“We are using Tummalapalli uranium reserves on large scale” - The Hindu

“We are using Tummalapalli uranium reserves on large scale”

by B.V.S. BHASKAR

Chief Executive of Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad, Dr. N. Saibaba

Noted nuclear scientist and Chief Executive of Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad, Dr. N. Saibaba has said that the uranium reserves that were found about four years ago near Tummalapalli village in Kadapa district in large scale are being used in massive scale from the last eight months in most of the nuclear reactors in the country.

He stated that with alcoholic bleaching system, the NFC secured excellent results from Tummalapalli fields and found about 2 lakh tonnes of uranium in that area.

In an exclusive Interview to The Hindu , Dr. Saibaba said the NFC depended on the uranium plant in Jharkhand earlier, but qualitative uranium from Tummalapalli was being used in atomic power stations and defence laboratories.

He said that the NFC at Hyderabad is the most important link in India’s nuclear fuel cycle. It produces fuel for all the nuclear power reactors of the country. It also produces components such as blanket fuel containing thorium pellets, nickel and steel reflector assemblies and others for FBTR (fast breeder test reactors).

Special alloy

Dr. Saibaba said NFC produced a special alloy of Nioblung-Hafnium and Titanium for India’s space programmes, which has been successfully tested. He said: “Till now, the two reactors at Kalpakkam are using FBTR and now we are going to commission Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), a new type of reactor with 500 MW power capacity.” He said there were three important stages in PFBR and the NFC would cross the second stage after commissioning, heralding a new chapter in Indian atomic history.

Misconceptions

When asked about radiation affects and opposition to the Kundankulam Nuclear Power Project, Dr. Saibaba said that there were many misconceptions about nuclear power among the public and environmentalists, which should be cleared by nuclear scientists and academicians. He said all the nuclear plants were located near sea coasts and no major accident was reported in our country till date. “We are having the expertise and technology to tackle reactor problems during earthquakes and tsunamis like Fukushima in Japan,” Dr. Saibaba added.

The pen that Mahatma, Panditji had a passion for - The Hindu

The pen that Mahatma, Panditji had a passion for - The Hindu

Miniature Viswakarma idol marvels - The Hindu

Miniature Viswakarma idol marvels - The Hindu

By  BVS BHASKAR

‘Ksheerasagar’, a brand new white revolution in the offing - The Hindu

‘Ksheerasagar’, a brand new white revolution in the offing - The Hindu

Vinayaka cricket team idol a big hit - The Hindu

Vinayaka cricket team idol a big hit - The Hindu

Vinayaka cricket team idol a big hit

B.V.S. BHASKAR

Vinayaka cricket team idol made by designer Golakoti Madhav. —Photo: S. Rambabu

A different Ganesh idol made by a youth from Konaseema is attracting a large number of people from different parts of East and West Godavari districts.

The 

funny

 costumes designer Golakoti Madhav has made an 11-member cricket team of Lord Vinakaya playing cricket in a ground with dress code and striker and non-striker Ganesh with gloves, pads and bat in their hands. The 11-member ‘opposition’ team stands in their respective places.

“It was sold out immediately within an hour before it reached my shop from my house for display ,” said Madhav.

Global recognition

Mr. Madhav got global recognition for his involvement in two world sporting events in 2010 and 2011 which were `Shera’ (tiger) mascot for 

Common

 Wealth 

Games

 and ‘Stumpy’ (elephant) for Cricket World Cup respectively.

After finishing training in Hyderabad and Puducherry, he started `Madhav Funny Costumes’ in Amalapuram about 11 years ago. In the beginning he made funny costumes like joker, buffoon, ducks, Godzilla, Santa Claus, Ostrich and Lord Ganesha with for cloth, fibre and thermocol. He used to give these costumes to all the functions starting from school anniversary days, college functions, weddings, birthdays and openings of shops and malls.

“I am being encouraged mainly by the star hotel River Bay in Rajahmundry. Annually I make settings to them for Sankranti, Vinayaka Chaviti and other occasions”. Mr. Madhav said that he hires not only costumes but also people who wears the costumes. “I give part-time employment to 15 youth who wear these costumes and stand during the functions for 4 to 5 hours to whom I will pay Rs.350 per day,” he said.

Costumes designer Golakoti Madhav makes an 11-member cricket team of Lord Vinakaya playing cricket in a ground

Schoolchildren, NGOs say ‘Jai bolo clay Ganesh’ - The Hindu

Schoolchildren, NGOs say ‘Jai bolo clay Ganesh’ - The Hindu'

Schoolchildren, NGOs say ‘Jai bolo clay Ganesh’

B.V.S. BHASKAR

Students of Sri Shirdi Sai Vidya Niketan making clay idols in their school on Wednesday.- PHOTO. S. RAMBABU

This year Ganesh Chaturthi is different from the previous years in Rajahmundry and other parts of East Godavari. Schoolchildren and various non-government organisations took lead in encouraging eco-friendly clay idols and the NGOs decided to distribute clay idols free of cost not only in Rajahmundry, but also in Kakinada, Amalapuram, Ramachandrapuram, Peddapuram and other parts of the district.

Sri Shirdi Sai Vidya Niketan made a choice of making clay idols of lord Ganesh and embarked on the journey towards a clean planet.

The canvas was set two days ago and the students of the school scurried around with artistic paraphernalia in their hands and fertile imagination in their heads.

Myriad idols of lord Ganesh waited to find their right frame into the centre of a purpose- the festival of Vinayaka Chavithi.

School director T. Sridhar and Principal T. Srividya guided them to make about 200 clay idols in their school premises.

Sri Gouthami School students did in a different way with one-day workshop on clay modeling in which they taught how to make their own Ganesha at their home.

“This concept will spread the message of clean environment without using chemicals and colours and also encourage neighbors to go for only clay idols” said Sunkara Ravikumar, Correspondent of the School.

LNG project yet to take shape - The Hindu

LNG project yet to take shape - The Hindu

LNG project yet to take shape

B.V.S. BHASKAR

Vexed promoters threaten to shift to Gujarat or TN

Though the State government has paved the way for execution of two major LNG projects by addressing issues that were holding them back for the last couple of years, it is dillydallying on inviting prospective private investors who were keen on making investments and offer gas at a competitive price.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during his just-concluded Delhi visit, got an assurance from Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan regarding setting up of LNG terminal and floating storage re-gasification unit at Kakinada Deep Water Port (KDWP). However, the second LNG terminal at KDWP by private investors seems to be facing bureaucratic hurdles. According to Gas Authority of India Limited general manager M.V. Iyer, the unit at Kakinada would be operated by a consortium of firms including US-based oil and gas major Shell, GDP-Suez of the UK, GAIL and AP Gas Distribution Corporation.

It will take three to four years for the project to materialise if everything goes well,” he added. He admitted that the procedural wrangles could delay the grounding of the project and hoped both the Central and State governments would address them.

The proposal for the second LNG terminal was submitted to the Chief Minister by Krishna-Godavari LNG Limited consortium members, including VGS Group, Inc, USA, and Exmar of Belgium last month and the CM had promised all support. “The response from the AP government so far has not been encouraging. We will wait for another ten days and may consider going to Gujarat or Tamil Nadu, who are ready to give all clearances,” said Dr. M.V.S.R. Kamesam, Director, KGLNG.

Bamboo Ganapati from Kadiyam nurseries - The Hindu

Bamboo Ganapati from Kadiyam nurseries - The Hindu

Bamboo Ganapati from Kadiyam nurseries

B.V.S BHASKAR

 

Ganesh idol made with bamboo by Palla Venkanna Nursery at Kadiyam in East Godavari district.Photo: S. Rambabu

Kadiyam, one of the rich mandals in the State, is known for nurseries and they export different varieties of plants to different parts of the country and abroad.

This year, Satyanarayana Nursery Gardens popularly known as Palla Venkanna Nursery has come up with a novel idea.

It has come up with an idea of making Ganapati idol not with clay but with bamboo. One of the three brothers, Palla Subrahmanyam recently went to Kolkata and participated in a workshop where he mastered the making of Ganesha with bamboo. On his return he took the help of some farm labourers in his nursery garden and started making Lord Ganesh idol. After carving the bamboo in the shape of Ganesha, touchwood paint should be applied to give long life and the quintessential shine.

The nursery folks said this year they would teach the making of Lord Ganesh idol with bamboo to their farm hands and they start making and selling from next Ganesh Chaturthi.

“This is eco-friendly and long lasting. The life of the idol is not less than 30 years. If every thing goes well we may sell it from next year,” said Mr. Ganesh.

Chilukuri Srinivasa Rao, State “Paryavarana Mitra” Awardee and Best Teacher, who hails from Kadiyam said people who wish to promote pollution-free neighbour should opt for these idols made of bamboos.

Fuelling change through film - The Hindu

Fuelling change through film - The Hindu

Fuelling change through film

B.V.S. BHASKAR

A scene from the short-film ‘’Save oil...for Safe tomorrow’

A short-film taken by dozen youth of Rajahmundry gave a thought-provoking message as well as reminded the public about social responsibility. The main theme of the story is conservation of oil and how people are wasting petroleum products in their daily life. For value addition, the two young directors of the film have taken sound bytes of Deputy Chief Minister N. China Rajappa and convinced MLC Chaitanya Raju to act as guest artist.“Save oil today-for Safe tomorrow” is the title of the film and it was directed by Assistant Commercial Tax Officer of Peddapuram L. Nagaraju and experienced short-film director and engineering student Tarun Kalim of Rajahmundry. Mr. Nagaraju is trained in Annapoorna Film Institute and he wrote the dialogue and script for the short-film. The entire story revolves around Krishnaveni, an engineering student who is pursuing her petrochemical engineering in Dehradun. The added advantage of the role is that Krishnaveni was played by popular Kuchipudi dancer and Y. Lalitha Sindhuri. She was supported by Sirisha, Reshmi Nayar, Naidu and K. Sandeep -- all youngsters, and Bhaskar, Chayavaralakshmi and Malleswari.

The story of the short-film is around a small family of wife, husband and their daughter who wants to spread the message of oil conservation throughout the film. She argues, enlightens, spreads awareness among schoolchildren, gives examples on how we waste fuel such as petrol, diesel and gas.

“Why are you taking out bike rallies on the occasion of your leader’s birthday? Why don’t you distribute some fruits or bread to the poor in any of the hospitals in the city?” she asks a group of youth who argues with Krishnaveni. Directors Nagaraju and Tarun said, “We have produced two more films earlier on banning of plastic bags, which got award in International Eco Film festival held in Goa and on traffic awareness and this is the third.” said Padmaja, secretary of BEST, an NGO. She added that ONGC has supported in making the short-film.

Man of many shades - The Hindu

Man of many shades - The Hindu

Man of many shades

B. V. S BHASKAR

 

• 
  Memorable momentsMaddali Janakinath; Janakinath being felicitated by former deputy speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, minister Venkat Reddy and others.
• 

Profile Patronage for theatre arts and artistes must improve, opines Maddali Janakinath. B. V. S Bhaskar

Leading life as a stage artiste for 50 years isn’t easy. Nor is getting Nandi Awards from the state government and recognition from Potti Sriramulu Telugu University for theatre. Only one artist, Maddali Janakinath, could achieve this.

Janakinath proved that people can remember even character artistes, not only hero, heroine, villain and comedians. Such is his personality that people of Rajahmundry call him “SP garu” for his performance as Superintendent of Police (SP) character in the play Sanchalanam. The role not only brought him the third Nandi Award from the State government in 2013 but the play also won 21 awards from different cultural organisations, including USA-based Abho-Vibho.

“His articulation, modulation, bass voice and exemplary expressions are his strengths. No character actor could display such talent with good timing and synchronisation with other characters in a play,” said his mentor late Prasadamurthy, who founded the cultural organisation Kalavani.

Some of Janakinath’s roles in plays are unforgettable — Barmen, the character of a British officer inVeerapandya Katta Bramhanna, the touching old man in Alarasa Puttillu and of Bulusu Sambamurthy in Amarajeevi a play for which he also gave a background voice.

His first Nandi award for Best Character Actor in 2008 was given for his portrayal of ‘Share Khan’ character in Santhi Yatra, a play staged during the Vizianagaram Nandi Natakotsavams. He got his second Nandi Award in 2010 for his great performance as Phule in Mahatma Jyothi Rao Phule play in Khammam. The third Nandi in 2013 was for his SP character in Sanchalanam .

Janakinath was born on 23 April 1950 in Mangalagiri, a pilgrim centre in Guntur district and spent his childhood in Munnagi village near Tenali. His stage debut happened at the age of 12 when he was asked to act in lead role in Nirudyogi ; he won the best actor award for it. He went on to act in many plays in Guntur Hindu College while pursuing B.A. Degree. He was also a member of Tenali’s famous cultural organisation Abhudaya Kalasamiti and Guntur’s Vasanthavani Theaters.

Then his family moved to the cultural capital of the state — Rajahmundry. This was a major turning point in his life and he was invited by Railway Institute Nataka Samajam, where he was given an important character in Devudoo nidra le play. Here he also had an opportunity to meet the legendary playwright-director Tammareddi Janaki Ramanatham. Naagulu Thirige Konalo was their first play.

Janaki Ramanatham penned and directed Nannayya Maha Bharatham , in which Janakinath was given Dronacharya character. He was also asked to give commentary for the Nannayya Maha Bharatham . Once, when the troupe staged the play in Madras N.T. Ramarao was particularly impressed by Janakinath’s commentary and portrayal of the character of Dronacharya; he even lauded and felicitated Janakinath. The play was also staged at Sri Venkateswara University and Sriharikota.

Janakinath was an ‘A’ grade artiste at All India Radio, Vijayawada, and a regular artiste in Doordarshan and other TV channels. “Stage plays are getting support in other states, particularly in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The AP government’s support is very meagre, particularly the pension for aged stage artistes is a negligible amount. The government should see that it should be increased immediately; at the same time youth should be given training in theatre arts,” opines Janakinath who wants to continue his journey till his last breath

Call for industrial promotion in Godavari region - The Hindu

The Hindu

Call for industrial promotion in Godavari region

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

TDP Rajahmundry Rural MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary on Friday appealed to the management of International Paper (IP) to play a greater role in Industrial promotion in the Godavari region post bifurcation.

Job opportunities

Addressing a function in connection with the release of a book titled “Eastern Musings”, Mr. Chowdary asked IP chairman W. Michael Amick Jr. to expand the Rajahmundry-based Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills (APPM) Limited, an arm of IP to the other side of the Godavari river in West Godavari district also so as to provide employment opportunities to the local unemployed youth.

He offered to take up the expansion proposal, if made by the management with the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

APPM lauded

Dr. Akula Satyanarayana, city MLA praised the APPM for it becoming `lifeline of the city’ during its 50 years of existence.

Superintendent of Police T. Ravikumar Murthy highlighted the need for the APPM management to promote industrial peace by maintaining cordial relationship with workers.

The book “Eastern Musings” with feature articles representing different facets of socio and cultural life of East Godavari district authored by The Hindu Special Correspondent BVS Bhasakar based in the City was brought out by the IP on completion of 50 years by APPM. IP Chairman W. Michael Amick Jr. and Managing Director Rampreaveen Swaminathan spoke on the occasion

--

GAIL pipeline explosion in A.P. kills 15 - The Hindu

GAIL pipeline explosion in A.P. kills 15 - The Hindu

GAIL pipeline explosion in A.P. kills 15

B.V.S. BHASKAR

• 
• 
  Flames rise from the site of blast at Nagaram village in Andhra Pradesh after an explosion in a GAIL-operated pipeline. (Right) Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister for Petroleum and Gas Dharmendra Pradhan at the blast site on Friday.— PHOTOs: S. RAMBABU, Special Arrangement
• 

Gas had been leaking overnight from the line, say villagers

At least 15 people were charred to death and 18 suffered burns in a massive explosion in a GAIL-operated gas pipeline passing through Nagaram village in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The victims include three women and three children. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu cut short his visit to Delhi and reached the accident site accompanied by Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Terrified villagers, who woke up to the deafening blast at around 5.30 a.m., scurried to safety from their houses near the pipeline. The blast occurred in the pipeline maintained by Gas Authority of India Limited carrying gas to the Lanco power station at Kondapalli near Vijayawada. Huge flames leapt from the damaged pipeline gutting scores of houses and shops. The police said the death toll could rise. Close to three dozen residents of Nagaram had suffered serious burns and were being treated at hospitals in Amalapuram, Rajahmundry and Kakinada.

According to eye witnesses, the leaking gas from the pipeline was noticed at midnight on Friday and it had enveloped the area by early morning. When Vaka Nageswara Rao, who runs a tea stall adjacent to the pipeline, lit his stove in the morning, the gas caught fire, triggering the massive explosion, they said. The trunk pipeline had been repaired just two days ago. The damage could have been much higher had the flames spread to nearby Tatipaka ONGC Refinery Station. The GAIL pipeline runs in front of the gas collection centre and the Tatipaka mini refinery of the ONGC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He instructed senior officials of the Petroleum Ministry to personally oversee the relief and rescue operations and suggest steps to ensure that such incidents did not recur.

Mr. Naidu who faced angry crowds at the accident site, ordered an inquiry into the incident and said officials found guilty of dereliction of duty would not be spared.

“We will take stringent action against all those found responsible once we get a detailed report from the high-level committee that is already on the job of enquiring into the incident.” The devastation spread up to one kilometre from the actual site of the leak and some of the bodies were charred beyond recognition. Angry villagers damaged a few vehicles at the ONGC Gas Collection Station and expressed concern over safety since the pipeline had been laid through a residential area.

Most GAIL pipelines in the area where the explosion took place are underground and well-maintained, a source at a petroleum operator in the area told The Hindu . He attributed the accident to the villagers’ carelessness.

An ex gratia of Rs. 25 lakh each will be given to the kin of the deceased. It includes Rs. 20 lakh from ONGC/ GAIL, Rs. 3 lakh from Andhra Pradesh govern-ment, and Rs. 2 lakh announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

ITDA to run bulk milk cooling unit in Rampachodavaram - The Hindu

ITDA to run bulk milk cooling unit in Rampachodavaram - The Hindu

‘Rakshita’ to track women in danger - The Hindu

‘Rakshita’ to track women in danger - The Hindu

Off-shore LNG terminal waiting for clearances - The Hindu

Off-shore LNG terminal waiting for clearances - The Hindu

B.V.S. BHASKAR

  

It is likely to go on stream in nine months after getting nod

Offshore-based Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, being set up by Krishna Godavari LNG Terminal Private Ltd, is all set to produce gas in nine months and will supply to the State government at negotiable market price.

It will also meet immediate requirement of gas-based power generation units in the State in general and East Godavari in particular.

However, the company is waiting for the nod from East Godavari district administration for public hearing and through Kakinada Sea Ports Limited (KSPL) will seek approval of the State government for design of the terminal. KSPL, being the concessionaire of KDWP, has right to sign Port ServicesAgreement (PSA) with KG LNG Terminal Private Limited and based on this PSA, the KG LNG went ahead and completed the requirements of MoEF except public hearing. The company representatives clarified to the district administration that by virtue of PSA with KSPL they don't have to get approval from Andhra Pradesh government till environmental clearance is obtained. It is only after environmental clearance is in place they have to approach the government through KSPL. “We hope to get environmental clearance from MoEF, within 2 months after which we will start work and complete it by mid 2015,” said M.V.S.R. Kamesam, director of India Operations of KG LNG.

Flirting with danger is almost an everyday affair - The Hindu

Flirting with danger is almost an everyday affair - The Hindu

Flirting with danger is almost an everyday affair

B.V.S. BHASKAR

 

Poor maintenance of ferries puts lives at risk; more than 20 people died in last 3 years in Konaseema

Risky ride:People are crammed into a ferry while crossing the Godavari in Konaseema region of East Godavari district, unmindful of the risk involved.- Photo: S. RAMBABU

Bad condition of boats ferrying people of the island-mandals across the Godavari river in Konaseema is posing risk to the lives of the passengers.

Ferry boats are major mode of transport in Konaseema. Apart from people, vehicles, cattle and other material cross the Godavari river at different ferry points everyday.

However, East Godavari district administration and the panchayats seem to be more concerned about generating revenue through auctioning these ferry points than ensuring basic amenities to passengers, maintenance of boats.

Most of the time, these ferries are overloaded, leading to accidents. In the last three years, more than 20 people drowned apparently due to the negligence of the boat operators.

Auctioning

In Konaseema, there are three major ferry points which are auctioned every year or once in two years. Last year, Bodasakurru-Pasarlapudi ferry point in Allavaram mandal was auctioned for Rs.46 lakh; Kotipalli-Muktheswaram in K. Gangavaram Mandal for Rs.26 lakh and Sakhinetipalli-Narasapuram in Narasapuram mandal for Rs.86 lakh. All these ferry points are under the control of a committee headed by District Collector, ZP Chief Executive Officer, Mandal Parishad president and Sarpanch concerned. This apart, there are 12 other routes which are under Panchayat or Mandal Parishad’s control.

Antarvedipalli Palem-Biyyaputippa is one of the routes where the Godavari river merges into the sea. High water turbulence and tides make it a dangerous route. A boat accident claimed 10 lives here last year.

“Apart from overcrowding, water enters boats through holes. Ferries and wooden plaques used for getting into boats are also in bad shape. I think this is enough to risk lives of passengers,” says Satttipandu, a farmer from Sakhinetipalli.

Meeting planned

Asked, Amalapuram RDO Priyanka said she would convene a meeting of boat operators soon and look into the maintenance and overcrowding of ferries.

FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa Official Theme Song-Wavin' Flag....very inspiring and interesting video to share and it is suggested and first shown to me by my son Saikrishna and daughter (my brother's daughter) Bhargavi

Visual way to combating social evils - The Hindu

Visual way to combating social evils - The Hindu

Visual way to combating social evils

B.V.S. BHASKAR 

A. Ramadevi, Officer on Special Duty, Rajahmundry.– Photo: B.V.S. Bhaskar

Visual storytelling is an ancient art. Visuals help us tell stories with impact. A. Rama Devi, Officer on Special Duty, Law and Order and Traffic (Additional SP rank), Rajahmundry, chose this powerful medium to educate and enlighten the unlettered masses on social evils.

A native of the Andhra region, the women police officer has gained prominence in Warangal district for her prudent approach to issues.

When she was posted as Sub-Divisional Police Officer at Mahabubabad in Warangal district towards the end of 2011, she decided to take up issues related to the welfare of women in Lambada thandas (hamlets).

“There were a total of 696 Lambada thandas under the purview of 10 police stations which were under my jurisdiction. Almost 98 per cent of them were unlettered and so, the level of awareness about key issues was very low,” she recalls.

To drive home her point effectively, she used the visual media as a tool and made a short film,Chaitanyam, which portrays a fierce fight against brewing of gudumba (illicit liquor).

Several youngsters joined hands to promote the short film.

Chaitanyam also brings to the fore other existing practices like chewing of tobacco and child labour.

“I wrote the script and directed the film and gave it a voice. For camera, editing and acting, I used local talent,” she says. The first CD of the film was released by then SP Rajesh Kumar Singh. When ‘Nirbhaya Act’ came into force following the Delhi rape incident, Ms. Ramadevi came up with yet another short film to enlighten the public on the clauses of the Act, explaining in detail each Section of the IPC relating to rape, attempt to rape and molestation. Her work was widely appreciated.

“My 10-year stint as Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) has helped me understand issues quickly and respond to them immediately,” she says.

Ms. Ramadevei passed Group-2 exams in 1996 and was appointed MPDO. She won the best MPDO award continuously for 10 years. A native of Srikakulam, she is also a postgraduate.

Marriage with a difference - The Hindu

Marriage with a difference - The Hindu

Brooms attract grooms - The Hindu

Brooms attract grooms - The Hindu

Brooms attract grooms

B.V.S. BHASKAR

Broomsticks being made by Chintapalli Arjunudu and his family members in Palla Kadiyam village. —Photo: S. Rambabu

There is a relation between brooms and grooms in this tiny village which is 25 km from Rajahmundry city in East Godavari district. Brides here are in great demand, so much so that grooms are willing even to pay kanyasulkam (a practice where the groom pays dowry to the bride) to get a bride from Palla Kadiyam village.

It is a semi-rich village in Rajanagaram mandal which became famous for making broomsticks, an activity that turned into a cottage industry, providing livelihood to over 1,000 families.

Parents in the village don’t worry about their daughters’ marriage. “Girls after attaining marriageable age have wannabe grooms queuing up because it takes care of their employment, making brooms here,” says Chintapalli Arjunudu.

According to Ch. Sahadevudu, the raw material to make broomsticks comes in gunny bags from Assam and Maredumilli in Rampachodavaram Agency area in the district. “A 50-kg-bag of dry grass used in the broom costs Rs. 2,000. After wastage, we get only 40 kg,” he says, explaining that soft grass is cleaned up before it is assembled into a broom.

A handle is made for a comfortable grip and buyers have a wide range of varieties to choose from.

Most villagers secure additional raw material like plastic pipes, coconut sticks and wire from cities such as Vijayawada.

Every household generates between 250 and 400 brooms every day which is then weighed, says Arjunudu. “Each bag of grass is used to make 150 to 200 brooms of four different varieties and the price ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs. 60.” Citing financial constraints, Mr. Arjunudu says banks should come forward to give loans and the government must look into the issue.

Breakthrough in cancer treatment - The Hindu

Breakthrough in cancer treatment - The Hindu

Breakthrough in cancer treatment

BVS BHASKAR

  

Young engineer develops tablets for effective treatment of cancer

Palla Venkatesh in the lab.—Photo: By Arrangement

Tissue culture experiments go a long way in developing plants, particularly those with medicinal value. A young engineer from Kadiyapulanka village in East Godavari district successfully carried out two projects and got them tested in IIT Chennai Labs. The projects were also certified and recommended for pharmaceutical labs by the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

The projects include a tablet made through tissue culture for treatment of cancer and one that prevents skin rashes.

Palla Venkatesh is son of an agriculturist in Kadiyapulanka, which is popular for its nurseries. He obtained a degree in Engineering from Satyabhama University in Chennai with specialisation in Bio-Technology. He later did MBA at GIET College, Rajahmundry.

During his Engineering final year, Venkatesh did two projects on tissue culture which was appreciated not only by the University authorities, but also IIT-Chennai professors who evaluated the projects.

In his first project, Venkatesh developed mass multiplication of rhynacantus nusitus, a disease resistant and pest resistant plant, which can be used for cancer treatment through. The Cancer Institute later identified that the extract of the plant is useful for making Xeloda tablets, which can replace chemotheraphy for patients above 60 years.

“This tablet has been in the market for the last 10 years. I, along with two others, only made mass multiplication of plant tissues through which pest-resistant plants can be produced in hundreds and throusands,” Mr. Venkatesh said.

Skin rashes

Venkatesh’s second project dealt with medicine for skin rashes. Wedelia trilobata, which was developed through tissue culture, was found to have medicinal values.

Prof. Justin Koirpillai of IIT-Chennai who evaluated the project said: “Wedelia trilobata propagation is crucial in tissue culture, and a group of students led by Venkatesh Palla have proved this through microscopic analysis and found medicinal values in it.” Interestingly, Venkatesh turned down lucrative offers from MNC’s and took up tissue culture experiments as his way of life. His grandfather Palla Venkanna, a national award winner, was a progressive farmer who developed nurseries in Kadiyam mandal between 1970’s and 1990’s. His father Palla Sattibabu and uncle Palla Subrahmanyam are his inspiration.

Gorantla files papers from 2 places - The Hindu

The Hindu

Gorantla files papers from 2 places

BVS BHASKAR

  

TDP general secretary Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary signing papers at the MRO office in Rajahmundry on Thursday.— PHOTO: S. RAMBABU

In a day of dramatic developments with talks about the possible fallout between the TDP-BJP alliance in Seemandhra region gaining ground, TDP general secretary Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary on Thursday filed his nomination from both Rajahmundry City and Rural Assembly constituencies without the party’s ‘B’ form.

Mr. Chowdary filed his papers at the Rajahmundry MRO office and the Bommuru MRO office. He declared that he had been in the TDP since its inception and there was no need to request any one for the ticket or ‘B’ form.

However, Mr. Chowdary’s rivals in the party, who are opposed to his contesting from the Rajahmundry Rural constituency, also filed their papers from the same seat as TDP candidates. The three aspirants for the Rajahmundry rural seat are -- Anasuri Padmalatha, Gangumall Satyanarayana and Rankireddy Subba Raju.

One of them had even organised a protest during TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu’s road show near Bommuru, urging him not to give the ticket to Mr. Chowdary.

Speaking to the media later, Mr. Chowdary said the alliance would do more damage to the TDP than the BJP. “The BJP leaders who failed to win even as ward members are now seeking MP/MLA seats. The party does not have presence in most of the wards in Rajahmundry.” He regretted that Mr. Naidu had agreed to leave this seat to the BJP.

BJP’s counter

Meanwhile, BJP Seemandhra general secretary Somu Veerraju said the party was ready to field candidates from all seats in the region. He objected to the statement of Mr. Chowdary and TDP Rajahmundry LS candidate M. Muralimohan and said, “If the TDP is not interested in the alliance why did the party hold talks in Hyderabad and Vijayawada with BJP’s State and Central leadership.”

He said the TDP alone will not come to power without the BJP support both in Seemandhra and Telangana, and Mr. Naidu was well aware of this fact.

“We may not be strong in some places in Seemandhra, but we have our cadre and a strong vote bank, which the TDP leaders should not forget,” he remarked.

Luring Harikrishna?

In another twist to the tale, talks gained ground that the BJP was trying to rope in N. Harikrishna and pit him against Mr. Muralimohan from the Rajahmundry LS seat. Mr. Harikrishna is upset with Mr. Naidu for denying him a ticket.

‘Gladiators’ fighting for survival - The Hindu

‘Gladiators’ fighting for survival

B.V.S. BHASKAR

Stunning display:Members of the Mala Mashti tribe showcasing their martial arts skill during a show at Korukonda.— Photo: S. Rambabu

Men from Mala Mashti and Madiga Mashti communities showcase their martial art skills and strength for a living

This nondescript hamlet in East Gonagudem located on the outskirts of Korukonda mandal headquarters, about 30 km from Rajahmundry, is home to two nomadic communities -- Mala Mashti and Madiga Mashti -- who survived for over 300 years by showcasing their martial art skills.

Like Roman gladiators who fought men and beats in the arenas to entertain people, men from the Mala Mashti and Madiga Mashti communities are known for their excellence in the art of fighting. While the Roman gladiators are now confined to the pages of history, men from these communities still continue to showcase their martial art skills and strength, albeit for a living.

The unique skills of these men include prompting an adult ram to slam into their bare chest at full speed, throwing a 50-kg object into the air with a shoulder nudge and performing multiple somersaults without the support of a pole.

In the emperor’s army

It is believed that the legendary emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya had recruited men from these communities as soldiers in his army for their sheer strength and endurance. It is said the men used be well over 6 feet tall and weighed anywhere between 100 and 150 kg. Mala Mashtis, who now live in a low-lying area near Korukonda, have even preserved one of the copper plates given to their ancestors by Sri Krishnadevaraya, who certified them as dedicated soldiers of his army.

However, as time went by things have become difficult for the communities and they now depend entirely on the Mala communities for their daily bread. They exhibit their skills in various SC colonies for a living. While men from the older generation are now bed-ridden with injuries and disability, the younger generation is in a state of flux and their future looks uncertain.

The Mala Mashtis, after four years of agitation and with the help of social workers Soorisetty Bhadram and Kaki Barnisala, of their community, got a piece of land where the existing 63 families live.

“No one is concerned about our lives or our future. Only two from our community have enrolled for post-graduation and another 20 are going to school. We have no permanent shelter,” says Malisetty Lakshmana Rao, who is the first graduate from the community in the last 300 years.