Andhra Pradesh

Work yourself towards longevity

When you are happy work. When depressed work. When things don’t go right work and work when excited. That’s is the mantra for a long life. Those who have a purpose in life live longer than those who see a cul-de-sac after retirement.

No idle talk this. But gems of advise from people who have had a long innings in life. G. Naryana Chetty, 101, and Bodhi Nathan, 98, gave out the secret of their longevity the other day at a programme organised to felicitate them.

Having an open mind and eating less also increases the life span, added Dr. Gokhale of Global Hospitals. Hurry, worry and curry are other things that take a heavy toll of body and mind. All this can be taken care of by the magic potion – smile. Interestingly, the oldies have not lost the zest for life nor sense of humour. Mr. Chetty gave an indication of this when he said he felt safe as he was seated between his son, Ramesh Gelli and Dr. Gokhale.

The mounting public anger that became so visible in the electronic media against political leaders of all parties, following Mumbai terror strikes, apparently drove a couple of political leaders to do some plain speaking and take pot shots against their own tribe.

Paladugu Venkatrao of Congress raised the issue when a condolence motion was moved in the Legislative Council to condole the death of those who lost their lives in Mumbai terror strikes. “It was time politicians of different parties showed commitment and integrity to tackle issues that undermined people’s safety and security without indulging in political upmanship. The public reaction was an indication that politicians’ credibility had touched a nadir. It was time politicians of all hues gave a message of unity and that nation’s interest was primary to narrow political gains,” he said.

MLCs T. Srinivasulu and Reddappa Reddy, who served earlier in the police force, too did not mince words to point out that it was not proper for politicians to blame intelligence setup whenever a subversive attack took place in the country.

“If a message goes out that a police official is strict, it itself could deter criminals. Unfortunately our police officers have no freedom to act as they have to put up with interference from politicians and higher officials,” they said.

The recent presentation of ‘Telangana Dakkali Aadi Jambava Puranam’ by artistes from Warangal had an unlikely audience in the Osmania University.

The performance got unduly delayed owing to the repeated change of venue by the organisers. First, it was conveyed that it would be an open-air performance in the Arts College premises. Then, due to rain, it was shifted indoors to the Department of Jo urnalism, though in the same complex. Suddenly, power went off before the performance even began necessitating another shift in venue.

The next venue Room No. 56 had a cluttered stage and did not offer much scope for footwork. Hence, the artistes along with the weary audience were taken to a seminar hall where an English Language class was on for foreign students. Upon request by the organisers, the professor wound up the lecture and left the room.

While many of the original audience left in a huff irked by the repeated change of venue, the performance received big applause and cheers from a crowd of diverse nationalities who also clicked many pictures of the performance, probably to be displayed on the community websites.

After the advent of computers and Internet, the city indeed came a long way. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which is to begin its three-day convention at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), has taken up hi-tech registration for participants.

Media personnel were asked to fill a form with a lot of details and were photographed with digital cameras and issued plastic identify cards. Every person seeking registration was asked to stand in front of a webcam and shot. As soon as the details were entered into the computer, a plastic card is printed and delivered instantly. What’s more, hundreds of policemen, under the supervision of DCP of Madhapur Zone Srinivasulu, have taken control of the HICC premises.

The policemen were seen being trained on how to keep tab of the movements of humans, vehicles and are being briefed about the tasks cut out for them. After all, none wants to take chances.

SMS chains have become an integral part of everyday life. They only need only one motivated person to start it and they spread like wild fire.

Since the Mumbai terror attacks, a number of SMSs have been doing rounds. While some of them expressed solidarity towards the security officers and commandos, some of them openly cursed the politicians.

With so many discussions, rallies and meetings being held by organisations for peace, one particular SMS held the attention of a speaker at a religious meeting in here on Monday. He said, “Let us not be worried about those who come by boats, but beware of those who come by votes!”

“Mama Chandamama Vinavaa…” the lullaby from the movie ‘Sambarala Rambabu’ had always fascinated children. At inaugural of Rainbow Homes, a shelter for abandoned and street girls, they were rather astonished when this song was sung by one Mr. Kondala Rao.

Not that he made a mess out of it or anything but Mr. Rao happens to be a cop!

For children coming from the street, a policeman always conjures up images of being tough, rash and strict. Mr. Rao, imitating singing legend Ghantasala was in the mood to regale his little audience and did a good job of it.

Caught unawares, even the organisers clapped as he went on with his rendition. Catching the amazed stares of the girls, he quipped, “This police mama seems to have surprised you with his Chandamama!” The girls responded with loud claps amid peals of laughter.

J.S. IFTHEKHAR, M.L.MELLY MAITREYI, SWATHI.V, A. SAYE SEKHAR, ABHIJIT DEV KUMAR, YOGENDRA KALAVALAPALLI

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