was very rich and resourceful coast and these saprophytes are nowhere found in any part of the country.“ Four years ago, one fine day while I was walking on the beach with my friends I was surprised to see these Urchins in large numbers. But now I could rarely see them. Unfortunately these rare kind may extinct if some thing is not done to it” said Mishra who just returned from Gulf from a marine assignment. This marine bio technologist along with other zoologists of Andhra University had tried for sea ranching to breed these urchins after a study which revealed its rapid depletion. But the ranching was stopped after certain period of time due to other reasons.
Vizag Taj Mahal turns 100
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, July 10: The monument which vizagites labeled as "Vizag Taj Mahal", completed 100 years on Friday. Most of the Vizagites are not aware of the history of the monument but they all call it as Vizag Taj Mahal. Constructed in soft Lime stone this elegant structure is a fine example of architectural marvel that is very unique and amalgum of architecture from across the globe. Mainly consisting of two blocks, the style of architecture and stone carving is very distinct from each other. Known as symbol of love, the Kurupam Monument stands testimony to a wonderful era of the Kurupam royalties. Raja Vairicharla Veerbhadra Raja Bahadur constructed the monument in memory of her beloved wife Princess Lakshmi Narasaiyyamma. The princes and the Raja sahib were married in 1895 and this compounded comprising the monument had beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountain in it. This the place the lovely relationship between the two royalties got manifested in a physical form that has withstood the testimony of time over a 100 years now.The monument also stands as a testimony to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the period. It took six long years to construct this monument which according to the inscriptions on the walls, was completed in 1904-5. The dome of the front pavilion has a bit of Mughal influence where as the entrance archway depicted carvings of oriental style. The walls of the monument are decorated with carvings depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Some of the carvings also depict different postures of dance forms of traditional style of this region.After the death of the queen in 1908 the monument was dedicated to the memory of the queen and became to be known as "Prema Nivedana Rupam". But the agony is that no one is there to take care of this great monument which has a great history. Municipal Corporation of Visakhaptnam was maintaining the monument till three years back. But it miserably failed to do that. The INTACH of Visakhaptnam came forward to restore the monument in scientific way spending 12 to 15 Lakhs. But it has been not looked after. INTACH is ready to takeover the monument and wanted to develop the place as a beautiful park with a under ground hall where a permanent exhibition will be conducted depicting the other heritage monuments of Visakhaptnam and brief history of this monument."Most of the Vizagites do not know what exactly is the monument is, they just say it as Taj Mahal of Visakhapatnam" said G Srinivas Murthy, co-convenor of INTACH
Visakhapatnam, July 10: The monument which vizagites labeled as "Vizag Taj Mahal", completed 100 years on Friday. Most of the Vizagites are not aware of the history of the monument but they all call it as Vizag Taj Mahal. Constructed in soft Lime stone this elegant structure is a fine example of architectural marvel that is very unique and amalgum of architecture from across the globe. Mainly consisting of two blocks, the style of architecture and stone carving is very distinct from each other. Known as symbol of love, the Kurupam Monument stands testimony to a wonderful era of the Kurupam royalties. Raja Vairicharla Veerbhadra Raja Bahadur constructed the monument in memory of her beloved wife Princess Lakshmi Narasaiyyamma. The princes and the Raja sahib were married in 1895 and this compounded comprising the monument had beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountain in it. This the place the lovely relationship between the two royalties got manifested in a physical form that has withstood the testimony of time over a 100 years now.The monument also stands as a testimony to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the period. It took six long years to construct this monument which according to the inscriptions on the walls, was completed in 1904-5. The dome of the front pavilion has a bit of Mughal influence where as the entrance archway depicted carvings of oriental style. The walls of the monument are decorated with carvings depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Some of the carvings also depict different postures of dance forms of traditional style of this region.After the death of the queen in 1908 the monument was dedicated to the memory of the queen and became to be known as "Prema Nivedana Rupam". But the agony is that no one is there to take care of this great monument which has a great history. Municipal Corporation of Visakhaptnam was maintaining the monument till three years back. But it miserably failed to do that. The INTACH of Visakhaptnam came forward to restore the monument in scientific way spending 12 to 15 Lakhs. But it has been not looked after. INTACH is ready to takeover the monument and wanted to develop the place as a beautiful park with a under ground hall where a permanent exhibition will be conducted depicting the other heritage monuments of Visakhaptnam and brief history of this monument."Most of the Vizagites do not know what exactly is the monument is, they just say it as Taj Mahal of Visakhapatnam" said G Srinivas Murthy, co-convenor of INTACH
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