ARMY RED WINS SERVICES WRESTLING CHAIMPIONSHIP

The 61st Services Wrestling Championship being held at Command Gymnasium by INS Satavahana under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command concluded today, 30 Sep 11. Two teams from the Army and one each from the Navy and the Air Force, comprising 108 contestants participated in 56 bouts, competing in two styles of wrestling across seven weight categories over four days commencing 15 Sep 11. Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command was the Chief Guest at the concluding Ceremony. The Army Red Team emerged the winner of the Services Wrestling Championship 2011-12 and Air Force Team was the runners-up, with Navy Team in the third position. Vice Admiral Lanba gave away the prizes to the individual winners and trophies to the winning Teams. The Jury and the Selection Committee also announced the team that will represent the Services at various National and International events.

ADMIRAL NIRMAL VERMA AT ENC FOR COMMISSIONING OF INS SHAKTI

Admiral Nirmal Verma, AVSM, PVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff arrived Visakhapatnam on a two day visit to Eastern Naval Command today, 30 Sep 11. During his stay here, he will be the Chief Guest at the Commissioning Ceremony of Indian Navys Indian Navys fourth Fleet Tanker Shakti, scheduled to take place on 01 Oct 11, at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The construction of Shakti commenced in November 2009 at the Fincantieri Shipyard, Italy. The ship which is to be commissioned on 01 Oct 11, was formally handed over to the Indian Navy on 23 Sep 11 at Visakhapatnam, in under two years. At a length of 175 metres and a width of 32 metres, Shakti is one of the largest ships of the Indian Navy. The ship displaces over 27000 tons and is capable of carrying over 15,000 tons of liquid cargo including fuels for ships and aircraft of the Navy as well as fresh water. It also has large storage space to carry upto 500 tons of solid cargo like victuals and ammunition. It has state of the art cargo handling facilities including a 30 ton capacity deck crane that facilitate simultaneous fuelling of multiple ships and transfer of heavy solid cargo at sea. The ship is fitted with a credible self defense capability and an indigenous Anti Missile Defense Chaff system. Shakti also boasts of fully automatic engine controls, Power Management and Battle Damage Control Systems. Shakti derives her name from her predecessors. She is the third tanker of the same name, with earlier two ships having served the nation with pride. The first Shakti was acquired in Nov 1953, commissioned on 29 Jan 1954 and decommissioned on 31 Dec 1967, whilst the second Shakti was commissioned on 21 Feb 76 and decommissioned on 21 Jul 07, after serving the nation gloriously for more than 31 years. The induction of INS Shakti into naval service will be an important leap for the Indian Navy as the ship enhances the reach of the Navy well beyond the limits of the Indian Ocean and would provide support to the expanding fleet of the Indian Navy.

commissioner inspecting under pass way

Fishermen blocked collectorate

About 1500 fishermen community blocked District Collectorate with a demand to provide special packages to land loosers in Naval Alternate Operational Base (NAOB) to be constructed at Rambilli and S. Rayavaram Mandals in Visakhapatnam district right from early hours of Wednesday till the evening. They target the collectorate having completed a 75 km marathon walk from their villages since 26th of this month. All these fishermen were supported by Communist Party of India (Marxist), joined by Communist Party of India, Telugudesam at collectorate. They staged this mass dharna to get relief from their poor financial situations. Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secretary- CPM demanded the State Government to provide R cards, proper job opportunities, houses etc to the rehabilants before the base was completed. All the landloosers be given an identification cards. One lakh rupees package to be released on a single payment, GO MS No. 68, all the agri-labours be supported with Rs. 2,80,000 compensation, Jetty be constructed prior to the base, all the talented and qualified youth be given job opportunities in NAOB as first priority, technical training to the qualified youth be projected immediately, schooling for the fishermen communities be fulfilled on immediate action etc. More than 500 police along with mobile vans were rushed to the control the situation at the collectorate. Mr. JV Satyanarayana Murthy, city secretary of CPI, Mr. Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar of TDP, Mr. Lokanadham of CPM and others spoke at the protest camp. All the traffic towards the collectorate junction was diverted through Zilla Parishad till the evening. Later, representatives of the dharna camp headed by Mr. Narasinga Rao, Mr. Satyanarayana Murthy submitted a memorandum to Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector.

SERVICES WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP INAUGURATED AT ENC

The 61st edition of the Services Wrestling Championship for the year 2011 - 12 was inaugurated today, 27 Sep 11, by Commodore Homi Pal Singh, Commanding Officer, INS Eksila at the Command Gymnasium. The Championship is being held from 27 to 30 Sep 11. Four Teams comprising Army Red, Army Green, Navy and the Air Force will contest in both Free and Greco Roman Styles of wrestling across seven weight categories over the next four days for the coveted Services Wrestling Championship Trophy. The Annual Event is also aimed at facilitating selection of the Services Wrestling Team for representing the Armed Forces at various National and International Championships, where the Services grapplers have always performed outstandingly. The Finals of the Championship being conducted by INS Satavahana under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command are scheduled to be held on Friday, 30 Sep 11.

REAR ADMIRAL T SUDHAKAR TAKES OVER AS CHIEF STAFF OFFICER (PERSONNEL & ADMINSTRATION) AT ENC

Rear Admiral T Sudhakar, NM took over as the Chief Staff Officer (Personnel & Administration) from Commodore HS Chopra at the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command on Monday, 26 Sep 11. Commissioned in the Logistics Branch of Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1976, Rear Admiral T Sudhakar is an alumnus of Sainik School, Korukonda and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. The Flag Officer has held a number of key logistic appointments both ashore and afloat including those as Commander Logistics of IN Ships Rajput, Virbahu, Shivaji and Asvini, Command Logistics Officer ENC, Material Superintendent, CSO(P&A) of both Eastern & Southern Commands, and Principal Director of Administration at IHQ MoD(Navy). On promotion to the Flag rank, the Admiral served as Assistant Controller of Logistics at IHQ MoD(Navy) and Project Director (P&A) at Headquarters, Advanced Tactical Vessel Project (HQ, ATVP). Rear Admiral Sudhakar has taken over as CSO (P&A), ENC on upgradation of the post to Flag rank and will be the first Flag Officer to hold the portfolio. The Flag Officer has unique distinction of holding every key Logistics appointments in Visakhapatnam and also doing a third tenure as CSO (P&A) at the Eastern Naval Command.

AIR MARSHAL SP SINGH AT EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND

Air Marshal SP Singh, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Teji Singh, President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Southern Region) arrived Visakhapatnam on Sunday, 25 Sep 11, on a three day visit to the Command. On arrival, the Flag Officer called on Vice Admiral Anup Singh, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The Air Marshal is scheduled to visit several establishments of the Command including the Naval Dockyard, School for Advanced Undersea Warfare (SAUW), a ship and a submarine in the course of his stay here. Mrs. Teji Singh interacted with the Committee Members and ladies of the Navy Wives Welfare Association (Eastern Region). Air Marshal and Mrs. SP Singh are scheduled to depart Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, 27 Sep 11.

ENC BASKET BALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2011-12 CONCLUDED

Finals of the Eastern Naval Command Basketball Championship 2011-12 was held at Command Gymnasium, Visakhapatnam today, 23 Sep 11. The four-day Event conducted by INS Satavahana had commenced on 20 Sep 11. Six teams namely Fleet A, Fleet B, Local Flotilla, Local Ashore, Submarines and Naval Officer-in-Charge (Tamil Nadu) participated in the Tourney. The championship conducted on league cum knockout basis comprised of eleven matches. The Championship Playoff for 2011-12 played between the Fleet A and Submarines Teams was won by the Submarines Team. Commodore Sanjiv Raj Kapoor, COMCOS (East) was the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony and gave away the prizes to the Winners.

BE INNOVATIVE AND COMMITTED: CMD OF RINL

Mr. AP Choudhary, CMD of RINL and Chairman of Visakhapatnam Chapter of Computer Society of India, asserted that students must be innovative and committed. Speaking as Chief Guest at the inaugural function of the 28 th Computer Society of India National Student Convention held in Rajahmundry, Mr. Choudhary stated that Computer Science and Information technology students should also learn business processes as today’s business operations have become cost competitive. The Visakhapatnam Chapter of Computer society of India is organizing a two day convention in association with Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology, Rajahmundry on 23 rd and 24th September, 2011, where in 3000 students from various parts of the country are participating. Mr. P Madhusudan, Director (Finance) and Vice chairman of Visakhapatnam chapter of CSI stated that opportunities galore for Computer Science and information Technology students, in view of the growing e-procurements, e-auctions and e-governance in various organizations and students must fully tap their potential. Mr. Choudhary and Mr. Madhusudan presented awards to meritorious students of CSE and IT in Andhra University, GITAM University and JNT University and CSI Performance awards to selected student branches for their contribution in enriching the activities of the chapter. Mr. Choudhary and Mr. Madhusudan were felicitated by the organizing committee for their valuable support and encouragement. The Visakhapatnam Chapter is organizing ’Young IT professionals Award-2011 on 16 th October, 2011 and an International Conference ‘INDIA-2012’ from 5th January to 7th January, 2012 in which International speakers, Industry experts and leading academicians will be delivering invited talks. Proceedings will be published by the famous International Publisher ‘SPRINGER’. A website’www.inconindia2012.info’ was designed and developed and inaugurated for professionals and students to submit technical papers online for the conference.

RINL-VSP holds meeting with Local Industries

The 18th Plant Level Committee Meeting with Local Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSME) was held in RINL-VSP on Thursday in the august presence of CMD, Directors, Senior Officials of RINL-VSP and Commissioner (Industries), State Government officials and representatives of Local Small Scale Industries. Mr. AP Choudhary, CMD of RINL in his opening remarks asserted that RINL-VSP has already commenced the commissioning activities for its brown field expansion costing around Rs 12,000 Crores to almost doubling its capacity to 6.3 million tons of liquid steel and another Rs 7000 Crores is also being invested towards modernization and rejuvenation of the existing units to increase the capacity to 7.3 Mtpa and that there exists plenty of opportunity to local small scale industries in and around Visakhapatnam to reap the benefits. A number of issues relating to the growth of local SMEs were discussed. Various Vendors who participated requested to have regular meetings at least once in a year. Mr. Choudhary appreciated their concern and agreed to hold the meeting once in a year. The last meeting was held in 2007. Mr. Karikal Valevar, IAS, Commissioner (industries), Government of Andhra Pradesh who was Chief Guest complimented RINL-VSP for the positive response suggested to form a sub committee to go into detail of various issues for further necessary action by RINL-VSP and State Government. Mr. TK Chand, Director (Commercial) requested the Commissioner to explore the possibility of concessions like tax holiday for the products being rolled out from the expansion as is being given to M/s JSW by Karnataka Government as RINL-VSP does not have captive mines and to improve the bottom line of RINL-VSP which would in turn facilitate RINL-VSP to pass on some concessions to local small scale industries. Mr. Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), Mr. P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), Mr YR Reddy, Director (Personnel), Commandant of CISF, Senior Officials of RINL, State Government Officials and a cross section of Vendors participated. Photo captions: 1)RINL CMD Sri AP Choudhary addressing the local entrepreneurs at Vizag today. 2) Mr. Karikal Valevar, IAS, Commissioner (industries), Government of Andhra Pradesh addressing the local entrepreneurs.

INTER STEEL CHESS TOURNAMENT INAUGURATED IN UKKUNAGARAM

Sri Y R Reddy, Director (Personnel) RINL/Visakhapatnam Steel Plant inaugurated the Inter Steel Plants Chess Championship at Gurajada Kalakshetram in Ukkunagaram being hosted by VSP for the first time. Teams from Tata Steel, Durgapur Steel Plant, ISP, Burnpur, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Bhilai Steel Plant, Salem Steel Plant, Bokaro Steel Plant, Rourkela Steel Plant, RINL/VSP –I and RINL-VSP-2 participating in the tournament. The three day event (championship) will be on Swiss League basis. Sri A Radhakrishna, GM Trg & HRD) and Chairman of VSP Sports Council, Sri M S Kumar, AGM (Sports), Sri D Prabhakar Raju, Manager (Sports), Sri MSN Murthy, Coordinator of the event participated in the inaugural function

The Minister Meeting

The Minister for Tribal Welfare Sri P.Balaraju, MLA Sri Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Mayor and other Congress MLAs had with the District Collector and Joint Collector to discuss the Congress Garjana to be held meeting on the 25th of this month at Beach Road, Visakhapatnam.

DR TENNETI VISWANADHAM’S BIRTH DAY CELEBRATED IN UKKUNAGARAM

Dr Tenneti Viswanadham’s 115th birth day celebrations were organized by VSP management in a grand way at Tenneti Park in Ukkunagaram today. The Chief Guest, Sri M S Sudhakar, Executive Director (Projects), RINL paid floral tribute by garlanding the statue of Tenneti. Addressing the gathering, Sri Sudhakar recalled the services and sacrifice of Dr Tenneti in setting up the steel plant at Vizag. Senior officers of VSP, representatives of Steel Executive Association, recognized union, unions and other associations offered rich tributes to the great leader. Large number of employees attended the function.

Fortune Inn Sree Kanya

The Mughalai cuisine comes from the kitchens of the ancient Indian aristocracy The Mughal Emperors. It has strong influence of Nizams. Mughalai cuisine is spicy, enriched with dry fruits and has a distinctive aroma and taste of ground and whole spices. And this cuisine is predominant in the Northern part of India, Lucknowi and Avadh Frontiers. The hotel is organizing DAAWAT- E -SHAAN - The Kushboo Of mughals Food Festival starts from 17th Sep - 25th Sep 2011 at our Zodiac Restaurant available only for Dinners 07:00pm-11:00pm.Welcomes with Faluda & Angoor Sharbat, the traditional welcome drink of Mughals. Special discount offers for the corporate and family groups. For Reservations please contact: 9348366599 OR 9348166599.

ENC AND THE COAST GUARD OBSERVE COASTAL CLEAN UP DAY

The International Coastal and Waterfront Clean up Day was observed by the Eastern Naval Command today, 17 Sep 11. A large scale clean up drive was held all along the prominent beaches and water fronts of the city. The Naval community at Visakhapatnam represented by over 2500 personnel comprising officers, men, ladies and children from various units of the Command undertook the cleanup drive in earnest. The event covered areas widely dispersed around the city and outskirts, covering the Ramakrishna, Rushikonda and Kalinga beaches, and waterfronts along the Tenneti Park, Double Bridge and inside the Naval Dockyard upto the Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Flagged off from near the Kursura museum on the Ramakrishna beach, the Clean Beach Drive was graced by Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, AVSM, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval command. Other Flag Officers, Senior Officers, families and students from the Navy Children School and the Kendriya Vidyalayas were also present on the occasion. With this endeavour, Eastern Naval Command aims to complement the efforts of VUDA in making Visakhapatnam a clean city. With a tagline Nurture Nature for our Future, the Drive is also intended inculcate amongst the general populace, the necessity of keeping the beaches clean and of safeguarding our environment.

GOWA Members sendoff the Commissioner at Airport while he is going to Bangkok

VISWAKARMA JAYANTHI MAHOTSAVAM IN UKKUNAGARAM

On the occasion of Viswakarma Jayanthi Mahotsavam, special prayers were offered by Sri A P Choudhary, CMD, RINL/VSP at Community Welfare Centre – 1 in Ukkunagaram today. Sri T K Chand, Director (Commercial) also present on the occasion and offered prayers. The participants performed pujas praying the god for success and betterment of the plant. Union leaders S/Sri D Adinarayana, N Rama Rao, Mantri Rajsekhar, Maturi Srinivasa Rao, Gandham Venkat Rao, V Srinivasa Rao and large number of employees and their family members participated and offered prayers. The Mahotsavam is being organized by Steel Plant Area Viswakarma Devotees Welfare Association.

Hon`ble Tamilanadu Governer Sri Rosaiah Sanmanam

Tamil Nadu Governor Konijeti Rosaiah is being felicitated on his first visit to the city, after taking over the Governor of Tamil Nadu, at the Andhra University Convocation Hall here on Friday.

ADVANCED REPAIR TECHNIQUES SEMINAR-CUM-EXHIBITION HELD AT NAVAL DOCKYARD

A Seminar-Cum-Exhibition on Advanced Repair Techniques was inaugurated today, 16 Sep 11 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam by Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, AVSM, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. The one day Seminar saw eminent speakers from the industry and the Indian Navy presenting technical papers on modern processes and repair techniques. Three firms from friendly foreign nations of Belgium, Netherlands and the United Kingdom also presented papers during the seminar. The Seminar was complemented by a well attended technical exhibition where the leading industrial houses demonstrated their products and techniques. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Lanba lauded the contribution of the industry in providing the Indian Navy with state of the art repair techniques and expressed confidence that such interactions would further the cause of Navy-Industry collaboration and pay rich dividends in future. The seminar was also attended by Rear Admiral VK Namballa, AVSM, NM, Director General Naval Projects, Visakhapatnam, Rear Admiral KR Nair, VSM, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital, NM, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Eastern Naval Command and a large gathering of eminent delegates from the industry and the Navy.

Flood Relief Operations in Orissa

Utility Helicopters UH-3H of the ENC engaged in Flood Relief Operations in Orissa wherein they have for flown over four days distributing over 25 tonnes of food packages

WORKSHOP ON LIFESTYLE DISEASES HELD AT ENC

A Workshop on Lifestyle diseases was held by Eastern Naval Command for Defence civilians at Meghadri Auditorium today, 14 Sep 11. The Workshop being conducted to create an awareness and thereby assist in the early detection of hypertension, Diabetes, obesity dyslipidemia and heart diseases, so as to counter these life style diseases. The Event was attended by nearly 500 Defence Civilian personnel from various ships and establishments such as Naval Dockyard, Naval Armament Depot, Material Organisation and the Headquarters. A panel of distinguished doctors and specialists headed by renowned cardiologist Dr V Sujata, Intervention Cardiologist from Indus hospital and Surgeon Commodore B Fanthome, Commanding Officer, INHS Kalyani, spoke on Heart and Kidney ailments, life style diseases, and management of diabetes and stress in day-to-day activities. This was followed by an interactive session wherein a number of queries related to health were discussed and screening for these diseases was also undertaken. Rear Admiral KR Nair, VSM, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam inaugurated the workshop. Speaking on the occasion, he talked of the increasing premature fatality rates owing to sedentary life styles, poor dietary habits and addictions. He said that increased awareness, early detection through Annual Medical Examinations and healthy life style practices will go a long way in arresting this trend.

NAVY PERSONNEL TO THE RESCUE Of TRAIN ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Acting speedily on receiving information of a major train accident at Chiteri railway station near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu late Tuesday night, a disaster relief team from the nearby Naval Air Station, INS Rajali of the Eastern Naval Command reached the accident site ahead of all other rescue agencies and rendered requisite assistance. The team comprising two doctors, one officer and 40 personnel remained in action through heavy down pour on a pitch dark night and extricated victims trapped in the mangled remains of the bogies. All injured were administered first aid in situ by the Naval doctors and their timely action was instrumental in limiting the number of casualties to twelve.

HINDI FORTNIGHT CONCLUDED AT ENC

Hindi Fortnight celebrations by Eastern Naval Command that commenced on 02 Sep 11 were concluded with a Valedictory function held at Samudrika Naval Auditorium today, 14 Sep 11. Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, AVSM, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command was the Chief Guest at the function, and Shri N Kashinath, Divisional Railways Manager and Chairman, Town Official Language Implementation Committee (Visakhapatnam) was the Special Invitee. Speaking on the occasion Vice Admiral Lanba emphasised the importance of implementation of Official Language Hindi and advised the gathering to put in efforts for simplifying the use of Hindi language so that it is willingly used by all. The special invitee expressed his appreciation for the efforts put in by the Eastern Naval Command in the field of Official Language Hindi. Vice Admiral Lanba released the 17th edition of Poorvi Vani, the Hindi Magazine of Eastern Naval Command. Later, the Chief Guest and the Special Invitee gave away prizes to the winners of the Rajyabhasha Puraskar and various competitions conducted for the Service and Civilian personnel of the Eastern Naval Command during the Hindi Fortnight celebrations.

ENC RESCUE AND RELIEF TEAM LEAVES FOR ORISSA

Responding to a request from the Government of Orissa, INS Airavat, a Landing Ship Tank (Large) of the Eastern Naval Command has been pressed into action early morning today, 10 Sep 11, to undertake rescue and relief operations along the Mahanadi River, following incessant rains and impending flood discharge from Hirakud Reservoir. The ship, with a Chetak helicopter onboard for Search and Rescue, has also embarked three comprehensive Diving Teams with all technical support elements comprising inflatable rubberized boats with Out Board Motors, rescue equipment and medical supplies. They will be joined further by divers/swimmers and two more boats from Naval Officer-in-charge (Orissa).The ship is scheduled to reach Paradip on the morning of Sunday, 11 Sep 11 and will coordinate with the State Disaster Management Authority of Orissa in relief operations in the seven districts affected by the inundation.

SUBMARINERS TRAINING CAMP HELD AT RAMBILLI VILLAGE

A three day Training Camp for officers and sailors of the Basic Submarine Course, conducted by INS Satavahana at Rambilli village from 07 to 09 Sep 11, concluded with a Campfire on Friday, 09 Sep 11. Captain Dilbag Singh, Commanding Officer, INS Satavahana had flagged off the adventure camp from INS Satavahana on 07 Sep 11. A total of 31 Officers and 93 sailors participated in the Adventure Camp. The participants ran a josh run of 10 Km on their way to the campsite at Ramballi village. Various activities like small arms firing, tent pitching competition, night navigation and route march, reaction-exercise and weapon assembly competitions were conducted during the camp. In addition, sports activities like Volleyball and Tug of War were also held. The camp was organized as part of the adventure activities periodically undertaken by the Submarine Training School with the aim to facilitate esprit-de-corps, camaraderie and overall development of the men of the Submarine arm. It is also intended to prepare the trainees for the rigors of the tough life onboard submarines and instill in them a spirit of adventure, team work and above all, self-confidence. As part of the activity, a medical camp was organized for the underprivileged of Ramballi village, wherein free medicines were disbursed and treatment administered. Rear Admiral Srikant, Flag Officer Submarines was the Chief Guest at the Campfire. That was also attended by Captain Dilbag Singh along with the officers and sailors from the Training Faculty of the Submarine Training School and Satavahana. The chief guest inspected the campsite and addressed the young submarine trainees. He also gave away the prizes to the champion division.

ENC CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 CONDUCTED

Eastern Naval Command Cross Country Championship 2011 was held today, 09 Sep 11 at INS Dega. All ships and establishments of Eastern Naval Command including outstation units took part in the event. The participants were grouped into six teams of 12 participants each. The competition was held over a distance of twelve kilometers. The race was flagged off by Chief Guest Captain A Samal, Officiating Commanding Officer, INS Dega at 0600 hours. The Championship conducted within the premises of INS Dega itself was governed by the standard AAFI rules. Manoj Kumar, Seaman II of Fleet B team won the race with a timing of 43.14 minutes. Ravindra Kumar, Seaman II of Fleet 'A' team was a close second with a timing of 43.16 minutes. Fleet A team were adjudged runners up, and the Cross country Championship for the year 2011 was won by the Fleet B team. Captain Samal gave away prizes to individual winners and trophies to the Champion and Runners up teams.

WELFARE INITIATIVES BY NAVAL WIVES AT PONDURU

As part of the Community Development Programmes undertaken by the Navy, Mrs. Madhulika Verma, President, Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), accompanied by Mrs Nani Singh, President, NWWA, Eastern Region visited the Weavers Colony at Ponduru village in Srikakulam District today, 08 Sep 11 and interacted with the members of the Community. Mrs Madhulika Verma also presented gift cheques to Shri Matsa Narayan Rao, 53 and Shri Manem Pentaiah, 35 on behalf of the Udyogika wing of the NWWA that promotes traditional small scale enterprises. The Event was also attended by Committee members of the NWWA (E/R). Shri Rao and Pentaiah both eke out a living producing 200-250 meters of cloth per month for as little as 4,000 to 5,000 rupees. While other weavers of the community moved on to more rewarding professions, a few like them have stood by the traditional craft passed down generations. The Navy has shown its commitment to the welfare of these handloom weavers by also conducting frequent medical camps in the area, with the aim of undertaking general out-patient service, identifying and referring early stages of chronic diseases, imparting basic health education and providing immunization advice and free medicines to the attendant population. The charter has also included examining eye ailments of the weavers who are prone to severe deterioration of vision owing to the nature of their vocation, and distribution of free near vision glasses to those afflicted. The local unit of Udyogika also supports their endeavours by procuring bulk cotton cloth directly from the weavers at better prices.

GVMC SPECIFIES SWEDISH TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

During the second day workshop held today with the members of Swedish delegation, GVMC Commissioner, Sri. B. Ramanjaneyulu, specified various areas in which GVMC is seeking technical support from the Sweden. Explaining the functional and operational systems and the project development activities being taken up presently in GVMC through a power point presentation, the Commissioner requested the transfer of Swedish technology in the areas of Solid Waste Management, Waste to Energy with liquid and solid waste, e-governance, transport and housing technology. The Commissioner added that the Swedish technology support and transfer is necessary for the development of the city, and stated that the technologies will be integrated with the existing systems being followed in GVMC for the benefit of citizens of Visakhapatnam. Smt. Botta Eswaramma, CPM, Floor Leader, Sri.K. Ramesh, Addl. Commissioner (Projects), Addl. Commissioner (Finance) Mr. K. Poornachandra Rao, Mr.B.Jayaramireddy, Chief Engineer, Mr.S. Satyanarayana, Examiner of Accounts, Mr. Y. Mangapathi Rao, Financial Advisor, and all the Zonal Medical Officers and Zonal Commissioners including Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers have participated in the group discussions representing GVMC, while the members of the Swedish delegation, Mr. Ludvig Lindström, Ms Astrid Fell, Ms Camilla Axelsson, Mr. Mikael Kullman, Ms Arati Davis Mr Eric Rönnols Mr. Stefan Dahlgren Mr Anders Ellergård, Mr. Jan-Olov Vinterhav, Mr. Bala Prasad have represented the Swedish delegation, coordinated by Dr.A. Rajendra Krishna, HRD Consultant.

CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF AT VISAKHAPATNAM

Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of the Naval Staff accompanied by Mrs. Madhulika Verma, President Navy Wives Welfare Association is at Visakhapatnam on a three-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command. The Chief of the Naval Staff held discussions today, 07 Sep 11 with Vice Admiral Anup Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command and later attended a briefing on matters related to the Command. Later, the Admiral visited the stealth frigate INS Shivalik and reviewed the harbour facilities. In the course of his stay here, Admiral Verma is also scheduled to visit several establishments of the Command including the Naval Dockyard and the Married Accommodation Project (MAP). Admiral and Mrs. Verma will depart Visakhapatnam on Thursday, 08 Sep 11.

"Another unique hi-tech approach in serving the needy – Sri Sathya Sai Digital Village" launched by Sri Sathya Sai SevaOrganisation- First of its kind in Andhra Pradesh

Well, it is all the grace of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Saibaba vaaru. His concern to extend service to the needy in remote villages donned a “new dimension” with the launch of Sri Sathya Sai Digital village, today i.e., 5 September 2011. The concept of this hi-tech service project paves way for spreading Bhagavan Sri Sathya Saibaba’s Message of Love & Service through Video conferencing from a digital studio “Sai Premavani” set up at “PremaSadan” located in Sri SathyaSai Vidyavihar school, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam to a remote village "Buttayagudem" in West Godavari District. This is the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh. The programme commenced with the Jyoti Prajwalana, chanting of Omkaram with Naadaswaram. Bhajans were sung on the occasion. A Skit (Role Play) named 'Devata – depicting Mother as Devatha was enacted. 3 patients from the Buttayagudem village were given medical advice by a senior doctor, Dr.GVSRao through web conference. An Excerpt from Bhagavan Sri Sathya Saibaba’s Divine Discourse given in 1987 was broadcast on the occasion. Several office bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, hundreds of villagers participated in the inaugural programme.

TEACHERS DAY CELEBRATED AT ENC

Teachers Day was celebrated with fervour at the Eastern Naval Command today, 05 Sep 11. Vice Admiral Anup Singh, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ADC, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command presided over the function held at the Sailors Institute and felicitated the teachers for their noble service in shaping future citizens. Over 200 teachers from nine institutions including the Navy Children Schools, Kendriya Vidayalas as well as the Visvodaya High School for Defence Civilians attended the Ceremony. All schools were presented with Gift Cheques by Vice Admiral Anup Singh and Mrs. Nani Singh, President, Navy Wives Welfare Association, Eastern Region. Rolling Trophy for excellence in academics during the Higher Secondary Board Examination- 2011 was presented to Kendriya Vidyalaya II, Nausenabaugh. Remembering the second President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in whose honour the Day is celebrated, Vice Admiral Anup Singh spoke of the importance of formal education and expressed satisfaction at the pivotal role the esteemed profession was playing in taking the Nation forward in its quest for glory.

Ganesh chaturdhi celebrated

Vizagites celebrated Ganesh chaturdhi festival with fervour mood on Thursday. City is registered with 145 ft high idol which is biggest one in te State and 610 kg laddu prasad also recorded. People observing eco-friendly festival this year, to maintain it, most of the Ganesh idols were prepared and decorated with paper, clay and eco-friendly articles. Lord Ganesh blessed the Vizagites in different shapes viz mobile Vinayaka, PC Ganesh, Padmanabha Ganesh, swinging Ganesh, Viswarupa Vinayaka, Dasavatara Ganesh etc. Devotees in large number visited most of the pendals to witnessed the festival mood. Devotees rushed to temples in the morning to get good results towards their future projects. City police issued few traffic directions in the city to control rush at the main locations. Special attraction among all the idols is at the CMR shopping mall, which was decorated with dry fruits. This nine day festival will come to an end on 9 th of this month with Narayana seva (distribution of anna prasad to the poor).