By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, June 27: Exactly a year ago in the month of June the
outlawed CPI Maoists gunned down Zilla Parishad vice chairman, Sammidi
Ravishankar, belonging to Congres party in open in Hukumpeta which is
known as the one of the strongholds of the extremists in the Andhra Orissa
Border (AOB). Police never dared to enter those places due to the strong
network the extremists have with the local tribals. But now things have
changed. In April this year the district superintendent of police Dr Akun
Sabharwal went to the house of the Maoist Vizag division committee
secretary and one of the important leader of AOB Special Zonal Committee
(AOBSZC), Ganesh house, in uniform, in one of the interior villages
under the same Hukumpeta Agency mandal, interacted with Ganesh family
members. The local tribals received the SP with warmth.
The police extended help to the family. They provided a home guard job to
Ganesh’s younger brother and gave some supporting material to run a cycle
repair shop to another brother. Thanks to the superintendent of police
Akun Sabharwal who took an initiative to launch various welfare measures
and friendly gestures which brought a considerable change in the attitude
and the mindsets of the villagers and due to which the police were able to
move free in the villages.
For years the police were seen as enemies in the Agency villages, which
are the strongholds of naxals. The situation has changed now. The police
have distributed SSC study materials to the tribal students, organized
computer classes, and distributed cricket and volleyball kits to the youth
for recreation, sewing machines to the women. For entertainment police
also distributed more than 20 Television Sets with DTH connections. Police
felt that the tribals were ignorant of certain issues happening around the
world and were in dark all these days.
To awaken them and to provide a bit of entertainment they have distributed
these TVs with DTH connections. Earlier the special combing parties used
to face mild resistance from the natives while entering the tribal hamlets
as part of their combing operations. But now the parties are welcomed with
a smile on the faces of the native tribals. The special combing parties
are carrying some general medicines for pains, fevers and other minor
ailments. They distribute the medicines to all the villagers when they
visit them during their combing operations. Until now since a year the
combing parties have distributed about Rs 4 lakhs worth medicines.
“There’s an absolute change in the attitude of the natives. Earlier our
men used to have a tough time to take up combing operations. Forget the
extremists it used to become a major challenge for the parties to face the
native tribals in the first. Now the situation is entirely different. I my
self went to some strongholds of Maoists to meet their parents. The
natives welcomed me with a warm reception. Which shows it all. With the
TVs we distributed now the tribals are able to see the real outside world
and what’s happening around them. They are slowly realizing why they were
lagging behind the development and who are hindering it. Till now they
were in their own world. They never came out and some vested interests
never allowed them to see the outside world, ” said district
superintendent of police Dr Akun Sabharwal. Police also launched a bus
service from Bangarumetta to Paderu for the benefit of the tribals. The SP
also traveled in the bus when he launched the service. These welfare
measures and friendly gestures have also proved to be helping the police
in other two aspects also. On one hand they could develop and build strong
information network, gained an entry to the naxal bastions. And on the
other with the police coming close to the tribals more insiders of the
Maoists are coming forward to give up and surrender. A recent encounter at
Gunukurai in GK Veedhi Agency mandal where four extremists including three
women members and one important leader Ranadev, who was the master mind
behind the Koraput and some more major attacks in Orissa and Chattisgarh
recently was the result of the strong information network police developed
through the recent initiatives of welfare measures. “Now we feel more
safe. We were sandwiched between both naxals and police until recent
times. Police used to harass us branding everyone as naxal sympathizers,”
said Pangi Sorri, belonging Hukumpeta. Police also formed youth groups in
most of the villages. “We are extending our help for the welfare of the
tribals. Besides providing all the possible entertainment
and recreation which they lack,” Sabharwal added. The surrenders also
increased in the recent times. In a period of just 11 months 53 extremists
surrendered before the superintendent of police, who included a commander
cadre man, 4 deputy commanders, 18 members and 30 militia members. However
skeptics felt that these are just dubious PRexercises by the police to
turn the natives towards them. “These are just PR exercises taken up by
the police for the benefit of themselves. They are not at all committed
towards the welfare of the villagers,” said a rights activist. However the
Maoists have gunned down at least 4 persons in recent months saying that
they were helping police by leaking key information about their movements.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Kick bottle, get kick with drugs
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, June 16: Tipplers who cannot spare cash to buy a liquor bottle these days are not worried. Two capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon that costs less than Rs 10 gives them an equally good ‘kick’. Many youngsters who get paltry pocket money and cannot buy liquor are now turning towards ‘habit-forming drugs’ available across the counter.
The medical shops too are happy to provide them to the youth even though it is against the law to sell them without prescription and could lead to cancellation of their license. They are also not deterred by the closure of several shops by drug inspectors.
Apart from Spasmo Proxyvon, several other habit-forming drugs are on sale including Corex, Phensedyl, Cofband, Linctuscodeine, Siricodeine, Exiplon, Tusq, Rexcof, Codistar and other codeine phosphate based cough syrups and Fortwin injections. Realising that these medical shops have become "drugstores" in the wrong sense of the word, police has also swung into action.
Recently in a joint operation, the task force police and the Drugs Control Authority caught five college students including one girl who were purchasing Fortwin injections from a medical shop near Appu Ghar on the Beach Road. They also arrested one Vijaya who was selling the injections to the students. The students were taken to the City Police Commissioner, Mr N. Sambasiva Rao, who counselled them and set them free.
"Children tend to develop these habits because of lack of proper parental care," said the commissioner. "Parents have to guide children and also monitor their habits. We will surely curb the sale of these habit-forming drugs. At the same time parents also should take care of their wards." DCA officials have also started conducting regular raids on various pharmacy stockists and retailers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some medical shops in the city and neighbouring Vizianagaram have been involved in the supply of these drugs in huge quantities against rules. Many stockists had supplied huge quantities of Corex, Spasmo Proxyvon and Fortwin to the shops.
"A local retailer in Dwarakanagar sold 14, 073 bottles of Rexcof cough syrup worth Rs 13 lakh in just six months," said Mr R. Udaya Bhaskar, the drug licensing authority of the district.
It was a used bottle found on the Beach Road which prompted the DCA to start an investigation. "We tracked the supplier in Vijayawada in whose records we found that the name of the local retailer," said Mr Bhaskar. After police and DCA started taking stern steps, suppliers of the drugs also changed their modus operandi. They are now dispatching the medicines to obscure medical shops in rural areas. Regular users visit these shops to get their fix.
DCA officials found out that a small medical shop in in Jamadevi village on the national highway near Vizianagaram district sold 16,000 capsules of a habit-forming drug in four months. "This is more than the population of the entire village," said Mr Bhaskar. The DCA cancelled 70 drugs sale licenses and suspended 187 licences in the last financial year. Out of the suspended licences, 85 per cent related to sale of habit-forming drugs. "We come across 10 such cases every month," said Mr Bhaskar. "Last month we launched prosecution against 20 persons."
Visakhapatnam, June 16: Tipplers who cannot spare cash to buy a liquor bottle these days are not worried. Two capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon that costs less than Rs 10 gives them an equally good ‘kick’. Many youngsters who get paltry pocket money and cannot buy liquor are now turning towards ‘habit-forming drugs’ available across the counter.
The medical shops too are happy to provide them to the youth even though it is against the law to sell them without prescription and could lead to cancellation of their license. They are also not deterred by the closure of several shops by drug inspectors.
Apart from Spasmo Proxyvon, several other habit-forming drugs are on sale including Corex, Phensedyl, Cofband, Linctuscodeine, Siricodeine, Exiplon, Tusq, Rexcof, Codistar and other codeine phosphate based cough syrups and Fortwin injections. Realising that these medical shops have become "drugstores" in the wrong sense of the word, police has also swung into action.
Recently in a joint operation, the task force police and the Drugs Control Authority caught five college students including one girl who were purchasing Fortwin injections from a medical shop near Appu Ghar on the Beach Road. They also arrested one Vijaya who was selling the injections to the students. The students were taken to the City Police Commissioner, Mr N. Sambasiva Rao, who counselled them and set them free.
"Children tend to develop these habits because of lack of proper parental care," said the commissioner. "Parents have to guide children and also monitor their habits. We will surely curb the sale of these habit-forming drugs. At the same time parents also should take care of their wards." DCA officials have also started conducting regular raids on various pharmacy stockists and retailers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some medical shops in the city and neighbouring Vizianagaram have been involved in the supply of these drugs in huge quantities against rules. Many stockists had supplied huge quantities of Corex, Spasmo Proxyvon and Fortwin to the shops.
"A local retailer in Dwarakanagar sold 14, 073 bottles of Rexcof cough syrup worth Rs 13 lakh in just six months," said Mr R. Udaya Bhaskar, the drug licensing authority of the district.
It was a used bottle found on the Beach Road which prompted the DCA to start an investigation. "We tracked the supplier in Vijayawada in whose records we found that the name of the local retailer," said Mr Bhaskar. After police and DCA started taking stern steps, suppliers of the drugs also changed their modus operandi. They are now dispatching the medicines to obscure medical shops in rural areas. Regular users visit these shops to get their fix.
DCA officials found out that a small medical shop in in Jamadevi village on the national highway near Vizianagaram district sold 16,000 capsules of a habit-forming drug in four months. "This is more than the population of the entire village," said Mr Bhaskar. The DCA cancelled 70 drugs sale licenses and suspended 187 licences in the last financial year. Out of the suspended licences, 85 per cent related to sale of habit-forming drugs. "We come across 10 such cases every month," said Mr Bhaskar. "Last month we launched prosecution against 20 persons."
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Minor girl defies forced marriage, runs away to complete inter exam
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 17: A 16-year old girl ran away from her home defying
her parents plans to get her married off and took shelter in a government
home to complete her on going Intermediate examination. She has great
ambition to become a responsible citizen- rather than succumbing to the
family traditions. The defiance is costing her too much. She took all the
examinations under the protection of the police.
Like any other teenager, Priyanka of Malkapuram goes to the college everyday to write her ongoing intermediate first year examinations. But she is accompanied by a policewoman on her way to college, and after the exam she goes home not to her family, but to a women’s' shelter. Not only have the police been aiding her in her ambition, she has also been given asylum in the woman and child welfare department until she completes her intermediate course.
It all began a few weeks ago, when Priyanka's parents sprung the news of
Marriage proposals to her. Determined to complete her education, Priyanka
bluntly refused marriage. But her parents were adamant, and allegedly beat
her up and decided to force her into an illegal alliance. Seeing no way
out, Priyanka made a bid to escape. She slipped out of her house one day
and went straight to the woman and child welfare department. She was
received by project director who is also the protection officer of those
women seek protection related to Domestic Violence.
“Though it’s not a clear cut case of domestic violence, we have to treat
it as one since the girl approached us seeking shelter saying she was
being harassed and forcing marriage on her . The girl is not interested in
a marriage as she wants to continue her education. As she is a minor and
sought help from us we sent her to a shelter where the regular domestic
violence victims are put up. We would support her till she becomes a
major, ” said woman and child welfare department project director A
Roberts.
He adds that the minor was determined to complete her studies and eke out
her own living. After she escaped from her home and started living at the
shelter home near Chinawaltair, the intermediate first year examinations
begun.
Fearing that her parents might take her away with them when she goes out
to write her exam from the examination center, Priyanka approached the III
town police seeking an escort . The police arranged a woman constable who
escorts her daily to the examination center. “I’m determined to study
further. I don’t want to get married at this age. I know the importance of
education. I will join some professional course at the graduation level,”
said Priyanka who would be completing her inter exams on Tuesday in a confident note. She wants to take up part time work to support her education. “I know what I have chose and it’s not easy also. But I am ready to take up this challenge.” she added.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 17: A 16-year old girl ran away from her home defying
her parents plans to get her married off and took shelter in a government
home to complete her on going Intermediate examination. She has great
ambition to become a responsible citizen- rather than succumbing to the
family traditions. The defiance is costing her too much. She took all the
examinations under the protection of the police.
Like any other teenager, Priyanka of Malkapuram goes to the college everyday to write her ongoing intermediate first year examinations. But she is accompanied by a policewoman on her way to college, and after the exam she goes home not to her family, but to a women’s' shelter. Not only have the police been aiding her in her ambition, she has also been given asylum in the woman and child welfare department until she completes her intermediate course.
It all began a few weeks ago, when Priyanka's parents sprung the news of
Marriage proposals to her. Determined to complete her education, Priyanka
bluntly refused marriage. But her parents were adamant, and allegedly beat
her up and decided to force her into an illegal alliance. Seeing no way
out, Priyanka made a bid to escape. She slipped out of her house one day
and went straight to the woman and child welfare department. She was
received by project director who is also the protection officer of those
women seek protection related to Domestic Violence.
“Though it’s not a clear cut case of domestic violence, we have to treat
it as one since the girl approached us seeking shelter saying she was
being harassed and forcing marriage on her . The girl is not interested in
a marriage as she wants to continue her education. As she is a minor and
sought help from us we sent her to a shelter where the regular domestic
violence victims are put up. We would support her till she becomes a
major, ” said woman and child welfare department project director A
Roberts.
He adds that the minor was determined to complete her studies and eke out
her own living. After she escaped from her home and started living at the
shelter home near Chinawaltair, the intermediate first year examinations
begun.
Fearing that her parents might take her away with them when she goes out
to write her exam from the examination center, Priyanka approached the III
town police seeking an escort . The police arranged a woman constable who
escorts her daily to the examination center. “I’m determined to study
further. I don’t want to get married at this age. I know the importance of
education. I will join some professional course at the graduation level,”
said Priyanka who would be completing her inter exams on Tuesday in a confident note. She wants to take up part time work to support her education. “I know what I have chose and it’s not easy also. But I am ready to take up this challenge.” she added.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Mustard can end heavy pollution
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, May 7: The local scientists have found an
easy solution to contain pollution in the garbage. Studies conducted by
them revealed that the Indian mustard, a plant commonly found in
local environment can put an end to the heavy pollution caused by the
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) that piles up in tonnes in big cities and
large towns. In a process of finding wealth from the waste, a group of
environmentalists belonging to the city and West Bengal identified
Indian mustard, locally called as avalu for Phytoremediation of
MSW. Phytoremediation is a low-cost alternative and the systematic use
of plants for environmental contaminant treatment. The complexity
and diversity in composition of Municipal Solid Waste makes it one of the
most important urban sources of pollution, which was posing a major threat
to public health and the environment. It is estimated that the per capita
of MSW generated daily, in India ranges from about 100gm in small towns to
500 gm in large towns. Solid waste management has become a major
environmental issue in India. “The growth in MSW in our urban centers has
outpaced the population growth in recent years. This trend can be ascribed
to our changing lifestyles, food habits, and change in living standards.
The direct use of MSW as a source of organic manure is harmful since
It contains different toxic metals, harmful pathogens and many other
organic and inorganic pollutants that ultimately enter into the human food
chain through plant products” says Dr N Srinivas of Gitam university.
A group of environmentalists headed by Dr N Srinivas conducted some
scientific investigations on Visakhapatnam municipal waste. The group
finally identified a plant which is commonly available in the local
environment. The study group conducted several experiments on hyper
accumulator plant Indian mustard scientifically called as Brassica Juncea.
According to the environmentalist the mustard plant that was dropped in
the solid waste absorbed the high toxic metals that were present in the
waste. In Visakhapatnam every day about 600 to 700 tons of MSW is
generated. The MSW contains heavy metals particularly Zinc, Copper, Led,
Nickel. The sources of these metals in MSW were due to presence of
batteries, e-waste and other modern house hold items. The mustard plants
can be dropped in the solid waste dumping yards. After a few days these
plants can be removed from the yards and make into ashes. Later the ash
can be disposed. “Even though the present process of land filling of the
solid waste by the authorities is good in long run there is every chance
of ground and surface water contamination due to the presence of these
high toxic metals in MSW. And spilling just a small plant will ward off
the future threat of important urban sources of pollution, which was
posing a major threat to public health and the environment. Solid waste
management has become a serious environmental issue these days. And the
solution is a very simple. It is harvesting Indian mustard, which is very
easy and also economical,” said Srinivas.
Ends/SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, May 7: The local scientists have found an
easy solution to contain pollution in the garbage. Studies conducted by
them revealed that the Indian mustard, a plant commonly found in
local environment can put an end to the heavy pollution caused by the
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) that piles up in tonnes in big cities and
large towns. In a process of finding wealth from the waste, a group of
environmentalists belonging to the city and West Bengal identified
Indian mustard, locally called as avalu for Phytoremediation of
MSW. Phytoremediation is a low-cost alternative and the systematic use
of plants for environmental contaminant treatment. The complexity
and diversity in composition of Municipal Solid Waste makes it one of the
most important urban sources of pollution, which was posing a major threat
to public health and the environment. It is estimated that the per capita
of MSW generated daily, in India ranges from about 100gm in small towns to
500 gm in large towns. Solid waste management has become a major
environmental issue in India. “The growth in MSW in our urban centers has
outpaced the population growth in recent years. This trend can be ascribed
to our changing lifestyles, food habits, and change in living standards.
The direct use of MSW as a source of organic manure is harmful since
It contains different toxic metals, harmful pathogens and many other
organic and inorganic pollutants that ultimately enter into the human food
chain through plant products” says Dr N Srinivas of Gitam university.
A group of environmentalists headed by Dr N Srinivas conducted some
scientific investigations on Visakhapatnam municipal waste. The group
finally identified a plant which is commonly available in the local
environment. The study group conducted several experiments on hyper
accumulator plant Indian mustard scientifically called as Brassica Juncea.
According to the environmentalist the mustard plant that was dropped in
the solid waste absorbed the high toxic metals that were present in the
waste. In Visakhapatnam every day about 600 to 700 tons of MSW is
generated. The MSW contains heavy metals particularly Zinc, Copper, Led,
Nickel. The sources of these metals in MSW were due to presence of
batteries, e-waste and other modern house hold items. The mustard plants
can be dropped in the solid waste dumping yards. After a few days these
plants can be removed from the yards and make into ashes. Later the ash
can be disposed. “Even though the present process of land filling of the
solid waste by the authorities is good in long run there is every chance
of ground and surface water contamination due to the presence of these
high toxic metals in MSW. And spilling just a small plant will ward off
the future threat of important urban sources of pollution, which was
posing a major threat to public health and the environment. Solid waste
management has become a serious environmental issue these days. And the
solution is a very simple. It is harvesting Indian mustard, which is very
easy and also economical,” said Srinivas.
Ends/SNV Sudhir
Monday, May 5, 2008
Tribal finds herbal cure for convulsions
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.
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, 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.
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