IS FLOOD HAVOC IN AP MAN MADE?

Millions of people suffered misery due to the flood havoc in Andhra Pradesh. Tens of thousands of houses were destroyed, thousands of animal died, hundreds of thousands of crops were washed off. The victims of floods have to rebuild from the scratch. The total damage is estimated at more than $20 billion dollars. Residents of Kurnool were the most unfortunate among the lot who are suffering from the severest consequences from the flood havoc. Millions of people became silent victims to the tragedy.

The flood havoc has been attributed to the excessive rain fall in the catchment areas, which led to release of excessive waters from the reservoirs particularly the Srisailam reservoir. At the peak the inflow at the dam was a staggering 2.5 million cusecs, while the discharge was about 1.5 million cusecs. It is lucky that this dam withstood such massive inflows is a silver lining in darkness.

However in the post disaster scenario questions are being raised as to whether this flood havoc is nature’s fury or man made. The supporters of the theory that man made elements played major role in the flood havoc makes us to have a thorough relook into the reasons for the flood havoc.

The first accusation being made is that at the bidding of political masters, the reservoir authorities at Srisailam Reservoir kept the water level at 885 feet to favor the interests of Kadapa district by intentionally withholding the release of water to the Nagarguna Sagar Dam which has a cushion of about 150 tmc despite info that massive rains and inflows into the Srisailam dam and catchment areas were forecast. At that time, farmers serviced by the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir were facing acute drought conditions with withering crops. It is being said that the water releases from the dams are not being made by technical experts but by political masters is a serious cause of worry. It is unfortunate that those who want to be benefitted from the excessive storages at Srisailam too were victims of inundation.

The second accusation being made is that relief and rescue operations were tardy and government inaction increased the sufferings of the victims. The mud filled homes make the life of the survivors horrible with the threat of epidemics looming large.

On both the accounts it is the failure of machinery clearly. Steps needed to be taken to prevent

recurrence of such human errors and act in such way that future disaster management matches the best in the world.

Political Masters must be taken out of influence in the matter of management of water and it should be left to Experts with clear instructions to distribute water equitably and take steps to avoid human tragedy like the one the Andhra people went through.

DEVI PURAM

GOD’S PERFERRED PLACE CRAFTED BY A NUCLEAR SCIENTIST

Only those with pure devotion can experience divine feelings.

Devipuram has the distinction of having the largest SriCharka temple in the world along with Kamakhya Peetham and Siva temples on the scenic hillocks near Devipuram. It is a perfect destination for those who seek elevating spiritual experience. It is surely a modern day spiritual wonder being a Sadhana Khetram with sacred vibrations awakening the inside of us and helping us realize the truth. Close to Vizag and 5Kms from Sabbavaram, near Anakapalle, Devipuram has emerged as a favourite spiritual destination with uniqueness unmatched.

Dr. N. Prahlada Sastry a former Nuclear Scientist at TIFR is the man and spirit behind this magnificent project of unique proposition conceived the project on the initiation by none other than Goddess Balatripura Sundari. He is fondly called as “Guruji” by innumerable devotees and also took the name of Sri Annapoornamba Sametha Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswathy after he took Deeksha from Sri Swaprakashananda Natha Thirtha Avadhutha of Anakapalli. He found answer for his search for Truth through Sri Vidya Upasana.

It is during 1983 Devi Yagna that Putrvu family donated 3 acres of land and requested the “Guruji” to construct Devi Temple. Guruji bought 10 acres of adjacent site. In the vicinity of the donated land the Guruji discovered that the surrounding hillocks have a triangular formation similar to that of Kamakhya Peetham in Assam. At the divine prompting the Guruji unearthed panchaloha Sri Chakra Mahameru from the site.

Siva Temple and Kamakhya peetham on the Devipuram hillock were completed in 1984. The Siva temple has a marble lingam and captivates devotees. The Kamakhya Peetham on the hillock offers experience akin to the Kamakhya peetham in Assam.

The construction of Sri Meru Nilayam in Devipuram began in 1985 and was completed in 1994. Constructed over 108 square feet resembling Sri Chakra, with 3 tiers and reaching a height of 54 feet, this unique temple is the biggest Sri Chakra temple in the whole world. The devotees walk into the giant Sri Charka to have a darshan of the 108 deities as mentioned in the “Khadgamala Strotram.” The pervading presence of Sri Lalita Devi, the thousand eyed sahasrakshi has electrifying effect on the devotees entering this unique pyramid shaped Sri Chakra temple.

The devotees can perform abhisekham, archana, puja all by themselves here. Many devotees testify to the miracles that visited their lives, after their visit to the unique temple conglomeration.

The temple has excellent arrangements for boarding and lodging of the devotees and for a 100 Rupees per day you will get accommodation in globe type houses and also served with food. The temple has a huge amphi-theatre a perfect venue for music concerts and functions.

Sri Vidya Trust not only created a unique place of worship but also believes in serving the humanity. It is managing 50 night schools, running a mutually aided cooperative thrift society with 4000 women members, a self help thrift banking project called Jagruti, adult education projects are some of the activities undertaken with a noble purpose.

The Trust is making available unique time –share concept for the ardent visitors and devotees. By paying a sum of Rs1,08,000/- one can get one week accommodation year after year. For the elderly couples all they need to do is to pay the equivalent of 5 time shares to reside there permanently in the heavenly surroundings.

Dr. N. Prahalada Sastry is truly a blessed scientist who with divine initiation created a unique spiritual place to benefit generation after generation.

Vizag is in news again, with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife launched India’s first Nuclear Submarine on 26th of this month. The latest pride of India, INS ARIHANT will sure add to the glory of the Indian Navy as well as Vizag for years to come.

ARIHANT – NUCLEAR POWERED NUCLEAR MISSILE CAPABLE SUBMARINE

INDIA’S latest launch of indigenous nuclear powered submarine named ARIHANT is no ordinary event. It propels India into the front ranking nations which build and operate nuclear powered submarines. Built at an estimated cost of Rs30000 crores, with Russian technical collaboration, this 6000 ton behemoth adds to the teeth of the navy and helps the nation to defend against the enemies from the sea. Not only that, this submarine has the capability of launching nuclear missiles and is treated as giving India second strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack on India.

The nuclear power plant embedded in the submarine is said to be capable of producing equivalent of 85 mega watt for the submarine operation. The nuclear powered submarine can operate in the deep seas for 10 years without needing any refueling.

The Submarine is believed to have titanium hull and is 112 meters long. It has the capability to attain surface speed of 12-15 knots and submerged speed of upto 24 knots. It can comfortably accommodate up to 95 crew members and operate for months without resurfacing unlike the diesel/electric submarines.

Built with L&T a construction major participation, for over 2 decades, the top secret project named ATV resulted in the first nuclear powered submarine to convert the dream into reality.

The ARIHANT will undergo extensive sea trails lasting a couple of years before being inducted into the Navy.

<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:”"; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:”";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

MAKE YOUR PROPERTY INVESTMENT DECISIONS THE RIGHT WAY

WHY Vizag is the preferred choice for investors

Vizag in Andhra Pradesh is not only among the fastest growing cities in India but finds mention in the list of 100 fast growing cities across the globe too. What makes Vizag so special and makes it a preferred real estate investment destination is the subject of our study.

Vizag in Andhra Pradesh emerged as the engine of growth next only to the state capital. Investors are flocking to Vizag due to the many advantages. Already many heavy industries like BHPV, Vizag Steel Plant, Hindustan Ship Yard, Divi’s laboratories, HPCL refinery and a host of big industries transformed the landscape of Vizag into an Industrial hub. The huge naval presence with Naval Dock Yard, Submarine Base, the large railway establishment, the busiest ports Vizag Port and the new Gangavaram Port, the sprawling airport make it a preferred destination for those who wish to set up their shop. The IT industry too is coming up in a big way and many IT majors are in the process of constructing huge facilities. Vizag on the east coast of India is the brightest jewel and truly a land of opportunity.

Vizag has another unique advantage of being the most beautiful coastal cities in India. The beaches in and around Vizag are the hot tourist spots along with a number of other tourist attractions and Vizag has emerged as the favourite tourist destination to not only the people in AP but also to the people of Orissa and West Bengal. The growing tourist traffic is a sure sign of the popularity of this city.

Vizag has the unique qualities to qualify as a true cosmopolitan city of the nation as it has the large presence of people from all the regions and all the major languages and all religions.

After the burst of real estate bubble, the plots of land, apartments, and individual houses are being offered at very reasonable rates. One big advantage with investments in Vizag is that once you acquire any property, you will not entertain the thoughts of selling it to make profits but try to be part of the magic Vizag has in the form of mesmerizing nature, plentiful opportunities to make a decent living and above all a culture that makes you feel at home irrespective of the region or place you hail from. In Vizag, you will find that people are friendly and the facilities are plenty for pleasure and enjoyment. The sea waves gently hitting the golden beaches will for sure take out all the feelings of fatigue, stress and strain.

I came across a very old but well maintained Zilla Parishad School in Viravasaram Village while traveling to Bhimavaram from Kakinada. This school to me represents the educational reformation that our forefathers and elders brought almost 100 years before we achieved our independence. What was done then can be done in every village, only if the rulers give primacy to education.

ANDHRA PRADESH-VICTORY CELEBRATIONS BEFORE THE ELECTORAL RESULTS

Current Andhra Politics are unique in many ways. The elections were conducted in 2 phases and the results are expected only in the middle of May 2009. The Congress, Telugu Desam as well as Praja Rajyam the key players in the electoral battle went into celebration mode each one claiming grand success at polls. How can they celebrate their victory at polls before the counting of votes is any body’s guess? The seasoned political analysts predict a hung assembly with no party or grouping emerging as victorious with ability to form government independently. These premature celebrations exhibit how badly they want to occupy positions of power.

These Pre election result celebrations confuse the voters to no end. Nowhere in other states, are parties performing their pre electoral victory celebrations. Is it not the misplaced confidence of the political parties to celebrate before the event happens? Only one party or one group of parties can form the government after the election results are declared is known to them. Congress which contested alone in the elections claims that it will get 200+ seats in the Assembly. The Mahakutami led by TDP too claims that they will form the government. The new political party floated by film actor Chiranjeevi too claims that they will not get less than 160 seats well past the majority in the assembly. The total strength of AP assembly is 294 seats and hence the claims of some of the parties are too premature.

It is only the BJP party which has no real base in AP Political scene which subscribes to the theory of Hung Assembly.

One thing is certain. Any Government that comes to power in Andhra Pradesh may have to lean on the support of some of the opposition parties cannot be overruled. It is doubtful whether the parties under coalition politics will be able to deliver really on their agendas.

While Congress harped on the theme of bettering the welfare schemes already in force like increasing the Rs2 rice scheme from the present 20 Kgs per family to 30 Kgs per family and increasing the so called free power to farmers from the present 7 hours to 9 hours per day.

The TDP led Mahakutami not only promised 12 hours of free power to farmers but also came up with Free TV scheme for the poor as well as much publicized Cash Transfer Scheme where the poorest are offered Rs2000 per month per family, poor Rs1500 per family and the middle class Rs1000 per family per month. The Mahakutami is also offering free rice supply to those below the poverty line. Compared with the TDP manifesto, the Congress Manifesto is modest.

Coming to the Chiranjeevi Political party, it offers free education, financial assistance for performance of marriages of girls and Rs100 scheme with 25Kgs of rice and other essential commodities. It promises social justice by giving adequate representation to the backward classes in the administration.

While the manifestos and agendas are rosy, the deliverance of the promises by these political parties is doubtful. Since there is no way to remove the party from power within the 5 year period, people have no choice except to bear with the political parties that rarely deliver.

This cycle of rosy promises and failure to deliver has become routine feature in the Political system. Despite 60 years of independence in Andhra Pradesh, many Villages have no protected drinking water facility, no hygienic toilet facilities and many of the people continue to live in thatched sheds or platforms.

If 60 years are not sufficient to provide even basic amenities, how these parties promise to eradicate poverty, provide the best facilities in the next 5 years is questionable.

We need mature political parties and politicians for whom service to the society comes first instead of enrichment of their families, their relatives and their friends.

Let us pray for the day where political parties focus on people who elected them instead of inward focus on their own enrichment.

FAMOUS TEMPLES OF VIZAG

SRI KANAKAMAHA LAKHMI AMMA VARU TEMPLE

We all wish, dream and pray for wealth to GODESS OF WEALTH MAHA LAKSHMI. SRI KANAKA MAHALAKSHMI AMMA VARU TEMPLE in the busy central location just a couple of kilometers away from the Railway Station and the Bus complex is a famous temple, immensely popular with the city residents, visitors and tourists. The unique feature of this temple is that the temple has no roof and it is believed that it is the wish of the Presiding Deity not to have a temple with roof.

the one aspect that endears the temple to all is the fact that the devotees can touch, feel the idol of the presiding deity and perform Puja and Abhishekham all by themselves, without the intervention of temple priests. Many devotees visit the temple and get their vows fulfilled. Many devotees believe that the presiding deity SRI KANAKA MAHA LAKSHMI AMMAVARU blesses them with boons and miracles. The presiding deity is believed to be the GODESS OF TRUTH or SATYA DEVATA by her devotees.

The Margasira Masam is very auspicious month falling generally in November/Decemeber. The month long festivities in the temple attract a million devotees during this auspicious month alone, testifies to the deep faith and devotion to the presiding deity.

The origin of the temple is traced to 1912 when people discovered the idol of the presiding deity in a well near Burujupeta (Fort of the then RAJAS). The Idol was installed in the middle of the road and devotees soon started offering puja and different sevas since then. In 1917, the Municipal Authorities removed the Idol from the middle of the road and reinstalled at the roadside. Soon, people experienced the dance of death and suffering in the form of Plague that claimed thousands of lives in that area and caused suffering. People, believed that moving the idol from the middle of the road was the cause for their suffering and once again reinstalled the Idol at the original place. Soon the dance of death stopped and gradually more and more devotees from the city as well as visitors and tourists to the city started visiting the temple and perform Pujas regularly.

The temple is open to devotees from 5AM to 10 PM on all the days. The devotees do ABHISEKHAM with coconut water regularly all by themselves apart from PANCHAMRUTA ABHISEKHAM and KSHEERABHISEKHAM.

The friendly temple administration is ready to help you for the SEVAS and ABHISEKHAMS and you can contact the PRO/SUPERINTENDENT on Phone Numbers 2568645 and 2566515

One of the famous Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh located in the town of Palacole in West Godavari District, AP