Yo Vizag January 2010

Editor Shilpanjani Dantu Feature Writers Uma Siva Prasad Dantu Diya Purkayastha Karishma Krishnan Vincent

editorís desk

Guest Contributor Y.V Sanyasi Row Creative Design Idea First www.ideafirst.in Photography D. Sridhar - VsP G. Vara Prasad - Vsp Mourya Dandu-Vsp Sahiti Chaganti-Vsp Chowdary - Hyd Editorial & Marketing Office DSA Media Publications 3 & 4, II Floor Annapurna Complex Peda Waltair Visakhapatnam 530017 Office No. 0891 2508150 Mobile No: +91 9346437393 Published, Printed & Owned by Dantu Shilpanjani on behalf of DSA Media Publications. mail@yovizag.com www.yovizag.com Printed at Sathyam offset imprints Dwarakanagar,Visakhapatnam

Cover Page Neha Sharma January - 2010

Dear Readers The Carnival, Navy ball, Christmas parties, New Year parties; the last month was just parties, parties and more parties! Bringing in a new flavour this year, was the Carnival at Vihar, adding more fun and frolic to the city party atmosphere. The only hitch was with so many great options, picking the best hot and happening spot, but then the cityís movers and shakers did justice to most, party hopping in a big way. In the midst of all these parties was Chromeís anniversary celebrations, giving the party crowd one more reason to celebrate. The political turmoil notwithstanding, the AndhraTelanganaissues notwithstanding, the city partied... New Year after all comes only once a year! But then, the gloom of an impending divide and the frayed political tempers all over did dampen the festivities.

Ironical that one statement can create such deep rifts amongst people and throw the whole state into disarray. The fallout of that hasty announcement has been disastrous to the stateís finances. Incoming investors are wary of coming here, ongoing projects have been put on hold, services within the state have been disrupted and destruction of state property has become the norm. The real beneficiaries of such a divide are only the politicians, but the sufferers are many.

With hopes of starting the New Year on a more promising and peaceful note, lets resolve not to let emotions cloud our judgement and work towards harmony and amity.

Any Party in the city cannot be complete without the Djís, acknowledging the expertise and spur of the moment adaptaions to keep the party crowd on their feet, we have featured Vizagís very own local Djís.

Yo Vizag 8 January 2010

Another issue that dominated the headlines last month was the Copenhagen summit.

While the world leaders draw up schemes and plans and hope to implement them, itís about time that each and every individual too pitched in their little bit. Start small, but remain committed. We have within a few easy to implement, easy to incorporate ecooriented tips and resolutions. Every little bit adds. And yes, we do have a few beauty resolutions too, if you look good, you feel good. While resolutions to help the self are good, a resolution to help others is worthy to adopt as well. With this thought in mind, we visited a local home, Child and was truly impressed by Mrs. Rajmukhiís commitment.

In our endeavour to highlight all the heritage aspects of Vizag, this time round we focus on the Mrs. AVN College. This institution has churned out many great personalities over the years. An impressive hub which we have featured, is the VCTPL. This recent addition to the Port has truly increased the commercial value of Vizag Port by many times.

As the year starts, check out your future prospects for the coming year with our yearspecial astrology page.

Hereís wishing all Vizagites a happy and successful New Year and a joyful Sankranti,

Shilpanjani Dantu Publisher & Editor shilpa.dantu@yovizag.com

Yo Vizag 10 January 2010

Being born in a family of great musical maestros and having made a reputable name for themselves nationally and internationally, there is not one iota of conceit in the duo. Other than their proficiency in music; modesty and total devotion to their guru are very apparent qualities in them. In the city recently, the Malladi Brothers were awarded the M S Subbalakshmi Puraskar recently in the Visakha Musical Academyís 40 th anniversary fete.

The Malladi Brothers, Sreerama Prasad and Ravi Kumar are among the best and most sought after musicians for their perfect technique, commitment to classical styles, meticulous synchronicity, faultless sruthi and creativity. Their concerts are laid in with rare and new compositions which are sung immaculately by the duo.

They began their training initially under their grandfather and father, the highly revered Malladi Srirammurthy and Suri Babu. They had further training under the illustrious musicians like Sripada Pinakapani and Nedunuri Krishnamurthy.

They also consider the great Voleti Venkateswarlu as an inherited guru as they picked up the nuances of fine ragas from Voleti Venkateswarluís disciples ñ their father and uncle.

They came to Vizag in 1991 to train under Sri Nedunuri; then affiliated to the Andhra University, when under his tutelage they picked up the Post Graduate Degree in Carnatic Classical Music from Andhra University. The exceptional guru-sishya bond between their guru, Sri Nedunuri and the brothers is noteworthy indeed. ìA complete musician has to satisfy the

Yo Vizag 12 January 2010

following roles: he has to learn music from an accomplished Guru, he has to perform for learned musicians and reputed organisations, he has to teach aspirants and create his own school of music and he has to preserve his music through books and the media. All these conditions are perfectly satisfied by Sri Nedumuri, our Guruî is what they had to say when asked about their guru.

The brothers have travelled extensively all over the globe performing for august audiences, institutions, presenting numerous concerts, workshops, and lecture-demonstrations. Amongst the many awards that they have been presented, some notable ones are the Voleti Venkateswarulu Memorial Award, award from AIR, best concert awards from the prestigious Music Academy, Madras.

With several audio publications and releases from major audio companies, the brothers carry on their commitment to music.

As black and white turned colour and cassettes became CDís, there was seen a sea change in music from the simple amplifiers to the sophisticated DJ consoles and mixers. Vizag has also been through a great transformation in the episode of music and clubbing. The first scene of clubbing was seen way back in 1995, when Hotel Dolphin started a weekend club called Footloose. The Djís then used cassette tapes and walkmans to mix songs which slowly changed to 2 CD players and a mixer.

Since the club was not legal, it was shut down by the then Commissioner. Soon after, Djís started making money through contracts with private and corporate events.

Vizagís first registered weekend club was started by Taj Residency in its Lawsonís Lounge. Within months from that other hotels like Grand Bay, Green Park and The Park also started organizing private parties with Djís. The advent of Chrome put an end to the agonising wait for every weekend and partying could now be a regular affair according to party goerís convenience.

Slowly many new clubs started establishing and Vizag has become a party goerís paradise. Parties are bigger and the crowds drawn are larger. Soon Vizag will place itself on the national and even international map of music. Take a peek in to the lives and styles of some of Vizagís finest Djís.

Yo Vizag 14 January 2010

Dj Bobsy is better known as the ëGodfather of Djís in Vizagí. A techie turned Dj, Bobsy was born to mix songs and make crowds dance to his tunes. His first performance was on New Yearís Eve in 1996 at Green Park. With no trend of clubs here, Bobsy started Djing in private and corporate parties. His biggest breakthrough came about when he was called by a leading Event manager to perform on New Yearís Eve í97 at Taj Residency. Since then there has been no looking back for him. With him, Taj started weekend discs, where he was the resident Dj for 5 years. He left Djíing to pursue a career in software and set up his own software firm in Hyderabad. His love for music and mixing couldnít keep him away from it and he started playing in private parties after work hours. In 2008, he was back to the grind as a resident Dj in a club called Sparks in Hyderabad. For 6 months he ran his firm along with mixing music at night. In the same year Dj Bobsy returned to Vizag and is now a resident Dj at one of the clubs here. He soon plans to open his own sports bar. Bobsy even runs a Dj Academy and trains only those with a keen eye and open heart for good music. He believes in mastering all genres of music but step by step so as to entertain mass as well as class. Dj Bobsy still reminisces the early days when he used just cassette tapes and walkmans to mix music. ìThe internet was my only guru when it came to learning the ropes of the console. I lay my hands on it and mastered it all by myself. Software revolutionised music. Today weíre in a world of gadgets and gizmos, where there is a slow shift to Virtual Djíing, which is more portable and easy to useî says Dj Bobsy. He feels that the crowd way back in 1997 was more classy even though less , but now the volume has increased but the crowd is more mediocre. Bobsy says ìVizag is evolving and the music here is almost at par with other big cities in the countryî.

Yo Vizag 15 January 2010

The only internationally acclaimed Dj in Vizag, Dj Gangu is one of the most sought after Djís in the city. Passionate about music, Gangu kick started his career as a Dj under Dj Bobsy in 2001 from whom he learnt the basic art of mixing. In his initial days he freelanced in private and corporate parties. He went to Hyderabad to take a crash course in Djíing after which he became the first resident Dj at Chrome, the first ever Pub in Vizag. In 2008, Gangu left for Dubai where he was the in-house Dj at a club called Blues and Cues. ìThe experience was new and challenging, I got to learn a lot more about mixing and even lay my hands on turntables, which Iíve mastered now. Got great exposure and every evening seemed new, performing with other international Djís. The crowd there is governed by the music but in India itís a totally different adventure and we have to be prepared to play as the crowd demandsî says Dj Gangu. He loves to play R&B, Hip Hop, Retro, Bollywood and House music and says that as long as the crowd is on the floor he has no problem in playing any genre of music. He believes that, the crowd in Vizag will become more broadminded and accept all kinds of music in years to come. His most memorable performance was the New Years Eve in Navy Officers Institute where around 2000 people danced their way in to the New Year. Dj Gangu is a member of United Dubai Disc Jockeys Association which is one of the most elite associations in Dubai for music. This April, Gangu plans to participate in the ëPalm Dj of the Yearí competition held every year in Dubai where the greatest Djís from the globe compete to be the best. With his profound statement Dj Gangu hopes to make Vizag a popular international music destination.

Luck and fate played in his favour when Rahul met Dj Bobsy in a casual game of snooker. With his heart beating for music and his interest to groove with the crowd, he became famous as a Dj in 2003. Rahul partnered with Dj Bobsy in Taj Residency and in 2007 became the resident Dj at 10DS. One of the youngest Djís in Vizag, he made a break through when he participated in the National Times War of Djís and secured a place for himself amongst the top 5 in the Hyderabad finals. In 2008, Rahul cruised to Mumbai to become the resident Dj in a club ëChina Houseí at Hotel Grand Hyatt. His favourite genres are R&B and Deep Tech house. Dj Rahul has already ventured into producing his original mixes and releasing them online. ìItís not just about the love for music; itís about ground research. Every Dj should keep himself up to date with revolutionary changes in technology, music and crowd on a day to day basis so as to provide wholesome entertainment.î says Dj Rahul. He says that Music Carnivals like the recent one in Vihar which help to promote music should be conducted often so that people can be educated about the real clubbing experience. Rahul expresses that an upcoming Dj should stick to the music he loves and take it up as a profession only for the love of music and not for fame or money. He continues his hobby of collecting tapes and music which he believes is the main reasons for him to become an established Dj. Rahul has plans of performing in various clubs in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Vizag in the months to come.

Yo Vizag 16 January 2010

Currently the resident Dj at Chrome. Arijeet started off as a freelancer while working with a BPO in Vizag, dishing out music at private and corporate events. In 2005, he was a Dj with Enigma after which he moved to 10D. As work pressure increased, Arijeet left his job to take up Djíing as a profession.

2008 was the year when he associated himself with Chrome and was assisting the then resident Dj Gangu. After Gangu left for an international assignment, Arijeet took over as resident Dj of Chrome. Apart from being a resident Dj, Arijeet also performs at major corporate events. ìEvery night is a new learning experience and the feedback I receive from other Djís who come from other parts of the country helps me to improve my music.

People in the city are very commercial and actual clubbing has not yet started.î He believes in doing something different every time he mixes and has already started his own productions. Arijeet always cherishes the night at a corporate party where he got around 3000 people onto the dance floor and kept them on their toes for almost 7 hours.

Hemanth is one of the very few Djís from Vizag who has been travelling around the country performing at some of the happening places. Dj Hemanth left for Pune in 2001 to pursue his graduation. There thanks to a senior he was introduced to the world of music and Djing. Ever since, Hemanth made a trademark for himself. In 2003, he was the resident Dj of Cyclone, a club in Pune, after which he moved to Hyderabad. He moved to different clubs every year. In 2004, he was the resident Dj in Spanish Fly, in 2005, he saw himself in Easy Rider, the club where Rock and Retro was the preferred genre. End of 2005, Hemanth shifted to a club in Taj Banjara. In 2006, he moved to Goa. The big break for him came when he became the in-house Dj of Bottles & Chimneys in Hyderabad in mid 2006, where he continued till the early months of 2008. ìIt was a great experience with B&C where I got the chance to perform with many internationally acclaimed artists like Apache Indian, Simon, the Blue fame and many others.î In 2008, he came down to Vizag and was the resident Dj for 10D for almost a year. Presently Hemanth is the resident Dj in Retro club Blue. He is planning to set up his own production studio soon which would give him an edge over other Djís in the city and put him at par with the national competitors. ìChill out, listen to the music what the Dj is playingî says Hemanth. And for the upcoming and budding Djís, Hemanth suggests, ìknow your music well, give lots of respect to it and lastly, hard work paysî.

Yo Vizag 17 January 2010

From an engineering student at Gitam, he landed as a resident Dj at Park Hotel. Yielding to his love for music he aspired to become a Dj. On being asked on how he managed his studies and music, he simply replied ìWhere there is a will, there is a wayî. In 2007, he eventually became a Dj in 10D along with Djís like Rahul and others. ìMusic is like an ocean; never ending. Even if you feel you know all about it, there will always be something new to discover. A Dj should have indepth knowledge about the history of the music he plays and should be ready to play all genres of music. A Dj is a teacher who teaches all kinds of music to the crowdî says Venk.

He has enjoyed the privilege of performing along with the most happening Djís in the country like Dj Aqeel and Dj Nikhil Chinappa and says, ìIf events like these happen on a regular basis, Vizag will be in the list of the most happening cities in the country one day. Dj Venk has plans to do his masters in the US and take up courses in Djíing like production.

From being a cosy, quiet bay city to becoming one of the most happening cities, Vizag has grown to a level where people prefer staying back and partying hard, rather than travelling to other metros for carousing. With clubs and Djís flocking the city, Vizag has seen a lot of improvement in partying and clubbing options. Our city is no more a staid sleeply place, it has the possibility of trouncing other happening cities in the country.

Yo Vizag 18 January 2010

Tete-a-Tete with Neha S harma life of gli tz an d gla mo ur wa s in a w a y pre de sti ne d for Ne ha ; wh ile sh e planned on a career in the ritzy fashion design industry, providence pushed her into the swanky film industry. Meet Neha Sharma, a young girl from Delhi, a graduate from the NIFT, Delhi. The second of four sibling s, she was keen on opening a designer store, and then out of the blue came the call from the Telugu film world. As a student of the NIFT, the svelte da msel modelled on the ramp and some did a few prin t advertisemts.

Her graceful stance and photogeni c countenance were so impressive that someone sent her photos to the casting crew of ëChiruthaí. Aft er that, with no major effort on her part, she landed the plum role opposite the hot and happening sta r, Ram Charan Te ja. On ly, Ne ha wa s tot all y ign ora nt of the popularity and fan frenzy that sur rounded Charan everywhere he went!

Though not conversant with the language or the Telugu film industry, her parents were broadminded, very supportive and ready to back her in whichever profession she was keen on. She met Puri Jagannath and Charan before signing the film. They explained the script and assured her that each scene would be explained, so that language would not be a problem. They addressed all her doubts till she was confident enough to take the plunge. Till then, her only experience with acting and drama was in school and college plays and she found her character in the film to be challenging. Neha Sharma essayed the role of Sanjana, the love interest of the hero and showed her brilliance in acting. The actress had to portray grey aspects of the character as well. The snobbish attitude and certain traits of the character were not easy to relate to, but nevertheless, Neha gave the role everything she could and was eventually content with the outcome. She even wore some of her own creations from her wardrobe for the movie. Her histrionic talents were well received by the audiences and movie critics alike, making her debut role a huge success.

Her family was immensely excited about her debut on silver screen, so much so, that even language didnít prove a barrier for them as they all turned up for the premiere.

The movie shoot exposed Neha to the exciting world of cinema; she found the experience overwhelming but exhausting. She had received movie offers even before ëChiruthaí released but Neha was hesitant. She agreed to do the film only for the experience and to discover herself. She also wanted some time-out for her soul, some time to re-examine her goals and purpose in life. After days of introspection, she relented, but wanted to try out something different. She signed for ëKurraduí opposite Varun Sandesh about a year and a half later. Neha now feels that the magical world of cinema is her new found love and she wants to leave a lasting impression on the minds of her audience by doing challenging and varied roles and is all set to take on the journey as an actor.

Yo Vizag 20 January 2010

Quick Take If not an actor you would be: Fashion designer or a restaurateur.

First Crush: My karate teacher when I was in class eight.

You Love: Food,cinema and laughing kids.

You Hate: Hypocrisy† Favourite Cuisine: Japanese cuisine especially Sushi.

Passionate about: Acting, dancing and painting.

Fitness Mantra: ìEARNî it..E-exercise, A-attitude(positive), R-rest, N-nutrition.

Fashion statement: Fashion to me is an expression of oneís mind. I wear clothes that make me feel happy and comfortable, could be a churidaar, jeans or a dressÖ While off the sets: Read and write and spend quality time with family.

Would die for: The people I love.

Most memorable Moment: Life is not over yet.

Neha Sharma

- Vincent

Vrooom vrooom says the engine, boom boom sings the exhausts. Tune into the latest music on wheels, the latest car in town, the Acura 2.2 CL. The pride and joy of Uttam, a final year B-Tech student from, MVJR college. The Acura CL coupes were the first line of cars from Honda, the Japanese luxury manufacturer to be built in the United States. Designed at Acuraís studio in California, and built at Acura/Honda facilities in Ohio, the Acura lineup is a classy cross between the sporty coupe and a luxury sedan ñ the sports-luxury coupe. Being created specifically for the American market, this left-hand driven petrol 2.2 CL has a very powerful V-Tech engine of 2200CC, 148 Bhp.

The car, a beautifully curved four seater with two doors cruises to a max speed on 222 km/hr making it undisputedly the fastest car in the city. The driverís seat is power-adjustable, and the front passenger seat slides forward for access to the rear seats. The seats are firmlypadded and comfortable and hand stitched with Stanley Leather.†Windows, mirrors, and door locks are poweroperated. Acura 2.2 CL includes dual air bags, antilock brakes, side impact door beams with shoulder and hip pads, and remote keyless entry. The sporting nature of the Acura 2.2 CL is best experienced with the standard 5-speed manual transmission. Though having a tag of a luxury sports car, the Acura 2.2 CL gives a mileage of 8 km/litre in city limits and 11 km/litre on the highway. The graceful, wedge- shaped body is highest over the rear wheels, giving a look of power. A low beltline and large amount of glass in the passenger cabin add more grace to the styling. A pronounced crease in the centre of the hood and rear deck, continuing to front and rear points, makes it a uniquely-styled car. Discreet chrome trim and standard alloy wheels add luxury touches.

Uttam got the car from his uncle in the USA. ìThe car is spacious, comfortable and above all fast. The pick up is so good, I feel like Iím sliding on ice. The best part is the music which pumps my nerves from the Bose music system and the touch screen control, which came in with the car. Love to look the car from the behind, as itís so well designed in the back. Though itís fast, keeping safety of my car and myself as my first priority, I drive at a speed which doesnít bring harm to anyoneî says Uttam.†

Yo Vizag 22 January 2010

www.ideafirst.in

- Uma

The delightful voice of actress Bhanumati filled the airwaves on December first, 1948 when the Akaswani Vijaywada station (now AIR) was officially inaugurated.

Accompanying her was the composer and lyricist of the song, adding his melodious voice as well. The song, ìPasidi merupulaÖî penned and composed by Dr. Balantrapu Rajanikantha Rao, was broadcast continuously for that first week.

Some years before that, just after Pandit Nehruís famed speech heralding Indiaís independent journey, at one a.m., the Madras All India Radio station played Tamil and Telugu songs celebrating the event. The Telugu song was sung

by Smt. Tanguturi Surya Kumari and was written and composed by Sri Rajnikant Rao, the Programme Executive Officer stationed there.

But then, this renowned doyen of lyrics and music has accomplished much more over the years.

Though born way back in January 1920, this gentleman surprised us all as he spontaneously sang effortlessly that song and other songs written and composed by him in his prime.

Age had not affected his command over the swaras.

Sri Balantrapu Rajanikant Rao was born in Nidadavolu, West Godavari District to Venkata Parvatiswara- Balantrapu Venkata Rao and Venkata Ramanamma. His father was a renowned poet in his time. Sri Rajnikant Rao did his schooling in Pithapuram and basic college education in Kakinada. He graduated in Sanskrit and Telugu MA Honours from the Andhra

Yo Vizag 24 January 2010

University in Vizag (1940). Along the way he learnt classical music from Sri Manda Krishna Murty (Pithapuram) and Sri Sistu Sarva Sastry (Kakinada).

His musical background and command over languages landed him a job in All India Radio in 1942. He started as an announcer; he worked his way upward and eventually retired in 1978 as Director. After retirement, he took charge as the Special Officer of Sri Venkateswara Kala Peetam, then on to assuming the role of an Emeritus Producer for All India Radio and Doordarshan, and even the Special Professor for Telugu University in Rajahmundry.

His stints in AIR took him from Madras to Vijayawada, Hyderabad, then to Darjeeling, Delhi, Ahmadabad, back to Vijayawada and finally to Bangalore. His stint in Darjeeling coincided with the Chinese invasion, and his station was in charge of thwarting the Chinese propaganda with Indian nationalist broadcasts.

All through his career he was busy penning lyrics, composing songs and receiving accolades for the same. He won the Nippon Hoso Kyokai award given by the Japan Radio International Award in 1971 for his programme on river Godavari, ëKondalanundi kadali daakaí; describing the river and tracing her path from the hills of origin to the seas (he shared the prize money of 33,000 yen with everyone involved in that presentation ñ right from the child artistes to the Tambura players). The song with its hypnotic beats was likened to Hawaiian music styles and actually broadcast there! His Sanskrit play, ëMegha Sandesamí broadcast in 1977 on AIR was awarded the National Award. He was awarded honours like the ëSatapatra Sundarií from the Telugu Bhasha Samithi, the ëAndhra Vaggeyakara Charitraí and the ëTagore Kala Prapoornaí award from the AP government. The Telugu University and the Andhra University too have conferred honours on him. In 1980, the AU felicitated him with an honorary Doctorate and the title ëKalaprapornaí. But thatís not all; this muti-faceted man was even the musical director for Telugu movies like ëSwargaseemaí, ëRatnamalaí and ëGrihapraveshamí. The songs written and composed by him were sung by many big names in the Telugu music industry like Tanguturi Surya Kumari, Rao Bala Sairaswati, P Bhanumathi.

In addition to his contributions to the musical world, Sri Rajnikant Rao has also contributed to the scholarly world through his translations, literary works and poetry. He even picked up accolades for his literary contributions.

very city has a history; full of interesting stories to tell and fond memories of an intriguing past.

But sadly many of these stories are lost - the once grand edifices succumb to the ravages of time and modernism; streets get redrawn; and nature redraws the topography; generally, everything changes with time. Before all is lost, there are a few who have taken up the mantle of preserving these stories and memoirs in various forms. One such novel form is through photographs and sketches; a pictorial representation of the glorious past of the city, capturing and preserving the quaint history for generations to behold.

E

Vizag is developing at an astounding rate; but its past is also disappearing at an equal speed. Behind this innovative project to capture the past is Mr Jaideep Unudurti working with the acclaimed artist Mr Harsho Mohan Chattoraj from Kolkata.†The graphic novel will have stories set in Vizag, without however losing the distinctive flavour of the city.† The writer and artist working

His parting words were advice to the youngsters, extolling them to develop some sort of talent, it could be any type - art, drama, music or anything else. He attributes his own successes only because of his talent as a musician which enhanced his academic qualifications.

Yo Vizag 25 January 2010

in tandem are hopeful of bringing to life this city to a new generation. The pace of life in Vizag has changed considerably and the challenge will be to capture this transition. There will be no empty glorification of the past neither will there be an uncritical praise of the new.†The target is to release the first 4-page story on the net sometime in March-April.

- Diya Purkayastha

Sixteen years back Rajmukhiís heart melted for a little child. At a young age of fifteen, unmarried and hardly worldly wise, she took the decision of adopting the needy infant from the streets. Thatís when she began her journey towards supporting and caring for such helpless children. Back then her family supported her. And marriage didnít deter her from the same either. Today, sheís a mother figure to twenty three children with unconditional support from her husband.

Rajmukhi found a lot of helpless kids through the newspapers. Their story saddens her to such an extent that sheís drawn to bring them back with her. Each child housed in this abode of caring and love comes from a disturbing background. Some have even seen their parents die in front of their own eyes while others have had traumatising experiences like being thrown into the sea. It takes months and sometimes years of hard work and careful guidance to bring them to forget about their past and take them to a level from where they can start going to school.

Out of the twenty children she invited warmly into her home, thirteen are studying in various classes in the United Public School. One is already going to college and the others are learning the ropes under her care. The children also learn Kuchipudi, Spoken English and Yoga in the Home. Itís a miracle to see these adorable kids reciting slokas. Recounting some incidents from their early school life, she says, ìWhen

some of the other children got to know that my children come from a foster home, they were neglected and treated differently by their classmates. It took me some time to make the children realise that if they concentrate in school and learn as much as they can in school, theyíll be able to outperform others.î With time the children realised what she was saying and through their performance made a mark.

Rajmukhi, called Amma by the little ones, has only one thing in mind. She wants to ëGive a Lifeí to these kids. With a smile on her face and prayers to God, she sees the problems and difficulties fading away. After all itís not an easy task to bring up so many children, that too with such diverse backgrounds and no funds. Not only does she have to take care of their boarding and lodging, sheís also responsible for paying the school fees, uniform money etc. But then, thereís not a single worry line on her face. Somehow itís all taken care of. Till now she and a group of her friends have been Yo Vizag 26 January 2010

sharing the finances but she knows it canít go on for very long. She needs the help of other like-minded generous souls like her.

Never wanting to come in the limelight, today, sheís talking to us because she wants to construct a building for the kids. Sheís also open to take donations for clothes, groceries, food, fees etc.

Rajmukhi has three children of her own, all of them following her footsteps. They learn dance with the house mates and like to spend all important festivals with their brothers and sisters.

CHILD, as the home is called, welcomes people from all walks of life to come and interact with the kids and share their experiences and laughter. Youíll be pleasantly surprised with their mannerisms and behaviour. Youíll marvel at the experience when their mere smile brings cheer and happiness in your lives.

- Uma

J

une 2003 saw a significant addition to the busy Port of Visakhapatnam - the Visakha Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL). This was no small development; establishing the VCT was a mega project. It was built as a modern Container Terminal, big enough to handle the heavy inflows and outflows of goods of this busy Port. The unique advantage that the VCT has over many other Container Terminals is its naturally endowed substantial depth of 16.5 metres, which makes it the only container terminal in India with sufficient depth that can accommodate even the largest vessel sailing in the world today, any time of the year. Not only is the terminal already huge with quay length of about 450 meters, it still has adjacent land, facilities and immense scope for further expansion (almost 700 meters more!).

Yo Vizag 28 January 2010

Traditionally, ports along the western coast have always provided international cargo ships with proper facilities, while the ports along the eastern coast lacked the high-end infrastructure that are internationally expected. But with the establishment and successful running of the VCT, the eastern coast too can boast of a high-performing well equipped Port, providing an acceptable alternative to other ports in this region, like the Colombo and the Singapore Port.

The VCTPL, an all-weather Container Terminal was set up on the Outer Harbour as an ancillary of the Visakhapatnam Port, in a joint venture between DP World and United Liner Agencies of India (Private) Ltd. Equipped with modern gadgetry and efficient infrastructure, this terminal meets international standards capable of handling all type of containerised cargo including reefer and out of gauge equipments. Some of the high-end machinery manned by trained and experienced proficient personnel includes ëShip to Shore Gantry Cranesí, ëPostPanamax Gantry Cranesí ëTransfer Cranesí, state-of-the-art ëRTGís and ëReach Stackersí and a fleet of modern ëITV (Internal Transfer Vehicle)í. These are further complemented by a fully computerised environment for ëVessel Planning and Yard Management (NAVIS)í.

Furthermore, the terminal has the flexibility to adapt software to specific customer

requirements and keep abreast of the advances in electronic data interchange (EDI). VCTPL places a premium on Quality, Health, Safety and care for the Environment, with the management committed to providing all personnel, a safe and secure working place. It has successfully adopted and is certified with prestigious ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007.

The Dubai Port Trust has been internationally accepted as a major player in the maritime sector, and its involvement in setting up VCT has ensured similar facilities and services. The world today is a global village, with heavy movement of goods between nations and continents. In this scenario, the dependence on shipping and containerised cargo is only on the rise,

Yo Vizag 29 January 2010

emphasising the need for modern terminals capable of handling such cargo efficiently, in all major ports. For the eastern coast, and Vizag in particular, the VCT has answered this need. It is ideally located, and as Vizag is well connected by road, air and rail to all the major cities in India, this terminal caters to the requirements of Andhra Pradesh and seven neighbouring states (Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, MP, UP, north India and West Bengal) extending up to North Indian, North East Indian and Eastern Indian cities. Industrial and export oriented cities in the region like Delhi, Nagpur, Raipur and Hyderabad benefit vastly.

he New Year is about new beginnings, fresh thoughts and changing lives, most of the time for the better and sometimes even for the worse. With the New Year one also tends to think of resolutions and changes that one needs to bring in his life. Letís take a step ahead and forgo the umpteen boring resolutions that one could introduce in his life and think of things more exciting and earth shattering (literally) ones. UmmÖ how could one get exciting with resolutions? Well, read ahead and find out how you as an individual can make a difference to the society, by following some basic practices daily. And yes, your wait for finding out just what exactly weíre talking about, is about to get over. Weíre talking about GREEN RESOLUTIONSÖ revolutionise the society, save the planet by following some very basic green resolutions!

T 1

I resolve to switch off electrical appliances and plug points when not in use: Food for thought- Wh en earth hour was observed in March 2009, the capitalís power demand fell down by 1000 MW. If you decid e and resolve to switch off all electrica l appliances, mobile phone charge rs, tube lights and bulbs, fans & ACís, and the other thousand and one ga dgetry in your house and office when not in use, just think about how much power you could save for the earth?

3

I resolve to stop using plastic carry bags:

g Slo wly, but stea dily stop usin own r you ry Car s. bag plastic carry cloth or paper bag for grocery and r veg etab le sho ppin g. Adv ise you er own e stor ery groc neighbourhood if to start keeping paper bags. And e you are a store owner, introduc r paper or cloth carry bags in you and nice look they do only store. Not the elegant, they also help in saving environment.

5 2

my ve hic le I re so lve to us e efficiently: difference if You can make a huge e at traffic bik or car you switch off the checked ion llut po its t ge d signals an for a ng oli reg ula rly. Try ca r po uc e red it es do ly ch an ge , no t on you lps he o als it ds, roa traffic on the en ev uld co u save your energy. Yo try cycling to work!

4

I re so lve to pla nt mo re tre es : If you donít have a ga rden or lawn area, start taking care of som e potted plants at home. And if you do have a garden, plant a tree/ shrub/ flo wer plant every month. Start a green da y every month in your neighbourhood and invite all the kids to plant a tree of their choice in the neighbourhood park. Th at tree becomes the childís responsibility.

He must ensure that it is watered and looked after. Itís also a perfect way of tea ching your child the art of being respo nsible!

I resolve to segrega te my garbage: Keep two garbage ba gs in your houseone for bio degradable and the other for no n bio de gra da ble ga rba ge . Th row paper and vegetable waste in the bio degradable bag and plastics and cans in non bio degradable bag. Advise your neighbourhood and so ciety about the sa me . Ex pla in to yo ur loc al ga rba ge picker as to how an d why he should segregate the garbage too.

Yo Vizag 30 January 2010

What do premier personalities like the Nobel Laureate Sir C.V. Raman, Sonthi Ramamurthi, ICS, Sri B.S. Sarma, Member of Viceroyís Executive Council in the twenties, Sri Vepa Ramesam, High Court judge, Madras, Padma Bhushan Dwaram Venkata Swami Naidu, Sri Tenneti Viswanadham, Prof. B. Rama Chandra Rao, Ex-Vice Chairman, UGC, Sri S.V. Rangarow, Alluri Seetharama Raju, Dr M. Gopala Krishna Reddy, Former ViceChancellor, Andhra University, Padma Vibhushan Prof. C.R. Rao and many more such stalwarts have in common? Itís their association with the Mrs AVN College and school.

Once a school, this institute began as ëThe Anglo Vernacular Schoolí in the 1860ís. It was founded by eminent likeminded persons like Sir Alexander Grant, Inspector of Schools, Mr. E.Fane, Collector of Vizagapatam, Maharaja Sri G.N.Gajapati Rao and Sri Chendiga Vankata Swamy Naidu mainly for uplifting the poor and down trodden through education.

Today, this institute known as the Mrs. A.V.N College, is an optimum institution offering graduate and post-graduate courses in the city of destiny.

Yo Vizag 32 January 2010

Standing strong for the past 149 years and still counting, AVN College is one of the oldest vernacular schools in the whole of Andhra Pradesh. The school was initially housed in a huge building known as Kasimkotavari Haveli situated to the south of G.N.Gajapati Rao Reading room. It was actively supported and sponsored by the leading Zamindars of the district, chiefly, the Maharaja of Bobbilli who extended his patronage for about 36 years. In 1886, under the headmastership of E.Winckler, the school was elevated to a High School.

The year 1878 marks the beginning of a new episode in AVNís history. Back then, though with the strength of only 30 students, it had tremendous support and consequently the status of the High school was raised to that of a second grade college. It was then renamed as ëHindu Collegeí, affiliated to The Madras University.

The present High School Building was erected in the eve of the institution celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in the year 1938 and by then, the strength of the college was 227 and of the High School 732. Due to the efforts of the Old Boys Association in July 1944 the college was raised to First Grade when the B.A. Course was started. Subsequently, many other courses were started by the institution. As Visakhapatnam started to become prominent, many offices and companies were established. For the benefit of the employees, the institution started evening courses in June, 1966 which is still being continued as IInd Shift along with Day College.

Many new courses were instated under UG Programmes. The college introduced P.G.Courses like M.Com and other career oriented certificate courses like Audio Video Films and Hospital Waste Management. The students are also trained in communication and soft skills.

But for the intervention of the then Deputy Collector of Visakhapatnam, Sri Ankitam Vekata Narsinga Row, this institution, the only school in town back then would have seen a premature demise. The college slipped into financial crisis, only to be disentangled by his munificence. In his will dated 8th may, 1892, Sri A V N Row donated 11 acres of land with a palatial building, a lakh of rupees and a building grant of Rs. 15,000/-, thence the name, ëMrs. A.V.N Collegeí, after his wife. The college celebrates its Founders Day on 30th December.

The college was accredited at the level B++ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) on March 31, 2007 and is working hard and looking forward for a level A in the near future. Every year, the college produces top rankers in EAMCET, AUCET, LAWCET, IIT and University examinations. The college also encourages students into co-curricular activities such as NCC and NSS. The students have also won laurels excelling their counterparts in Youth festivals. The department of Mathematics and Statistics hosted the XVIII Congress of Andhra Pradesh Society for Mathematical Sciences and National Conference on Mathematical Solutions using Soft Computing for problems in Science and Technology from December 11-13, 2009. Next year the Department of Physics will be conducting a seminar on Laser Raman Spectroscopy.

The college building has been declared as a heritage structure by the VUDA offices and sanctioned a sum of Rs. 3 crores for the renovation and repair works pertaining to the preservation of the building. The present Correspondent Smt. Indirani Jagga Rowís persistent efforts stand as the base for the present all-round development of the institution.The institution celebrated with glory its Centenary in 1960.

Yo Vizag 33 January 2010

Vizagís first and only professional cloth lab is here. Now give your expensive clothes for dry cleaning without hesitation. With imported machinery and chemicals, this state of the art laundry provides services beyond compare.

Ultra Wash Tex, part of the Ultra group of companies, lays special emphasis on the proper care of garments rather than mere cleaning and laundry services.

Under the domestic laundry services, they will provide Dry cleaning, Wet Wash, Ironing, Rolling, Steam press, Darning and Stain removal. They also guarantee that there will be no colour bleeding, shrinkage or tearing. With the special environment friendly chemicals that they use, the cloth becomes soft and remains as good as new even after numerous washes.

The laundry has experienced professionals whoíve worked in this industry for the past 25 years to look after your delicate and most expensive garments. Once left at the processing unit, you can relax and expect the best quality service for your clothes.

The laundry specialises in cleaning and finishing service of silk sarees, suits, wedding outfits and designer wear.

Anything from a handkerchief to bed linen is safe in their hands!

guarantee delivery within 24 hours. For urgent delivery, they will provide the same within four hours at an extra cost.

The companyís motive is to provide clean and healthy wear through complete garment care. Experience the same at Vandana Plaza, Opp. Gurudwara Bus Stop, Vizag.

Contact them at 0891 2766333.

The rates for the same are highly reasonable and comparable with other local laundry services. For eg: A pair of clothes, i.e A shirt and trouser, you will be charged Rs. 40, for a saree you can be charged anywhere between Rs. 50 to 100 depending on the type and for a gents formal suit you will be charged Rs. 200. Services are available from 9 am to 5 pm. They

Yo Vizag 34 January 2010

Believe in ëTime for fashion and Fashion for Timeí? Walk in to Kamal Watch Company, the leading destination for lifestyle and branded time pieces. Celebrating forty years this year, theirs is a tradition that has grown richer with time. What started off as a retailing multi brand store in 1969 at Abids Hyderabad, has grown to multiple showrooms across the state. They have multi brand outlets, exclusive franchise showrooms and swiss boutiques dealing with the foremost brands in terms of fashion and luxury.

Their exclusive designs are what set them a class apart from other regular showrooms. They house brands like Mont Blanc, Tag Heuer, Emporio Armani, Tissot, Seiko, Calven Klien, Rado, Longines, Movado and Emporio Armani.

Among the fashion brands they have Diesel, Guess, Police, Pierre Cardin, Fossil, Tommy Hilfiger, Police, Swatch, Esprit, Eco Drive and the like. Also given equal importance are economical brands like Timex, Titan, Fastrack, Citizen and Casio.

Their team of experienced professionals ensures that the customer goes home happy, making more than just a style statement. After sales personalised service is given utmost importance, with state of the art equipment. And a dust free environment to ensure complete quality control.

As the company celebrates its 40th year anniversary, itís offering 40 days of discounts, gifts, five weekly draws and one lucky bumper draw.

Indians especially the Telugu speaking crowd have always had a fascination for the cine world. There is an unquenchable hunger for anything to do with the magic of the silver screen. Well, the enterprising duo, Kalyan Chakravarty and Ram Srikant have taken this love for the movie kingdom a step further. They have started a restaurant based on this theme.

Keen on providing Vizagites a novel, visually appealing and cool eatery, they came up with this filmy concept; allowing the taste buds and visual senses to be contented simultaneously. Aptly named ëBollywood to Tollywoodí, the restaurant pays homage to both, with a Bollywood wall and a Tollywood wall. Immortalised on these walls are many contemporary and early actors of both media with titbits of information and trivia. Posters and trivia of famed movies, celebrated dialogues and blockbuster couples of both the Telugu and Hindi film world too are enshrined on these walls. The decor and framed pictures are regularly changed to suit the occasion or ongoing festival.

The food in this vegetarian hotspot is varied and tasty. Ranging from South Indian Tiffins, a variety of dosas, Chinese, a range of parathas, milk shakes and ice creams. The ice creams are a reluanch of their earlier famed range of Softy ice creams. The restaurant (very close to Cafe Coffee Day) opens right at 7 a.m., all ready for the hungry jogger and hassled office goer.

Yo Vizag 35 January 2010

- Diya Purkayastha

T

he AgarwalĂ­s had only one t h i n g i n m i n d w h e n t h e y thought of buying a house. They wanted a sea facing, spacious, clutter free home, where their small family of four could live comfortably. And thatĂ­s what they got. If she could have her way, Venuka Agarwal, the lady of the house, would build her home right on the beach, but this apartment on the third floor facing the sea was more than satisfying!

Yo Vizag 36 January 2010

The first look of the apartment wasnĂ­t very impressive for them. They almost broke down everything to build their dream home. So much so, that the cables and pipelines too were changed to suit their needs. They roped in interior designer Ameet Mirpuri to conceptualise and visualise a home different by all standards.

Ameet gave them a Mediterranean theme, one that went well with the house and its concept.

Walk in through the door and youĂ­re standing in the living area. White marble flooring with chips of blue added in parts, add to the beach element. Concealed yellow lighting, a wall mounted plasma TV and custom made sofa sets with glass centre tables are a part of this space. One corner of this space is dedicated to the mandir or temple area. Stained glass doors with marbles embedded in them complete the look.

This three bedroom house has been built in a straight line, with one bedroom on one side of the living area, and the other two on the other side with the kitchen and dining space in between. The living area leads to the dining space separated by a neat glass door. The dining area and kitchen have blue vitrified tile flooring, adding to the water element of the look and the slabs in the kitchen are of black granite.

The master bedroom and second room overlook the sea. Both the rooms have balconies from where the family enjoys the majestic view of RK Beach. All the rooms have attached bathrooms fitted with glass enclosures. The bedrooms have wooden flooring adding to the land element of the look.

Each room has silk curtains, handpicked and stitched in Delhi.

The Agarwals made a trip to Delhi especially to pick up stuff to add that personal touch to the house. From things like curtains, furniture, light fittings, bath fittings and accessories, all have been chosen as per their taste. Adding to the contemporary look are the paintings and other wall fixtures.

The two year old house built by Suresh Agarwal still looks as good as new. His mother Mrs. Devki Devi, wife Venuka and son Vineet also live in the house. Credit goes to all of them for maintaining the house in such good condition and making the house a home with their warmth!

Yo 37 Vizag 37 January Yo Vizag January 2010 2010

Itís deeper than the skin, itís what makes the world go crazy, itís what women want and what men are after. Think no more, weíre talking about Beauty! Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder; we have heard, but how many of us ladies out there try and make an effort to caress and look after our beautiful skin and body? I can bet, not many. Hereís your chance to change that attitude and take that extra step. Resolve to do the following this year, and see what a positive change it brings in your life.

I will wash my face at least thric I will not use old, outdated e a day: The first thing you must do when cosmetics: you get up in the mor ning is was h you It is criminal to use old, out dated r face .

Through the night the body secr cosmetics. Buy some new ones, etes oil which gets forms a layer on the thereís no harm in spending skin, especially the face. money on one new cosmetic item Itís not necessary to use a face wash if it every month. doesnít suit your skin, plain water is mor e than enough. for a change: I will try a new look r an all time high! For you See your self esteem at es on I will drink eight to ten full ed lov r you se pri sur , birthday or anniversary glasses of water every day: r hair style or new look. Change you sh fre a h wit Start your day by drinking a glass Af ter all ! keover go in for a complete ma of water. Our body needs two to re? he ses who doesnít love surpri two and half litres of water every

day to maintain its balance. Itís the best and most effective way for maintaining a glowing skin all through the year.

I will remove my make up before going to sleep at night: The worst thing you can do to your skin is sleep with make up on. Use a cleanser and remove every trace of make up on your skin before sleeping off, including kajal.

I will eat healthy: Eating healthy is the key to a healthy mind and body. It does not mean going on a strict diet, but having three meals on time, having a balanced diet, avoiding too much fried and fatty food, having fresh fruits and juices and avoiding too much caffeine.

I will pay special attention to my hands and feet: Most of us donít realise the importance of a manicure and pedicure. If not every fifteen days, you must pamper yourself at least once a month with a professional manicure and pedicure. Your hardworking hands and feet need some pampering once in a while to remain healthy!

Yo Vizag 38 January 2010

I will wear sunscreen: You must learn the art of protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. Buy a sunscreen that suits your face type and apply it whenever you are venturing in to the scorching sun.

I will get my hair trimmed regularly: Trimming your hair is again one of those things you forget to incorporate in your beauty chores. Damaged hair need not be tended. Get it chopped off. Trimming helps in getting rid of split ends and damaged hair.

I will not sleep deprive myself: You should get at least six to eight hours of undisturbed sleep. When your body gets enough rest, it feels fresh and your skin glows flawlessly.

One stormy night, as the natives took shelter in a cave, the Gods played around with thunderbolts. Well, soon some agave plants near the cave were struck by the lightening and burst into flames. The fire burned long and strong. Later, a sweet rich fragrance enticed the men out of the cave; the source was a liquid from the burned agave fruit, cooked to perfection and heavenly! That nectar was the first and most raw form of Tequila.

Centuries later, came the Spaniards who worked on the agave juice and created a more potent form, the Mezcal wine. More experiments and improvements later, Mezcal wine eventually evolved into the treat we now call Tequila. Though often confused, mezcal and tequila are not one and the same. Both are distilled from the agave plant, but only liquors made from the blue agave are called tequila. And for tequila to be called genuine, it has to be distilled and bottled in Mexico, only! Anywhere else, it is an imitation. This fact has been recognized by US and European laws.

Obviously, Mexico considers tequila†its national heritage property.

So how do you down this drink? Well, the most common manner is the Tequila Shot ñ gather one shot tequila, salt, and a lime wedge. Catch the shot glass of tequila in one hand, grasp the lime between the thumb and index finger of the other hand, lick that little pudgy area between the two fingers holding the lime, sprinkle some salt on the aforementioned pudgy area, lick the salt, slam the shot down, and bite the lime. Enjoy the buzz!

But a true tequila aficionado would never dilute the taste; they savour it, sipping it slowly at room temperature in a caballito glass. And in Mexico, tequila is drunk straight, accompanied with†sangritaóa sweet, sour and spicy drink typically made from orange juice or tomato juice and hot chilies.

Equal-sized shots of tequila and sangrita are sipped alternately, without salt or lime.

More than straight, tequilas are popular in cocktails. Like the Classic Margarita (Two ounces tequila, one ounce Triple Sec, one tablespoon lime juice, and one lime wedge); the Frozen Margarita (One 6-ounce can of frozen lemonade, 8 ounces tequila, 2 ounces Cointreau or 3 ounces good Triple Sec, and about five hand fulls of ice ñ blended); the Tequila Sunrise†(Two ounces tequila, orange juice, and ice in a highball glass then drizzle about two ounces of Grenadine over the ice.... and many more.

Yo Vizag 40 January 2010

Yo Vizag 41 January 2010

A highly successful industrialist and well known personality not only in India but also across the globe, Mr. Ashish Saraf has brought international recognition to Vizag. Rubbing shoulders with the whoís who of Bollywood and Hollywood, a popular figure in all social, business, political and diplomatic circles, Mr. Saraf is the Joint Managing Director of FACOR, Indiaís largest private producer of Ferrochrome, and the group activities ranging from power generation, stainless steel production, mining and real estate. Amongst his other professional achievements, he was appointed as the first ever Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in India in October 2003. He was also the first Honorary Consul of the Commonwealth of Bahamas in India.

Celebrating his return to the city of destiny, Mr. Saraf threw a grand party inviting the crËme de la crËme of the city. The highlight of the party was the presence of the Khaitan Family, special invitees of Mr. Saraf. The Yo Vizag team caught up with him during the party. Catch a glimpse of the most eventful party of the season.

Yo Vizag 42 January 2010

Yo Vizag 43 January 2010

Yo Vizag 44 January 2010

Yo Vizag 45 January 2010

Yo Vizag 46 January 2010

Yo Vizag 47 January 2010

Yo Vizag 48 January 2010

Yo Vizag 49 January 2010

Yo Vizag 50 January 2010

With a storyline based on an ancient Malayan prediction and stupendous special effects, the movie 2012 generated a great deal of interest. The mega-effects movie brought to the fore the ongoing hype and apprehensions that the world would come to an end or that the direction of the Earthís rotation would change in 2012 specifically on 21 December 2012; but science says otherwise. The hype following the movie reached such a crescendo, that former Indian president and renowned scientist APJ Abdul Kalam too released a statement urging one and all not to get frightened about the future as the Sunís thermonuclear reaction would be there for another five billion years.

According to Hinduism, the present Kali Yuga has more than 427000 years before the cycle of destruction begins. Kali Yuga has a time scale of 4,32,000 years and it is believed that by 2012 we just complete 5024 years out of 4,32,000 years. And then again, some pundits and Hindu scholars the world will change for good from 2012. Even Lord Krishna predicted the start of Golden Era in corresponding to 2012 AD. So devout Hindus, assuage your fears and look forward to good times ahead.

But letís get back to the basis on which most of these fears arose, the Malayan Calendar; according to which the time cycle ends on December 21, 2012. The

Mayan calendar has 1872000 days cycle which corresponds to 5125 years. In 2012, the old calendar runs out consequently, a new cycle begins. Itís just a new day, New Year and new era with a new calendar.

The fear that there will be a sudden pole shift too is overrated. Magnetic pole reversal does take place, but it takes about 400,000 years and happens gradually and not suddenly. There will be no spectacular shift in 2012. According to NASA ìA reversal in the rotation of Earth is impossible. There are slow movements of the continents (for example Antarctica was near the equator hundreds of millions of years ago), but that is irrelevant to claims of reversal of the rotational poles.

However, many of the disaster websites pull a bait-and-shift to fool people. They claim a relationship between the rotation and the magnetic polarity of Earth, which does change irregularly, with a magnetic reversal taking place every 400,000 years on average. As far as we know, such a magnetic reversal doesnít cause any harm to life on Earth. A magnetic reversal is very unlikely to happen in the next few millennia, anyway.î† Regarding the myth that the hitherto unknown planet ëNibiruí and its asteroids are on a collision course with earth, scheduled to hit on December 21, 2012; NASA says that there is no object out there. A mysterious planet cannot appear from nowhere and hit the earth. With so many astronomers and scientists observing the skies, such a planet and its course would have been observed long before. And the myth of the spectacular ëgalactic alignmentí taking place on that Yo Vizag 51 January 2010

fateful day for the first time and its consequent possibility of disturbing the massive black hole at our galaxyís heart and obviously destroying the earth; too is hogwash. NASA scientist Morrison explains that a type of ìalignmentî occurs during every winter solstice, when the sun, as seen from Earth, appears in the sky near what looks to be the midpoint of the Milky Way. Each December the Earth and Sun align with the approximate centre of the Milky Way Galaxy but that is an annual event of no consequence and nothing unusual is likely to happen on the purported doomsday.

In the words of Carl Sagan, ìextraordinary claims require extraordinary evidenceî. Itís about time that these myths were debunked and the animated debates and doomsday prophesies of cataclysmic events discussed in TV shows, homes, offices, groups and web sites were dropped. There is no scientific basis for the fears of apocalyptic floods, sudden change of north and south poles, a secret planet destroying the life form on earth etc.

On the other hand, there are warning signs that we need to consider, like the rising sea levels, increased frequency of tsunamis, earth quakes and such. All these natural disasters are our own doing; the effects of global warming and our tendency as humans to abuse nature and try to rework the balance of nature. There is danger to life as we know on earth thanks to our own meddling.

- Siva Prasad Dantu

Old temples have a certain divine aura around them; and one amongst such old temples in Vizag is the Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, or to be more specific, the Ekambar Mannar Swamy Temple in Kanchara Veedhi, not far from the famed Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple. The main idols are of the presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara Swamy along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, and within the same premises there is a separate temple for Goddess Lakshmi Devi. There is a strong belief here that the Lord fulfils the desires of the devout if they take even pradakshnas (rounds circumventing the main temple) for seven weeks.

The idol of the presiding deity is understood to have been brought by a Tamil Brahmin family from the then Madras state hundreds of years ago, and since the consecration, puja has been conducted regularly here. The Garuda Vahanam donated to the temple by one Arasavalli Rajalingam Chittanna garu bears an inscription that it was donated in the year Yo Vizag 52 January 2010

1499 AD; accordingly, the temple is assumed to be at least five hundred years old. Efforts are on to trace the history of this temple.

The temple is open from 5.30 am to 12 in the noon and at 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm on normal days and on Saturdays from 5 am to 12 in the noon and 5.30 pm to 9 in the evenings. Special sevas like the Nakshatra Harati on Saturdays at 6.30 pm and the Moolavirat Abhisekham on Fridays at 6 am draws a large number of devotees.

Saturday is usually a busy day. Main festivities celebrated on a grand scale include Kalyanaostavam, Dhanurmasa Parayana, Ugadi, Vykhunta Ekadasi, and the Ramanuja Birth anniversary celebrations. On the Kalyanostavam day, a Kalyana Vindu is organised and 3000-4000 people are served lunch.

The main pujas and sevas are conducted by Sri Madda Satya Lakshmanacharyulu as the main priest assisted by his brother Sri Ramakrishnacharyulu. Under the directions of Sri Pilla Jagan Mohan Rao, the Chairman of the temple trust board, a 15-lakhs renovation project has been taken up. He can be contacted on 9440788809 for further details regarding the temple.

Carrying on the traditional aspects of Hinduism, there are also Veda Classes conducted in the Vedic Patasala inside the temple complex.

A word of advice: always leave vehicles (especially four wheelers) parked either on the main road or near the Kanakamahalakshi Temple. The streets leading to the temple are very narrow.

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

(21 March - 20 April) Overall rating 8/10

(21 April - 21 May) Overall rating 7/10

(22 May - 23 June) Overall rating 8/10

(24 June - 22 July) Overall rating 7/10

Financial gains exceeding your expectations will enable you to purchase property or a vehicle this year. There is an increment in income, promotions, rewards and appreciation on the job in store for those in jobs. The business personnel too will profit with a steady growth in business. Hectic travel plans are indicated. Cordial and supportive atmosphere at home will boost your confidence. Health ailments might surface requiring timely attention.

2010 heralds a new beginning with good financials, achievements and accomplishments. Big gains through real estate are likely.

New business ventures, new j o b opportunities and new avenues are predicted. Keep a cool temperament and respect the feelings of others, especially family members, they will help you achieve success. Your popularity will increase.

Hectic travelling is to be expected. Your health might be affected requiring medical attention.

The year ahead is promising with unexpected monetary gains, good profits and pay hikes. You are likely to be highly motivated and successful. A lot of travel plans are likely. For the employed, the month of March will bring plum job opportunities. Cordial and supportive atmosphere at home and loyal friends will encourage you to make longterm fruitful decisions.

Marriage is on the cards for the eligible this year. Your health may require care and attention.

On the whole this year will be financially profitable though money inflows will uneven.

New opportunities will come by and changes in business or career are likely to be beneficial. Investments in real estate are possible this year.

You need to avoid being abrasive with your spouse and family members. Lot of interesting social and family events are lined up for the year. Health of a senior family member may cause concern requiring timely action.

Yo Vizag 54 January 2010

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

(23 July - 23 August) Overall rating 8/10

(24 August - 22 September) Overall rating 8/10

(23 September - 23 October) Overall rating 7/10

(24 October - 22 November) Overall rating 8/10

Financially this year will be better than expected with exciting opportunities, new ventures, new partners and new job offers ahead. You might invest in real estate.

Health will be generally good.

With so many promising opportunities beckoning, deliberations with family and supportive friends are advised before making any major decisions. You are likely to go on a long family vacation to exciting locales.

Misunderstandings will clear out. Health will be generally good.

Excellent financial gains are predicted with businesses witnessing rapid growth in the second half of the year.

This year is marked by vibrant and dynamic changes in your lifestyle.

Stop postponing issues, face them head on. Foreign assignments bring handsome rewards. Keep a cool temprament and respect others feelings, you will require support of family members. Problems with health due to stress are indicated requiring medical attention.

The year 2010 brings positive changes, good financial gains, job opportunities, possibility of new partners and new ventures. Major gains from the disposal of a property are indicated. Your hard work will reap rich benefits and excellent overall growth. The family will be encouraging, if you are sincere and honest, supportive as well. A long pilgrimage along with close family members is likely. Your health might need medical attention.

This year will be marked by good fortune, rewards, promotions, and increased income. In the third quarter, a new business venture will cause a substantial upswing.

Your previous efforts will bear fruit during the year. Though some uncomfortable situations are foreseen in the second quarter, you will emerge as a winner. Old debts will get cleared. A family member may receive long awaited good news. Health of family members may cause concern.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

(23 November - 21 December) Overall rating 6/10

(22 December - 20 January) Overall rating 9/10

(21January - 18 February) Overall rating 8/10

(19 February - 20 March) Overall rating 7/10

Hard work will pay off with excellent financial inflows this year. Business depends on your ability to take on challenges. New ventures with trusted friends take off successfully. You are likely to inherit some property.

Those in jobs may work abroad and get due recognition. Keep a cool temperament and involve family members in your major decisions. A long vacation with family is foreseen. Reassociation with an old forgotten friend will change the course of events in future.

This year heralds in good fortune, luck, new opportunities, high business growth, increased incomes, appreciation, promotions and due recognition. A very valuable friendship develops with a new person which changes the course of your future for ever. Your family will support and encourage you on all important decisions. Avoid long over night road journeys. Your spiritual inclination results in embracing charitable activity.

Pilgrimage to holy places with spouse indicated. Your health may require immediate attention.

Huge financial gains, recovery of old debts, stunning job offers, new business ventures and heavy profits are indicated during the year. Trust your instincts rather than depend on the advice a person on whom you depend so far. You need to realise that your family is indeed highly supportive and stop blaming them for your failures. The worrisome health of a senior family member will require the best medical care.

New investments, handsome financial gains, business growth and real estate investments during the year are indicated. Instead of venturing into new businesses, focus on the current business. Those in jobs are likely to switch jobs with more attractive perks.

Difficult situations might be distressing, but you emerge as the winner every time. Avoid ego clashes with family. While health will be generally good, still you may need to consult doctor frequently.

Yo Vizag 55 January 2010

Paa Director: R. Balakrishnan Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishe k Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal Paa is a simple sweet story of a boy (Auro - Amitabh Bachchan) and his family.

Auro is a 13 year old suffering from Progeria. Mentally he is his age but physically looks like a 70 year old man. He lives with his mother Vidya (Vid ya Balan), a doctor and single mother. His fath er Amol (Abhishek Bachchan) is a politician.

The movie is about their relation ship, struggles, emotions and a lot more. Paa doesnít dwell on the illness, but more on the relationships and Auro ís astuteness.

It is a well written and directed film, with adequate amount of emo tions, fun and fabulous performances. Though there are flaws, the brilliant acti ng by Amitabh and Vidya Balan overshadow any shortcomings.

ron Director: James Came Zoe Saldana , Siqourney Weaver, ton ing rth on Cast: Sam Wo nt precious minerals e to mine the abunda mm gra e, pro trib a ívi in t Na r sis rrio as To the wa which is habituated by is a r ata av An a distant moon Pandora r. ata ton ) be co me s an Av Su lly (S am Wo rth ing breathe on Pandora. aívi hybrid, who can n-N ma hu uate red y-b all tic gene d force them to evac eract with Naívis an ívi Na d an n ma hu His mission is to int uttling between his sh rts sta ke re Ja the As d t. their plane to Pandora an emotionally attached g ttin ge ing nn rts stu sta th he body, existence. Wi tween his medium of begins the conflict be computer animation the d an live ng ts, combini stereoscopic 3D effec int, the film becomes tive, but after some po cia pre ap and lly ua vis is movie ro will save his lover love story where a he d hÈ clic er . oth rop an t ckd jus sci-fi ba ains with a futuristic her people from the vill

Director: Rajkumar Hirani Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kap oor, R. Madhavan, Sharman Jos hi & Boman Irani A comedy riot, this movie questio ns the current educational system.

It ope ns with Far han (R. Mad hav an) and Raj u (Sh arm an Jos hi) beg inni ng a jour ney in sea rch of thei r lost frie nd Ran cho dda s Sha yma ldas Cha jaad (Aa mir Kha n). Loo sely bas ed on Che tan Bhagatís bestseller ëFive Poin t Someoneí, ë3 Idiotsí is a mov ie of universal appeal. The movie talk s about chasing your dreams and living your life on your terms. Whi le most of the movie is brilliant ly executed with spontaneous hila rity and ëout of the boxí thinking , a few scenes do drag ridiculously.

With a touch of reality interspa ced with oodles of humour, it is a mus t-watch of the season. It you with the mantra, ìaall izz wellî.

Yo Vizag 56 January 2010

English

Telugu

Hindi

1.Tik-Tok- Kesha 2.Replay-Iyaz 3.Bad Romance-Lady Gaga 4.Fireflies-Owl City 5.Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys

1.Panchadara - Magadheera 2.Aauna kadana- Leader 3.Mr. Perfect-Arya 2 4.Shiva Sambho- Adurs 5.Ek Niranjan- Ek Niranjan

1.Alisha- Pyaar Impossible 2.Pump it up- Chance pe Dance 3.Dulha mil gaya- Dulha mil gaya 4.Give me some sunshine-3 Idiots 5.Salam Aya- Veer

BookReview

Pirate Latitudes †ëPirate Latitudesí is a posthumous publication of a novel written by Michael Crichton. Michael Crichton is one of the rare successful story writers whose 14 novels have been converted to record breaking movies like ëJurrasic Parkí and a television series called ëERí. A master in plotting stories, Crichtonís last work is slightly disappointing. The central character Charles Hunter is on a mission to steal a treasure ship out from under the nose of the Spanish war machine. As Hunter wanders through the 1660s Port Royal in search of the exact crew to carry out his improbable plan, the book seems like a fun swashbuckler but presents lot of short stories that donít string together. íPirate Latitudesí is one dimensional and not one the best works of Michael Crichton though his last.

Ford County ëFord Countyí is John Grishamís first collection of short stories. He chose seven of his unused plot ideas and turned each one of them into sharp and dark crime stories that take place in Ford County, Mississippi. The book opens with ëBlood Driveí which has two brothers and their mother visiting another brother on death row for what might be the last time. ëQuiet Havení is the books sneakiest story where a young man seeks work at a nursing home and later changes jobs frequently to other nursing homes. Ford County brims with the same page-turning quality and irresistible narration, as his previous works, showing once again why John Grisham is the best.

Yo Vizag 57 January 2010

Though the city might seem placid and laidback, Vizag in reality is a hub of activity. Call it an industrial city, a software hub, a fishing city, tourist city... Vizag is all this and more.

It has something for everyone, satisfying myriad tastes in all aspects, be it food, scenic locales, unique topography, ancient structures, modern entertainment... the city has lots to offer. January is one of the best times to visit, when the weather is cool, flowers are in bloom and everything is green The best time to visit†- is almost throughout the yearÖexcept maybe in the icky rainy months of June to September.† Though if the heat and sweat gets to you, then opt for the cool months of November (after the rains, when everything is clean and green) to February (before the heat actually kicks in).† Practical clothing†for Vizag climates is cotton and cotton-blends. The month of January is cool and picnic-perfect, but can be interspaced by bouts of hot humid spells. On most days, almost anything goes, cottons, blendsÖbut in the hot afternoons, stick to cottons, keeps one cool and comfortable. And like anywhere in India, skimpy sensuous outfits will attract unwarranted attention. † The mannerism†of the local populace here spells hospitality. Warm, friendly, trad≠≠≠≠≠≠itional and cosmopolitan ñ a true Vizagite is a unique blend of all. Ever ready to direct and advise, donít hesitate to ask around. Telugu, English and Hindi are the commonly spoken languages here. † The food†is hot, spicy and mostly ricebased. The local dishes are richly flavoured with loads of tamarind and spice.

Sea-food and fresh-water-fish from the neighbouring Godavari districts figure prominently in the local diet. Most eateries are multi-cuisine - offering a varied fare.

Tipping in restaurants is discretionary, around Rs 5 to Rs 10, or 10-15% of the bill.†

of the fare before getting in. Taxi-services are catching on in the city. Metered Services like ëCrazy-cabsí (Phones: 6455589, 6455598, 6455355, 6455678, 9246676899) and ëVizag City Taxií (Phones: 3200000, 9348882817) are just a phone-call away.†††††

While shopping, haggle to your heartís content on the roadsides and smaller establishments. Vizag is not known for its shopping, but the fare on display is varied.

Clothes from Kolkata and Mumbai, imported goods from custom-notified shops, toys, sporting goodsÖ you name it, it is available. †

Touring facilities†are adequately provided by AP Tourism. These packages cover most of the city sights and are quite satisfactory for a rapid trip around the city.

The daily conducted ëlocal sightseeing tourí including lunch and snacks, covers the main tourist spots. For Araku, Burra Caves and nearby tourist destinations, there are daily packages. The Araku trip is either by rail and road or only road. †

Nightlife†in the city is comparatively nascent. There are a few good pubs and lounge-bars to visit, though the crowd really picks up only on weekends. After 10 pm ladies, do get a guy as an escort.

Generally, day or night, movies are the biggest draw. † Modes of transport†within the city include buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis. The cheapest mode of transport, buses cover most of the city. Autos are handy, they will get you just anywhere, though many operate without a meter, in which case, enquire (and bargain if necessary) the cost Yo Vizag 58 January 2010

Must See ñ†Must Do†stuff in Vizag includes a stroll down the Beach Road at sunset. A visit to the Sub-Museum on the Beach ñ edifying and really interesting!

Add a drive down the Bhimli Road and a visit to the Burra Caves to the weekend itinerary.

Yes! I would like to Subscribe Yo Vizag Magazine Subscription Details

Personal Details Cash/Cheque/DD.No............................................

With in Vizag

: 12 Months Rs. 275/24 Months Rs. 525/-

of Rs..................................................................

(Payable to DSA Media Publications) Date...................................................................

Other Cities in A.P. : 12 Months Rs. 400/24 Months Rs. 760/-

Bank.................................................................

Subscription valid from.....................to................

Name:................................................................

Other than A.P.

: 12 Months Rs. 640/24 Months Rs. 1240/-

Date of Birth:.......................................................

Profession:........................................................

Email ...............................................................

Address.............................................................. .........................................................................

Phone No...........................................................

Please give complete details to: Mail this coupon along with your Cheque/DD in favour of DSA Media Publications send to No: 3 & 4, IInd Floor, Annapurna Complex, Peda waltair, Visakhapatnam - 530 017.

For Details contact : 0891-2508150, Email: mail@yovizag.com Url: www.yovizag.com Yo Vizag 59 January 2010

Discover

Vizag

VUDA PARK

KAILASAGIRI

Distance from RTC Complex: 5 Km

Distance from RTC Complex: 6 Km

Vuda Park alias Taraka Rama Park, located near the Rama Krishna Beach is one of the most popular leisure spot in Visakhapatnam. The park has boating facilities, a roller skating rink, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens, dancing fountains show and a children's play area.

A popular picnic spot, atop a hillock with an enchanting view of the sea, beaches, and the bustling city; the major attractions here are the 40 feet tall magnificent ShivaParvathi idol, the Shanku Chakra Naama, floral clock, titanic view point, manicured lawns, children play park, ropeway and toy-train.

SHIVAJI PARK

MUDASARLOVA

Distance from RTC Complex: 3 Km Shivaji Park is an ideal picnic spot sprawling over 3 acres of land. It has many attractions like fountains, skating ring, children's play area, and beautifully landscaped gardens, a small open air theatre, food court etc.

THE INDIRA GANDHI ZOOLOGICAL PARK

Distance from RTC Complex: 10 Km

The site has a beautiful park with different types of green plants and orchards and a lake that supplies water to the city. The key attraction of the place is the scenic 18-hole Golf course belonging to East Point Golf Club

RAMAKRISHNA BEACH Distance from RTC Complex: 3 Km

Distance from RTC: 10 Km Spread over 635 acres, the Zoo houses around 80 exotic species of animals and birds amidst rolling landscapes of natural habitat. The well planned layout includes a huge Deer park and a Crocodile Park. The park is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all the days except Mondays.

Ramakrishna mission beach is long lovely stretch of sea and sands. There are various statues, the Kali Temple, the Ramakrishna Ashram, the Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum, war memorial to soldiers of the 1971 war - 'Victory at Sea' and other attractions along the road.

Yo Vizag 60 January 2010

Picnic & Tourist Spots

Tyda Nature Camp Distance from Vizag: 75 Km Tyda is a small tribal village in the Eastern Ghats, on the Araku Road. There is an eco-tourism park, 'Jungle Bells' with rock climbing, trekking, target shooting and availability of naturalists or guides. There are cottages and log huts for stay.

Rushikonda Beach Distance from Vizag: 10 Km Popular amongst locals and tourists, portion of the sea at this beach is safest to bathe or surf, though precaution is always advised. The Government owned Punnami Resorts offer rooms at reasonable rates for tourists. The 14th century Sri Sapta Rusheswara Temple surrounded by seven hills is located in Rishikonda.

Yarada Beach Distance from Vizag: 15 Km This is a fabulous beach with an exotic blend of golden sands and the lush green stretch of hills. Nestled between the hills on all the three sides and the Bay of Bengal on one side, this beach is an ideal spot for a day out.

Bheemunipatnam or Bhimli Distance form Vizag: 25 Km Bheemli, one of the oldest municipality (1861) in the country has a 17th century Dutch settlement, ruined fort, armoury, Dutch cemetery, beautiful beach, light house, Lord Narasimha temple, St. Peter's Church, Maharaja's guest house, clock tower, port and Gautam Boat club. Popular with film makers, the sea here is calm.

Erra Matti Dibbalu Distance from Vizag: about 20 km The million year old vast stretch of red hillocks covered by green vegetation with blue waters of the Bay of Bengal on one side provides a quaint feast for the visitors. these Erra Matti Dibbalu ravines have been naturally formed because of wind currents and soil erosion.

Etikoppaka Distance from Vizag: 65 Km Etikoppaka, on the banks of Varaha River, is known for its age-old tradition of wooden carvings and artefacts made of 'ankudu' wood with lacquer colours, and enchanting designs.

The toys, mythological figures, carvings etc display the creative skills of the craftsmen and depict local cultural practices.

Borra Caves Distance from Vizag: 90 Km Brightly illuminated, these million year-old limestone caves are at a height of 1400 Mt above sea level. Filled with fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations of calcium deposits, some fashioned like a 'Shivalingam' and a cow (Kamadhenu), plus with the Gosthani River flowing through, impart a religious significance to the caves.

Dumbriguda Chaaparai Distance from Vizag: 130 Km Situated about 15 kms away from Araku on the route to Paderu, this picturesque picnic spot has charming waterfalls and lush green surroundings. While the currents can be strong in the monsoon, the waterfalls are fun otherwise, though caution is advised.

Araku Valley Distance from Vizag: 115 Km Araku valley; labelled Andhra's Ooty, located on the Eastern Ghats, is home to a number of tribal communities. Spread over an area of 36sq. kms with pleasant climate, lush greenery, waterfalls and streams, this tourist spot has a tribal museum Accommodation facilities are available for tourists.

Matsyagundam with Sri Matsyalingeswara Swamy Temple Distance from Vizag: 140 Km About 15 Kms down the road to Paderu from Araku, comes a scenic spot with a rivulet winding through the boulders against the backdrop of an ancient Shiva temple, Sri Matsyalingeswara Swamy Temple. In the belief the Lord Shiva protects the fish in these waters; they are not caught or eaten.

Ananthagiri Distance from Vizag: 60 Km Ananthagiri is a beautiful hill station in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats, on the way to Araku Valley.

The clean fresh air makes it a perfect health resort.

Anathagiri is famed for its extensive coffee plantations and numerous waterfalls like Tadimada waterfalls.

Yo Vizag

61 December 2009

Pilgrimage Spots

Buddhist Sites Thotlakonda

Bavikonda

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

○

Distance from Vizag: about 15 Km Known as 'the Hill of Eagles", the Thotlakonda complex has a number of stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, a congregation hall and a refectory belonging to the Himayana School, mostly excavated during1982-92. Excavations revealed pottery, beads, bangle pieces, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, sculptural remains, moulded bricks, inscriptions, coins, etc.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

Distance from Vizag: 16 Km This is a well known temple of Lord Varaha Narasimha, (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), built in the 11th century. The main deity is always covered with sandalwood paste.

○

○

○

Simhachalam Temple

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

Distance form Vizag: 18 Km Appikonda or Kapilakonda is an ancient Shiva temple. The shore temple contains inscriptions dating back to 12th Century AD and a life size bull carved out of black stone.

○

○

○

Appikonda

Pavuralakonda Distance from Vizag: 24 Km Pavuralakonda ('hill of pigeons') or Narasimhaswamy Konda covering an area of 10 to 12 acres is at a height of 168mts above sea level. Excavations revealed nearly 14-16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns used for collecting rainwater, foundations of viharas, with cells and common verandah, circular chaityagrihas, votive stupas, halls etc.

○ ○ ○ ○

○

Distance form Vizag: 105 Km Located in Srikakulum district, this is the only temple in AP devoted to the Sun God, Suryanarayana Swamy.

○

○

○

○

Arasavalli

Distance from Vizag: 16 Km Bavikonda, acquired its name due to its wells created to collect rain water for drinking at this Buddhist establishment consisting of a Mahachaitya, stupas, chaityagrihas, a congregation hall, platforms, viharas, kitchen-cum-store complex. Roman coins, satavahana coins and pottery dating back to 3rd century BC and 2nd Century A.D were recovered here.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

Distance form Vizag: 118 Km Believed to be built before the 2nd century, the Sri Kurmanadha temple in Srikurmam, is the only temple in India depicting Lord Vishnu in the Kurma avatar.

○

○

○

Sri Kurmanadha Temple

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

Distance from Vizag: 148 Km The 9th century Srimukhalingeswara (Shiva) Temple on the banks of River Vamsadhara has some remarkably beautiful sculptures in the Indo - Aryan style.

Distance from Vizag: 118 Km On the banks of the river Vamsadhara, a maha stupa, votive stupas, chaityas, platforms and viharas have been unearthed.

The main stupa measures 46 feet in diameter while the maha vihara salipethaka has an entrance in the shape of Swastika.

Inscriptions of 2nd century A.D. have been found here.

○

○

○

○

○

○

Salihundam

○

Distance from Vizag: 124 Km Lord Veer Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy presides in Annavarm on the banks of the River Pampa. The Satyanarayana Swamy Vratha is performed here daily by scores of devout married couples.

○

○

○

○

Annavaram

Distance from Vizag: 41 Km The 3rd and 4th century Buddhist constructions on the two small hillocks Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda in Sankaram village near Anakapalli are replete with rock- cut stupas, Viharas, Buddha images, monastery and sanctuaries. Several antiquities like seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins of seventh century AD have been excavated. Bojjannakonda shows all the three phases of Buddhism.

○

○

○

Sri Mukhalingam

Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda in Sankaram:

Yo Vizag 62 January 2010

Listings

Hotels

The Park Waltair Uplands, Beach Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2754488 The Gateway Hotel Beach Road, Visakhapatnam.

Telephone: 5565900 Welcome Hotel Grand Bay Rk Beach Road , Beach Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2560101 The Palm Beach Near Rk Beach, Waltair Uplands, Beach Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2754026 / 27 Dolphin Hotel Nr. Saraswathy Park, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2567000

Guest House

The Legend Plot No. 95, Daspalla Hills, Visakhapatnam Phone: 6642599 Royal Residency # 9-3-17, 3rd & 4th Floors, Vijaya Bhanu Building, Pithapuram Colony Visakhapatnam Phone : 2750555, 2758555, 2763555 Mobile : 98485 55645

Resturants

Vihar Rushi konda beach Visakhapatnam Ph:one 2794026/27/29

Function Halls

Vysakhi Jala Udyana Vanam Near Police Commissioner’s Office, Suryabagh, Visakhapatnam - 530 020 Telephone : 2564389 Mobile: 9440426543

Malls

CMR Shopping Mall Opp Judge Court Jagadamba Junction, Prakasaraopeta, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2771888 V Square Opp TSR Complex DwarakaNagar, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6667777, 6636666 V2 Nr. Ramatalkies, Maddilapalem Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2575888, 2709888 Tummidi Nr. Ramatalkies, Maddilapalem Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2575888, 2709888

Pubs

Chrome Varun Towers 6th Floor , Above Maruthi Car Showroom Siripuram Junction, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2733000 Blue Retro Lounge 3rd Floor, SreeKanya Canope, Opp.Waltair Club, Siripuram Visakhapatnam Phone: 6666776

Furniture Stores

Wood Park Rednam Alcazar , Opp SBI Main Branch, Jail Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6579992 Nayaab Furniture Above Bombay GasLight Stores Asilmetta Junction, uplands Road, Visakhapatnam Phone:6646890, 2731768

Yo Vizag 63 January 2010

Shopping General

Karachiwala Siripuram Junction, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2754779

Fast Food

Bakers Castle Siripuram Towers, Opp. HSBC, Next to Lee & Arrow Showrooms, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 0891- 2578889 Mobile : 900 000 8889 Subway Dutt Island, Siripuram Visakhapatnam, A.P., India Phone : 0891 2781848/2784911 Mobile : 98852 17788 Bakers Den 10-5-9, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar, Besides Lion Club Visakhapatnam Phone : 6662444

Listings Manikanda Sweets n Bakery Dabagardens Besides Singapore Plaza Visakhapatnam, Phone : 6637718 Mobile : 9963 2222 33

Opticals

Optical Plaza Aarif Rama Talkies Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6640731 Optical Plaza Aarif 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar, Nr. Diamond Park, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2706096 Himalaya Opticals Ground Floor, Krishna Kamal Enclave Asilmetta Junction,near Sivarama Sweets, Visakhapatnam Phone:6630381 Himalaya Opticals Resapuvanipalem Opp. Spencer’s Hyper Market Visakhapatnam Phone: 6631381

Hair Boutique

Wellgroom Beauty Clinic for Men Vuda Udyog Bhavan Siripuram. Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6649488 WOW The salon Opp St Anthonys Church, Near Green Park Hotel, Waltair main Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6531386, 2540856 Jawed Habib VIP ROAD, CBM Compound Visakhapatnam Phone: 2521142 / 43

Fashion Stores

J.T. Fashions D. No. 28-2-63/1, Beside Bommana Brothers, Jagadamba Junction Visakhapatnam Phone: 6691777/877 Hirawats Fashion Pvt. Ltd. #30-15-166, Dabagardens Visakhapatnam Phone: 2505713, 6645638 Purple Hotel Palm beach Visakhapatnam Phone: 9246614402

Travel

SRR Tour and Travels D. NO. 50-81-28/3, Main Road, Seethammapeta.

Phone: 3065721 Mobile: 9246674641 Travel-Home Annapoorna Apartment Complex, Lawsonsbay Colony, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2520977

Designer Stores

Aarna Kirlampudi Layout, Behind Syndicate Bank, Chinna Waltair Main Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2549999 Amber KGH Down Visakhapatnam Phone:2565295

Yo Vizag 64 January 2010

Fashion Silk House Jagadamba centre , Visakhapatnam Phone:2501752, 2564249 Inner Elegance Vuda Udyog Bhavan Siripuram.

Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6647882 Kanchan Boutique 12-4-32, Chandu's Plaza Hotel Green Park Road Near jagadamba centre, Visakhapatnam Phone: 2526379, 2752019 Rana’s Fashion Port Beside Mira Collections Hotel Green Park Road Waltair Main Road Visakhapatnam Phone: 2527083 Mobile:9848131983

Health & Fitness

Footsteppers Add Life Premises Opp. Police officers Club, Pandurangapuram Phone no: 9885674016

Spa

Tangerine spa and Salon Dondaparthy, Station Road, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2559000

Shipping Services

Navship Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. # 31-1-29/2, Flat No.103, NSN Towers, Vivekananda Colony, Allipuram, Visakhapatnam Phone : 2509318

Computers

Southern Hi-Tech Computers basement, 10-1-43, Siripuram Fort, Waltair uplands Main Road, Visakhapatnam Phone: 2746374, 6667635

Beauty Parlours

Lakme Beauty Salon Dutt Island, Siripuram Phone: 2565424 RAAGHAVI Beauty Salon for Women M.V.R.Plaza, Below Coffee Day, Sampath Vinayagar Temple Road C.B.M. Compound, Visakhapatnam. Phone. 6630734

Toys/gifts/baby shop

Mira Collections Ram Mansion, D. No. 10-50-11/7, Waltair Main Road Phone No: 2550775, 9392866642

Arts and Handicrafts

Eastern Art museum 10-1-9, Asilmetta, Visakhapatnam Phone:6647880,2562775

Book Store

Ashok Book Stores Jagadamba Junction Visakhapatnam Phone: 2565995, 2561055 Pages Opp SBI, Visakhapatnam Phone: 6450555 / 556

Kitchen Appliances

Bombay GasLight Stores Estd.1945 Asilmetta Junction

Granites

Archean Granites & Italian Marbles 9-1-222/1, CBM Compund Visakhapatnam Phone: 2712577, 94401 90226

Drug Rehabilitation Centre

Green Valley Foundation Rishikonda, Visakhapatnam Ph: 2781966, 98924751126

Gifts

Gift of Life & Love (Potted Plants) Flat : 4-E, Dutt Island, Siripuram, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2797334, 97044 22858

Jewellery

Hira Panna Jewellery MVR Complex, Opp. RTC Complex, Dwaraka Nagar, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2748006 MVS Jewel Park Suraj Towers, Opp Asilmetta Bus Stop Rama talkies Road, Visakhapatnam Phone:2509591,2509592 ORRA Sri Sai Mookamba Jewellers 48-14-28, Akhila Arcade Ramatalkies Road Visakhapatnam Phone:3247222,3918393 Rang Raj Jewellers Opp TSR Complex, Dwaraka Nagar, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2540590 Sanghavi Jewellers Beside Petrol Bunk, Asilmetta, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6633333 Ramaa Jewellers (Govt. Approved Valuer) # 25-8-55, Main Road, Opp/ Kurpam Market, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2563279 Mobile : 98491 25729 Shyam Zaveri Sampath Vinayaka Temple Road, Asilmetta, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 2590999 Syndicate Jewellers (P) Ltd Jagadamba Centre, Visakhapatnam Ph: 2561674 V Square Opp TSR Complex DwarakaNagar, Visakhapatnam.

Phone: 6667777;6636666 Kotari's (Diamond Jewellers) Opp. Siva Rama Sweets, Asilmetta Jn. Phone: 3245456, 6637566

Yo Vizag 65 January 2010

FLIGHT TIMINGS FLT NO.

DEPARTURE

ARRIVAL

Flights To HYDERABAD HYDERABAD Flightsflying flying from from VIZAG VIZAG To SG 226 08:55 09:55 IT 4424 12:10 13: 50 S2 612 13:25 14:25 IC 618 14:00 15:00 IT 4492 18:30 20: 10 SG 402 20:10 21:15 To VIZAG 08:30 11:40 12:45 12:55 18:00 19:40

AIRLINES Spice Jet Kingfisher Red Jet Lite Indian Airlines Kingfisher Red Spice jet

Flights flying SG 401 IT 4819 IC 617 S2 611 IT 4818 SG 221

from HYDERABAD 07:20 10:05 11:45 11:55 16:20 18:35

Flights flying SG 226 S2 6218 IC 7602

from VIZAG to DELHI 08:55 12:45 11:55 14:15 12:05 14:05

Spice Jet Jet Lite Indian Airlines

Flights flying IC 7601 S2 6217 SG 221

from DELHI to VIZAG 05:55 08:00 14:55 17:05 15:55 19:40

Indian Airlines Jet Lite Spicejet

Flights flying S2 612 IC 618 SG 402

from VIZAG to BOMBAY 13:25 16:25 14:00 17:35 20:10 23:15

Jetlite Indian airlines Spicejet

Flights flying SG 401 IC 617 S2 611

from BOMBAY to VIZAG 05:30 08:30 09:30 12:45 10:15 12:55

Spicejet Indian airlines Jet lite

Flights flying S2 6252 IC 7601 IT 2496

from VIZAG to CHENNAI 08:35 09:45 08:30 09:35 12:10 14:00

Jet Lite IndianAirlines Kingfisher

Spice Jet Kingfisher Red Indian Airlines Jet Lite Kingfisher Red Spice jet

Flights flying from CHENNAI to VIZAG S2 6251 IT 2495 IC 7602

10:15 09:45 10:30

11:25 11:40 11:35

Jet Lite Kingfisher IndianAirlines

Flights flying from VIZAG to KOLKATA S2 6412

17:35

18:50

Jet Lite

Flights flying from KOLKATA to VIZAG S2 6411

06:35

08:05

Jet Lite

Flights flying from VIZAG to TIRUPATI IT 4819

08:05

11:25

KingfisherRed

Flights flying from TIRUPATI to VIZAG IT 4407

11:15

13:05

KingfisherRed

Flights flying from VIZAG to BANGLORE (via Tirupati) I7 464 IT 4424

10:40 12:10

11:55 15:50

Paramount KingfisherRed

Flights flying from BANGLORE to VIZAG I7 465

08: 45

10:15

Paramount

Flight timings courtesy:

Travel Home Lawsonsbay Colony, Visakhapatnam. Ph: 2520977 # Except sundays * Timings are subject to change without notice.