The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Hazards of time constraint

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Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Hazards of time constraint

Former Chief Secretary Mohan Kanda recently gave an interesting anecdote on how embarrassing it would be to make last minute changes in a speech or write-up. A Harvard University professor was invited by an organisation to speak on elementary particles of physics, but was asked to shorten his lecture in the nick of time due to some unavoidable reasons.

Forced with the last minute request, the professor read out paragraphs from his text apparently creating confusion among the audience. Proposing a vote of thanks, an organiser thanked the professor for delivering an ‘elementary' lecture on physics instead of on elementary particles in physics.

Everyone is aware of the acting talent of actor-turned-politician K. Chiranjeevi, but not many are aware of his imitating abilities. He took many by surprise when he started mimicking superstar Rajinikanth and Mohan Babu during the audio release of Rajini-starrer Robo. The megastar had everyone in splits soon as he took the stage and started speaking in Rajinikanth's style and mannerisms. By the time, the other guests realised Chiranjeevi had already taken a dig at Rajinikanth and Mohan Babu. On the other hand, Rajinikanth had his own way of welcoming Mohan Babu. Beginning his speech, he said, “My friend, educationist, ex-MP and ex-hero Mr. Mohan Babu…” This left everyone laughing, including Mohan Babu.

There can be only one best in quality in any field. But when it comes to the Hyderabadi delicacy, haleem, there is no dearth of claimants. Every hotel in the city stakes claim to the top spot. In fact, they go to town with their assertions. With the month of fasting, Ramzan, round the corner, the bill boards and newspaper ads cry hoarse about the best place to find the spicy snack.

Foodies, however, beg to differ. No restaurant can claim to be the ultimate in serving haleem, they say. The best can be the one that you have not sampled yet. So haleem hunters don't get carried away by the claims. Just follow the aromatic trail. You are sure to hit pay dirt.

Back pain, spondylitis, street dogs and swarms of mosquitoes…citizens of the capital are being battered with these problems because of the lethargic functioning of the GHMC, said TDP floor leader Singireddy Srinivas Reddy.

In a sarcastic vein, he launched on to the engineering wing, especially for the bad roads. “On any given day, there are 500 municipal officials on the roads in some locality or other and crores of rupees are being spent, but civic problems are only getting compounded,” he pointed out. “The state of our roads is such that a pregnant woman will deliver before even reaching the hospital,” he said amidst peals of laughter from fellow corporators during the recent council meeting. Majlis corporator Mohd. Wajahat Ali Khan has a way with words and has the penchant to create a flutter during the council meetings. After raising temperatures over his “corrupt IAS officers” remark last time, this time, he put the officials on the mat on the deputations' issue. Reading out a GO, he said inter-departmental deputations had been banned but wondered how officials from different departments continued to pour into the GHMC while the municipal staff languished for want of promotional opportunities.

“Our Commissioner is ready with all Acts, rules and GOs whenever we seek any information,” he said acidly and added for good measure: “Am surprised he has no knowledge of the GO!”

MARRI RAMU, S. SANDEEP KUMAR, J.S. IFTHEKHAR,

V. GEETANATH

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