VizagCityOnline.com - Vizag Snapshots

May 2005

30th May, 2005

The Panel of Dignitaries at NASSCOM IT Industry - Academia Workshop.

The IT Secretary of the Goverment of Andhra Pradesh, Mrs K. Ratna Prabha.

The President of NASSCOM, Mr. Kiran Karnik.

The NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) IT Industry - Academia Workshop is the thing being talked about all over Vizag. Held at Hotel Grand Bay, the workshop started off with a welcome address by Col. S. V. Ramachandran, the Regional Director of NASSCOM.

Then, Mrs K. Ratna Prabha, IT Secretary of Andhra Pradesh addressed the meeting expressing her happiness at such an event occurring when she took charge. "It is something that Vizag has been waiting for, this coming together of the IT Industries and Universities," she added. While stating that Andhra Pradesh is ahead of others, she stated that the state is still finding Human Resources a major challenge. Requesting the University heads to incorporate IT into MBA programmes, she stressed the need for special training in English and communication skills in graduate programmes. She further added that an integrated effort by IT industries and the academia can produce wonders for a two-tier city like Visakhapatnam. Prof. K.C. Reddy, the Chairman of APSCHE, then, addressed the meet and informed that soft skills will be introduced in all graduate programmes from this academic year and also that the Cambridge University Press will release a book on the 15th of June, 2005 to help students in this area. Several training programmes are being taken, especially to train the teachers. "The Goverment, the industries and the universities have worked in their own way to promote the employability of students, but an integrated effort will reach greater heights," said Prof. K.C. Reddy.

The president of NASSCOM, Mr Kiran Karnik gave the keynote address, stating that there is excellent talent in Andhra Pradesh although it might need a little polishing. Talking about the various changes brought about by the IT industry, he said that the ethos of hardwork was created mainly by it. While many factors like frequent flights still need to be worked on, he said that cities like Vizag can be the future of IT. "Human beings are both the raw material and the technology in Human Resources. It is the crux for staying ahead," said Mr. Karnik. "While Indian talent is phenomenal, their level of confidence in their communication skills is palpably low. They also need to have the ability to think holistically, to identify the problem rather than merely giving solutions to stated problems," he added. He said that universities need to lay the foundation for such skills, helping the students learn to learn in a rapidly changing IT industry. Stressing on the need to bridge the gap between the needs of industries and the curriculum of the universities, Mr. Kiran Karnik stated that this is yet a beginning and the industry in India still has a long way to go. The Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Prof. L. Venugopala Reddy and the Vice-Chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University, Prof. Bala Mohan Das also spoke.

28th May, 2005

Mr. Nasir Khatry's painting exhibition-cum-sale at Hotel Green Park is a feast for sore eyes. Talking about his childhood hobby, he says he was inspired by the paintings of the famous Raja Ravi Varma.

A woman gets an eyeful of the myriad colours in Mr. Khatry's paintings. The exhibition-cum-sale will continue on the 29th of May, 2005 from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

25th May, 2005

Mr N. Janardhana Reddy addressing media personnel

The Member of Parliament (MP) Lok Sabha, Sri N. Janardhana Reddy addressing the media personnel at his residence in MVP Colony on the 25th of May, 2005. Mr Reddy reiterated his commitment to revive sick Public Sector Units (PSUs) like Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and Bharat Heavy Plates and Vessels (BHPV) in Visakhapatnam.

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Sri S. Jaipal Reddy (Right side in the picture) felicitating freedom fighter and leader of backward classes, Sardar Goutu Latchanna on his completion of 75 years (Vajrotsavam) in public life which started with 'Dandi' March, on the 24th of May, 2005 at Kalabharati auditorium. Mr Jaipal Reddy who worked under Sri Goutu Latchanna as deputy leader in opposition during the days of emergency said that "Goutu Latchanna with 75 years of glorious history in public life is the surviving foot soldier of 'Dandi Satyagraha' and first leader to represent interests of backward classes." Earlier, the State Minister for Commercial taxes, Mr Konathala Ramakrishna referred to Sri Goutu Latchanna as the 'Living Legend' and an inspiration to the present generation leadership.

The Visakhapatnam MP, Sri N. Janardhana Reddy said that he never missed an opportunity to visit him even during the days of Chief Ministership. The other dignitaries present were the Minister of Endowments, Mr M. Satyanarayana Rao and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP, Mr K. Yerran Naidu.

24th May, 2005

The audience who gathered at VUDA Childrens' Theatre were deeply immersed in the stream of melodious 'Annamayya Kritis' which were written and composed by Tallapaka Annamacharya, a devotee of Lord Venkateswara. Inaugurating the programme 'Annamacharya Jayanthi Utsavam' organized by the Department of Culture and Heritage, Andhra Pradesh State Government on the 23rd of May, 2005, the Chief-Guest, Sadguru Sivananda Murthy said that the Annamayya kritis included all the 'rasas' and the language used is so simple and lucid that even a layman can understand with ease.

21st May, 2005

The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy garlanding the bronze statue of former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi on his 15th death anniversary near Beach Road on the 21st of May, 2005. Incidentally, Sri Rajiv Gandhi addressed his last public rally in Vizag on the same day in 1991.

The CM in his address to the Party workers said that his Government will work towards realisation of Rajiv Gandhi's vision of technology advancement in India.

The leaders of Congress Party return after the CM leaves for Hyderabad on a chartered helicopter from Diamond Jubilee Port Stadium in Visakhapatnam on 21st of May, 2005.

18th May, 2005

Mr Christopher M Wurst, Vice-Consul for Public Affairs at the US Consulate-General, Chennai chats on VizagCityOnline.com on the 18th of May, 2005 in Vizag. He answered queries on topics including visas, issues relating to Indo-US relationships, movies and job opportunities in the USA (United States of America).

16th May, 2005

The newly introduced 50-seater tourist boat 'Visakha' owned by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has become an instant hit with tourists in Visakhapatnam. People can enjoy a joy ride onboard 'Visakha' which ferries between the Fishing Harbour and Ramakrishna Beach for a span of 30 minutes. The fare for Adults is Rs 50 and Rs 40 for Children.

14th May, 2005

With summers come the summer camps and kids learn finer skills at playing musical instruments, take swimming lessons or play ball. However warm the weather be, kids in Visakhapatnam enjoy their summer camps to the hilt.

(In the picture) Children learn the notes at the guitar classes held at the 21st YMCA Summer Camp.

Kids get trained in roller skating at the VUDA Summer Camp, 2005 in VUDA Park.

Swimming Classes underway for kids at a swimming pool in Aqua Sports Complex, Rama Krishna Beach.

10th May, 2005

Russians feast their eyes on hand made wooden dolls at Lepakshi exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafts from various States in India. The exhibition is on for 10 days, from the 5th of May, 2005 to the 15th of May, 2005 at the Vishwapriya Function Hall.

A boy explains about the ten-headed leather puppet of 'Ravana' to his kid sister.

People getting an eyeful of the exquisitely carved terracotta pots and clay horses that can lend a very ethnic look to your home. For more, visit Viswapriya Function Hall on R.K. Beach. The timings are 10.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m.

9th May, 2005

Inauguration of Hobie Sailing Championship

State Minister for Roads, Buildings and Ports, Sri. Jakkampudi Ram Mohan Rao, is being introduced to the sailing participants who are participating in the 'First National Hobie 16 Sailing Championship' at Rushikonda on the 9th of May, 2005. Pendurthy MLA, Mr Tippala Gurumurthy Reddy is also seen.

Sailors try their hands on the Hobie Catamaran, at the 'First National Hobie 16 Sailing Championship' held at Rushikonda.

Launching of Cross Check monthly magazine.

Access Media Publishers' new glossy English multi-colour monthly magazine 'Crosscheck' was launched in Visakhapatnam on the 9th of May, 2005 at Hotel Daspalla. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr Manoj Kumar Grandhi, Proprietor of Vaibhav Jewellers. Along with Mr Samuel Tatikonda, the Chief Editor of the magazine were present Rev. Dr. M.A. Paul and Mr. S.N. Parik, Chief Manager of Bank of Baroda.

7th May, 2005

The Superintendent of King George Hospital (KGH), Dr. M. Ganeswara Rao releasing the Doctors Directory of Andhra Medical College (AMC) and King George Hospital (KGH) Government Doctor's Association at the Superintendent's Chamber, KGH on the 7th of May, 2005.

A seminar organised by Rotary Club, Waltair

'Media should be objective and exercise restraint in passing judgments', was the crux of the seminar 'Diverse Role of Media', a seminar organised by Rotary Club, Waltair at the VJF Press Club on the 7th of May, 2005. Former Member of Parliament (MP), Sri M. V. V. S. Murthy, the Managing Director of Girijan Corporation, Sri A. Vidya Sagar, Former Mayor, Rajana Ramani, Chief of Bureau, The Hindu, Sri R. Sampath, VJF President, Sri Siva Shankar, and other Rotarians participated in this seminar.

4th May, 2005

'MV Strait Island' built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) set sail from the HSL jetty on the 4th of May, 2005 to Port Blair. MV Strait Island is the 8th vessel out of a series of 10, which have been delivered by HSL to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for carrying out Tsunami relief operations. This vessel was flagged off by Rear Admiral Ajit Tewari, AVSM, NM (Retd) on its maiden voyage from Visakhapatnam. MV Strait Island is the 132nd vessel constructed by HSL, since of the inception of the yard.

3rd May, 2005

Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme

Mr. C.B.S Venkata Ramana, Commissioner Family Welfare and Ex-Officio Secretary addressing the media correspondents at the Media workshop titled 'Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme' held on the 3rd of May, 2005 at Hotel Green Park. The workshop was organised with an aim to involve media in dissipating information to the masses about the benefits of administering pulse polio drops. Pulse Polio Immunisation programme is scheduled to be held on the 15th of May, 2005.

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