By SNV Sudhir
Chintapalli (Vizag Agency), Mar 6: A class IV employee at the regional
agricultural research station of the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural
University (ANGRAU) here Korra Krishna Rao, 50, is no more an ordinary man.
He is now with all excitement after receiving an award from none other the
first citizen of the country president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for his
discovery of a medicine made with two herbs that cures epilepsy which the
modern medicine does not have a solution so far. Krishna Rao, belonging to
Nookadora tribe lives in a remote tribal hamlet of this Agency mandal. And
people living in hundreds of villages in the surrounding Agency mandals know
him very well. Daily people queue up in front of his house to take herbal
medicine from him. National Innovation Foundation (NIF) at Ahmedabad funded
by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Institute, (CSIRI) a
government of India agency that encourages scientific innovations and
discoveries had selected Krishna Rao to honour with the Traditional
knowledge award for developing herbal healing practice to cure epilepsy at
its all India level convention held on Feb 11 and 12 at Delhi where
president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam took part. It all happened when the
regional research station officials submitted a report to the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under its Network Project on Tribal
Crops (NPTC) that Krishna Rao was practicing the herbal healing and was
curing various diseases like epilepsy. NIF team which came to know about the
herbal cure for epilepsy thought it was an innovative discovery and honoured
him with the award.
"I don't know anything about this modern medicine. I just know the
medicinal plants that are available in the forest ranges of the Agency.
Many people come to me and I give them medicine and feel satisfied about
it" said Krishna Rao to this correspondent.
He says that the forest range in Vizag Agency is a treasure of many rare
medicinal plants which is known to very few people. He lists out that the medicinal plants
used in curing various diseases Neelavemu to control diabetes,
Sarpagandhi-Blood Pressure, Joint pains-Pakshi Kannu, Addasaramu-
Tuberculosis. He is more famous in giving medicine to melt stones
accumulated in human kidney. He gives powder made from konda pindi medicinal
plant to melt the stones. Most of the people approach him with the
complaints of diabetes, BP, stones in kidney and convulsions. But when asked
to name the herbs used to make medicine to cure epilepsy permanently,
Krishna Rao maintains silence and said that he will not disclose it as they
are applying to patent it. He adds that weekly once he goes to the hill
ranges in Dara konda, Gudem, Renthada, Pedavalasa, Borra and Anathagiri to
collect these herbs. He sometimes returns after two days once he goes to
collect these plants. He also takes care of the medicinal plants block at
the regional research station of the ANGRAU where around 200 medicinal pants
are being raised. When asked about how he got the knowledge of so many
medicinal plants, Krishna Rao says that at the age of 20 he was associated
with a Guruji for some years who taught him how to make medicines out of the
plants and which plant needed to be suggested according to the disease. He
said that he also learnt identifying the medicinal plant from him only. From
that day onwards he started giving medicines to ailing people who approach
him. "He's a unique man. One needs to appreciate him in curing so many
diseases who just studied till 5th standard. We feel very proud to be
associated with him. People from Vizag also come to him to take medicines. I
know him since 1996" senior scientist of the regional station PVK
Jagannadham, who did his M Tech at IIT Kharagpur. The senior scientist also
said that they have sent a detailed report to the director research at
ANGRAU about the discovery. He added that they would soon apply to patent
the medicine after holding discussions with the director. Jagannadham also
said that there are herbal medicines to cure diabetes and many others but
not to cure epilepsy which Krishna Rao discovered. Until 2002 Krishna Rao
was just a casual labour and later he was promoted as an agricultural
workman. The senior scientist said that samples of the medicine would also
be sent to Indian Medical Research Centre for validation after applying for
patent. "I still remember how my neighbours and people surrounding me used
to avoid me due to my convulsions. But now I'm happy I just took three doses
of medicine from Krishna Rao and got rid of the disease. Now I'm leading a
happy and comfortable life. Thanks to him" said Sattibabu of Chintapalli.
Meanwhile it was learnt that some people had pressurized Krishna Rao to sign
on some blank papers. Locals are suspecting that some people who came to
know about the discovery of the cure might have wanted to get the patent on
their name.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Artistes see no threat from western music
By SNV Sudhir
Rendering the compositions of renowned saints and poets is an unattainable feat for most people. It takes a divine gift.
Classical singers of all ages stand by this tenet. But Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, the renowned musical duo, popularly known as the ‘Priya Sisters’ have created waves in Carnatic music in recent years and delivered the almost impossible with poise and flair.
They feel that only those bestowed with divine blessings can make a mark in the classical music arena.
"It is a divine decision to take up singing. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires a lot of devotion and dedication," said the elder of the duo, Shanmukha Priya.
D. Seshachari and D. Raghavachari, the vocal maestros who are popularly known as the ‘Hyderabad Brothers’ had a similar approach to classical music.
"We agree that it’s purely a divine decision. Classical music, with its rich heritage, never saw downfall at any point of time in history. Different kinds of music come and go, but the Indian classical music remains intact," said Seshachari.
The Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers were in the city recently to take part in the 600th Annamacharya Jayanthi Utsavam conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini and TTD. Sharing a mutual love for classical music, the artistes spoke about the place that Carnatic music has in the present scenario.
Around 114 classical singers belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu including the renowned singers like Priya sisters, Hyderabad Brothers, took part in the six-day Annamacharya music festival. It was conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini, a cultural organisation of the city under the aegis of Sangitha Kalanidhi Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and in connection with the 600th Jayanthi Utsavam of saint poet Annamacharya at Kalabharati auditorium.
The sisters observed that classical singing has re-emerged and is in vogue among the younger generation.
"We can see more youngsters these days showing interest in classical singing than when we started singing in 1991. The power of the age-old Indian classical music retains its undying charm and is attracting youngsters. This charm will never fade," said Hari Priya.
They added that the change in the trend might be due to the increased awareness among the public about other advantages of taking up classical singing.
"Concentration levels increase. Good health, too, is a positive consequence of classic singing. Besides, it creates a soothing effect on the listeners," said the duo.
Being well-appreciated on the national and international circuits, the Priya Sisters have performed widely at concerts in India and abroad, including to the USA, Canada, UK and Mauritius. They have performed in a number of prestigious festivals including Spirit of Unity concerts, Duo festival, Festival of Hyderabad and World Tamil conference.
The Hyderabad Brothers feel that western music, contrary to popular belief, was never a threat to Indian classical music. But they also expressed concern over the dipping interest in the music among people of Andhra Pradesh compared to other southern states. According to these vocal exponents, people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala show greater interest in classical music.
"It is very unfortunate. Many great composers of the yesteryear were from Andhra Pradesh. But at present there are only a few patrons and artistes here. The scenario is entirely different elsewhere in southern India. They pursue classical singing with utter dedication and devotion," said Raghavachari.
They felt that youngsters are being trained only to a certain limit as they are more career-oriented. They are not carrying it forward as singers once had done.
The brothers have the distinction of being one of the most popular vocal duos in Carnatic music today. With remarkable on-stage understanding, knowledge and voices, the Hyderabad Brothers have mastered the art of delivering at Carnatic music concerts.
The utsavam was a riot of music. The audience was enthralled and the maestros, Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers, were thrilled at the richness of their art, a sign perhaps, of the enduring nature of the spirit of Carnatic music.
The musical event was supported by Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, AP Government Department of Cultural Affairs and AP State Cultural Council. The organisers said the objective of the programme was to protect the spirit of classical and devotional music, which is being ignored due to affect of western music and culture.
The festival was inaugurated by Satguru K. Sivananda Murthy of Anandavanam in Bheemili on April 22. Each day the participants rendered Annamacharya sankeertanas. Kalabharathi trustee and convenor of the music festival, V.R. Prasad, said out of the total 32,000 compositions of Annamacharya only 14,000 were available to the public and of the available poems only 1,400 were given tunes by some music composers.
"Of the 1,400 Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and his disciples composed
tunes for 1,100 Annamacharya Sankeertanas. And we are very fortunate to have this festival here being held under the supervision of great classical exponent Nedunuri Krishna Murthy," said Prasad.
Rendering the compositions of renowned saints and poets is an unattainable feat for most people. It takes a divine gift.
Classical singers of all ages stand by this tenet. But Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, the renowned musical duo, popularly known as the ‘Priya Sisters’ have created waves in Carnatic music in recent years and delivered the almost impossible with poise and flair.
They feel that only those bestowed with divine blessings can make a mark in the classical music arena.
"It is a divine decision to take up singing. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires a lot of devotion and dedication," said the elder of the duo, Shanmukha Priya.
D. Seshachari and D. Raghavachari, the vocal maestros who are popularly known as the ‘Hyderabad Brothers’ had a similar approach to classical music.
"We agree that it’s purely a divine decision. Classical music, with its rich heritage, never saw downfall at any point of time in history. Different kinds of music come and go, but the Indian classical music remains intact," said Seshachari.
The Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers were in the city recently to take part in the 600th Annamacharya Jayanthi Utsavam conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini and TTD. Sharing a mutual love for classical music, the artistes spoke about the place that Carnatic music has in the present scenario.
Around 114 classical singers belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu including the renowned singers like Priya sisters, Hyderabad Brothers, took part in the six-day Annamacharya music festival. It was conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini, a cultural organisation of the city under the aegis of Sangitha Kalanidhi Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and in connection with the 600th Jayanthi Utsavam of saint poet Annamacharya at Kalabharati auditorium.
The sisters observed that classical singing has re-emerged and is in vogue among the younger generation.
"We can see more youngsters these days showing interest in classical singing than when we started singing in 1991. The power of the age-old Indian classical music retains its undying charm and is attracting youngsters. This charm will never fade," said Hari Priya.
They added that the change in the trend might be due to the increased awareness among the public about other advantages of taking up classical singing.
"Concentration levels increase. Good health, too, is a positive consequence of classic singing. Besides, it creates a soothing effect on the listeners," said the duo.
Being well-appreciated on the national and international circuits, the Priya Sisters have performed widely at concerts in India and abroad, including to the USA, Canada, UK and Mauritius. They have performed in a number of prestigious festivals including Spirit of Unity concerts, Duo festival, Festival of Hyderabad and World Tamil conference.
The Hyderabad Brothers feel that western music, contrary to popular belief, was never a threat to Indian classical music. But they also expressed concern over the dipping interest in the music among people of Andhra Pradesh compared to other southern states. According to these vocal exponents, people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala show greater interest in classical music.
"It is very unfortunate. Many great composers of the yesteryear were from Andhra Pradesh. But at present there are only a few patrons and artistes here. The scenario is entirely different elsewhere in southern India. They pursue classical singing with utter dedication and devotion," said Raghavachari.
They felt that youngsters are being trained only to a certain limit as they are more career-oriented. They are not carrying it forward as singers once had done.
The brothers have the distinction of being one of the most popular vocal duos in Carnatic music today. With remarkable on-stage understanding, knowledge and voices, the Hyderabad Brothers have mastered the art of delivering at Carnatic music concerts.
The utsavam was a riot of music. The audience was enthralled and the maestros, Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers, were thrilled at the richness of their art, a sign perhaps, of the enduring nature of the spirit of Carnatic music.
The musical event was supported by Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, AP Government Department of Cultural Affairs and AP State Cultural Council. The organisers said the objective of the programme was to protect the spirit of classical and devotional music, which is being ignored due to affect of western music and culture.
The festival was inaugurated by Satguru K. Sivananda Murthy of Anandavanam in Bheemili on April 22. Each day the participants rendered Annamacharya sankeertanas. Kalabharathi trustee and convenor of the music festival, V.R. Prasad, said out of the total 32,000 compositions of Annamacharya only 14,000 were available to the public and of the available poems only 1,400 were given tunes by some music composers.
"Of the 1,400 Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and his disciples composed
tunes for 1,100 Annamacharya Sankeertanas. And we are very fortunate to have this festival here being held under the supervision of great classical exponent Nedunuri Krishna Murthy," said Prasad.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
AP temple celebrates womanhood
By S.N.V. Sudhir
Devipuram (Visakhapatnam): In the temple complex of Devipuram, womanhood is celebrated in more ways than one. The mother goddess is the central deity of the temple and more importantly, the priests are mostly women. These young women, who have chosen priesthood as their vocation, vouch that they feel empowered after studying the scriptures. They have had rigorous training in the Vedas and have been systematically taught all the duties and rights of priests. “There is nothing wrong with women becoming priests,” says Swami Amruthananda of Devipuram. “They have been taught all the mantras.”
The swami points out that Goddess Gayatri or Adi Mata is the deity of the Vedas and this itself gives an indication of the importance of womanhood. “There are no taboos in imparting Vedic knowledge to women or making them priests,” he says. In all, 16 girls from the surrounding villages have completed training and have become adept in the major rituals, Rudram, Smartham, and Shakti Pooja, which are used to conduct pujas for the goddesses, Shyama and Varahi. Apart from conducting daily rituals, the women priests also teach other young women and girls what they have learnt. “This is a revolution of sorts,” says Mr K. Prakasam, an old timer of Devipuram.
“This is the first time that such a thing has happened.” Mr K. Prakasam adds that the young women were performing their task with utmost sincerity and this had earned them the praise of the villagers. Further, the young women have come in from different communities and there is no caste discrimination in choosing them. “I am very happy at this chance,” says Ms Lakshmi, 16, one of the students. “I have always wanted to learn mantras and chant them. It was tough in the beginning, but now it is easy.” Another aspiring priestess, Ms Poornima, sees it as another extension of the concept of equal opportunity.
“We should shed taboos which prohibited women from such tasks,” she adds. Swami Amruthananda says the move has evoked more appreciation than criticism. He is also planning to start a Vedic school exclusively for women where they would be taught scriptures and fine arts such as music and dance.
Devipuram (Visakhapatnam): In the temple complex of Devipuram, womanhood is celebrated in more ways than one. The mother goddess is the central deity of the temple and more importantly, the priests are mostly women. These young women, who have chosen priesthood as their vocation, vouch that they feel empowered after studying the scriptures. They have had rigorous training in the Vedas and have been systematically taught all the duties and rights of priests. “There is nothing wrong with women becoming priests,” says Swami Amruthananda of Devipuram. “They have been taught all the mantras.”
The swami points out that Goddess Gayatri or Adi Mata is the deity of the Vedas and this itself gives an indication of the importance of womanhood. “There are no taboos in imparting Vedic knowledge to women or making them priests,” he says. In all, 16 girls from the surrounding villages have completed training and have become adept in the major rituals, Rudram, Smartham, and Shakti Pooja, which are used to conduct pujas for the goddesses, Shyama and Varahi. Apart from conducting daily rituals, the women priests also teach other young women and girls what they have learnt. “This is a revolution of sorts,” says Mr K. Prakasam, an old timer of Devipuram.
“This is the first time that such a thing has happened.” Mr K. Prakasam adds that the young women were performing their task with utmost sincerity and this had earned them the praise of the villagers. Further, the young women have come in from different communities and there is no caste discrimination in choosing them. “I am very happy at this chance,” says Ms Lakshmi, 16, one of the students. “I have always wanted to learn mantras and chant them. It was tough in the beginning, but now it is easy.” Another aspiring priestess, Ms Poornima, sees it as another extension of the concept of equal opportunity.
“We should shed taboos which prohibited women from such tasks,” she adds. Swami Amruthananda says the move has evoked more appreciation than criticism. He is also planning to start a Vedic school exclusively for women where they would be taught scriptures and fine arts such as music and dance.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Salinity of water causes alarm
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 29: In no time city would turn another Chennai if immediate remedial steps are not taken with the reports of salt-water intrusion into the groundwater coming in from some parts of the city and rural belt. Recently the residents of coastal battery, near collectorate, Kota Veedhi, the Old Post Office and Port areas in I town. Mulakuddu and Nagarapalem, besides, parts of Thagarapuvalasa in the rural areas were surprised to taste water of saline nature instead of fresh groundwater. Chennai is known for its saltwater intrusion two decades ago. The Chennai people have gone in for much groundwater pumping and did not follow the artificial recharge to groundwater. This caused the city a major damage. The people there are now not getting freshwater from the ground. “We were surprised to get saltwater from our well in our backyard instead of freshwater. We never used municipal tap water as our well water tasted good. It was never like this before” said Ramu a resident of coastal battery. Experts pointed out that the saltwater intrusion was due to excess pumping of groundwater and no scope for recharge of the groundwater. Urbanisation has given people a modern outlook in every aspect, including their homes. And there is no space to recharge the groundwater in the houses with every household plastering its compounds in tiles or cement. In advancing places like Vizag, it is natural the water demands remain on the rise and the growing urban populace affects availability of water and depletion in its quality. When freshwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished, a water table draw down sets in with a resulting decrease in the overall hydrostatic pressure. And when this happens near an ocean shoreline, the saltwater from the sea intrudes into the freshwater aquifer. The result is that freshwater supply continues getting saltwater contaminated. “Reckless extraction and overexploitation of very small quantities of groundwater causes a rapid depletion and deterioration in its quantity and quality. Though we have not received any specific complaint about the saltwater intrusion but the coastal battery area is affected with this,” said Ground Water Department deputy director, D Bhima Sankar Rao. Groundwater usage in the district, and in the City, is 34 per cent on the whole. So there is an urgent need to take steps to recharge the groundwater to avoid the impending threat of saltwater intrusion spreading to other areas, he added. The Ground Water Department has been suggesting the local bodies to insist on setting up of recharge structures during constructions of commercial buildings, residential complexes and industrial houses. Once saltwater intrusion takes place, one cannot replace the eventuality. It will persist forever. “One way Visakhapatnam is fortunate due to the hills surrounding the city. These hills protect groundwater. The City residents need to adopt artificial recharge. Awareness of this is essential, and rainwater harvesting needs be followed,” said the senior official. Groundwater can be recharged with rooftop rainwater or even storm run off harvesting through a recharge pit, a recharge trench, tube well and recharge well.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 29: In no time city would turn another Chennai if immediate remedial steps are not taken with the reports of salt-water intrusion into the groundwater coming in from some parts of the city and rural belt. Recently the residents of coastal battery, near collectorate, Kota Veedhi, the Old Post Office and Port areas in I town. Mulakuddu and Nagarapalem, besides, parts of Thagarapuvalasa in the rural areas were surprised to taste water of saline nature instead of fresh groundwater. Chennai is known for its saltwater intrusion two decades ago. The Chennai people have gone in for much groundwater pumping and did not follow the artificial recharge to groundwater. This caused the city a major damage. The people there are now not getting freshwater from the ground. “We were surprised to get saltwater from our well in our backyard instead of freshwater. We never used municipal tap water as our well water tasted good. It was never like this before” said Ramu a resident of coastal battery. Experts pointed out that the saltwater intrusion was due to excess pumping of groundwater and no scope for recharge of the groundwater. Urbanisation has given people a modern outlook in every aspect, including their homes. And there is no space to recharge the groundwater in the houses with every household plastering its compounds in tiles or cement. In advancing places like Vizag, it is natural the water demands remain on the rise and the growing urban populace affects availability of water and depletion in its quality. When freshwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished, a water table draw down sets in with a resulting decrease in the overall hydrostatic pressure. And when this happens near an ocean shoreline, the saltwater from the sea intrudes into the freshwater aquifer. The result is that freshwater supply continues getting saltwater contaminated. “Reckless extraction and overexploitation of very small quantities of groundwater causes a rapid depletion and deterioration in its quantity and quality. Though we have not received any specific complaint about the saltwater intrusion but the coastal battery area is affected with this,” said Ground Water Department deputy director, D Bhima Sankar Rao. Groundwater usage in the district, and in the City, is 34 per cent on the whole. So there is an urgent need to take steps to recharge the groundwater to avoid the impending threat of saltwater intrusion spreading to other areas, he added. The Ground Water Department has been suggesting the local bodies to insist on setting up of recharge structures during constructions of commercial buildings, residential complexes and industrial houses. Once saltwater intrusion takes place, one cannot replace the eventuality. It will persist forever. “One way Visakhapatnam is fortunate due to the hills surrounding the city. These hills protect groundwater. The City residents need to adopt artificial recharge. Awareness of this is essential, and rainwater harvesting needs be followed,” said the senior official. Groundwater can be recharged with rooftop rainwater or even storm run off harvesting through a recharge pit, a recharge trench, tube well and recharge well.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Poultry sector in trouble
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 5: Corporate culture and the entry of someinternational players into poultry recently has left thousands of farmersjobless in the three districts of north Andhra. It’s not the Bird Flu butthe entry of MNCs in this sector made 300 poultry farms in north Andhraclose their business.It is estimated that more than 4,000 people, who were dependant on thesefarms till recently, have now turned agricultural labourers to eke outtheir living. The new companies are offering chicken and other poultryproducts at cheaper rates with the newly introduced Integrated system bythem in the farming. “The age old private poultry farming vanishedcompletely. The ancient structure of poultry industry like farmersinvesting for farming and rearing the bird is gone. These big players andinternational firms have disturbed this trend. They are investing moneyand getting bulk work done on contract basis. Now thousands of poultryworkers and farmers are on roads,” said BroMark district president PSeshagiri Rao.Apart from the getting work done on contract basis these big players areadaopting-alluring techniques to encourage traders to sell more and morechicken and other poultry products. These companies are offering trips toforeign countries like Singapore, Malaysia and others, gold coins if theylift 2,000 to 3,000 kilos of chicken each day. These traders are buyingchicken in larger quantities at lesser prices and supplying it to smallershops at competitive prices at which these petty farmers are unable tosupply. “Its not the bird flu scare that affected the poultry industry inthese three districts but unhealthy trend of farming on contract basis,bulk purchases, branding the product, integrated system adapted by somebig players as part of their corporate culture that entered in the fieldand some international players getting in spoiled the entire industry. Noone is coming forward to help us. Our repeated pleas to the governmentfalling on deaf ears, ” said Rao.“I don’t mind whether the chicken is from a private farmer or supplied bya MNC I just see the benefits I get out of it. Apart from good money Ihave an opportunity to visit foreign countries, which I dreamt of them.That’s how I’m selling their chicken,” said a chicken trader who justreturned from a junket to Singapore organized by a Corporate Houserecently.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 5: Corporate culture and the entry of someinternational players into poultry recently has left thousands of farmersjobless in the three districts of north Andhra. It’s not the Bird Flu butthe entry of MNCs in this sector made 300 poultry farms in north Andhraclose their business.It is estimated that more than 4,000 people, who were dependant on thesefarms till recently, have now turned agricultural labourers to eke outtheir living. The new companies are offering chicken and other poultryproducts at cheaper rates with the newly introduced Integrated system bythem in the farming. “The age old private poultry farming vanishedcompletely. The ancient structure of poultry industry like farmersinvesting for farming and rearing the bird is gone. These big players andinternational firms have disturbed this trend. They are investing moneyand getting bulk work done on contract basis. Now thousands of poultryworkers and farmers are on roads,” said BroMark district president PSeshagiri Rao.Apart from the getting work done on contract basis these big players areadaopting-alluring techniques to encourage traders to sell more and morechicken and other poultry products. These companies are offering trips toforeign countries like Singapore, Malaysia and others, gold coins if theylift 2,000 to 3,000 kilos of chicken each day. These traders are buyingchicken in larger quantities at lesser prices and supplying it to smallershops at competitive prices at which these petty farmers are unable tosupply. “Its not the bird flu scare that affected the poultry industry inthese three districts but unhealthy trend of farming on contract basis,bulk purchases, branding the product, integrated system adapted by somebig players as part of their corporate culture that entered in the fieldand some international players getting in spoiled the entire industry. Noone is coming forward to help us. Our repeated pleas to the governmentfalling on deaf ears, ” said Rao.“I don’t mind whether the chicken is from a private farmer or supplied bya MNC I just see the benefits I get out of it. Apart from good money Ihave an opportunity to visit foreign countries, which I dreamt of them.That’s how I’m selling their chicken,” said a chicken trader who justreturned from a junket to Singapore organized by a Corporate Houserecently.
Vizagites ready to ride the waves at Rushikonda
SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 14: If you have always envied surfboard enthusiasts who seem to tame the waves of the sea with their skilful maneuvering but don't quite find the beaches of Vizag as appealing as those of Miami or Hawaii or our own beach paradise Goa, a pleasant surprise awaits you. Regulars at the Rushikonda beach did a double take at the rare sight of a surfer riding the majestic waves. Vizag, known as the jewel on the Coromandel Coast will soon turn a Hawaii, the place known for sea surfing if the sport taken in full swing.
For the adventure freaks of Vizag, Lebahian Sebastian from Reunion Island, a French province, brings the perfect ocean adventure -sea surfing at Rushikonda beach. The beach is considered as one of the best places for sea surfing in the world.
"Wow this is a wonderful place for surfing. I have been to Hawaii, Mauritius and many other places and Rushikonda stands out as ideal for sea surfing. It's the clean sand surface here that makes surfing exciting and easy. Besides, it is safer than many other places since there are no sharp edged rocks and rough surfaces," says Lebihan Sebastian who runs Oxbow Surf School in the island in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius.
Sebastian and his wife Lebihan Marine chose to spend a five-week holiday on Rushikonda beach after they came to know about the place from some sea surfing enthusiasts on the Internet. Now they wish to give surfing lessons to some of the locals to promote the sport.
The couple has started a sea surfing demonstration camp in association with Visakha Water Sports Club for the benefit of Vizagites on Friday and the camp will be on till March 20. The adrenaline rush that surfing promises is something else altogether, says the couple.
"Surfing is fun and adventurous. It's easy too. Just take a surfboard, tie the leash, get out and hit the waves. You feel like you are flying in the air above the waters while going by the waves. And the cool breeze here, the serene beauty surrounded by hills give a pleasant and natural pristine experience," Sebastian says. Sebastian's wife Marine adds that until 10 years ago, sea surfers in their island were only a few hundred but now they are in thousands. "The 80km stretch of sea coast of our island has now became crowded. We were in search for another best sea surfing destination and a friend from France suggested Rushikonda. This is indeed one of the best beaches I have seen in India and across the globe," says Marine.
When asked what a person needs to start riding the waves, Sebastian says, "Swimming experience and little bit of confidence with enthusiasm to do something thrilling are enough to hit the waves with a surfboard. We feel like floating on the waters while going into the sea to catch the 11th or 12th wave, which has the power to carry the sea surfers. After that it's like flying in the air."
" I feel like I have conquered the sea by riding the waves. I am on top of the world," says Gabiale, a Standard 11 student who just learnt surfing from Sebastian. The sea surfing master who has many international accolades in the sport also manufactures sea surfboards at his island. He gave two surfboards to the local club.
"Some of our boys are already well-trained, courtesy Sebastian. They will pass on these lessons to other local enthusiasts, says Prof NAV Reddy of the Visakha Water Sports Club. The organisers are now planning to conduct more such camps in future. "I know Rushikonda has always that potential to have water sports. If slowly, sea surfing activity catches up here in no time Rushikonda would become perfect global destination for this activity," says Vinay, who works for a local BPO.
“A French team already identified Mangamaripeta and Rushikonda beaches as best places for sea surfing. Mangamaripeta has the 800mts wave, the longest world” says Visakha Valley school principal, Sharada Reddy, an water sports enthusiast. Earlier the sea was dotted with only fishing boats but now slowly hobie catboats, sea kayaks are being seen and latest the surfboards.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 14: If you have always envied surfboard enthusiasts who seem to tame the waves of the sea with their skilful maneuvering but don't quite find the beaches of Vizag as appealing as those of Miami or Hawaii or our own beach paradise Goa, a pleasant surprise awaits you. Regulars at the Rushikonda beach did a double take at the rare sight of a surfer riding the majestic waves. Vizag, known as the jewel on the Coromandel Coast will soon turn a Hawaii, the place known for sea surfing if the sport taken in full swing.
For the adventure freaks of Vizag, Lebahian Sebastian from Reunion Island, a French province, brings the perfect ocean adventure -sea surfing at Rushikonda beach. The beach is considered as one of the best places for sea surfing in the world.
"Wow this is a wonderful place for surfing. I have been to Hawaii, Mauritius and many other places and Rushikonda stands out as ideal for sea surfing. It's the clean sand surface here that makes surfing exciting and easy. Besides, it is safer than many other places since there are no sharp edged rocks and rough surfaces," says Lebihan Sebastian who runs Oxbow Surf School in the island in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius.
Sebastian and his wife Lebihan Marine chose to spend a five-week holiday on Rushikonda beach after they came to know about the place from some sea surfing enthusiasts on the Internet. Now they wish to give surfing lessons to some of the locals to promote the sport.
The couple has started a sea surfing demonstration camp in association with Visakha Water Sports Club for the benefit of Vizagites on Friday and the camp will be on till March 20. The adrenaline rush that surfing promises is something else altogether, says the couple.
"Surfing is fun and adventurous. It's easy too. Just take a surfboard, tie the leash, get out and hit the waves. You feel like you are flying in the air above the waters while going by the waves. And the cool breeze here, the serene beauty surrounded by hills give a pleasant and natural pristine experience," Sebastian says. Sebastian's wife Marine adds that until 10 years ago, sea surfers in their island were only a few hundred but now they are in thousands. "The 80km stretch of sea coast of our island has now became crowded. We were in search for another best sea surfing destination and a friend from France suggested Rushikonda. This is indeed one of the best beaches I have seen in India and across the globe," says Marine.
When asked what a person needs to start riding the waves, Sebastian says, "Swimming experience and little bit of confidence with enthusiasm to do something thrilling are enough to hit the waves with a surfboard. We feel like floating on the waters while going into the sea to catch the 11th or 12th wave, which has the power to carry the sea surfers. After that it's like flying in the air."
" I feel like I have conquered the sea by riding the waves. I am on top of the world," says Gabiale, a Standard 11 student who just learnt surfing from Sebastian. The sea surfing master who has many international accolades in the sport also manufactures sea surfboards at his island. He gave two surfboards to the local club.
"Some of our boys are already well-trained, courtesy Sebastian. They will pass on these lessons to other local enthusiasts, says Prof NAV Reddy of the Visakha Water Sports Club. The organisers are now planning to conduct more such camps in future. "I know Rushikonda has always that potential to have water sports. If slowly, sea surfing activity catches up here in no time Rushikonda would become perfect global destination for this activity," says Vinay, who works for a local BPO.
“A French team already identified Mangamaripeta and Rushikonda beaches as best places for sea surfing. Mangamaripeta has the 800mts wave, the longest world” says Visakha Valley school principal, Sharada Reddy, an water sports enthusiast. Earlier the sea was dotted with only fishing boats but now slowly hobie catboats, sea kayaks are being seen and latest the surfboards.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Left jittery after Maoist threat
BY SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 7: The CPI Maoists' allies in principle, the cadresof CPI and CPM in the district were whiplashed into action this week, by adevelopment not seen in nearly a decade after they received an ultimatumfrom CPI Maoist East Division Committee Secretary Jagadish. The EastDivision Committee comprises the extremists teams of East Godavari,Visakhapatnamm Vizianagaram and Srikakulam part of the Andhra OrissaBorder Zonal Committee (AOBZC ).The letter was a shock to the leftist leaders, who had been thought to bewell away from the Maoists' bite. The letter was addressed to CPI MLADemudu representing Chintapalli Agency assembly constituency, Koyyuru MPPB Ramarajyam and G K Veedhi Sarpanch K Balaram of CPM. The message wasclearly a chastisement to the leaders, accusing them of 'lackingdedication in the cause', and diluting essential principles that protectedthe people. A more dangerous accusation was that the leaders wereresponsible for the increase in surrenders that were taking place, andthat the movement was being diluted by the lack of their enthusiasm.In the comprehensive warning, two issues were raised by Jagadish - Bauxitemining and the not taking up agitations against the arrests of innocenttribals by the police branding them as sympathizers of naxals. Accordingto the letter, the local leaders had been sitting on the Bauxite issue fortoo long without proactive measures, while the government has been pilingon the necessary procedures towards the mining and the setting up ofaluminium refineries.In fact, the leaders themselves had admitted that the fight against mininghad been sidetracked by other issues for a spell. Jagadish claimed thatseveral local innocents were being held by police, and that the victimswere later branded sympathizers. He urged the Left to take up cudgelsagainst the police in this regard. Soon after the warnings the CPIdistrict unit under the aegis of the Chintapalli MLA Demudu laid siege theRDO office in Narsipatnam demanding the police to stop arresting innocenttribals branding them as naxal sympathizers. The Leftists are panic as theMaoists are on a killing spree since a few months.In just a period of three months the extremists killed 10 tribals for‘working’ in compliance with police and encouraging tribals. “It is truethat they have sent a warning asking us to take up issues seriously. Wewould definitely take up the bauxite issues and others seriously. This islike a jolt for us in recent times. Until now they have targeted andkilled only other political party leaders,” confessed a senior CPI leaderof Andhra. On the part of CPM they have launched a fresh series of ‘padayatras’ opposing the bauxite mining in the Agency areas on Monday.They vowed to intensify the agitation further in the coming days. Eightyears ago, CPI State council member Meka Suribabu, CPI District CommitteeMember K V Subbarao and CPI District Committee Member Nooki Naidu werekilled by Maoists at intervals of a year. The ghosts of these incidentshave begun to haunt those in power, and left activities have received astrong shot in the arm.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 7: The CPI Maoists' allies in principle, the cadresof CPI and CPM in the district were whiplashed into action this week, by adevelopment not seen in nearly a decade after they received an ultimatumfrom CPI Maoist East Division Committee Secretary Jagadish. The EastDivision Committee comprises the extremists teams of East Godavari,Visakhapatnamm Vizianagaram and Srikakulam part of the Andhra OrissaBorder Zonal Committee (AOBZC ).The letter was a shock to the leftist leaders, who had been thought to bewell away from the Maoists' bite. The letter was addressed to CPI MLADemudu representing Chintapalli Agency assembly constituency, Koyyuru MPPB Ramarajyam and G K Veedhi Sarpanch K Balaram of CPM. The message wasclearly a chastisement to the leaders, accusing them of 'lackingdedication in the cause', and diluting essential principles that protectedthe people. A more dangerous accusation was that the leaders wereresponsible for the increase in surrenders that were taking place, andthat the movement was being diluted by the lack of their enthusiasm.In the comprehensive warning, two issues were raised by Jagadish - Bauxitemining and the not taking up agitations against the arrests of innocenttribals by the police branding them as sympathizers of naxals. Accordingto the letter, the local leaders had been sitting on the Bauxite issue fortoo long without proactive measures, while the government has been pilingon the necessary procedures towards the mining and the setting up ofaluminium refineries.In fact, the leaders themselves had admitted that the fight against mininghad been sidetracked by other issues for a spell. Jagadish claimed thatseveral local innocents were being held by police, and that the victimswere later branded sympathizers. He urged the Left to take up cudgelsagainst the police in this regard. Soon after the warnings the CPIdistrict unit under the aegis of the Chintapalli MLA Demudu laid siege theRDO office in Narsipatnam demanding the police to stop arresting innocenttribals branding them as naxal sympathizers. The Leftists are panic as theMaoists are on a killing spree since a few months.In just a period of three months the extremists killed 10 tribals for‘working’ in compliance with police and encouraging tribals. “It is truethat they have sent a warning asking us to take up issues seriously. Wewould definitely take up the bauxite issues and others seriously. This islike a jolt for us in recent times. Until now they have targeted andkilled only other political party leaders,” confessed a senior CPI leaderof Andhra. On the part of CPM they have launched a fresh series of ‘padayatras’ opposing the bauxite mining in the Agency areas on Monday.They vowed to intensify the agitation further in the coming days. Eightyears ago, CPI State council member Meka Suribabu, CPI District CommitteeMember K V Subbarao and CPI District Committee Member Nooki Naidu werekilled by Maoists at intervals of a year. The ghosts of these incidentshave begun to haunt those in power, and left activities have received astrong shot in the arm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)