Hyderabad
Telangana: P C Ghose Commission’s term extended by two more months
The commission was initially set to submit its report by December 31, but it is in the process of completing the process of cross examination
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 05:24 PM
Hyderabad: The term of Justice P C Ghose Judicial Commission probing into the construction of Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project barrages has been extended by two more months by the State government.
The commission was initially set to submit its report by December 31, but it is in the process of completing the process of cross examination. As a result, its term was extended till February 28, 2025.
Heritage and Harmony: The story of St. John the Baptist church in Hyderabad
The church’s serene interior features pristine white walls, polished pews, and brass plaques honouring British soldiers. A marble baptismal font is a basin or receptacle made of marble carved from a single block, stands as a symbol of enduring conviction
Updated On – 23 December 2024, 10:26 AM
1. St. John’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest church edifices in twin cities stands strong even after 211 years without a blemish to its original structure [Photo Copyright N.Shiva Kumar]
By N.Shiva Kumar
Hyderabad: Nestled in East Marredpally, the Church of St. John the Baptist is a 211-year-old architectural marvel and a cornerstone of history in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Established in 1813 to serve the resident British troops, it became the region’s first organized Christian place of worship, witnessing historical milestones and embodying resilience for generations.
Architectural Legacy
Designed in the Tuscan style construction which is a type of architecture that originated in Tuscany region of Italy in the 1600s. It’s characterized by a combination of rustic, natural elements and elegant simplicity, and is known for its Old-World European charm. The cruciform shaped church boasts two-foot-thick walls made of Surkhi mortar and a roof of Rangoon teak. This durable wood has stood the test of time, requiring minimal restoration. The church’s serene interior features pristine white walls, polished pews, and brass plaques honouring British soldiers. A marble baptismal font is a basin or receptacle made of marble carved from a single block, stands as a symbol of enduring conviction. Equally interesting is a metallic eagle shaped podium for holding large tomes for reading or reciting.
Massive pillars support the wooden Rangoon teak girders and roof even after a 200 year-old life span, is getting ready for the Christmas celebrations [Photo Copyright N.Shiva Kumar]The Pipe Organ: A Musical Treasure
Installed in 1916, the 108-year-old pipe organ stands as one of India’s oldest fully functional specimens. With 758 pipes and intricate mechanisms, it continues to captivate congregants every Sunday morning and still is sparkling and blending heritage with spirituality. Standing 16 feet high it’s a marvel that needs to be not heard, Says Sibghat Khan of Deccan Archives Foundation who was fortunate to record its melodious tunes.
Role in 1857 Uprising
During India’s first war of independence, the church adapted to turbulent times. Initially, soldiers left their weapons outside during services, but after the rebellion began, a rule allowed them to carry arms inside—a poignant reflection of the era’s pressures. While retaining its 19th-century essence, the church has embraced modernity. Electrified in 1914 and expanded with a belfry in 1923, the church reflects both its colonial roots and evolving role in the community. The striking blue cross atop the belfry, donated by industrialist Dewan Bahadur Ramgopal, is a local landmark.
3. The colourful stain glass door top windows and sill glitter with the outside sun poring inside the church. [Photo Copyright N.Shiva Kumar]A Diverse Congregation
Today, a large 500 odd members from across India gather here, with services conducted in English also, fostering inclusivity. The church’s rich heritage complements nearby landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica and Wesley Church, enriching the cultural tapestry of the city. The church is more than a sanctuary—it’s a living museum of faith and history. Its meticulously preserved features, from the Rangoon teak roof to the melodious pipe organ, offer visitors a profound connection to the past. Step inside this historic gem to experience the harmonious blend of history, resilience, and heritage.
Khammam Collector helps physically challenged street vendor begin new journey
The Collector who recently visited Mahila Shakti canteens in Khammam city interacted with a physically challenged street vendor, D Kamala, who was selling fried groundnuts by the side of a road at Zaheerpura circle
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 06:25 PM
Collector Muzammil Khan speaking with a street vendor D Kamala in Khammam
Khammam: District Collector Muzammil Khan, who has been reaching out to common people, helped a person with disability (PwD) in Khammam to begin a new journey.
The Collector, who has been connecting with the sections that were usually uncared for by officials in higher positions, has on several occasions visited auto-rickshaw addas (spots) and interacted with auto rickshaw drivers to learn about their problems.
In continuation of his efforts, Khan arranged a special health camp for auto-rickshaw drivers and their families in the second week of December to address their health issues. He also took steps to conduct yoga classes for auto rickshaw drivers.
The Collector who recently visited Mahila Shakti canteens in Khammam city interacted with a physically challenged street vendor, D Kamala, who was selling fried groundnuts by the side of a road at Zaheerpura circle.
On seeing the Collector, Kamala, who did not know who he was, asked him whether he wants to buy some groundnuts. Khan enquired about the conditions of her family. She explained to the official that she lives with her mother and has no one to look after them.
Then the Collector told the woman he would extend financial assistance on behalf of the government to support them. Later, he contacted municipal commissioner Abhishek Agastya suggesting that arrangements should be made to provide a loan to Kamala.
Following the Collector’s directions, Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) district mission coordinator Savala Sujatha, town mission coordinator G Sujatha and community organiser B Roja approached a local bank and provided Kamala with a business loan of Rs 1 lakh.
The loan cheque was handed over to Kamala on Thursday and soon she would start a vegetable business, informed MEPMA officials. Kamala, who was overjoyed at how quickly her life took a positive turn, thanked Collector Khan for his support to her family.
Allu Arjun denies he went to Sandhya Theatre without permission; insists that he followed police instructions
Allu Arjun said it was an unfortunate accident and that nobody was at fault. He expressed his deep regret over the loss of life but stressed that he never intended to harm anyone
Updated On – 21 December 2024, 08:54 PM
Hyderabad: Actor Allu Arjun on Saturday broke his silence over the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre earlier this month in which a woman died and her son was grievously injured in a stampede when he visited the theatre for a benefit show of his recent release ‘Pushpa- 2: The Rule’.
Offering an apology and clarifying multiple misconceptions surrounding the death of the 35-year-old woman, Revathi, and her 8-year-old son Sritej being grievously injured in a stampede-like situation at the theatre, Allu Arjun said it was an unfortunate accident and that nobody was at fault. He expressed his deep regret over the loss of life but stressed that he never intended to harm anyone.
“The primary reason for this press conference is to make it clear that I do not blame anyone, neither the government nor the officials. The incident was purely unfortunate,” he said, adding that he had remained silent so far in order to avoid further speculation and misinformation.
In the press conference, which came a few hours after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy squarely blamed the actor for the mishap and accused him of going to the theatre without permission and also of refusing to leave without watching the movie, Allu Arjun denied any involvement in a “roadshow” or “procession”.
“I followed all police instructions and did not go anywhere without permission,” he clarified, stating that he had come out of his car to wave at fans in an attempt to clear the crowd and ensure safe access to the theatre. He also confirmed that he left the theatre when requested by the police and theater management due to the overwhelming crowd.
Contradicting the Chief Minister’s claim that he had not left the theatre till threatened with an arrest and that he waved at his fans even after knowing about the death of a woman, Allu Arjun revealed that he was unaware of the tragic death until the following morning. Upon learning about the incident, he immediately instructed his team to reach out to the family. He added that due to legal restrictions, he was currently unable to meet the bereaved family in person but was providing support through his team. He was also getting hourly updates on the condition of the child, he said.
The actor also conveyed his gratitude towards the government and expressed his disappointment over the damage to his character. “Please do not assassinate my character. I have always aimed to entertain, not harm,” he said, before concluding without taking questions citing legal restrictions.
Even after the death of a woman in a stampede, the actor did not leave the cinema hall, prompting the police to force him out, CM alleged.
Kavitha urges govt to resume “Civil Rights Day” to create awareness about untouchability
Making a special mention on the issue in the legislative council on Saturday, Kavitha said during BRS regime civil rights day was conducted on last Sunday of every month, wherein all the district, village and mandal level officers used to create awareness about the ill effects of caste discrimination and untouchability to the people
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 06:34 PM
BRS MLC K Kavitha
Hyderabad: BRS MLC K Kavitha urged the State government to resume “civil rights day” initiative implemented by the previous BRS government to create awareness about eradication of caste discrimination and untouchability in villages and towns in the State.
Making a special mention on the issue in the legislative council on Saturday, Kavitha said during BRS regime civil rights day was conducted on last Sunday of every month, wherein all the district, village and mandal level officers used to create awareness about the ill effects of caste discrimination and untouchability to the people.
The officials used to spread awareness among various communities regarding SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Civil Rights Act, she informed.
However, after Congress came to power, the civil rights day was not being conducted in the State, she said, adding that there was a rise in crime against women in the rural areas, especially against the weaker section women.
She urged the government to resume the civil rights day initiative to instill confidence among the weaker sections.
“In some parts of rural areas still caste discrimination and untouchability continue to persist. There are still two class systems in many villages. To address such issues and create awareness among the people about its ill effects, there is a need to resume the civil rights day,”she observed.
Revanth Reddy has confessed inability to deliver on promises, says KTR
The BRS leader condemned the Congress government for making empty promises during elections and failing to fulfill them after coming to power. He accused the Congress of deceiving farmers with assurances of loan waivers, only to fall short in implementing them effectively.
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 09:02 PM
Revanth Reddy Has Confessed Inability To Deliver On Promises Says Ktr
Hyderabad: Launching a scathing attack on the Congress government for the yawning gap between its words and deeds in the implementation of the loan waiver, BRS working president KT Rama Rao said Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was misleading the public and the Assembly with false statements on the extent of debt relief extended to the farmers. Stating that Revanth Reddy had come out with a confession statement admitting his inability to implement the Six Guarantees promised by the Congress Party to win the polls, he pointed out that Revanth Reddy was unable to explain how the promised Rs 49,500 crore loan waiver was reduced to Rs. 26,000 crore. Despite this, Revanth Reddy had shamelessly claimed that 100% of the loan waiver had been implemented.
The BRS leader criticized the Congress government for making false promises during elections and failing to deliver once in power. He accused the Congress of misleading farmers with promises of loan waivers and then failing to implement them effectively. He pointed out that the previous BRS government had significantly reduced farmer suicides in Telangana through initiatives like Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima. Citing the National Crime Records Bureau data, which showed a decrease in farmer suicides from 1,348 in 2014 to 178 in 2022, he attributed the drop to the BRS government’s support for the agricultural sector.He also pointed out that the Congress government had failed to provide a clear explanation for the discrepancies in the loan waiver figures. He stated that while one Congress leader claimed that 70% of the loan waiver had been implemented, the Chief Minister claimed that 100% had been achieved. He asserted that no village in the state had received a complete loan waiver and that even the Chief Minister’s own village, Kondareddipalle, was no exception.
Rama Rao also said the Congress government had diverted funds from schemes like Rythu Bandhu to cover the loan waiver and vowed to continue holding the Congress accountable and to ensure that the promises made to farmers were fulfilled.
