A free Medical Camp for School Children was organised at Zilla Parishad High School, Yarrada village by INS Circars today, 31 Jul 10. The aim of the Camp was to carry out a primary Medical Check-up for the school children of the village, for early detection of diseases and to create health awareness among the children as well as their parents. The Camp also helped the villagers avail the expertise of the Naval Doctors of Eastern Naval Command. Free medicines were also distributed on the occasion for those detected to be in poor health. Over 350 School Children utilised the opportunity and benefited from the Camp that was inaugurated by Commodore GV Babu, Commanding Officer, INS Circars. Corporator Shri Galla Srinivas Rao was also present on the occasion.

Air Chief Marshal PV Naik, PVSM AVSM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) arrived Visakhapatnam today, 29 Jul 10 on a two-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command. He was received on arrival at INS Dega by Vice Admiral Anup Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The Flag Officer inspected a 50-men Guard of Honour presented on the occasion and later held discussions with the Commander-in-Chief in his chambers. He also attended a briefing on the role and functions of the Eastern Naval Command. In the course of his stay here, the Chief of the Air Staff is scheduled to visit the Ship Building Center, Naval Dockyard and INS Jalashwa prior departure on Friday, 30 Jul 10.

INS Eksila won the Eastern Naval Command Rajbhasha Trophy' for the year 2009-10, for exhibiting excellence in the field of implementation of the Official Language. Vice Admiral Anup Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command presented the Trophy to the Commanding Officer, Commodore Homi Pal Singh at the Half Yearly Command Staff Meeting held today, 27 Jul 10 at Swarna Jyoti Conference Hall. The Runner-up Trophy for the year 2009-10 was awarded to Naval Dockyard (Visakhapatnam). The Rolling Trophy is awarded every year to a Unit or Establishment which does maximum work in Hindi in accordance with the directives relating to implementation of Official Language, Hindi.

A Medical camp was conducted by the Station Health Organisation (Visakhapatnam) for the fishing community of Appikonda village at the Zilla Parishad School today, 24 Jul 10. The Camp was held under the aegis of Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. The Camp inaugurated by Surgeon Rear Admiral Manisha Jaiprakash, Command Medical Officer, Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, was attended by over 200 residents of the village. The objective of the camp was to provide a range of preventive health care services for the underprivileged like Immunisation, Screening for treatable diseases, OPD Care, Health Education regarding communicable diseases and oral health awareness, provision of basic medicines, Water Quality Monitoring and Spraying for vector control. The common disorders noted among the residents of the village like hypertension, infection of skin, eyes and ears as well as orthopedic problems were treated and a few referred to King George Hospital for follow-up and management. The camp not only succeeded in rendering treatment for medical disorders but also in advocating a holistic approach to health care

Computer Society of India Visakhapatnam chapter, today, at Daspalla Hotel, conducted a Technical talk on “Cloud Computing and Virtualization is the way ahead in IT “. This is an initiative of CSI Vizag chapter in promoting Green IT . Cloud Computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, like the grid. Details are abstracted from the users, who no longer have need for expertise in, or control over, the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them. Cloud computing describes a new supplement, consumption, and delivery model for IT services based on the Internet, and it typically involves over-the-Internet provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources. Individual users need not procure the software time to time instead they can use the services provided by the service provider. Desktop virtualization (sometimes called client virtualization), as a concept, separates a personal computer desktop environment from a physical machine using a client–server model of computing. The model stores the resulting "virtualized" desktop on a remote central server, instead of on the local storage of a remote client; thus, when users work from their remote desktop client, all of the programs, applications, processes, and data used are kept and run centrally. This promotes green IT by consuming less electricity and economic affordability for any user . There is no recurring cost for the software and upgrades can be used without any extra cost. This reduces the power consumption by 1/3 rd for each Computer thus promoting Green IT.The talk was delivered by Mr.Ali Ahmed, Solution Architect, M/s Verity Information Solutions Hyderabad. He was supported by Mr. Gourav Mahindra, Business Executive from M/s Verity Information Solutions Hyderabad. This Programme has started with the lighting of the lamp by Prof. DBV Sarma ,Regional Vice-president, CSI-HQ.Sri Paramata Satyanarayan,Honorary Secretary , CSI Visakhapatnam Chapter delivered the welcome address and explained the annual plan(2010-11) of the committee to all CSI members. The programme was well appreciated by an audience of over 120 IT professional from various organizations of Visakhapatnam. The programme was also attended by all student Chapter coordinators from GITAM, ANITS , RAGHU ENGG.COLLEGE, DIET and VIGNAN.Prof. Avadhani of Andhra University, Prof. P. Kondaiah of VITAM , Prof. SR Gollapudi of GITAM were also present .On this occasion Prof. Avadhani suggested the members present to promote Green IT in their organizations. Prof. DBV Sarma called upon the organizations to adopt cloud Computing and Virtual desktops to reduce cost of IT systems and power consumption.

Sri CK Padhi , AGM(IT) RINL and Treasurer CSI has proposed vote of thanks.

INS Vagli, the oldest operational submarine of the Indian Navy undertook her last dive on Wednesday, 21 July 2010. The submarine is scheduled to be decommissioned in December 2010 after 36 glorious years of service. Vice Admiral Anup Singh, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command along with the other senior officers sailed on the submarine to mark the historic occasion. In his message on the occasion, The Flag Officer commended the crew on their professionalism and enthusiasm and said that the submarine had sailed into history with pride and honour.

The submarine presently commanded by Commander AA Kapre is the last of the Foxtrot class of submarines which were built in erstwhile USSR. She was commissioned on 10 Aug 1974 at Riga and since then has operated extensively on both the coasts. The submarine has participated in large number of exercises with ships and aircraft including recently concluded bilateral exercise with the Singapore Navy

The Chariot festival of Lord Jagannath concluded in VSP’s township of Ukkunagaram with traditional gaiety and religious fervour.The "first Citizen" of Ukkunagaram Sri PK Bishnoi, CMD of RINL and Smt Anita Bishnoi, 1st lady and President of Visteel Mahila Samithi offered prayers and traditional services to Lord Jagannath before the return of chariot. Large number of devotees in and around township offered prayers and participated in the chariot procession

Mr. PK Bishnoi, CMD of RINL inaugurated the ‘Structural Erection Work’ for a new Iron Ore Storage Yard of capacity of 6 Lakh Tonnes. It will facilitate storing the additional iron ore to meet the contingencies, should they arise due to disruption of any delivery toVSP. And later once pipeline etc come up there is greater raw material security to meet the requirement of future expansion. The Yard will have the state of art technology for stacking, reclaiming and conveying the raw materials to Blast furnaces. The work is scheduled to be completed progressively by January, 2012 at an estimated cost of Rs418 Crores. The work involves about 12 lakh cum of earth work, 65,000 cum of concrete, 9300 tonnes of structures, 10 KM of conveyors and 3.4 KM of additional railway tracks.

Mr. Bishnoi complimented the Project Collective for completing the major earth work, piling work and commencing the structural work on schedule. He asserted that this important storage facility would provide additional source related to supply of iron ore.Mr. AP Choudhary, Director (Projects) mentioned that the project will be completed within stipulated contract period and approved cost.Mr. Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), K Vidyasagar, CVO and other senior officials of VSP and the consulting firm M/s Dastur & Co were present.

Eastern Naval Command Cross Country Championship 2010-11 was held today, 20 Jul 10 at the Shipwright School (Visakhapatnam) premises. All ships and establishments of Eastern Naval Command including outstation units from Tamil Nadu took part in the event. The participants were grouped into six teams of six participants each. The race was flagged off by Chief Guest Commodore GV Babu, Commanding Officer, INS Circars. The Championship conducted over a total distance of 12 km was governed by the standard AAFI rules.

Tejvir Singh. Petty Officer Cook (Sailors) of Naval Officer-in-Charge (Tamil Nadu) Team bagged the First position, completing the entire course in 42 minutes and 50 seconds. First fifteen places were awarded cash prize. Fleet B Team was the winners of the ENC Cross-country Championship 2010-11 bettering the runners up, the Local Ashore Team by seven points. In addition, the first fifteen runners as well as the Coaches of winning and the runners up teams were also awarded with cash prizes. Commodore GV Babu gave away prizes to individual winners and trophies to the Champion and Runners up teams.

Sets of Hindi Books were handed dover to Z P School libraries of Aganumpudi and Kanithi R H Colonies by Visakhapatnam Steel Plant for spreading Hindi in its peripheral area. Books consisting of differeent categories of dictionaries, stories, proverbs, poems, essays, grammer and other related Hindi books were handed over to the Principal/H M of the school by Dr SR Mallikarjuna Rao, GM (Trg & HRD) and Official language Officer of RINL/VSP on 20th July in the presence of school faculties. Dr Rao elaborated that these books will be helpful to the students and teaching staff in learning Hind, a link language of our nation.

Sri Lalan Kumar, AGM (Hindi), Sri B Papajee, manager (Hindi) along with Balireddy Satyanarayana, Member of school governing body and other members were present.

The First Management Committee  meeting of Computer Society of India ( CSI)  Visakhapatnam Chapter was held on 19-07-2010 at Ukkungaram Club , Steel Plant . The meeting was chaired by Sri Umesh Chandra , Chairman , CSI  & Director(operations) , Vizag Steel  .  Vice-Chairman of CSI Sri AP Choudhary , Director(Projects) Vizagsteel was present alongwith Prof. DBV SARMA of Gayatri Engg. College , Prof. SR Gollapudi of GItAM University and Prof. PS Avadhani  of  AU College of Engineering .

During this meeting Annual plan of CSI Vizag Chapter for the year 2010-11  was discussed  and following decisions were taken : 

     To establish an award for meritorious students of 3rd year BE/B.Tech (CSE and IT) completed from the current year onwards. This award will be presented during the forthcoming Student Convention in the month of Oct/Nov, 2010 to be conducted by CSI.

1.    To promote IT among masses and to see that CSI is contributing to rural development it was decided to donate a Computer KIOSK to a rural Village   for providing the internet based services to the rural community. Apart from this, Training on Computer Basics will also be provided to Rural Schools/Colleges ( 2 Institutes)  in this direction
2.      To conduct a National Seminar  on IT  in the month of Jan/Feb,2011 in Visakhapatnam
3.      To conduct at least one programme every month under the aegis of CSI Visakhapatnam Chapter
4.      To promote and develop 3-4 new student chapters and streamline the activities of present student chapters.
5.      To publish e-news letter   on quarterly basis and first news letter will be released in the month of August 2010.
6.      To improve membership base by special drive for inducting new life members with incentives to new members in the form of a suitable gift.
7.      To change the outlook of CSI Vizag Chapter  website : www.CSI-Vizag.org

Sri Paramata Satyanarayana , Secretary , CSI Visakhapatnam chapter  has organized the meeting and  prepared the above proposals for approval of the committee. The meeting was  attended by  Sri KVSS Rajeswara Rao , DGM(IT) , RINL  and Dr. SN Rao , DGM(ERP) apart from MC members  and former Secretaries  of CSI Vizag Chapter.

Rear Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command laid the Foundation Stone today, 17 Jul 10, for unmarried sailors accommodation at INS Kalinga. Station Commander Commodore KLN Chary, VSM Commanding Officer, Officers and Sailors of INS Kalinga were present on the occasion. The new Accommodation Complex comprising three buildings will have dormitory accommodation for Junior Sailors and cabins for Senior Sailors posted at Kalinga, in addition to a kitchen, a servery and two dining halls. When completed, the Facility will accommodate seventy unmarried sailors.

On the eve of the program One Million Plant in a Single Day launched by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command undertook a mammoth Plantation Drive in and around Naval Areas in the City. A total of 9800 saplings were planted at Dolphin Hills, INS Dega, INS Kalinga, INS Eksila and Material Organisation (Visakhapatnam). Armed forces of the country have always been in the forefront towards the protection of environment and preservation of natural assets. Shore establishment of the Eastern Naval Command have taken special care in augmenting the green cover and improving the ecological balance in and around Visakhapatnam. With a view to carrying out this mission, large-scale tree plantation drives are undertaken on a regular basis in the designated Naval areas in and around Visakhapatnam.

The 61st Vana Mahotsavam at Ukkunagaram, the township of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was a colourful spectacle with Employees and families, hundreds of School Children, District Forestry Officials, Peoples Representatives, Leaders of Unions and Associations and local corporators coming together in different attires and planting 6000 trees simultaneously, near Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Ukkunagaram. Nature was so excited that it blessed all with a silent drizzle after plantation. Mr. Ch. Venkataramayya, MLA from Gajuwaka inaugurated the plantation programme and H.W. Mr. P Janardhana Rao, Mayor of GVMC was guest of honour who also planted trees in the august presence of Y Manohar, Director (Personnel), Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), AP Chowdhary, Director (Projects), K Vidyasagar, IAS, CVO of RINL, N prateep Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests and Dr B Thrinadha Rao, IFS, Conservator of Forests (P&E) Circle, Visakhapatnam. Mr. Venkataramyya, MLA complimented VSP for the initiative and Mr. Y Manohar, Director (Personnel) of VSP complimented the agro forestry department for the drive and thanked the Forest department officials of AP state government for the support.

In line with the National Forest Policy the Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched a ‘Massive Tree Plantation Programme’ during 2010. The Plantation with a slogan of "One Million Tree Plantation in a Single Day" is being launched by the Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on July 16th, 2010.As a part of this programme, Agro Forestry Department of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) is planning to participate in this yeoman task by planting 6000 plants in one day on 16th July, 2010 near Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Ukkunagaram, the Township of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.Sri. PK Bishnoi, CMD-RINL has further given this push not only from ‘Environment’ point of view but making it self sustaining by creating wealth and revenue through Agro Forestry. As a part of this drive huge plantation of Casurina, Eucalyptus, Pongania, Jatropa, Coconut, Mango, Cashew and other misc. trees have already been planted.

The Chariot festival of Lord Jagannath was celebrated in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant’s township of Ukkunagaram with traditional gaiety and religious fervour.The ‘first Citizen’ of Ukkunagaram Sri PK Bishnoi, CMD of RINL and ‘first lady’, Mrs. .Anita Bishnoi offered prayers and ceremonial services to Lord Jagannath amidst religious chants and choral music before the start of outward journey of the chariot in Ukkunagaram.Large number of devotees in and around township of Ukkunagaram offered prayers and participated in chariot festival.Mr. Bishnoi conveyed his greetings to the organisers and the devotees who participated in the festival.

Inview of the improved situation of water level in Kanithi Balancing Reservoir (KBR) of VSP, the management has decided to supply water to the residents of Ukkunagaram on every day basis instead of present alternative day basis from tomorrow onwards i.e. 12.07.2010, the residents are requested to note and utilize the supply and conserve water wherever possible.

A team of Four Assessors will be visiting Viakhapatnam Steel Plant during 11th to 14th July, 2010 as part of PM’s Trophy Assessment for the year 2008-09. The team comprises Dr KN Viswanath and Professor Vilas Shah of Adminstrative Staff College of India (ASCI), JC Ayalwadi, Industry Expert, Ex Executive Director of SAIL and MM Sangamnerkar, Sr. DGM at JSPL.The team will interact with CMD of RINL-VSP and other senior officials during corporate presentation and deliberate on ‘Technology & Equipment Management’, ‘Marketing & Marketing Services’ , ‘Policy & strategy’ and Corporate Social Responsibility Activities’.The team will also interact with a cross section of employees at Shop Floor and winners of QC, Suggestion schemes and Viswakarma Rashtriya Puraskars and visit areas covered under CSR activities.It is pertinent to note that RINL has earlier bagged twice the ‘PM’s Trophy for best integrated steel plant’ the year 2002-03 and 2005-06 and the First Steel Minister’s Trophy for 2006-07.

A new unit Fleet Testing and Tuning Team, FTTT(V) was inaugurated by Rear Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Staff, on 30 Jun 10 at Naval Dockyard premises. The unit would cater for all testing and tuning requirements of state-of-art Weapons and Sensors for newly acquired ships. Prior to commissioning of the unit, all testing and tuning requirements were being met within the constraints of available manpower of Naval Dockyard and Fleet Maintenance Unit. The unit with a complement of four officers and 42 sailors will be headed by a Captain as its Officer-in-Charge. The unit will commence activities from 30 Jun 10. Rear Admiral AV Subhedar, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) and other senior officers of the Command graced the occasion.