The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Briefly

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 19, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Briefly

Two die of gastroenteritis

CUDDAPAH: Gastroenteritis has claimed two lives in Patha Rayachoti and the condition of four others is said to be critical. Lakshmamma (75) and Narasimhulu (60) died on Monday night. About 80 persons of Patha Rayachoti are undergoing treatment at Rayachoti Government hospital and private nursing homes.

Residents of Patha Rayachoti complained of nausea and diarrhoea after consuming water sold by a tanker owner, according to information. The in-charge DM&HO, Pitchi Reddy, inspected the affected area and advised the medical and health staff on treatment and preventive aspects.

Honour for stage artiste

HYDERABAD: Noted stage artiste T. Kanakam has been selected for the Nandamuri Tarakarama Rao theatre award for 2004.

The 74-year-old veteran was selected for the prestigious award instituted by the State Government following the recommendation made by a three-member panel comprising the theatre and film personalities -- D.V. Narasaraju, Siddappa Naidu and Nutan Prasad.

A contemporary of legendary Telugu theatre personalities -- Peesapati and Shanmukhi -- Kanakam was known more for the male roles she etched out with great aplomb. Her portrayal of the role of Krishna in the play `Kurukshetram' had enthralled generations together. Making her film debut with a dual role in the 1946 production `Gruhapravesam', she went on to act in several mythological films like `Keelu gurram', `Gunasundari katha', `Bhakta Prahlada' besides social films like `Letha Manasulu'.

Chosen for literary award

VISAKHAPATNAM: The writer duo, N. Chandur and his wife Malati Chandur, will receive the first Lok Nayak Foundation Award for excellence in Telugu literature at a function here on Wednesday. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh and a citation.

The foundation's chairman, Yarlagadda Lakshmiprasad, told reporters on Tuesday that the award was instituted in honour of late Bezawada Gopala Reddy and P.V. Narasimha Rao. "Both the personalities wanted me to institute an award on the lines of the Gnanapeeth for eminent personalities engaged in the development of Telugu literature,'' Dr. Lakshmiprasad said.

The Chandurs were selected by a committee comprising Gnanapeeth awardee, C. Narayana Reddy, the former Governor of Karnataka, Ramadevi, and the Justice, Chalameswara.

National singing contest

HYDERABAD: The Delhi-based Sangam Kala Group is organising its regional round of the annual national singing talent hunt competition - Surtarang -- at Sri Potti Sriramulu Telugu University here on January 23.

The event, being sponsored by M/s Hero Honda, will be organised in the categories of filmi and non-filmi songs for sub-juniors (5 to 12 years), juniors (12 to 18 years) and seniors (18 to 25 years).

The regional president of Surtarang, Y. Bharadwaja, told reporters that participants should pay an entrance fee of Rs.100 each and submit proof of their age.

On-the-spot registration one hour before the contest will be allowed. The competitions will commence at 9 a.m. and each group will be adjudged by a panel of three judges. Winners at the regional level will take part in the inter-State competition in New Delhi on February 3 and 4 and winners in that round will be eligible for the all-India final to be held on February 5.

Recognised schools' plea HYDERABAD: The Joint Action Committee of Recognised Schools' Associations on Tuesday urged the Minister for School education, N. Rajyalakshmi, to stop granting permissions for corporate schools. In a copy of the representation released to the media, they maintained that the State Government was according permissions to open corporate schools in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy district without following the norms of Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982. They appealed to the Minister to de-recognise the schools which are advertising State ranks.

Minister gheraoed

ANANTAPUR: The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham staged a dharna in front of the Collectorate and gheraoed the Minister for Panchayat Raj, J.C. Diwakar Reddy, demanding allocation of 10 tmcft water to Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir (PABR) here today. The CPI and APRS activists led by M.V. Ramana, K. Ramakrishna and A. Katamaiah, tried to force their way into the Collectorate, where the District Review Committee meeting was being held. They raised slogans against the Government for not fulfilling electoral promises. The All India Students' Federation (AISF) also staged a dharna demanding sanction of scholarships to students, hike in mess charges and exempting fee in drought district like Anantapur.

RTC achievement

HYDERABAD: The APSRTC achieved the highest earning of Rs.12.10 crores on a single day on Monday. The previous highest earning of Rs.11.26 crores was recorded on January 19 last year, according to a press release.

The Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Gautam Kumar, attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of all employees of the corporation. While thanking passengers for their patronage, he said the RTC always kept the needs and comforts of its patrons/passengers.

Officers and employees, anticipating heavy demand from the travelling public in view of Sankranti holidays, had planned operations at all 212 depots in the State.

Vaman Rao panel hearing

HYDERABAD: Justice Vaman Rao, the retired judge of the High Court, who is inquiring into the affairs of Andhra University and allegations against its Vice-Chancellor, Y.C. Simhadri, will commence its hearings on January 19 at 2 p.m. The venue is the Visakhapatnam Collectorate. If necessary, the hearing will continue the next day at 10.30 a.m. Persons representing various associations of students, teachers, employees and others can depose before the judge, according to a press release.

Labourer electrocuted

Sangareddy: S. Raghava (19), a contract labourer at the Patancheru-based company, died on Tuesday when he came in contact with a live wire. Raghava, a native of Kallapur of Ranga Reddy district, and four more labourers were asked to remove a welding machine from a water-logged place. While others were removing it, Raghava tried to disconnect the wire attached to the machine. As power supply to the machine was on, he received shock and died on the spot.

Couple found dead

KURNOOL: A couple died under mysterious circumstances at Gopavaram village in Mahanandi mandal of Kurnool district on Tuesday.

The body of Venkataramana was found hanging in his farmyard while that of the wife, Soujanya, in the house.

According to reports, Soujanya, who went to her parents to celebrate Pongal returned on Monday. Venkataramana, who got married nine months ago, was the son of the sarpanch, Susheelamma.

Acquitted in murder case

KURNOOL: Gouru Venkat Reddy, husband of Nandikotkur MLA, Gouru Charita, has received a respite following his acquittal in a murder case.

He along with 13 others faced charges for the murder of Tirupathi Reddy in 1996. The Fourth Additional Sessions Judge, Venkatrao Patil, acquitted the accused as the prosecution failed to prove the charges. Venkat Reddy's brother, Murali Reddy, also faced the charges.

At present, Venkat Reddy is undergoing imprisonment in a twin murder case which was upheld by the High Court.

Documentary by police

CUDDAPAH: The Additional SP, M. Lakshmi Reddy, launched shooting of a documentary on the career guidance programme, `Bhavishyat Bata', on Tuesday.

The Armed Reserve DSP, B.H. Raghavendra Rao, gave the clap for preparing CDs, to be sent to all the DEOs and police officials. The three-day shooting of the documentary was being directed by Acharya Chakravarthulu.

Posters on CPI(M) meet

KURNOOL: The CPI(M) district secretary, T. Shadrak, released here on Tuesday the posters of State conference at Warangal between January 25 and 28. Mr. Shadrak said 23 delegates from the district would take part in the deliberations of the party while hundreds would attend the public meeting being addressed by the West Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

The Polit Bureau members -- Sitaram Yechuri and Prakash Karat -- would attend the delegates session.

Water shortage

KURNOOL: The CPI(M) district secretary, T. Shadrak, has said ruling party leaders and the Minister from the district have neglected the water requirements of the district. Mr. Shadrak said though the Irrigation Advisory Board meeting resolved to store four tmcft for drinking water needs in the district nothing was done so far. Even the water meant for drinking needs was being diverted to other districts for agriculture purpose. Mr. Shadrak urged the district administration to intervene and bring to the notice of the government the impending water crisis in Kurnool city and other places.

Security beefed up

NELLORE: The district police administration has beefed up security in view of the bandh call given by the CPI (Maoists) on January 20. The officials have taken measures to provide protection to all vital installations, with more alert in forest areas of Rapur and Udayagiri, in addition to neighbouring Prakasam and Cuddapah districts. The authorities are also constantly monitoring the situation, in view of the general alert sounded by police all over the State.

Tsunami relief

TIRUPATI: Students of Sri Venkateswara Children's High School have extended a helping hand to tsunami victims by mobilising Rs.10,000 in the form of contributions from the staff and general public. The amount has been remitted to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

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