Simhachalam EO surrendered due to failures of Chandana Yatra

The State Government has decided to surrender Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, Executive Officer, Simhachalam Devasthanam to the revenue department. Number of complaints were registered against him including temple staff, devotees, etc. He had issued thousands of free passes on Chandana yatra which resulted major disturbance to the common devotees who came for darshan. He was intervened in traditional rituals like Kalyanotsavam, Chandana Yatra Darshan, etc., which threw him into controversy. According to sources, he had issued huge amount of free passes without any notice to the Endowments Minister or Endowment Commissioner, which was a huge loss to the temple revenue on Chandanotsavam. This temple comes under B grade category with lesser revenue and has to get revenue on their self system through darshan, special sevas etc.. Based on the complaints received, the State Government decided to surrender him to his paental department(Revenue).

More facilities for multi national industries : DP

The City of Destiny welcomes multi national companies to set up more projects, announced D. Purandheswari, Minister of State for Human Development. Addressing the high profile gathering at Hotel Gateway on Saturday during the inaugural session of South India-ASEAN Trade and Investment: Exploring New Opportunities organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The air connectivity from Vizag to various cities is frequent now, and more benefits are opened to South East Asian Nations, subject to provide more employment to the local talent, she added. Bi-lateral coordination will develop economy and culture too. Education has been given high priority in India. Hence, ASEAN countries can look towards India and Visakhapatnam in particular as a potential destination for economic development, she stated. The average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India is 7 per cent, whereas Korea 6.5 and China is 9.5. The city in need of more industries like oil, automobile, software, hardware etc., she added. The Government is providing more facilities to the organisations which come forward to set up more industries here, she stated. The High Commissioner, Buinei, Mr. Dato Paduka Haji Sidek, said that the ASEAN countries with a population of 600 billion, is the single largest potential for a free trade market. The free flow of goods and simplicity of procedures for will boost the ties with Indian industries. Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, presented a brief story on Visakhapatnam through power point. Mr. T.K.Chand, Chairman, CII Vizag Zone and Suchitra Ella, Chairperson, CII Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Ch. Ramakotaiah, President Air Travellers Association and others present at the session on the occasion.

Summer Camp By GVMC

GVMC Commossioner held a review meeting on Summer Camp that is going top be conducted from May 3rd 2012 with Sports and GVMC Officials. A two weeks training programme (except Sundays) on Volley-ball, Kabaddi, Koko, Athletics, Throw Ball, Yoga, Spoken English, etc., will be provided to school students as part of the Summer Camp. At the end of the camp a 3 day competetion will be held (i.e. May 19,20,21). During the Camp participants will be give two eggs, two plantains and biscuits. Students from GVMC Schools/ ZP Schools can enroll themselves in this Camp. Apart from the training session some students from selected areas will participate in cycling events from 5AM to 8AM and 5PM to 7PM. Yoga and Cycling will continue even after Summer Camp.

RINL’s new Hospital at Peda Gantyada Inaugurated

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL said that right from the beginning RINL-VSP is attaching utmost importance to health needs of employees and their wards while inaugurating the new Hospital constructed by VSP at Peda Gantyada at a cost of Rs. 1.8 crores. It is the bounden duty of the organization to take care of the employees who are immensely contributing to the growth of the organization and hence the demand of employees residing in Peda Gantyada Rehabilitation colonies was fulfilled.

He further said that this is the second biggest hospital constructed by RINL-VSP for its employees which is fully equipped with the modern facilities like X-Ray room, Operation Theatre, Blood Collection point, Bio-medical waste management collection area etc., The Hospital constructed in 4800 sq. mtr area with 24 rooms and having 8 beds for in-patients. This hospital caters to the health needs of employees residing in Peda Gantyada and Gangavaram Re-habilitation colonies.

He also assured that new equipment is going to be provided in Visakha Steel General Hospital (VSGH) soon for taking up complex medical cases.

Director (Personnel) Sri YR Reddy and Director (Projects), Sri NS Rao, union leaders Sri D Adinarayana, Sri Danaraj, Sri Mantri Rajasekhar and other union members, SC & ST Association, large no. of employees participated in the inauguration function. Back of the hospital building, a buffer area is being developed into a garden with medicinal plants which can be used by convalescing patients coming to this health centre. Later they planted samplings in the hospital garden.

CPM to contest by-poll

Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist), announced that, the CPM state body has decided to contest individually for the upcoming by-election to the Payakaraopeta Assembly segment in this district. Speaking to the newsmen on Friday, he said, that CPM is having more than 10 thousand members in this location. It had also actively participated in opposing of setting up of PCPIR and other land acquisitions in this area. It is the only altenative force for Congress, Telugudesam and YSR Congress Party. He also reminded about the party's activities that took up agitation against the pollution of Hetero Drugs, coastal corridor, bauxite mining etc., and also anticipated that these activities may help in success of the party in the upcoming elections. He aloso stated that his party is further prepared for fighting against the government for the welfare of the local bodies, poor and needy in all aspects irrespect of the elections. The state committee of CPM will announce the party's candidate for by-poll. In association with Jana Vignan Vedika (JVV) the party had conducted various health camps at the remote locations where the State Government failed to provide common amenities to the residents. Mr. Lokanadham, district committee member also present.

Demand for 24 x 7 water supply

The Communist Party of India (CPI) , city wing staged a dharna with a demand to provide continuous supply of drinking water in city on Friday. Mr. A J Stalin, former floor leader Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) pointed out the failures of the local administration on the occasion. Most of the residents in slum areas and apartments even at the mainstream in the city are struggling for sufficient water. The GVMC has failed to provide water supply on daily basis, which was promised at the council, he added. Borewells in hill locations were dried up and no drop to use, residents could not purchase water for high price from private water suppliers. During the summer season, this problem could create severe incidents too, he added. He demanded the GVMC to fulfil the needs of the Vizagites and provide water through tanks in all the 72 wards of GVMC limits. This protest will continue till the problem solved, he intimated the authorities. Mr. Pydiraju, CPI city committee member and activists from various localities also present at the protest camp.

Vice Admiral Anil Chopra inspects INS Dega

Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command inspected INS Dega, the premier Naval Air Station located at Vishakhapatnam today, 26 Apr 12. The Admiral reviewed an impressive ceremonial parade in the morning comprising of officers and men of INS Dega. The Parade also included the military Dog Squad of the Air Station. The Flag Officer inspected the Air Station for its operational and administrative efficiency.

Commissioned on 21 Oct 1991, INS Dega is the foremost naval air station on the East Coast, which operates different types of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters of the Navy. It has tirelessly supported the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet, and has also provided support to enhancing coastal security off the East Coast. INS Dega plays a key role in Search and Rescue of stranded civilian personnel during natural calamities, as well as Casualty Evacuation of State police personnel injured in action. The last intrepid rescue by helicopters from INS Dega was during cyclone Thane wherein braving the inclement weather, 11 fishermen were rescued from two sinking fishing vessels. The civil terminal of the city of Visakhapatnam also operates from INS Dega. The air station is a high security zone with state of the art security including specially trained ferocious guard dogs and explosive sniffer dogs.

CEO reviews bypoll activities

Mr. Bhanvar Lal, State Chief Electoral Officer, held a review meeting with the district officials at District Collectorate on Thursday. It was due to ensuing the ongoing bypoll for Payakaraopeta Assembly Constituency scheduled on June 12. He is very particular about the election code. Severe actions will be taken on voliation, if any. He said 24 zones were created for Nakkapalle, Kotauratla, Payakaroapeta, and S Rayavaram mandals and zonal officials would monitor the poll process. Four officials of deputy collector rank would watch the implementation of the election code, he said. As per January 10, 2012 the number of voters in this constituency are 1, 97,197 and will cast their vote in 231 polling stations. He further stated that the notification would release on May 18 and nominations will be accepted till May 25 and date for withdrawal is 28 May. Mr. Lav Agrawal District Collector, Mr. Girija Shankar, Joint Collector, Mr. G. Nagaswara Rao, Mr. Md. Shariff and other district officials were present.

Sankeertana Yagam on Apr 28

The noted carnatic vocal duo Chaitanya brothers will present Annamayya Sankeethana Yagam from April 28 to May 5, according to the Shirdi Sai Trust, Seethammadhara. Speaking to newsmen on Thursday Mr. Ramgopal, trustee of the temple said, the classical duo Sriman Krishnamacharya and Varanasi Venkateswara Sarma of Visakhapatnam singing for the music lovers of the City of Destiny. As part of this programme, they will present number of Tallapaka Annamacharya tuned on Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip will inaugurate this show on April 28 at Sri Shirdi Sai Mandir, Seethammadhara by 6 pm. Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police, Mr. T. Vijay Kumar, MLA- Visakha North, Mr. S. Vijay Kumar, industrialist, Mr. M.V Ramana, industrialist and many more to take part in it. This show will go from 6 pm to 8 pm daily, he added. Members of the Seethammadhara Shirdi Sai Baba Spiritual Centre also present at the conference.

Ravuji award to Chatla

The prestigious Ravuji award given to the legendary stage director Mr. Chatla Sriramulu on Wednesday. Stage dramas has its own uniqueness in grabbing the attention of audience directly, Mr. Chatla. Responding to the award presentation ceremony, he said, he tuned to Ravuji in discipline and dedication during his career. A playlet named Maro Mohanzadaro was exhibited more than 100 times which was written and directed by Ravuji, whereas Ravuji presented the same story in 200 different variations throughout the state, Mr. Chatla mentioned. He had produced number of artists to the stage and silverscreen as well. He thanked Rangasai Nataka Samgham for choosing him the prestigious Ravuji award. Noted writer and artist Mr. Gollapudi Maruthi Rao, shared his experiences with Ravuji and noted various incidents. Mr. Chalasani Krishna Prasad, Mr. Badamgir Sai, president - Rangasai Nataka Sangham, Mr. DSN Murthy, Mr. L. Satyanand, Mr. MV Subrahmanyam, Mr. Vikram Goud and others present. Later, Kanyasulkam, playlet written by famous freedom fighter, social reformer Mr. Kandukuri Veerasalingam on the occasion.

Coaching for recitation of Telugu poems

Paravasthu Padya Peetham going to organise summer camp to teach the procedure of recitation of a Telugu poem, announced Dr. Meegada Ramalinga Swamy. Speaking to media on Wednesday, at VJF Press Club he said, students of various age groups are allowed to join the camp wherein training will be provided on Vemana satakam, Sumathi Satakam, Purana, Nataka, Chatu, Prabandha, Ataveladi, Kanda, Tetageeti etc. The importance of the language and its specialities including grammar will also be taught, he added. It is the first occasion that a summer camp organised on Telugu poem recitation and Telugu literature, he mentioned. Interested students can have details from 0891-2752424, 9440682323. The training classes will begin from April 28. Mr. Paravasthu Phani Sayanasuri, Mr. Nanduri Prabhakar, and others present at the session.

More welfare schemes promissed for scribes
Media sports soon : VJF new body

The newly elected body of Vizag Journalists Forum (VJF) had promissed more welfare schemes for the scribes in city limits on Wednesday. Mr. G. Srinubabu, President thanked the journalists for electing and elevated him from secretary to President on the occasion. Speaking to the fellow journalists, he said, the VJF would bear all the fee for mediclaim policies, refresher courses, personality development sessions and awareness camps for all the members by professionals at frequent intervals. Most of the scribes doesn't carry proper wage system and VJF will take the responsibility to extend financial support to its members at the crucial moments, he added. Sporting events would be held for the media representatives soon and requested all the members to take part in this festival. Mr. S. Durga Rao - Secretary, Mr. T Nanaji, Mr. R Nagaraj Patnaik (Vice Presidents ), Mr. PN Murthy, Mr. L. Guru Naidu, Mr. Dadi Ravi Kumar and nine members took charge on the occasion held at Vinoda Vedika of Seethammadhara Press Club.

Sr Inter results declared 70 pc pass in Vizag district

The Visakhapatnam district registered 70 pass percentage in senior Intermediate examinations held recently. Mr. Pardhasaradhi, Education Minister declared the results on Tuesday in Hyderabad. Total number of 7,56,459 regular students appeared for the exam in entire state-wide and 4,41,966 students were declared passed out which is 58.43 percent. Out of 1,89,235 students who appeared privately, just 52,792 students i.e. 27.90% could scrape through. A total of 77,150 students appeared in vocational section. Visakhapatnam district achieved second this year while fourth in the previous year.

Students from City's corporate colleges achieved good marks in these examinations. MK Akhila of NRI Academy scored 989 marks (MPC), S. Manoj Kumar 987 marks (MPC ) of Sri Chaitanya and B. Ramya Sri scored 983 marks in BiPC stream (Sri Chaityana), D. Hrushikesh grabbed 983 marks ( Sri Chaityana). Sandhya Sirisha (986 MPC), Krishna Prasad (985 MPC), G. Swathi (984 MPC), Sai Goutami (982 MPC), Ch. Priyanka Reddy (978 MPC), Himasagar (970 - MPC), Jaya Agarwal (975- Bipc), N. Sravani (972 BiPC), N. Sushmita (972 BiPC), G. Mounika (972 BiPC)

Chandanotsavam held despite poor facilities
Thousands of devotees suffered - no darshan to many

Chandanotsavam one of the biggest festivals at Simhachalam temple held on Tuesday on the occasion of Vaisakha Sudha Tadiya (Aksha Tadiya). The original diety of the lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy without sandalwood paste can be viewed only on this day. Throughout the year diety will be covered with 500 kg sandalwood paste. The district revenue authorities took control of the darshan on Tuesday, but they failed to provide proper failities to a common man. As per the temple traditions, the priests removed the sandalwood paste from the idol blindfolded, and the first darshan given to the trustee ie Pusapati Kings of Vizianagaram, followed by the rest of the authorities including ministers and collector. Authorities sold special darshan tickets @ 500 rupees and 200 rupees at various outlets, thousands of devotees purchased Rs. 500 tickets but returned to their place without having darshan. Even Special queue lines were packed up and it took about 10 hours for the first darshan. Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy observed the traditional offering to the god during the darshan on the occasion. Mr. Anandagajapati, Mr. Kanumuri Bapiraju, Chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Mr. P. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal welfare, Mr. LV Subrahmanyam, EO-TTD, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, Mr. Girija Shankar, Joint Collector, and judicial officials visited Simhachalam.

For the first time in the history of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple, Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy gave chance to the devotees to witness the Sahasra Ghatabhishekam ( a special darshan before offering 125 kg sandalwood paste to the God) on Tuesday late evening. Usually, temple authorities sold special tickets to this service only for VVIPs. Keeping on the Pancharatra Agama traditions, the last darshan should be completed on the same day only. The last darshan at Simhachalam temple is possible only after the Sahasraghatabhishekam, due to the negligence of the temple administration this tradition performed only after 1 pm on the next day during all these years. Jeeyar Swamy observing all such mistakes at the temple initiated the teple authorities to perform Sahasraghatabhishekam before the day turns this year. He spoke to the devotees and welcomed them to witness this greatest occasion.
The APSRTC extended its services by providing number of bus services from Simhachalam to the hills on Tuesday. About 30 services transported thousands of devotees from early hours to late night free of cost. Devotees appreciated the services of APSRTC.
Devotees praised services rendered by various Seva Trusts including Vikasatarangini (Chinna Jeeyar Trust), Satya Sai Trust and others who distributed free food, water, juice, lassy and other medical facilities to the devotees in queue lines since morning. Despite poor response from the temple authorities, these trusts successfully extended their services till the night. Ambulance and mobile medical teams attended number of patients during Chandanayatra.

Historic Moment for RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Sri A Eswara Rao, Messenger, the senior most employee and Sr. Md Khalil, Technician, the Junior most employee of RINL did the honours of Blowing-in of newly constructed Blast Furnace No #3 of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, the corporate entity of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd under 6.3 Mtpa expansion programme in the august presence of Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL.
With the blowing-in of BF-3, hot metal production from the new furnace would commence within next 72 hours.
Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL speaking on the occasion said that, the entire RINL collective is elated with today’s achievement of commissioning of BF-3. Sri Choudhary congratulated the RINL collective and M/s Dastur Co, M/s Paul Worth, Luxemburg, M/s L&T and all other partners for supply, erectio0n and commissioning of state of art BF.
The most privileged duo Sri A Eswara Rao and Md Khalil expressed their happiness of having honour of staring the “Blowing-in” process. They informed the large gathering that the commitment of management is most laudable in involving workmen in all spheres of the progress of the company.
The Blast Furnace will produce 1 to 1.5 million ton of Hot Metal during the current financial year and has the capacity to produce alone 2.5 mtpa of Hot Metal once it stabilizes its operations. RINL is presently expanding its capacity from the 3 mtpa to 6.3 mtpa at an estimated cost of Rs.12,500 crores.
The new BF along with Turbo Blower, Water system, Power system and auxiliary systems costing around Rs. 3800 Crores have been commissioned.
Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), Sri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), Sri TK Chnad, Director (Commercial), Sri YR Reddy, Director (Personnel), Sri NS Rao, Director (Projects) and other senior officers graced the occasion. President of Steel Executive Association, Sri Satyanarayana, union leaders like Sri D Adinarayana, Sri N Rama Rao, Sri Ayodyaram Sri Mantri Rajsekhar, Sri Gandham Venkat Rao, representatives of SC&ST association, large number of employees attended the function.
The new Blast Furnace of 3800 cu.m volume will produce on an average 7150 ton/day of Hot Metal. RINL is presently having two Blast Furnaces producing hot metal of 3.4 mtpa. The special feature of the new Blast Furnace is very environment and energy efficiency like Top Gas Recovery Turbine, Waste Heat recovery from stoves flue, full efficient ceramic burners in hot stoves, cold slag granulation etc.

GVMC Commissioner interacting with sanitary workers, citizens and press as a part of Public Grievance Day.

TDP fights till last minute : Babu

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will fight for the sake of poor and needy till the last minute, announced Mr. Chandra Babu Naidu, TDP President on Monday. He had a transit hault at Visakhapatnam Airport during his visit to Vizianagaram to take part in a protest camp organised by local body against the liquor scams. Speaking to newsmen, Mr. Naidu said, the State Govenment has failed to fulfill all the promises that had given during 2009 elections. He mentioned that, the current protest is against those who have liquor syndicates, and also not hesitated to educate the public about the misdeeds of Congress leaders, including PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana. Later he proceed to Vizianagaram to take part in the protest camp. Mr. PGVR Naidu, former MLA, Mr. K.Kala Venkata Rao, and others present at the airport to welcome Mr. Naidu.
Security persons at the Visakhapatnam Airport objected Mr. Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, MLA- Visakha East to enter into the lobby for receiving Mr. Chandra Babu Naidu on Monday. MLA and his followers argued with the security people and situation became tensed. Later the city police entered and took control of the situation.

New body elected for VJF

The new body for Vizag Journalists Forum (VJF) elected on Sunday. About 420 members casted their votes to elect the new body. The elected body will continue for the next two years. Mr. Babji, District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) acted as the chief election officer, assisted by his associates. The counting session continued till late night and the official announcement was made on Monday. Mr. Gantla Srinu Babu (Andhra Jyothy) elected as President and Mr. S. Durga Rao (Andhra Prabha) as Secretary. The rest of body is as follows: Vice Presidents : Mr. T Nanaji (HMTV) and Mr. R Nagaraj Patnaik (Andhra Jyothy), Treasurer: Mr. PN Murthy, Joint Secretaries: Mr. L. Guru Naidu and Mr. Dadi Ravi Kumar, Members : Mr. P. Diwakar, Mr. Gayaz, Mr. Eswara Rao, Mr. MSR Prasad, Mr. Giribabu, Mr. S. Madhav, Mr. David Raju, Mr. Sekhar Mantri and Ms. Varalakshmi.

IKP animators held during agitation

Animators of IndiraKranti Patham (IKP) held during a agitation to get their problems solved on Monday at District Collectorate. They staged dharna with a demand to hike wages and regularisation of their posts as assured by the State government two years ago. The agitation organised by the Centre for Trade Unions (CITU). Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CP(I) M criticised the Government of not providing minimum wages and facilities. At one stage the activists tried to cross the gates of Collectorate. Police intervened and took the agitators into custody. The government had been engaging the animators to take up as many as 27 services while it was not evincing any interest to resolve their issues, he added. He also stated that the IKP animators are getting only 2,500 rupees a month which is very nominal and is not sufficient to run their families. A large number of IKP animators present at the protest camp.

Preparations done for "Chandanotsavam" at Simhachalam

According to the Hindu Mythology, in Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu, King of Asuras Hiranya Kasipu severely punished his son Prahlada by making him bitten by snakes, dropped him down from a hill top into sea (near Vizag, as per the history), offering him poison etc. But all these trials went in vain as the Lord Vishnu saved him. Taking a peculiar urge Narasimha form (Half man and half lion), the Lord Vishnu came out from a pillar in the court of Hiranya Kasipu, and slew him with his nails and blessed Prahlada. In this incarnation, Lord Vishnu was in angry mood (Ugra rupa). Everybody tried to cool him up but failed. To reduce heat from the body, the Lord stepped into 32 hills (each foot on each mountain ) and later all those became divya kshetras. Yadagirigutta, Vedadri, Mangala giri, Simhachalam etc are among those places. At Mangalagiri, devotees offer lord with sweet juice (prepared with jaggery) and at Simhachalam sandalwood paste is offered.
Idol of the diety at Simhachalam has unique speciality. It appears in a three cut design. Face of the idol is of Varaha (holy pig), rest of the front portion of the body is a human being, its back portion has a tail of a Lion (Narasimha) and it has no feet, according to the temple history. Thats why this diety at the sanctum sanctorium is called as Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy. About 500 kg sandalwood paste will be offered to him throughout the year by the devotees and the same is used to cover the Lord. Once in a year, all the covered sandalwood paste is removed and the original (Nija rupa) darshan is provided to all the devotees since morning on that day. Later in the evening of the same day the diety is covered with about 125 kg ofsandalwood paste offered to him before the performance of Sahaghathabhishekam (1008 pots of holy water brought from Gangadhara ) by Srivaishnava priests.
According to the temple history, Pururava- the Gandharva king along with Urvasi, the celestrial nymph, visited this place to enjoy its salutations surroundings. One night Lord gave him a darshan and ordered him to find a place at the Simhachalam hills where the Lord's idol covered with anthill (putta mannu) exists. To clean the diety's idol, Pururava requested the Vaishnava priets to perform Abhishekam with milk along with holi water brought from Gangadhara and followed by offering of sandalwood paste (about 500 kg) replacing the anthill. The day on which Gandharva king found the diety is Vaisakha Sudha Tadiya later it is known Aksha Tadiya, the festival will be called as Chandana yatra, which is very familiar. Later on Swamy ordered him to continue the same procedure to further generations. And the same procedure is been offered so far. Removal of the sandalwood paste from the diety at sanctum sactorum will begin today night at 1.30 am with a tool called Borega (silver spoons).
Taking out the used sandalwood paste will be performed under traditional procedure, only two of the priests will go to sanctum sanctorium and the doors will be closed and the room will be filled with water. Priests will cover their face with a cloth, so that they cannot see the diety directly. After the removal of the paste from diety, the ancestral trustees of the temple ie Kings of Vizianagaram will be given the first darshan, followed by VVIPs and other devotees. Till the night the darshan will continued, later on, the Sahasraghatabhishekam be performed.
The district administration had made all the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduction of the chandanayatra. APSRTC runs more number of buses to the hills from various parts of the state. No two wheeler, or four wheeler without proper pass will not be allowed through ghat road. All the bus services to the hills is free of cost. Darshan is provided to the devotees through free darshan, Rs. 100, Rs. 200 and Rs. 500. Tickets are available at the selected banks and counters.

Sufficient funds allotted for NREG scheme : Minister Prasad

Mr. Manikya Vara Prasad, Minister for Rural Development, announced at a review meeting held for National Rural Employement Guarantee Scheme on Saturday. The session had reviewed all the activities allotted in the district. Sufficients funds allotted for this scheme and it is honour to join in it, Mr. Prasad mentioned. Keeping at the rural development, the Government has implementing various schemes especially at the village level. He congratulated the district officials for successfully implementing this scheme in the district. He adviced the district collector to allocate more work at draught areas and no work locations. Replying to his Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector said, about 4.83 lakh job cards already issued, a number of 5.82 lakh people were given work in NREGS through 31,748 local bodies and associations. An amount of 222 crore rupees were distributed to the all the job card holders, of which 817 crore rupees worth works were successfully completed. Mr. DV Suryanarayana Raju, MLC, Mr. KSN Raju, MLA, Mr. G Rama Naidu, MLA, Ms. Harichandana - Assistant Collector and other officials were present.

RINL Now a public limited company

The 10th Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), a Government of India undertaking and a Navratna Company, was held on 21st April, 2012 at its Registered Office situated in Visakhapatnam. Shri AP Choudhary, CMD/RINL chaired the Meeting. RINL being fully owned by President of India, was registered as a Private Company as per Companies’ Act 1956. In the EGM, the Shareholders have approved its conversion to a Public Limited Company. The present Share value of `1,000/- is now split into `10/- per share along with adoption of a new set of Articles of Association & Memorandum of Association in line with the Public Limited Company. Ms. Sarita Taneja, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Steel and authorized Nominee on behalf of the President of India attended the EGM. Shri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), Shri T K Chand, Director (Commercial), Shri NS Rao, Director (Projects) & Shri J K Rao, ED (F&A) were also present. Shri P Mohan Rao, Company Secretary coordinated the proceedings of the Meeting. With the above decision, RINL becomes a Public Limited Company.

Educate Employees on causes of fire – Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant today called upon the CISF to educate the employees and CISF personnel on the causes of fire, its chemistry and methods to mitigate them and stressed the need to create awareness on fire prevention and safety.
Sri Choudhary was the Chief Guest at the “Fire Service Week” that concluded at RINL today. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Choudhary said that the root cause of fire is mainly ignorance, leading to unsafe acts & unsafe conditions. Hence, educating people is paramount importance, he stated.
While congratulating the Fire Wing of CISF for their committed and untiring efforts in ensuring the safety of the Plant & Equipment, Sri Choudhary expressed satisfaction that the number of fire calls have been brought down drastically from around 700 in 1998 to around 12 in 2011. CMD particularly appreciated the efforts of CISF Fire Wing in the recent power break down in the plant in bringing back the operations to normalcy in a short time. Their immense contribution also helped RINL to achieve a highest ever turn over of Rs 14,457 crores during 2011-12, Sri Choudhary said.
He assured all necessary help and cooperation in acquiring modern firefighting equipment to safeguard the plant in view of the huge expansion that is taking place currently. Sri Choudhary said that the efforts of CISF have greatly helped in improving our productivity and also loss of property. Sri Choudhary complimented the entire CISF team for their outstanding performance under the dynamic leadership of Sr. Commandant, Mr.Digvijay Kumar Singh.
Sri Choudhary, CMD, Sri NS Rao, Director (Projects), Sri Digvijay Singh, Senior Commandant, CISF and Sri PK Mohapatra, ED(Maint) distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions organized for the employees, CISF personnel, school children etc to mark the occasion.
Earlier, Sri Digvijay Singh in his welcome address highlighted the achievements of CISF in safeguarding the plant and its equipment. Sri Krishen Singh, Deputy Commandant, CISF proposed vote of thanks. Display of fire demonstrations and subsequent extinguishing of fire was the highlight of the function.

Torch shines at GVMC
AITUC wins elections

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) supported panel headed by Mr. Ananda Rao grabbed the hearts of the employees of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). The AITUC panel contested on Torch symbol and won the GVMC Employees Union Elections held on Friday by 718 votes. The VMC headed by Mr. V Vamana Rao stood in second place. About 3,003 votes cast their votes out of 3,330 during this election. The elections were supervised by Mr. T. Venkata Ratnam, Dy Labour Commissioner at the Central Office of GVMC only. Employees working in six zones in GVMC adviced to take part in the election on Friday. The AITUC scored 1755 votes, VMC Staff and Workers Union gets 1037 and CITU supported panel could get only 168, 43 votes were rejected. The winning panel celebrated immediately after the results declared in the evening. Mr. Ananda Rao, AITUC thanked the GVMC employees for giving his team and promiised to retain his promises during campaign.

TDP prez’s B-day celebrated

The city cadre of Telugu Desam celebrated the birth day of its chief Mr. N. Chandra Babu Naidu on Friday. Mr. V. Ramakrishna Babu, MLA- Visakha East called to strengthen the party in the city on the occasion. He praised the activities of Mr. Babu at the State Assembly during the sessions and fought for the commonman in the State. The ruling party failed to provide welfare schemes to the poor in the State and the TDP is committee for the welfare of poor and the downtrodden. He called upon the activists and leaders to attend the local public problems to strengthen the hands of party president Mr Naidu. Later he cut a cake and distributed along with clothes to the poor at his office.
The Women wing of city party, distributed clothes, fruits, bread and milk at the Prema Samajam near Dabagardens on the occasion.

Bharti AXA General Insurance to focus on City

Bharti AXA General Insurance Company LTD is planning to strengthen its activities in Southern India including Vizag. Speaking to newsmen its CEO, Mr. Anantha Narayanan, said, this organisation had good business in Vizag last year, and now concentrating on more sections. About 3.38 crore rupees of business registered in 2011, of which 91 per cent from Motor sector, followed by health and industrial sectors. Bharti AXA has tied up with 27 garages, 12 hospitals in city to provide cashless facilities for their consumers, he added. Mr. Major Nair, Vice- President (South Zone) mentioned that, Vizag holds tremendous potential for growth with new industries being set up and people coming in. He promissed for good service to their consumers in future too.

TDP demands for spl package to fishermen

Telugudesam Party, demanded for special package to fishermen during the period of ban on fishing. Inaugurating the one day protest camp organised by Mr. Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, Incharge-Visakha South constituency on Thursday, Mr. Yerrannaidu, senior leader of the party, pointed out the fishermen situation in Andhra Pradesh, is very poor compared to neighbouring states during the same period. Demanding a compensation of Rs 4,700 to each fisherman for the 47 days of ban period, ie 100 rupees per each day. Fishing is banned from April 15 to June 1 through out the coast, he mentioned. About 33 lakh fisherfold families are depended only of fishing from Itchapuram to Tada(Nellore), but they doesn't covered health insurance or life insurance so far. The State Government should take the responsibility to provide all the necessary amenities to such poor families. He further stressed that the Government should withdraw the sanctioned chemical industries along the coastline, which causes air pollution and water pollution resulting health problems to the residents. Later, Mr. Ganesh Kumar continued the one day protest at the District collectorate and was joined by local Telugudesam cadre and fishermen in large number.

Demand to reduce power holiday

The Visakha Autonagar Small Scale Industrialists Welfare Association (VASSIWA) had a demand to reduce power holiday. Addressing the media on Thursday, Mr. Ramakrishna, for the past few months, the small scale industries could not run under critical situations including three day power holiday in a week, taxation on industries imposed to 250 per cent as compared to previous financial year etc. With the above some of the industrialists are keeping their industries closed because of not meeting their orders, he added. A five member committee met Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of the state during his visit to Vizag on April 14 and requested to reduce the power holiday to small scale industries. Mr. Reddy has reportedly responded and arranged a meeting with the APEPDCL CMD, Ahmed Nadeem and Jawahar Reddy, Principal Secretary to CM at the Circuit House with VASSI representatives. Mr. Balaji, Mr.Ramesh, Mr. Kishore Kumar and Mr. Koushik also present at the meet.

Electrical Engineers seeks justice

Engineers working in AP Genco, AP Transco and Discoms staged a dharna at the central office of APEPDCL. They demanded for the time bound promotions on mutually agreed terms with effect from April 2009. Mr. Yogeswara Rao, President, Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board Employees Union (APSEBEA), demanded the management to provide benefits as per the regulations, which were due for long course of time. Time bound change of nomenclature with monetary benefit be resolved amicably. He demanded the govt to make the pending recruitments immediately as the over burden could not be taken by the existing crew. He sought to set a recruitment calendar keeping in view of the upcoming plants that include RTTP Stage –IV, KTTP Stage- II, Karimnagar gas plant and Vodarevu project. He demanded a good medical policy for employees and their dependents. Mr. G Satyanarayana, secretary demanded pension and GPF for AEs recruited after 1999, grant of notional increments for engineers, notional increment for acquiring higher qualification, allowances and incentives for all power engineers depending on their nature of duties and consideration of in-service engineers for appointment of directors for AP power sector entities. Engineers in large number were present at the protest camp.

Welfare Activities Inaugurated Under CSR

The Visteel Mahila Samiti (VMS) carried out several welfare activities under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the rehabilitation colonies of Nadupuru and Gangavaram today. Smt Sushma Chouhan, Vice President of VMS inaugurated water facility (borewell) at the Community Welfare Centre (CWC) which was also built by VSP, for the benefit of the residents of Nadupuru and a renovated school building at Gangavaram.
Smt Sushma Chouhan urged the people to utilize the facilities and thanked the VSP management for extending help to the needy people under CSR. Later she planted saplings at the CWC to mark the occasion.
Smt Mukta Gupta, Secretary, Smt Sujata Naik, Treasurer, members of VMS, officials from CSR and large number of residents of the colony attended.
PHOTO CAPTION: Smt Sushma Chouhan, Vice President of VMS inaugurating the water facility at Nadupuru as other members are looking on.

1st phase Sandal paste collection at Simhachalam started

The first phase of bringing sandal paste from sandal sticks at Simhachalam temple begin on Tuesday. This collection of prepared paste will be offered to the Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy on the late night of April 24, ie on Chandanotsavam. This is the only one day in the 365 days, the idol at the sanctum sanctorum will be appeared in original shape to the devotees. The temple priests started this traditional process of bringing the sandal paste from aiges. All the 500 kg decorated to the lord for last one year will be removed on the early hours of April 24 by 2 am and the first darshan will be given to the ancestral trustee ie Peesapati Rajas of Vizianagaram, followed by VIPs and devotees. The first phase of 125 kg (3 manugus) will be offered on Vaisakha Sudha Tadiya (Chandanotsavam), followed by Vaisakha Pournami, Ashadham and Jyestham. All the priests in the temple, other officials present at this festival on Tuesday. Sandal sticks were purchased from Tamilnadu forest. All the necessary arrangements are on the Chandanotsavam, according to the temple authorities.

Tight security for Bypoll : State EC Bhanvar lal : Complaints through SMS are welcomed in bypoll

Tight security would be beefed up for the byelection at Payakaraopeta, announced Mr. Bhanvar Lal. Addressing to all the political parties on Tuesday at District Collectorate, he asked them to co-operate and create awareness among the public to cast their vote in this election. The list of voters handed over to all the political parties that are contesting, according to the enumeration as on January 10. About 98 per cent Epic (voter identity cards) are ready for distribution and new cards will be issued those not received so far. Complaints through SMS are welcomed to restrict malpractices during bypolls, he mentioned. Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, Mr. M. Girija Shankar, Joint Collector, Mr. G. Srinivasa Rao, Rural SP, Mr. Kartikeya Mishra, Sub Collector (Paderu), Ms. Hari Chandana, Assistant Collector and other officials, representatives from various political parties were present.

TTD to construct temples : TTD - EO

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to construct more temples with 12 Crore ruppes this year, announced Mr. LV Subrahmanyam, executive officer of the organisation. He was in city to attend the valedictory ceremony of three-day Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Sammelan held in the district. Addressing the gathering he said, that every human has responsibility to pursue his own religion and respect others. For years together the TTD extended support to rennovation, reconstruction and new construction of temples. As part of it, this year about 12 crore rupees was allotted to new constructions of temples through Hindu Dharma Prachar Parishad, he added. He congratulated the organisers to conduct such valuable seminar. He further mentioned that, the TTD's Veda Parayana scheme has trained and placed 7,000 Vedic students in temples at various villages. Mr. K. Sivananda Murthy, president, Uttarandhra Veda Vidya Trust, Mr. D Bhaskara Murty, executive secretary and others present at the session.

JAC demands screening centres for swine flu

The Uttarandhra Political Joint Action Committee (JAC), demanded the State Government to set up more screening centres for swine flu in Visakhapatnam on Monday. Conveying the protest, the activists performed Sheerabhishekam (milk) to the statue of former Prime Minister and founder of Congress (I) party, Ms. Indira Gandhi at old Jail Road. The protest headed by Mr. JT Rama Rao, said the medical services should be developed with immediate effect, almost one dozen cases were registered in the North Andhra region, Vizag being headquarters, more swine flu screening centres are in need. Later JAC team with masks submitted a memorandum to the statue of Indira Gandhi and also tied a mask to her. He further alleged that, the local administration, political parties were not responding in this regard as much it needed. He demanded the government to set up special wards, screening centres and to make arrangements for the availability of medicines at all medical shops and to protect people of north Andhra. Mr. Ramu, Mr. Satish and others present at the protesting session.

Prajapatham: Govt service at people’s doorstep

Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of the State stressed the Prajapatham mega programme is meant for the public service. During his visit to Visakha district on Sunday at Nakkapalli, he announced a series of govt policies to the local people viz. BC Gurukul Hospital would be set up at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, a degree college and a 50-bedded hospital in Nakkapalli. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme increased to 135 crore rupees. He further mentioned that about 7.5 crore poor will be provided with rice pricing one rupee per kilo through civil suply shops. Re- tenders will be called for Polavaram dam soon. Assured for providing about 1.20 lakh jobs under Rajeev Yuvakiranalu. Mr. Reddy, said that the Government was committed to its promise of providing free power to farmers for seven hours a day and was buying power at a very high rate because of shortage of power. He said that while the Sakala Janula Samme had affected power generation and because of scanty rains hydel generation was also affected. Earlier, Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy, laid foundation stones for several development programs in the SC colonies at Addu Road, S Rayavaram, Thimmapuram, Kota Ooratla, Venkatapuram and other villages. He was accompanied by Mr. P. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal Welfare, Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, and other MLAs in the District.

121st Birth Day of Bharat Ratna Dr. BR Ambedkar Celebrated at RINL

Educate agitate and organize concept of Dr. Ambedkar. Education has an immense impact on the human society. One can safely assume that a person is not in the proper sense until he is educated. The second step ‘agitate’ does not mean to agitate physically; it is a mental revolution in its place.
Educated and agitated minds will easily organize for a common mission. We must get ourselves educated and let our thoughts agitate so that we can collectively organize. He urged the audience to follow these principles for the better future of the society.
Earlier, Sri. TK Chand,Director (Commercial) and Sri. YR Reddy, Director (Personnel) were garlanded the Statue and portrait of Baba Saheb Dr. BR Ambedkar. Guest of Honour Sri. YR Reddy, Director (Personnel) addressed the gathering and requested all to work together in meeting the challenges a ahead and for the benefit of organization. He also mentioned that necessary care is being taken towards SC&ST and Economically backward classes in protecting their benefits as per Presidential Directives.
DGM (TA) Sri. RP Srivastava, Union Leaders, Leaders of SC&ST Association, Members of Steel Executives Associaton, VSP Employees along with Families and public in large numbers paid floral tributes to Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Sri. MNSD Prasad Babu, DGM (LA) and Liaison Officer for SC&ST Cell, VSP presided over the function and Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr.PSS Raj, Sr.DM&HO.

Health Run Conducted by INHS Kalyani

A Heath Run was organized by INHS Kalyani today, 14 Apr 2012 as the first among a series of events being held to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Hospital, which was commissioned on 18 May 1962 at Visakhapatnam Naval Base as a small military hospital for the naval personnel and families. The state of the art hospital has completed 50 glorious years and is now poised to become a modern multi-specialty hospital.

The Health Run in which more than 700 Naval personnel along with their families took part commenced at INHS Kalyani and will conclude at the Dolphin hill, covering a distance of about eight km. By undertaking this momentous event, INHS Kalyani re-dedicates itself to its commitment of providing highest standards of comprehensive health care to the Defence Personnel and their families.

The other events planned subsequently include Health Camp at Ponduru on 29 Apr 12 and Medical Exhibition on 18 May 12. A number of senior delegates from all parts of Country and dignitaries both present and past are slated to grace this grand occasion.

Vice Admiral Madhadevan, Chief of material at ENC

Vice Admiral Ganesh Mahadevan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Material, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) is at Visakhapatnam on his farewell visit to the Eastern Naval Command. Commissioned in the Indian Navy on 01 Jan 1972, the Admiral has been at the helm of technical, maintenance and logistics issues of the Navy for more than three years and will be retiring on 31 Apr 12.

In a career spanning four decades, the Flag Officer has had an extensive exposure to a wide variety of technically challenging assignments. He has made immense contributions towards development of weapon systems including sonars and missiles in India and in interactions with other Navies and countries, particularly Russia. His tenures in Visakhapatnam include Commanding Officer INS Kalinga, General Manager (Technical) at Naval Dockyard, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Command Headquarters, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard and Director General of Naval Projects.

Vice Admiral Mahadevan is a man of many talents and the Admirals professional career has always been complemented by an intimate love for the Arts. His talent as an artist/cartoonist is well known. The Admiral is a three time winner of the Hindustan Times National Cartoon & Caricature Contest, a contest whose panel of judges included names such as Sudhir Dar, Mario Miranda and MF Hussain. The Admiral is also an avid sculptor. His life size bronzes and murals adorn most of the Naval Commands and Establishments. He is a linguist, thinker and a philosopher who leaves the service with an indelible mark of excellence, intelligence and commitment.

CBI enquiry needed on VUDA land scam : TDP

The CBI enquiry is required on the land scams that took place in Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA), demanded Mr. Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu. Addressing the All party round table conference on Thursday, he said, Telugudesam party initiated the agitation in this regard and will continue till the resolved. In this regard, All Party leaders are leaving to Hyderabad for CBI enquiry on VUDA land scams on April 19. He further said, that the government assigned the task of investigation to the vigilance department in order to protect the government officials and the ruling party leaders. All the people involved in land allocations to their close associates at the cheap rate ever in the city, he demanded. For the past few weeks Telugudesam party staging dharnas in various forms and this would be the final stage to get justice. All political party representatives would hold a round table conference with State leaders in Hyderabad, and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, he added.

CMs two day tour starts on Apr 14

The two day tour of the Chief Minister, Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, in the district will begin on April 14, announced Mr. Ganta Srinivas, Minister for Ports and Infrastructure. Revealing the detailed tour at a press conference on Friday he said, that Mr. Reddy will launch Prajapatham a mass contact programme to address people’s grievences in Payakaraopeta constituency. The tour details as follows: Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy will reach Vizag on April 14 by 7.30 pm to inaugurate the AKC Colony, Malkapuram. On April 15, after breakfast at the house of Yellamanchili MLA U.V.Ramana Murthy Raju, he will leave for Nakkapalli to meet officials and non-officials at the Nakkapalli Mandal at 11 am. The CM will lay the foundation stones for NH-5 Road to Vempadu R & B Road, KGVB School, Addu Road, CC Roads and drains in SC Colony at Darlapudi, modernisation of Duggada Channel and Kotauratla to Giduturu R & B Road, PHC Building, Venkatapuram, Srirampuram to Kumarapuram R & B Road and CC Roads and drains in SC Colony at Payakaraopeta. Meanwhile he will take part the Prajapatham by 11.15 am. Mr. P. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal Welfare, District Collector Mr. Lav Agarwal, and other officials were present at the meet.

TDP chief frays Cong Govt

Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, President, Telugudesam Party made Congress, responsibile for the by-poll in the State. Speaking to newsmen at Visakhapatnam Airport on Friday, he said, the Congress Government has failed to implement the welfare schemes both in the State and at the centre as well. Now-a-days it become fashion for MLAs to resign from their constituency and contest again to prove their prominant, which causing lakhs of public money wasted, he added. Telugu Desam will regain confortable majority in the next general elections and now reviewing the mistakes that have done earlier. Ministers, officials and other responsible persons that were associated to the Congress are now coming out in scams, TDP demands for the CBI enquiry in all such scams, he added. Later, he was moved to Narasannapeta to participate in by-election campagin.

EdCET test on June 8
last date for applications Apr 23 : Convenor Venkata Rao

The Entrance test for Education (Ed CET) 2012 scheduled to conduct on June 8, and last date for submission of filled in applications is April 23, announced Dr. N. Venkata Rao, Convenor. Speaking to newsmen at Andhra University on Thursday, he said that, all the necessary arrangements are going on for the smooth conduction of the above said CET. Applications can be had from all the Head Post offices and Axis banks, he added. About 75,000 applications were sold and online submission is also allowed and another one lakh applications are ready for sale.
Candidates can download hall ticket and rank card from EdCET website www.edcet2012.info and there is no maximum age limit for applying to EdCET and even Open university degree holders are also eligible to apply. He said OC candidates with a minimum 50 per cent of marks can apply while it was 40 per cent for other reserved candidates. The qualifying mark for EdCET is 37 out of 150 for all candidates, except SCs and STs and for women with physical science subjects, there is no minimum qualifying mark.Complete details can be had from website www.edcet2012.info, he added.

Speaking to media Dr. PVGD Prasad Reddy, Rector Andhra University, emphasising the importance of BEd degree, he further said to pursue PhD/M.Phil and to qualify in SLET or NET in education and to serve in the DIETs, Colleges of Education and IASE as teaching faculty, an MEd qualification is essential for which

Building Business Reputation is a Challenging job: RINL CMD

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant stated that customer satisfaction is a key element in business of RINL for its survival, success and growth. “Our aim is to develop a frame work to foster a strong relationship orientation towards customers” Sri Choudhary said.
Sri Choudhary inaugurated a high profile 2 day training session for key marketing executives on “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)” by the reputed Prof Abraham Koshy, IIM, Ahmedabad, organized by HRD wing at Ukkunagaram today. The session was ogranised against the backdrop of RINL achieving a highest ever turn over of Rs. 14, 457 crores during 2011-12 and targeted to achieve around Rs20,000 crores during the current financial year.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Choudhary said reduction in cost of production and achieving higher efficiency are the vital parameters for achieving further excellence. He said CRM is very vital at this juncture because our new products would be hitting the market shortly and new customers are also adding to RINL.
Sri Choudhary mentioned that building & maintaining a strong business reputation, particularly in today’s competitive world, is becoming increasingly challenging. Today the customer is “spoilt by choice”. Even one unhappy customer can deliver a serious blow to the reputation, he said. CRM helps in learning more about the customer needs & behavior, to develop stronger relationship. Good customer relationship is the key to success of a business, Sri Choudhary stated. In this entire process chain, communication is central to a successful relationship and for an effective CRM, communication should be consistent and of highest quality, Sri Choudhary concluded.
Prof. Abraham, a researcher, consultant and Corporate trainer said that CRM is a challenging job which requires dedication and commitment towards customers delight in the present highly competitive market. He appreciated the RINL collective for reaching to newer heights in the entire steel industry in the country. Faster decisions helped RINL to achieve excellence and he urged the participants to purity the variables in the marketing.
Sri TK Chand, Director (Commercial) said that RINL setting a bench mark in achieving highest ever turn over. RINL adopted several marketing techniques through faster decisions that helped the organization to grow when compared to main steel producers. RINL is looking for huge customer satisfaction levels, the ultimate mantra for success, Sri Chand stated.
Sri YR Reddy, Director (Personnel) said that RINL collective proved and shown the world their capacity and capability in achieving the targets. The HRD department is focusing on “CRM and developing of Leadership” to emerge RINL as a strong leader in the entire country. There are three key elements to a successful CRM initiative : People, Process and Technology. If one of the these three foundations is not sound, the entire CRM structure will crumble, Sri Reddy pointed out.
Sri A Radhakrishna, GM (Training & HRD) introduced the speaker to the audience. While Sri S Jagannathan, DGM (HRD) welcomed the gathering and Sri Rahul, AGM(HRD) proposed vote of thanks.
Key marketing executives like General Managers, Deputy General Managers, Regional Managers, Branch Managers from various marketing branches in the country attended the 2 day intensive session.
CRM is a company-wide business strategy to reduce costs and increase profitability by solidifying customer satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy. The main objective of the programme is to develop an integrated perspective on managing products and markets.
PHOTO Captions: 1)Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL addressing and RINL Directors Sri TK Chand and Sri YR Reddy and Prof Abraham are looking on. 2) Sri AP Choudhary, CMD speaking at training session as participants are looking.

Tremors rattle Vizagites

People ran out of homes on Wednesday afternoon, when tremors shook for few seconds. It was 2.10 pm, all of a sudden, furniture and electronic goods had a movement for about 12 seconds, later 5 seconds throughout the region. People at Seethammadhara, Akkayyapalem, Muralinagar, Shivajipalem, RK beach, MVP Colony, etc experienced it live. Meteorological Department declared it as a Tsunami alert. District Collector Mr Lav Agarwal formed a control room at Collectorate. However there were no reports of loss of property or life. However the tremors raised fresh doubts on the key installations located in the coastal area. Mr. Agarwal appealed to the public not to panic and all the necessary steps have been taken and details can be had from 1077 phone number. Later in the evening the Earth Sciences Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority of India virtually ruled out tsunami in Coastal Region.

Jyothy Phule statues to be set up throught the State : Ganta

Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for I & I assured that he would move the issue of erection of statues of Mahatma Jyotirao Pule throught the State. Addressing the gathering at ZP conference hall, he stressed the reforms raised by Mahatma Jyothirao Phule after paying tributes to him on Wednesday. Mr Rao observed that it will be a real tribute only when the BCs and women register economic and educational development. Stating that the State government has been implementing number of welfare schemes for BC welfare and released a sum of Rs 54,588 crore in the last five years towards fee reimbursement for the students. The Government has built 40 Ashram schools, 630 welfare hostels for girls with 185 crore rupees, he added. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. M. Vijay Prasad, MLA- Visakha West, Mr. Venkat Reddy, ZP CEO and others present at the session.

UAV Squadron Commissioned on East Coast

The Maritime Reconnaissance capability of the Eastern Naval Command got a fillip with the commissioning of a new Naval Air Squadrons at INS Parundu, the Naval Air Station at Ramnathapuram in Tamil Nadu. The Naval Air Squadron INAS 344 was commissioned today, 11 Apr 12, by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command at a colourful ceremony at INS Parundu. Senior dignitaries from the State Government, Police, Coast Guard and Indian Navy attended the commissioning ceremony that marks an important event in the history of Naval Aviation.

INAS 344, commanded by Commander Vinit Anand and known as the Spirited Shadowers is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadron. It is third of its kind in the Indian Navy and first on the Eastern coast of India. The Squadron will be operating the Heron and the Searcher MK II vehicles. These aircraft with long endurance and stealth capabilities are ideally suited for search and detection. The commissioning of the UAV Squadron will provide value addition to the surveillance capability of the Eastern Naval Command and augment the efforts at enhancing Coastal Security along the East Coast.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Chopra said that the Air Station that has been undertaking operational tasking of immense import to the Nation and the Navy can now boast of a vastly enhanced surveillance capability in the region, following the induction of the UAVs. The Commander-in-Chief complimented the officers and men of INAS 344 and Parundu on their efforts towards successful commissioning of the new Squadron, which also included the Administrative building, maintenance facility and accommodation. He expressed confidence that the Squadron would operate the UAVs in the same spirit as the Osprey eagle, a ferocious hunting bird, as depicted on their crest.

The Squadron will be based at INS Parundu, under the operational control of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. INS Parundu, commissioned on 26 Mar 09, is presently commanded by Captain VB Bellary. The station, which had first started as a small Naval Air Detachment in 1985, operates Chetak and Dornier aircraft today that provide round- the-clock patrolling and air surveillance in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar regions. The commissioning of UAV squadron will boost naval operations in the region while marking an important milestone in the history of Naval Aviation as well.

Record collections to Zoo park

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park earned a revenue of Rs.1.17 crore during the financial year 2011-12, according to Zoo authorities. It has also registered 25 percent increase in annual revenue. It was topped in earnings than other tourist spots like Submarine musuem, Vuda park, Kailasagiri etc., in the city. In 2009- 10, 5,41,387 people visited the park which earned a revenue of Rs 85.54 lakh through entry tickets, while in 2010-11, 5,67,199 people visited the park and it earned a revenue of Rs. 93.40 lakh. In the year 2011-12, 7,05,197 people visited the park. Kailasagiri earned a revenue of about Rs 99 lakh and the Submarine Museum Rs. 70 lakh during 2011-12. The Zoo Curator G Ramalingam said that they were trying to introduce more animals to the park to further increase the revenue. Officials are planning to utilise the vast area of the zoo for structured housing of animals and visitors convenience.

EO violating traditions : Priests

The huge gathering of North Andhra Archaka (priests) Association, staged dharna to surrender Mr. Narasinga Rao, Executive Officer, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple, Simhachalam on Sunday. They held a rally from Toli Pavancha to EO office, during the session, Mr. Aailuri Srinivasa Dikshitulu, general secretary of the organisation demanded the State Government to surrender Mr. Rao to his parental department (Revenue) immediately stating that he doesn't obey the temple traditions. He condemned the 'unilateral' and 'dictatorial' attitude of the EO towards the temple priests, particularly main priest Morta Sitaramacharyulu, while performing rituals at the Kalyana Mahotsavam. It was very unfortunate that the EO has been demanding the priests to perform all important rituals to him first even without doing it for temple hereditary trustees, he pointed out. Priests from the temple and others joined the dharna.

Sri Ajay Jain, IAS Chairman and Managing Director, AP TRANSCO visits Vizag Steel

Sri Ajay Jain, IAS, CMD, AP TRANSCO and Sri Ahmad Nadeem, IAS, CMD, APEPDCL visited Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and held discussions with Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL and other senior officers. They witnessed a power point presentation on the performance of VSP and its novel initiatives on energy savings, generation of power from waste heat etc.

Sri Jain lauded the performance of VSP especially VSPs proactive measures in containing power consumption and its initiatives on waste energy recovery facilities like "Coke Dry Quenching, Back Pressure Turbine Station, Gas Expansion Turbine Station, LD Gas Recovery System, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, Evaporative Cooling systems" etc., He complimented RINL for commissioning 14 MW waste heat power generator which is the need of the hour. He observed that though the power generation from this particular generator is only 14 MW, it is very useful in the present power crisis.
VSP has captive power generation capacity of 247.5 MW apart from 25 MW power generation from waste energy recovery.
Sri Jain and Sri Nadeem paid visit to plant and observed the hot metal tapping in Blast Furnace and also various electrical installions.
Sri Jain assured all the help to VSP for additional/future power requirements to take care of the new expansion units.
Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), Sri R Ranjan, ED (Works) and other senior officers participated in the plant visit.

Sri AP Choudary, CMD RINL, Releases “SPARK’ Magazine of Visteel Mahila Samithi

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant today released the inaugural issue of “SPARK” an in house quarterly magazine brought out by the Visteel Mahila Samithi (VMS) at a glittering function held at Ukkunagaram.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Choudhary said that the magazine reflects the cosmopolitan face of the township and help in communicating and show casing the activities of the VMS. He complimented the commendable services of VMS not only in the township but also in the neighboring areas. He said that VMS is working hand in hand with RINL in carrying out several welfare and yeomen service to the needy people in its vicinity.

Smt Lata Choudhary, President, Visteel Mahila Samithi said that the magazine will help in “S”hanring the members views, encouraging them to “P”rogress, “A”chieving a social status and respect for the organization, “R”eaching out to the needy and “K”indling the spirit of joy & service in each one. That is “SPARK”, she announced amidst applause. She said that it is a good medium of communication to highlight the activities and achievement of the VMS.

Sri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), Sri YR Reddy, Director (Personnel) in their speech lauded the initiative of VMS to bring out a magazine fully dedicated to the womenfolk in the township and urged them to utilize the magazine to express their inherent talents.
Sri NS Rao, ED (Projects&Commissioning), senior officers, VMS Vice Presidents, executive members of VMS participated in the programme. A dance performance by Ms Sohini Adhikari, Management Trainee working in Blast Furnace attracted the audience.

Paravasthu Padya Peetam looks at literary development : Kallu Chidambaram

To develop the literary works of Telugu literature and great poets, Paravasthu Padya Peetam starts its activities on April 8, announced Mr. Kallu Chidambaram, play writer and director. Speaking to media on Friday at VJF Press Club, he said, all such ancient works will be brought limelight for the benefit of the present generation. It has been formed to propogate greatness of Telugu Padyam among children. This organisation will conduct literary competitions for every threee months at Central Library in recitation of Telugu Padyam and also prizes will be awarded. The formal inaugural session will be done at Kalabharati auditorium. Children from various schools will conduct a rally from Maddilapalem junction to the venue and session will begin with Maa Telugu Talliki Malle Pudanda song, he added.

Corporate Governance Gains Importance Across Globe

Prof YRK Reddy, a renowned international scholar and Founder & Head of Academy of Corporate Governance, Hyderabad said that sustainability, transparency, cultural competitiveness, strategic management, entrenching values, competitiveness in long run and activities towards community development are the key parameters to achieve good corporate governance in any organization.

Prof Reddy addressed a lecture session on “Corporate Governance in Public Enterprises – Development & Challenges” at Centre for HRD in Ukkunagaram organized by the HRD today. Prof Reddy said that corporate governance has become a public policy priority for many countries in the world and added that governance of corporates is very important than the governance of governments in many countries. “Indeed the country is proud of RINL for achieving several bench marks not only in their performance but also in corporate governance and transparent way of functioning”, Prof Reddy observed.

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD said that corporate governance practices is very essential and success mantra for survival of any organization in the highly competitive market and added that present enterprises both in public and private world over adopting e-procurement and e-payment to bring in economy and efficiency in the procurement of goods, works and services to enhance transparency and good corporate governance. The CMD said that the public generally judge a public sector enterprise on its capability to serve the “social purpose” which calls for good governance and ethics in the conduct of business. He said that the enterprises have been always to maximize productivity with minimum utilization of resources.

Tributes paid to Dr. Babu Jagjeevanram

Govt Whip Mr. D. Satyanarayana, Collector Mr. Lav Agarwal, MLAs Mr. T. Vijaya Kumar, M. Vijaya Prasad, P. Ramesh Babu and State Tribal Welfare Minister Mr. P. Balaraju paid their tributes to our Ex Vice Prime Minister Dr. Babu Jagjeevan Ram on his 105th Birth Anniversary by garlanding his statue near Palm Beach, Beach Road at around 9.30 in the morning. Speaking on this occasion, Tribal Welfare Minister said that all the people of the country should walk in the footsteps of Dr. Jagjeevanram who tried to eradicate untouchability from the society.

INS Chakra Inducted Into the Indian Navy

INS Chakra, a nuclear powered attack submarine of the Akula Class was inducted formally into the Indian Navy by Honourable Raksha Mantri, Shri AK Antony today, 04 Apr 12, at the Ship Building Center, Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. By reviving the capability to operate the technically complex nuclear submarine through this induction, India joins an elite league of six nations that boast of this distinction. The ceremony was also attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri MM Pallam Raju, His Excellency, Mr. Alexander M Kadakin, Russian Ambassador to India, high ranking officials from the Navy, Department of Atomic Energy and the Russian Federation.

The Indian Navy commenced operating submarines in 1967, and in a short span of twenty years, graduated to operating nuclear submarines, when it leased a Soviet Charlie Class submarine, incidentally also named Chakra, between 1988 and 1991. In true naval tradition, the legacy continues with the new Chakra, in a much more modern and sophisticated avatar. Commissioned on 23 Jan 12 at Vladivostok, Russia, INS Chakra touches the Indian shores as a submariners dream-come-true, with deadly fire power, tremendous sustained speeds and practically unlimited endurance. She would be the lethal hunter-killer of enemy submarines and ships, as also provide effective protection to our Fleet at sea. The Navy will also use Chakra to train its men in the intricate art of operating the nuclear submarines.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Nirmal Verma said that induction of INS Chakra is major step towards a strong and versatile Navy, as mandated by the regional maritime security environment, in keeping with the balanced growth of our Navy in all three dimensions, and capability augmentation through acquisition of Force Multipliers. He expressed confidence that INS Chakra would increase our Navys operational flexibility and help maintain a credible presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), contributing towards effective blue water operations by the Indian Navy.

Citing this as a momentous arrival that reflects the high level of cooperation and strategic partnership between India and Russia, Shri Antony said that over the years, the IOR has assumed great strategic significance, as it is home to large population and some of the most dynamic and fast growing economies, with India as the geo-strategic hub. He emphasized that for peace and stability in the region, and thereby the world at large, it is imperative that the Indian Navy maintains a strong, stabilising and credible presence that, whilst not being directed against any nation, will act as a stabilising force and protect our strategic interests. Towards this end, he said that the induction of INS Chakra is a step in the right direction, as it would no doubt play a major role in reshaping maritime operations of the Indian Navy in the years to come and ensure security, sovereignty and economic prosperity of the country. He spoke of how the induction of INS Chakra symbolises both the success of the Russian submarine building capability and of the Indian Navys competence in exploitation of technologically complex platforms. He congratulated the Indian Navy for successfully inducting INS Chakra and also extended heartiest congratulations to the Commanding Officer of INS Chakra and the crew for their painstaking efforts during the challenging phases of training, acceptance and passage to India.

Belonging to the Attack or SSN genre of submarines, INS Chakra is commanded by Captain P Ashokan, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and the Naval War College. Captain Ashokan has Command experience of two Kilo Class submarines besides operational experience of over 25 years.
With a displacement of over 12,000 tons, INS Chakra, powered by a 190MW reactor has a maximum submerged speed of over 30 Knots (55kmph) and operating depths of over 500m. The submarine is manned by 80 crew members. Chakra is equipped with an array of tactical missiles, cutting edge Fire Control Systems, sonars, contemporary optronic periscopes, communication and surveillance systems that give her a phenomenal operational flexibility and lethal potency.

With the extremely robust and reliable conventional Sindhughosh and Shishumar Class submarines still in its arsenal, the Indian Navy re-enters the era of nuclear submarine, the true submarines. The name Chakra is evocative of its relevance as the ultimate weapon coveted by any nation. Following its induction into the Indian Navy today, INS Chakra will operate under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.

AGM of Naval Group Insurance Fund Held at ENC

The Annual General Meeting of Naval Group Insurance Fund and Indian Naval Benevolent Association was held at Samudrika Naval auditorium on Thursday, 04 Apr 12, under the Chairmanship of Admiral Nirmal Verma ,PVSM, AVSM, ,ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff. Delegates from Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) and other Commands of Navy attended the annual event and discussed various welfare schemes related to naval community.
Naval Group Insurance Scheme was introduced to provide financial assistance to the families in the event of unfortunate death of naval personnel whilst in service. Indian Naval Benevolent Association provides loans for education, marriage, house repair and merit scholarships.

Handloom fair on Apr 5

The most entertaining Handloom Handicrafts Exhibition will be inaugurated by Mr. B. Ramanjaneyulu, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Commissioner, on April 5. Mr. Rajaseskhar Reddy, Managing Director of the expo said, that they have been conducting concept exhibition like Sri Amarnath Yatra, Vaishnodevi Yatra, Tirumala Tirupathi Yatra and Taj Mahal. This year Snow World, Fish Aquarium by establishing the huge sets. Beside exciting amusement park with Dashing Car, Slam bomb, Columbus, Ranger Bumper Boat, Tora Tora, Frizbee and stalls like Handloom, Handicrafts and House Hold articles from various states t attr the Public, and tasty Foods stalls provided in the Exhibition are added attraction.

He further added that the exhibition is established in the vast AU High School Grounds, near AU High School, Beach Quarters, behind Police Officers Guest House, Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam, in a mega open place with dust free and enough parking places for all vehicles.

Chinna Jeeyar Swami launched Vaji media

Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamijy launched Vaji Communications Network services on Wednesday. He adviced the organisers to bring actual facts from the society and telecast them to the viewers. Tridandi Ahobila Jeeyar Swami inaugurated Music channel, Minister for Tribal Welfare opened Gold channel and Konatala Ramakrishna switched on Dairy at Waltair Club. Speaking to the gathering Mr. Jayaram Srinivas, its MD told that, this network will telecast traditional programmes as on the situation. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip, Mr. Tynala Vijay Kumar, MLA, Mr. M. Vijay Prasad, MLA, Mr. Ch. Venkataramayya, MLA and others present at the inaugural ceremony.

DRC meeting held

The District Review Committee (DRC) held at Vaisakhi Jala Udyanavanam on Tuesday. Mr. Vatti Vasanth Kumar, Minister, Incharge Minister of the District presided over the session. Addressing the gathering he said, that providing basic amenities to the public without dishonouring court orders is not only the responsibility of the Government Officials and Public representatives but it is also the duty on their part. Referring the interim orders of the Court. He asked the Executive Officer of Simhachalam Devasthanam, about any objections in providing provision of drinking water by GVMC for the residents of this area and other sensitive problems. Many more pending issues like the student scholarships, extension works etc, were also discussed. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Ports, I&I Minister, Mr. P. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal Welfare, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, MLAs, officials and other related personalities were also present.

Impressive growth for Co-operative bank

Mr. M.Anjaneyulu, Chairman, Visakha Co-operative Bank Ltd appraised the performance for the year of 2011-12. Addressing the news conference on Tuesday, he said during the financial year six more branches have been inaugurated including one in Tirupathi. Rest are at Kurmannapalem, Chodavaram, Waltair, Srikakulam and Nagole in Hyderabad City. The network had spread to 25 Branches as on date. He further said 25 % of growth in deposits that worked out to Rs. 239 crore have been amplified during the financial year and recorded at Rs. 1211 crore as against the opening deposit base of Rs 968 crores (2010-11). In advances the growth was 21%, from Rs. 723 crs. to Rs. 873 crores, he said. As per regulatory norms more than 25% of the deposits held with the Bank have been parked in Securities of State and Central Governments that worked out to Rs. 326 Crores. United India Insurance Company has appointed the Bank as Corporate Agency and the insurance business will commence from 3rd April at all the branches.
Mr. G. Bhaskara Rao, Vice Chairman , S.N.B.Chowdary, K.Venkata Raju, N.Kama Raju, G.Bbu Rao, K.Bhavani, R.V.Jagga Rao, A.J.Stalin, Ch.Raghavendra Rao, PVN Murthy, and K.Krishna Kumari were present at the press meet.

Steel Minister Presents RINL’S 1556.47 Crore Chequ e to the Prime Minister

Steel Minister Presents RINL’S 1556.47 Crore Cheque to the Prime Minister The Union Minister for Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma presented a cheque worth Rs. 1556.47 crore to the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh today. The cheque comprised Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited’s (RINL) payment of dividend worth Rs. 271.47 crores and Rs. 1285 crores as redemption of preferential capital.
Present on the occasion were Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri D.R.S. Chaudhary, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Shri Machendranathan, RINL, CMD, Shri A.P. Choudhary and Director Finance, RINL, Shri P. Madhusudan.
The Steel Minister lauded RINL’s performance for achieving best ever turnover of Rs. 14,457 crore, a significant 26% improvement over the last financial year. Company also registered a growth of 6.5% in sales volume of 3.5 Million Tonnes during the financial year 2011-12.
It is noteworthy that RINL’s likely net worth on 31.03.2012 would be Rs. 13,800 crores. The Navratna PSU achieved a capacity utilization of 113% during the financial year producing 3.5 Million tonne production of iron and steel. The organisation now plans to enter the next phase of expansion to 11/12 mtpa which is under active consideration of its board.

New Financial Year in VSP commences on auspicious note

The new financial year got off to a glittering start with the commissioning of the state-of-art technology 220 KV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) and 220 KV Cable for the first time in RINL, constructed at a cost of Rs. 85 Crores.

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL-VSP switched on the feeder of the 220/11/11.5 KV, 50 MVA Transformer at Thermal Power Plant. This will facilitate evacuation of power from the 14 MW Waste Heat Recovery Generator of Coke Oven Battery - 4 and 16 MW expansion turbine of Blast Furnace-3. He expressed his joy for commissioning of ultra modern Indoor Substation of such 220 KV high capacity sub station for the first time in VSP. He complimented the project collective for timely completion when there is urgent need for uninterrupted power supply for integration and stabilization of new units. He advised the consultants to look for such newer technology in all spheres even though the cost is high as they in long run help in reducing break downs and keeps the system in good health.

The advantage of GIS is that it is compact and hence area required is remarkably less than for Air Insulated Substation (AIS) equipment. In GIS, the electrical equipments are totally sealed from the atmosphere in an inert stable gas hence no cleaning is required and therefore no tracking also which makes it maintenance free. The 220 KV GIS equipment imported from France and 220 KV cables imported from Thailand. The unique advantage of Cable is zero maintenance.

Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), Sri TK Chand, Director (Commercial), Sri R Ranjan, ED (Works) and Sri NS Rao, ED (Projects & Commissioning), senior officers, union leaders graced the occasion.

Mahalakshmi yagam at peak

The ongoing 13th Sri Mahalakshmi yagam is at the peak. On the third day of the festival on Monday, Sudarshnesthi, Deepotsavam, Kumkumarchana were organised by Sri Pancharatra Agama procedure. Sudarshanesthi - a special rituals were performed for the devotees who are interested to develop their business, life time goals without interruption. During the same time, Kumkumarchana was done by 30 priests at the pravachana premises, which was witnessed by thousands of devotees under the supervision of the chief organiser Tridandi Sri Ramachandra Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy. Peethadhipatis from various locations, Tridandi Vratadhara Jeeyar Swamy, Tridandi Krishna Saranya Jeeyar Swamy, Tridandi Embar Jeeyar Swamy, Paripurnanda Saraswathi ( Sripeetham- Kakinada) and Vijayananda Teertha of Mysore were also present. Later in the evening, a colour lighting festival was done at the yagasala. About 1.08 lakh traditional lights were fired at a time, in a well designed lotus which has eight petals which measured as 80 ft length and 40 ft width. In each petal, artists from various states were performed their art including Deva Vadyam (Kerala), Hare Rama tunes on Mrudangam- Panchori (Manipuri), Bharatanatyam, Sankha vadyam - Orissa has shown extraordinary performance, etc. Thousands of devotees were participated and many more witnessed this beautiful scene on the evening of Monday at Andhra University Engineering College grounds. On April 3, special yagam for childless- Putrakamesthi, Laksha Mallela Archana (jasmine) and Gopalopayanam award to Sriman Sribhasyam Srinivas will be done at the Sri Mahalakshmi yagam.

Vazi network to start function on April 4

Vazi Communications establishing its fuctioning from April 4, announced Mr. Srinivasa Rao, Managing Director. Speaking to newsmen on Monday, at VFJ Press Club said, that digital transmissions will be extended in July. This broadcast will be carrying entertainment, music, movie, journalist dairy etc with high fy quality. It would not be a competitor to the exisiting ones but to provide good quality entertainment to the viewers, he added. Vazi media will act as medium for people, bureaucrats and political parties, mentione. The Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development Ms. D. Purandheswari will be inaugurating this network. Mr. Ganta Srinivas, Minister for I & I, Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip and others would joining the inaugural session, Mr. Rao mentioned.

PUMA’s Red Pulse Cricket Boot launched

As the IPL fever builds across the country, PUMA, the global sportlifestyle brand, raised the temperature significantly by unveiling the Red Pulse Cricket Boot today in the City. The brilliantly crafted range was launched by ace cricketers Amit Mishra, Shikhar Dhavan, Manpreet Gony and team members of the Deccan Chargers at the Puma store in Bay City this noon. Spotting an eye catching splash of "bitter sweet" red, the shoe is designed to add colour to the field and is guaranteed to grab the heart of the wearer and the viewer.
Speaking to newsmen. Mr Rajiv Mehta, PUMA, MD South Asia said "PUMA is very pleased to be associated with the Deccan Chargers team for the fourth consecutive year and we have brought our vast wealth of domain knowledge into the creation of this range of footwear.They are technical masterpieces and will be an inseparable accessory for their players both on and off-field."

Rama Navami held

Ramanavami appearance of Sri Ram was commemorated at Hare Krishna movement. Devotees in large number performed Rama Taraka yagnam on the occasion. Revealing the importance of Rama Navami, the resident organisers said that Rama means one who gives pleasure (ananda)and taraka means that which takes you across the ocean of samsaara(material world). It being the appearance day of Lord Rama, Ashtottaram followed by Kalyanam were performed. A special bhajan - Nama Ramanaya was sung in a melodious tunes to recollect the importance of the Rama Rajyam. Devotees in large number participated and shared the glory of Ramayana.

Protest hike in power tariff

District units of both the Communist parties staged protest against the proposed power tariff hike on Saturday. During the session, they took out a rally at Jagadamba Junction and burnt an effigy of the State Government. Mr. Rajeswara Rao, CPM representative said the new rates would come into force from April 1 causing an additional burden on the people to the tune of Rs 4,442 crore. The CPI activists also staged a rasta roko at RTC Complex and burnt another effigy. Mr. M. Pydiraju, City Committee Secretary CPM said due to lack of power supply, many small and medium industries were facing closure and the increase in the tariff would further affect the industries. He demanded immediate withdrawal of the hike and warned that more agitations would be organised in the ensuing days if the government failed to withdraw.

Jatara at Polamamba temple

Jatara - the annual festival celebrations of Karakachettu Polamamba Ammavaru would be held on April 2, according to Mr. Radha Krishna, temple executive officer. This fest will be concluded on 10, April. Speaking to newsmen at the temple premise, Peda Waltair he informed some of the highlights of festival are, Tholella Festival on Monday, the main festival Anupostsavam will be on Tuesday the festival would conclude on 10th of April with Maruvarotsavam festival. Annadanam on grand scale will be on 15th of April in the temple premises.