Special Edition ~ Bimonthly Lab Newspaper ~ Published by the Department of Communication & Journalism, Osmania University, Hyderabad ~ Vol. LXVI No. 2 ~ 5 May 2017
Step up basic research: President Inaugurates Centenary celebrations; Calls for free exchange of ideas Courier Bureau
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resident Pranab Mukherjee has called for stepping up investments in basic research, and asked all stakeholders, including the private sector, to evince more interest in this. Launching the centenary celebrations of Osmania University, Mr Mukherjee noted that even India’s top institutions focus on achieving 100 per cent placement rather than on basic research. “Quite a large number of students are involved in basic research abroad but we are lagging behind in this. I do not blame universities alone. This requires a steady flow of funds and industry should have a vested interest in developing a strong basic research base,” he said, addressing a packed audience of about 20,000 students, alumni, faculty members and other staff. He wished the University all the success in achieving the vision and objectives of its founding fathers and emphasised that Osmania University should evolve into a higher education institution of excellence, occupying its rightful place in international rankings.
President Pranab Mukherjee flanked on the left by ESL Narasimhan, Governor, TS & AP; Bandaru Dattatreya, Union Minister of State for Labour; Dr K Keshava Rao, MP (Rajya Sabha); Prof S Ramachandram,Vice Chancellor, OU; and on the right by K Chandrashekar Rao, Chief Minister, Telangana; Kadiyam Srihari, Minister for Higher Education, TS; Dr Bonthu Rammohan, Hyderabad Mayor; and Prof Ch Gopal Reddy, Registrar, OU. Photo: Anil Kumar Pokade Making his observations on higher education in India, Mr. Mukherjee said that the UGC, which was established in 1956, envisaged universities as places of learning, where student-teacher interactions take place without any
external hindrance. He added that a decade from now, the University should be able to cross certain milestones. Recalling India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s emphasis on research, innovation and interaction with society,
‘Dialogue vital for democracy’ In the pic, Abdessattar Ben Moussa
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bdessattar Ben Moussa, President of the Tunisian Human Rights League, stated that democracy would have no meaning if people are not involved in framing the policies. To achieve ideal democracy, power should be decentralised and education must be free and compulsory, because it enables the citizens of a nation to know their rights and duties, said Mr Moussa. Delivering a lecture at the seminar on ‘Building Pluralistic Democracy’ at the Tagore Auditorium as part of the Osmania University Centenary Celebrations, the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize winner said that a nation with a good democracy should ensure employment for youth. “When a nation fails to provide employment for a long time, the
Anantha Lakshmi L Sreenija Gopagani Jeevan Shada
democratic walls begin to crack. Corruption is also one of the burning issues today which impedes a nation in achieving quintessential democracy,” he said. Sharing an Arab couplet, he said: “If youth want to live happily, they should be bold enough to face the destiny. Injustice has to go, the shackles have to be broken”. Ben Moussa, an active participant in the Tunisian Revolution against the violation of citizens’ rights and dictatorship, he lauded Dr B R Ambedkar who drafted the Indian Constitution after analysing and studying constitutions of various countries. Later, Ranjeev R Acharya, Higher Education Secretary, said it was a privilege to have Abdessattar Ben Moussa. As President of the Human Rights League, the oldest organisation in Africa and the Arab world to rep-
resent the civil society, she lauded Moussa’s efforts towards setting up a pluralistic democracy. She added that she was touched by Moussa’s words, “Dialogue is necessary because the alternative is destruction”. To function well in an ideal democracy, pluralism is imperative. Indians should be proud because we have an exceptionally drafted constitution which nurtures and protects democracy. She said that it is easy to aim yet difficult to achieve fully and we should feel proud of Tunisians who achieved their democracy in only 3-4 years after their “Dignity Revolution” also known as the “Tunisian Revolution”. She added that it is the responsibility of the democratic countries like India to create awareness among people who live under the Kingship regarding their rights and importance of democracy.
he said universities couldn’t live in isolation. They should address the problems of local importance. He said that universities should create new faculties, new chairs, new departments, and new projects in their efforts towards interaction
with the society. Surveying the higher education scene, President Mukherjee said India had a history of over 1,500 years in higher education with institutions like Takshashila, Nalanda attracting talent from all over the world and promoting exchange of views. He said though India has developed huge higher education infrastructure 757 universities including 16 IITs, 30 NITs, and scores of IISERs and exhorted Osmania to evolve into an institution of excellence where free minds exchange ideas and grow intellectually. “We should develop the University as models and temples of learning where people come from all over the world. Prof. S. Ramachandram, Vice Chancellor, welcomed the dignitaries and thanked the Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekar Rao for sanctioning Rs 200 crore to the University. Prof. Ch Gopal Reddy, Registrar, proposed a vote of thanks. Prior to the arrival of the dignitary, the venue echoed with songs of Telangana, a couple of videos including the promotional film made by the Department of Communication & Journalism.
‘Osmania should reinvent itself’ S
enior academics, bureaucrats, ministers and educational administrators emphasised that the University had to reinvent itself to face the cataclysmic changes across the globe. Delivering the Chief Guest’s remarks at the seminar on the ‘Role of Osmania University in Telangana and nation building, organised as part of the inaugural of the centenary celebrations, S. Jaipal Reddy, former Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, stated that the University was a witness to a battle of ideas. The intense ideological debates produced a galaxy of leaders across generations, ideologies and parties. He regretted that today, the University is devoid of ideology. “This critical period has opened minds, and has given wings to my thoughts”, said Mr. Reddy. He said
Former Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy and TRS Secretary General K Keshava Rao at the seminar. that he had learnt not only in classrooms, but also in extracurricular activities. Recalling his student days, he observed that the discussions would range from Darwin’s evolution to Chinese revolution, Marxism to Mahatma’s Humanism. Under the University umbrella, everything was a point of debate, he added. He said that every stone of the imposing Arts College seems to welcome back the
alumni. He was exulted saying that ‘this is a splendid occasion for being poetic, for no prose can do justice.’ Dr. K. Keshava Rao, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, who presided, said Osmania University has been a vibrant place for exchange of ideas and opinions and added that Osmania has a bright future.
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Osmania Courier Bimonthly laboratory newspaper published by the Department of Communication & Journalism, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) under No. 8132/62. Vol. LXVI No. 2 Special Issue on Osmania University Centenary Celebrations Editor Prof. K. Stevenson Head, Dept of Communication & Journalism, OU. Editorial Associates B Ramakrishna (Asst. Prof. (C)) Sneha Verghese (JRF) Editorial Trainees MCJ ~ Anantha Lakshmi L, Sreenija Gopagani, M Ravi Sankar Reddy, Sriveda Baswapoor, Jeevan Shada, Lakshmi Manasa, Sushma Nagaraju, Rana Ashish Chauhan, Shekar Shivarathri, Fronia Priscilla, Chitra Saikumar, DP Dheeraj, and B Santhosh Other Streams ~ Siva Durga T, R. Swetha, Alekhya Kondapuram, Adarsh Dacha, Susritha Guttikonda, Ibukunoluwa Deborah Awoclere, Ogbochwewu Victor Uchenna, Janani Devulapally, P. Tanmayee, Manasa C.S., M. Latha, Sunayana Vempati, R. Monika,V.Vaishnavi, Samreen Mirza, Abdur Rehman Rayyan, P. Sai Supradeepa, Sonali Prusty, P. Nikitha, Hussain Shayrose, and Mohammed S. Farhan. Layout in QuarkXPress 8.1. Fonts: Charter and Gill Sans. Disclaimer All opinions expressed herein are personal as attributed, and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Department or of the University.
Osmania Courier 5 May 2017
VOICES
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ISRO’S EXPANDING HORIZONS ‘From DTH to homegrown GPS to disaster risk assessment, ISRO’s programmes are directly relevant to the common people of the country’
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resh from the success of launching 104 satellites into space in one go, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now working to reduce the weight and cost of launching satellites. Addressing participants as part of OU Centenary Celebrations on ‘India in Space,’ ISRO director Dr A S Kiran Kumar outlined India’s record in developing and launching satellites that practically benefit common people of the country. “Today we have large number of satellites like FSS [fixed satellite service], BSS [broadcast satellite service], MSS [mobile satellite service] providing tele-medicine, teleeducation, etc. Within a year from now, five more communication satellites will be launched which will be a significant achievement,” Dr Kumar said. An android app for the computation of solar potential has been developed by the Space Applications Centre (ISRO, Ahmedabad) which will play an essential role in selection of locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) thermal power points. Space applications are also being developed for socio-economic projects, governance and disaster risk reduction, he said. He also shed light on the key in-
ventions of ISRO which included the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstration, HEX-01 [Hypersonic Flight Experiment] Mission, air breathing engines, Earth observation systems, Navigation Indian Constellation, or ‘NavIC’, GAGAN [GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation], Bhuvan [2D / 3D visualisation of the Earth], MOSDAC [Meteorological & Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre], and ASTROSAT among many more. India is the only country in the world to achieve the feat of having a large number of satellites in space, said Dr Kumar. India has sent seven satellites into space named Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) and has its own GPS-
equivalent called ‘NavIC’. ISRO’s upcoming missions include the launch of the GSLV Mk III with 4tonne capacity and Chandrayaan-2. Dr Kumar identified four major areas of the Indian space programme as Space Applications, Space Transport, Space Infrastructure and Capacity Building. Space applications include launching of navigation and meteorological payloads whereas launching vehicles like PSLV, GSLV, reusable launch vehicle etc., come under Space Transportation. According to Dr Kumar, ISRO and the Indian government have made GAGAN mandatory for all aircraft by 2019. Using Bhuvan, ISRO does geo-tagging to MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Em-
ployment Guarantee scheme) assets. India has 4000 heritage sites for which ISRO makes inventory and site management plans for heritage sites and monuments. The website http://mosdac.gov.in hosts weather services including cloud bursts and heavy rain alerts, genesis of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean along with track and intensity prediction and three hourly weather forecasts for the next seventy two hours. ISRO is working towards helping the common man of this country, and some of the direct beneficiaries of its space missions range from fishermen, who were informed of locations with better yield on their mobile phones to 41 million DTH subscribers in the subcontinent, said Dr. Kumar. The man behind several of India’s successful space missions including the popular Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, congratulated Osmania University on completing 100 years of its establishment and said it is time to reflect on the past, assess the present and plan a change of course for the future to contribute to the society. Stressing that space technology is not an elitist activity but a necessary act, he disclosed that the NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad) is going to introduce start ups for students from 15 May, 2017 to inculcate interest among the youth. Dr. S. Chandrashekhar, Director, InInputs from dian Institute of Swetha R, Siva Durga T. Chemical M Ravi Sankar Reddy, Technology, and Sriveda Baswapoor also spoke.
‘Osmania should reinvent itself’ Prof. Suleman Siddiqui, former Vice Chancellor, urged the University to leverage digital technology and introduce virtual classrooms, set up incubation and innovation centres. Teachers should be trained in information & communication technologies and in research methods, he added. “There should be goals to be accomplished in the next 50 years, changes should be made in every area as change is the order of the day. The university should offer courses to meet the requirements of industries and start new projects in fields like aviation, banking, insurance,engineering, etc. Facilities should be provided in campus and affiliated colleges and hostels. Online courses should be started. Prof. K. Nageshwar, Editor in Chief, HMTV and The Hans India, pointed out that developments in artificial intelligence are rendering the lower and middle level skills redundant and irrelevant. In this context, he said the universities should prepare to address the change in the knowledge sphere to create highly skilled personnel. “Any University which is open gives the best to the nation,” he remarked. He said Osmania University should have a social function and the Telangana State
From Page 1
‘Electronic gadgets such as smartphones have become extremely distracting to students, and have veered them away from academics and sports’
(From left) Ms Ranjana Kumar, Ex Vigilance Commissioner, CVC; Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, Director, IICT; Prof. T. Tirupati Rao, former Vice Chancellor, OU; and Mr S.M. Arif, Badminton coach and Dronacharya awardee. should look to the University for solutions to the societal problems. Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, Director, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), speaking on ‘Osmania in Research and Development’ said that the University had created legends in Science. Several institutions like the IICT and NGRI owe their existence to OU which is associated with several leading institutions. The malarial parasite was discovered at OU and the drug discovery began, he said and added that many national institutes like DRDO have been greatest beneficiaries of Osmania University. “As a proud IICTian, I am glad to say that thousands of IICT scholars had been awarded by this institute. OU should expand its linkages with other universities. OU is an exception when people say state universities
have not contributed to research,” he pointed out. Prof. T. Tirupati Rao, former Vice Chancellor, OU, urged the government to address the problems of the increasing number of vacancies which are creating quality concerns. Mrs. Ranjana Kumar, Ex Vigilance Commissioner, Central Vigilance Commission called for setting high standards in teaching and learning as the workplace is undergoing competitive changes. OU had always been in forefront for social change and it is one of the few universities for providing education across various social segments. The University even addresses the issue of gender inequality to achieve optimal education and has always strived to achieve excellence. “Osmania University is fully empowering the women,” she added.
Dr. R.S. Praveen Kumar, Secretary, Telangana Residential Educational Society, urged the universities to produce good teachers who can question the current pedagogical practices. “Our educational system requires good teachers to build a good nation. So, I urge universities, especially OU, to be a pioneer in training fine teachers” he said. Universities should open their facilities to school children to inspire the younger generation, he said and urged senior faculty members, research scholars to visit schools and spend some time with children. Digital distractions should be avoided and boredom of classes should be addressed by being more creative, he suggested. SM Arif, Badminton coach and Dronacharya awardee, listed out the sports legends and described and reminisced the good old days when Osmania University was the uncrowned king of inter-university football championships and Masters Athletics championships. He also spoke of Nizam College which was at the forefront in Boxing, Athletics and Basketball; University College for Women, Koti, renowned for women’s kabaddi and kho-kho. He lamented that electronic gadgets, espeInputs from cially smartAlekhya Kondapuram, phones have Samreen Mirza, Ariike become exAwoderu, Monika Ramini, tremely disVadali Vaishnavi, Latha M, tracting to Sunayana V, Pathri Sai students and Supradeepa, and veered them from academSusritha Guttikonda. ics and sports.
‘Identify loopholes that hinder development’
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elangana Minister of Finance, Eetela Rajendar while commending the University for organising seminars on insightful topics suggested that the University should facilitate identification of loopholes of the constitution that hinder development. He encouraged students to take an active part in politics. Describing politicians as the spine of democracy, he pointed out that it is their responsibility to create awareness among the people regarding their rights and duties. He further said that the future of a nation lies in its classrooms and teachers should encourage the principlistic ideology among the students. He advised students to dream about the future of his society to achieve the ideal objectives of the constitution. He also said that one should use the technology constructively.
Osmania Courier 5 May 2017
VOICES
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VCs voice concern over meagre funds ‘Close to 70% of UGC funds go to Central Universities’
Minister assures support
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igh profile academics and educational administrators sought an increase in funds for sustainability and achieving academic excellence. They were participating in the first session on Funding to Universities as a part of the inaugural of the centenary celebrations of Osmania university at the IICT auditorium on 28 April. The theme being ‘Higher Education in India: Perspective on Faculty, Funding and Freedom,’ Prof. Jandhyala B.G.Tilak, incharge VC of National University of Education and Planning, said that financing higher education is a subject of concern. There is an increasing demand for higher education but students are deprived of best quality education due to lack of proper funding. He further observed that higher education is a critical investment that matters for economic growth and development which produces huge social benefits. Higher education being an instrument that promotes equity in society, he suggested that states should raise funds for universities. Stating that quality education leads to economic growth, he pointed that
A cross-section of the participants at the Vice Chancellors’ conference. countries that are providing quality higher education are at the forefront economically, but the other countries with a lower proportion of people pursuing higher education are economically and politically weak. Prof. R.K. Mishra, Director, Institute of Public Enterprise, regretted that Indian universities have not been receiving funds from international organisations and emphasised the need for financial sustainability. Citing the case of Harvard, he said that Universities should work in a direction where there would be surfeit of funds. He complimented Osmania University in its Centenary and said its alumni across the world could strengthen it. Adequate funding for higher education facilitated western nations to become developed countries while wherever fund-
ing is a constraint, nations are still on the path of development or remain underdeveloped. Prof. Pankaj Mithal, Additional Secretary, UGC, said that the University should be social responsible and establish connectivity with community. Disclosing that the UGC had a special scheme where a sum of Rs. 2.5 crore is granted to undertake community developprogrammes. ment Presenting a case study, she explained how women were empowered through small initiatives undertaken by Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya in Haryana. It included making cow dung cakes, smokeless chulhas, improving self esteem, social empowerment, etc. It is essential to improve the lives of illiterate by organising workshops in order to create selfemployment, she
pointed out. On funding, she said a major chunk of the budget allocated goes to the Central varsities while just about 30 percent is disbursed to state universities. The spending on a Central University student is about Rs. 3 lakh compared to Rs 3,000 on a state university student, she said. Prof. Mohd Muzammil, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra, mapped the sources of funding to varsities and said that the role of the State is shrinking except for the central universities. Funding is meagre in state Universities leading to fee hikes. Prof. R. Sayanna, VC, Kakatiya University, chaired the session while Prof. G. Prasad was the rapporteur.
Inputs from Sreenija Gopagani, Sushma Nagaraju and Anantha Lakshmi Latchayya
OU VISION DOCUMENT
Key imperatives under focus Susritha Guttikonda & Janani Devulapally
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uality, academic excellence, financial accountability and a host of other issues came under sharp focus on the panel discussion on preparing the vision document for the University for the next 50 years. Chairing the session, Prof. S. Ramachandram, OU Vice Chancellor, listed the objectives for the vision document which include: providing qualitative and accessible education; maintaining global standards and examination reforms; attaining financial self sufficiency and infrastructure; facilitating employability and entrepreneurship; internationalizing the University and undertaking out reach and institutional responsibility. Guest of honour Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy emphasized the significance of research areas and specified centres for excellence and promised to extend his support through DRDO for atleast 10 departments related to DRDO. He suggested that the alumni of OU living and working abroad should be utilized for research and further specified, for
Panelists made suggestions ranging from collaborating with alumni, to identifying islands of excellence to financial sustainability those people who are not willing to come here, should be offered with a chance to work from there, all in all work together and come out with one. Prof. V.S. Prasad proposed the three stage approach for the upcoming 15 years and listed: drafting of vision document consisting of the ideas identified and observed that the best practices are the adapted practices. Consultation on the draft which includes the collected feedback; and finalization and approval of vision document. Dr. Ch. Mohan Rao, former Director, CCMB, wanted the University to identify one or two departments and raise their standards to turn them into a destination of higher education for our country and other countries abroad. He proposed the threemethod formula to bring about in the existing knowledge to solve current problems and listed – Inno-
vation, Values and Relationship between a teacher and a student. He also suggested starting incubation centres. Prof. R.K. Mishra, Director, IPE, said the foundations for overall development were academic excellence, financial sustainability, accountability, good faculty and infrastructure. He wanted the University to conduct more number of seminars and conferences at respective departments to explore the vast knowledge. Major Bharath Kumar, CEO and Director of ASHRI Solutions, focused on the importance of imbibing historical and cultural aspects in education. He observed that the Artificial Intelligence Robotic Automation would change the way we are living. He pointed that people with sound skills can add value to the technology. The other panelists from the Examination Branch suggested reforms in the field of conducting examination through online system. The students need not always come to the branch in order to collect their results or hall ticket; instead they can even do it online. Convenor, Prof. G.B. Reddy, coordinated the session.
Mahendra Nath Pandey, MoS for Human Resource Development Rana Ashish Chauhan
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ahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, assured Vice Chancellors that the government would lend support to any institution which comes up with sound proposals. Inaugurating the All India Vice Chancellors’ Conference in connection with the Osmania University centenary celebrations, he observed that any University completing hundred years is a rare feat. He stressed the need to have more universities for building a better nation and congratulated the University. The Minister commended Mir Osman Ali Khan for his generosity and farsightedness and compared him with Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The Minister urged the Vice Chancellors to seek accreditation from national bodies. He expressed concern over a lack of faculty members and informed that the Ministry is making efforts to address this
problem in the higher educational institutions. Appreciating the University for encouraging foreign students to undergo higher education in India, he extended greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Prakash Javadekar. Prof T Papi Reddy, Chairman, Telangana State Council of Higher Education, urged the Minister to allocate more funds to the University on the lines of Punjab University where 50 percent of budget is covered by the Central Government. Prof G Gopal Reddy, UGC member, emphasised the need for liberal funding for universities which crossed 100 years. OU is the third in south India to reach the milestone. Prof. Furquan Qamar, Secretary General of Association of Indian Universities, highlighted three key areas that need attention of the government: invest in higher education; appoint qualified faculties and give autonomy of universities.
Alumni resolve to support OU N
ostalgia filled the air when over 3,000 alumni of Osmania University met at the inaugural ceremony of the Centenary on 27 April 2017. Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Governor, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, and an alumnus, recalled his student days and said that his stay here moulded his political thinking. Calling upon the alumni to support the University, he cited the case of the alumni of IIT Mumbai raising Rs. 300 crore for their alma mater. He suggested that such an attempt can be made by the OU alumni and invited a team to Mumbai to study the modus operandi. He urged the alumni to tap corporates which have funds for Corporate Social Responsibility. “We have to move from Gurudakshina to Gurukula Dakshina as institutions build the future,” he said. Minister for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya announced that he would earmark Rs. 1 crore from the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for upgradation of facilities in the ladies hostel, etc. He said he would support the
While Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao suggested tapping CSR funds, Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya promised money under MPLADS skill development centre, model employment exchange, solar power units and health centre. S. Jaipal Reddy, former Union Minister and President of Arts College in 1963, reminisced that political leaders of high stature like Lal Bahadur Shastri visited the University for lectures. The meet resolved to adopt 100 villages with the help of alumni spread across the State and decided to hold a global alumni meet on 23 December 2017.
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Osmania Courier 5 May 2017
h g t i s n came e h t n a e l i ve h
he three-day inaugural of the centenary celebrations of Osmania University had a sumptuous fare of cultural extravaganza. In tune with the mega nature of the event, the evenings saw high octane performances till as late as 11 pm. The razmatazz was flagged off on the evening of 26 April, by Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO, with a procession of nearly 300 artistes that began at NCC gate and ended at Arts College. Coined as the Centenary Celebrations Carnival (CCC), the rallyists showcased the rich cultural heritage of Telangana as the campus glittered under the lights a la Rajpath in Delhi. Visitors, faculty and students flocked Arts College, illuminated for the event, much before the scheduled time of 6.30 pm and the cultural events unfolded around the theme of 100 while Jai Telangana slogans rented the air. The young and old with beaming smiles were treated to the drum beats and traditional music, high energy dances, melodious voices, claps and whistles of excited audiences. The performances had international, national, regional and local flavours and ethos. Telangana folk performances had Kolatam, Bathukamma, Bonalu, Oggu Katha, Perini dance , folk songs and qawwali. Over all, Telangana’s cultural grandeur oozed in every outing. Students from different colleges under the university staged a variety of performances and competed with each other to enthrall the audience. Resonating the theme of 100 years, 100 artistesmale and female performed the Perini dance that originated and prospered in Telangana during the Kakatiya dynasty. Perini is performed by males and it is believed that soldiers were entertained
before they went to war. The thandavam in front of Arts college reverberated with drum beats and the sounds of bells. Bhole was a star attraction as he crooned “Gagana gaganamuna udayinchinadi Ghana charitalu gala Osmania..” written by Kandi Konda while Vara Lakshmi sang and performed. The students of Koti Women’s College were involved in an energetic Bhangra dance in male attire. Mime by Madhu had the audience spell bound. Cine actor and mimicry artist Siva Reddy entertained the crowd with his hilarious imitation of the variety of voices of film stars, politicians and some common situations. Gita Madhuri, Krishna, Saket belted out a variety of film hits - “Pacha Bottesina...” and breathless song from the movie Bandook, written by Goreti Venkanna. International students from Khazikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and
Bangladesh showcased their culture through their dances. A team of Bangladeshi students attempted to sing a song in Telugu about hundred years of Osmania and they did surprise the audience with agile movements to Telangana folk songs. Intermittent drizzle on the last day did not dissuade the audience as they sat patiently and were glued to the whatever seats were available. The atmosphere became electric when popular balladeer took to the stage and in an emotional and his inimitable style appealed to the State Government to withdraw cases against students and provide employment. Rendering a special song Gaddar, Praja Yuddha Nouka (People’s War Ship), personified this great institution as mother in his song “Nurellu nindina thalli…amma Osmania.. ajnaanam tholaginche vignana jyothivi neevu”. He followed it up with, “Podusthunna poddu
meeda nadusthunna kalama..poru Telanganama,” which evoked emotional response from the audience. He wished that the hundred year university should complete thousand years. Gadar stirred the entire crowd to groove with him. Andesri’s "Jaya Jaya He Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam" was soulfully rendered. The Department of Culture, Government of Telangana, in collaboration with the Cultural Committee of the University, planned the cultural events. The committee was headed by Prof. Shivaraj, with Prof. Surya Dhanunjay, Prof. U. Umesh Kumar, Prof. Vishnu Dev and Prof. Bala Krishna as members The final moments of the fiesta saw anchor Praveena and Prof. Surya Dhanunjaya, Cultural committee member, shake their legs to the deafening sounds of crackers even as the audience swayed to “Mayadari Mysammo..Mysamma.” Thunder, lightning and light showers, as if blessing Osmania University, on the last day saw the curtains for the breathtaking cultural programme coming down. "It’s been a spectacular night and even more enjoyable with all my friends here. The performances, music, and environment is simply awesome!” said Divya Deepika from University College of Engineering, OU. It's amazing that Osmania University held such a mega event with a massive crowd so smoothly. The cultural programme was the pinnacle of Osmania University's showmanship and will never be forgotten anytime soon.
Inputs from Adarsh Dacha, Anantha Lakshmi L, Ibukunoluwa Deborah Awoclere, Ogbochwewu Victor Uchenna, Prashanth Deshini, and Anilathmaj Phani Kumar
Osmania Courier 5 May 2017
INSTITUTIONS
Offering hope for genetic ailments D
oes exposure to environmental hazards lead to genetic damage? Yes, according to research carried out by the Department of Environmental Toxicology at the Institute of Genetics and Hospital for Genetic Diseases. The Begumpetbased Institute has an ongoing programme to assess the impact of e n v ir o n me n t a l hazards on reproductive performance and health of vulnerable people, as part of which more than 25,000 groups have been screened. This is just one of the several streams of research at the Institute, including clinical genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, clinical psychology and special education. The Institute was established by Osmania University in 1978 with funding from UGC, DST, DBT and the State government to conduct multidisciplinary research into genetic disorders and offer services to the afflicted. The Institute also offers services for individuals and families afflicted with genetic disorders through precise diagnosis and counselling for better management ad prevention. Typical services include maintainace of genetic registry, screening high-risk pregnancies for congenital anomalies using 3D/4D ultra sonography, pre- and post-natal diagnosis of genetic disorders and retrospective and prospective counselling. So far more than 300,000 individuals have ben benefited by its genetic services.
According to doctors at the Institute, cytogenetics chromosome analysis plays a vital role in determining the cause of many genetic disorders. Chromosomal abnormalities are a major factor in mental retardation, congenital anomalies, primary amenorrhea, sterility, bad obstetrics, etc. Detection and localising the presence and absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes is carried out with the help of molecular cytogenetic technique called FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization). The Molecular diagnosis has become an integral part of most clinical investigations due to its power to dissect biological phenomena at the level of DNA. This can be used for beta thalassemia, Wilson's disease, periodic syndrome, recurrent abortions and Swayer syndrome. In biochemical genetics, the Institute has an ongoing programme for screening in-born errors of metabolism. It offers services in screening for metabolic disorders, new-born screening for congenital hypothyroidism, and double and triple marker screening for high risk pregnancies. The Institute has established Special Education Centre for the Mentally Handicapped (SECMH), Self Finance School, in 1993, the Platinum Jubliee year of Osmania University. as an early intervention program for children with delayed de- Sreenija Gopagani velopment disorJeevan Shada ders.
From a wing of Nizam govt to a premier law college
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A modern institution with an antique touch
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he Post Graduate College of Law, Basheerbagh, has a history of over 115 years. Classes for the Faculty of Law were started in 1899 by the Legal Department during Nizam period, in Hyderabad State prior to the setting up of the University in 1919. In 1923 the Law Department functioned from the premises of Arts College and Law was taught in the vernacular language Urdu which was also the language of the court. The College shifted to Nizam College premises and in 1983 into its newly constructed building. The college offers six courses at eh Master’s level - Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Jurisprudence, International Law, Labour Law, Crimes and Torts. It also runs a PG Diploma course in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and also Ph.D. Programme. To improve the legal education standards, the College introduced the five year integrated course at the bachelor’s level in 2006. For the first time in the history of Osmania University, the statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar has been installed in the college which also houses the Dr. BR Ambedkar Law Library. The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment gave its assent for establishing Dr. Ambedkar Constitutional Chair in the college. The University has entered in MoU with Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF).
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ne would expect a several million year old fossil to be preserved at a Natural History Museum, but quite surprisingly, it is preserved at Saifabad P.G college, one of Osmania University’s colleges. The University College of Science, Saifabad, was established at the foot hills of Banjara Hills in the year 1951 with intermediate course as its initially offered course. The then Vice-chancellor of Osmania University, Nawab Ali Yavar Jung Bhadur acquired the land for the present campus from the Government of Hyderabad. Spread over a land admeasuring 18.173 acres, the college with its lush green gardens is host to a fossil conifer wood of Araucarioxylon spp. of about 175 million years (early Jurassic age) gifted by the GSI. The college has eight full fledged departments with both UG & PG courses, housed in 3 blocks & also a separate block for computer science, which was started in the academic year 1998-99 offering M.C.A and B.C.A courses. This was done keeping in view the demands of foreign students mostly coming from South Africa, Nigeria, Sudan,
DP Dheeraj B Santhosh
Ethiopia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and far east and African countries. Student facilities include a large library and playgrounds for Volleyball, Football, Badminton, Gym etc. The college has also attached Hostel blocks with R.O water plant, dining hall and sufficient play grounds for UG, PG and MCA students which can accommodate about 500 resident students of the college coming from various parts of Telangana. The college has a strong background with about 40 years of history as Post Graduate institution which has been funded generously by UGC, DST, CSIR, FIST, ICAR, ONGC and DAE and boasts of about 40 completed major/minor research projects and about 10 projects in operation. The college has gained another laurel by acquiring Post-Doctoral Fellowships under Raman Fellowships scheme for 2016-17 for three of its fellow staff members; all of whom are now in USA for pursuing their PDF programme. The institution also has a placement cell for UG and PG students. Every year, students of the college get offers from major companies such as GVK, Dr. Reddy’s Labs, MSN Labs, ADvinus, etc.
Where a step in lab marked a leap in knowledge ‘G
HMC declares war on malaria’ screams a headline but the path-breaking discovery that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes was made more than a 100 years ago at a hospital located on the busy Begumpet Road. In 1897, army surgeon Major Ronald Ross, then posted as a regimental medical officer with the Secunderabad ACES unit of the British PL & army, found that the female Anopheles mosquito was the vec- H I S T O RY tor (i.e., carrier) responsible for the malaria pathogen’s entry into the human blood stream. The discovery concluded decades of painstaking work that tried to answer just how the malarial parasite, Plasmodium, entered humans. Sir Ronald received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1902 for his achievement. And the hospital building where Sir Ronald worked still stands. Sometime around 1932, this building became an officers’ mess of a British regiment. The cantonment authority in 1935 fixed a marble table to commemorate the great achievement, and hailed Sir Ronald Ross as benefactor of the authority of Deccan airlines. The first reconditioned Dakota flight of the Deccan Airways took off from
Rana Ashish Chauhan Shekar Shivarathri
The present-day Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Parasitology. (Inset) Ronald Ross the Begumpet Airport on 26 May 1946 for Bangalore and merged with Indian Airlines in 1953. For some unknown reason, the building went into the custody of Airports Authority of India, and was used for training civilian pilots. In 1975, Prof. Satyanarayan Singh, Head, Department of Zoology, Osmania University, brought
the building to University control from the Indian Airlines and established a research institute for malaria. Functioning under Osmania University, it continues the fight against malaria. Now christened the Ross Memorial Institute, it is adjacent to the headquarters of Central Government Health Serv-
ices (CGHS) under the Begumpet Airport area. * * * Born on 13 May 1857, at Almora (now in Uttarakhand) in the foothills of the Himalayas, three days after the First War of Independence in 1857, he spent his childhood in India and was sent to Britain at the age of seven
for education. Despite young Ronald’s artistic inclinations, his father insisted on his studying Medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College and, after a protracted career as a reluctant medical student, and a brief one as a ship’s surgeon, he completed his qualifications in 1881 and joined the the Indian Medical Service of the Madras Presidency. Ross was engaged in research to find out the mode of spread of malaria fever. After a series of experiments and dissections of infected mosquitoes he discovered the life cycle of the malaria parasite within the female Anopheles mosquito. What Ross found: In the stomach of the mosquito, a process of fecundation at first takes place. The form of the parasite produced penetrates the stomach wall, embedded in which it grows to button-like structures projecting into the body-cavity. In these structures, a large number of elongated organisms, “sporozoites”, are formed. When these structures burst, the “sporozoites” escape into the general body-cavity of the mosquito, and accumulate in the salivary or poison glands, which are connected to the proboscis with which the bites of the insect are inflicted. A bite of the mosquito inoculates the parasite, and if the individual is susceptible to the parasite, this leads to malaria.
Osmania Courier 5 May 2017
CAMPUS MUSINGS
6 Hostel life is that zone out of which lasting friendships are made, business start-ups take-off and real growth happens
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o it is that time of the year. Many have gotten an admission to that prestigious university. For those, for whom, freedom was elusive due to strict secondary school rules or over-protective parents, the time has come for the young, wild and free life. For many parents, unknown to them, hostel life is one that brings a triad of the good, the bad and the ugly. With 33 hostels, Osmania University hosts near about 10,000 hostel inmates. These include hostels for ladies and hostels at Koti Women’s, Nizam’s. PG Colleges at Saifabad and Secunderabad. Each hostel has been home to scores of individuals in various walks of life. While some have shown the way to the society, some continue to be leading examples in their respective professions. As the semester begins, there is a scramble for rooms. Take the example of Devraj, a first-year MA student with high expectations about hostel life. “Of course, I can’t wait to join and get that aura of independence and do whatever I want, when I choose and with whoever I want,” she speaks with excitement. For those who have finished a course, it is a matter of getting into a job or preparing for some exam. Such students cook for themselves or have food outside. To the parents, two years down the road, they may be receiving children who explored the peaks of the freedom that campus life brings and those who have landed
What hostel life gets out of you with jobs while others may welcome more rebellious, boisterous who, years before had joined university as calm individuals. Beginners create history as they emerge as leaders as they believe in following their budding thoughts. The hostels have been the spring board for mobilizing opinion against government policies. Since many years the academics and students actively involve in protests. From a callow youth emerges a noteworthy leader as their thoughts are chiseled by talks/lectures of intellectuals and academics. Some have inborn leadership traits which are sharpened here in various circumstances at during volatile times conciliation is forgotten,Many parents would wish not to like to read this, but hostels have been good grounds for shaping political leaders of tomorrow sometimes student politics leading to violent outbreaks. Hostel life comes with responsibility which ideally comes with maturity. If there is one clear evolution path to adulthood, then hostel life provides it. Kavita Alekhya attests to this. “One really learns how to make personal decisions, manage one’s life and maintain a budget.” Her room-mate at Ladies Hostel, Suneetha , supplements her argument, “You get to interact with different people, get on the road to self-development and learn the art of being independent.” Independent they are indeed, their room is like a home away from home. And for many, in the
after-math of graduation, hostel life will have prepared them for life in their own spinster or bachelor pad. For the mummies’ boys and the daddies’ girls, hostel life is challenging if not stressing. For those who traverse district after district, it is a whole new chapter in life being miles away from home. Hostel life comes with keeping up with the trends, putting up appearances and living in a boxed life of a larger-than life way of dwelling. “You can’t be expected to wear the same dress-top week in, week out, you just feel pres-
CENTENARY MOOD
Hot, electric and ultimately mixed O
smania University Campus came to life as the Centenary Celebration kicked off at the A grounds. The atmosphere was electric as students in their colourful attire, some with T shirts distributed by the respective colleges started converging on to the venue as early as 8.00 in the morning. Senior faculty, alumni and were seen running from one gate to other as they were finding it difficult to locate the gates. Braving the sun with scarves, umbrellas and whatever piece of paper on their heads and beads of sweat on their foreheads, the young and the old were frantic in their efforts to get inside lest they miss any action. Once inside the large hangar, the young and the old were treated to the songs and beats of Telangana through high decibel loudspeakers staged by the cultural team. They included bathukamma, centenary song and Sare Jahan Se Acha. To add zing to the proceedings, students at the rear were seen foot tapping while others joined in grooving to the music. Kudos to the University for organising such a massive event which witnessed a sea of humanity, says Adarsh Dacha, from CSE and an international student. Every time there was an announcement of a song of a performance, the place resonated with a huge roar and students waited for the President with
sured to do all that it takes to keep re-stocking your wardrobe,” Preetam Kumar from the MBA college comments. “And you also have to face up with different characters, as roommates come in all fashions,” he explains. To some, it is that unhygienic roommate, annoying neighbour who plays loud music, says Narsimhulu. Since no one joins a hostel before they turn 18, it could be said that trying to control these students is trying to infringe on the rights of these young adults. To the students, hostel life will al-
bated breath. As the dignitaries arrived, the mood got somber and the entire crowd listed to President Pranab Mukherjee’s speech with rapt attention. The minute to minute programme announced was drastically changed. Students who were waiting in anticipation for the Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao to speak were left disappointed. Despite facing problems with entry, seating and sound the students waited patiently for the dignitaries to address the gathering. The University roads were lined up with police personnel and a tight security protocol was in place for the President’s arrival. The “A”grounds took an entirely different form with the huge arrangements made for the spectators. Drinking water , toilet facilities and air conditioners were in place. Ch Gopal Reddy, OU Registrar, proposed a vote of
thanks followed by the screening of the promotional film made by the Department of Journalism. The University had ordered for a special menu to be served in the hostels which turned out to be a big hit. The menu included mutton curry, double ka meeta, pulau and raitha. Students rushed to their respective hostels and there was a mad scramble to get hold of the paper plates when the situation turned ugly as students entered into verbal duels. The influx of day scholars also added to crowding. Arts College Principal, Krishna Rao and Vice Principal Balu Naik brought the situation under control. On the quality of food, Mr Ajay said that it was tasty and Inputs from he was happy Fronia Priscilla, he had a Chitra Sai Kumar sumptuous and Jeevan Shada lunch.
Inputs from Jeevan Shada and Lakshmi Manasa
Reading under a canopy Sriveda Baswapoor
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SUMPTUOUS TIMES: Students enjoying their special lunch
ways mean life away from the roving eyes of their parents, unlimited late nights. But hostel life is also that zone, out of which lasting friendships are made, business start-ups take-off and real growth happens. At the end of the day, it is not what a student gets out of hostel life, it is what the hostel life gets out of them. Depending on student to student, it may get out the good, the bad or even the ugly.
ir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII and the founder of the University may have conceived of the Landscape gardens to be a place to unwind oneself after the grueling academic sessions. But the lush green 15-acre Landscape Garden of Osmania University has turned into an open air library for students. With a large number of trees providing cool shade from the blazing heat, the Garden has transformed into a haven for those seeking respite from the regular library haunts and cooped-up hostel dorms. A number of students, both boys and girls are seen poring over their books seriously at the picturesque location, arriving early in the morning and leaving only when the sun sets. Says Bhaskar, a non-boarder at D-hostel: “I find the library and reading rooms very restrictive. Studying in the open space with nature around increases my grasping capacity, which is why I prefer to come here”. It is mostly the non-boarders who prefer studying in the landscape garden as they are not allowed into the Central Library in the campus without a student ID card. Nagendar, an M.B.A. student and a non-boader, says that he spends approximately 6 - 8 hours a day studying in the garden. He prefers the Landscape Gardens over the library due to the natural bright lighting and also because there is very less
scope of disturbance. Sonu, a student of first year M.Com. from Koti women’s college says “My concentration levels have increased because of the peaceful study environment”. Students of the Vivekananda Government Degree College come to the landscape garden in groups. “A lot of students come to the garden only during exams to study due to lack of facilities in the college library” says Shehnaz Begum, a student of B.com 2nd year. One of the most interesting aspects is that the students get their own chairs on which they sit and read during the day. Before they leave for their hostels in the vening, they lock it using a steel chain, by binding it either to a tree or a railing close by. Nagaraju, who is preparing for various competitive exams, says that he has been using the garden as his study place for the last four years, with his chair in the same place! Suman Gomasa, a student from Adilabad, who stays in a private hostel, is preparing for IES examination since the last six months in the garden on his permanent locked chair. K. Nagaraju, watchman of the landscape garden says that the garden is frequented by a large number of students. He endorses the garden as a very accommodating place for students who want to study as there are no disturbances. “However, we security officials do not take any responsibility if the chairs in the garden are lost”, he adds.
Osmania Courier 5 May 2017
MISCELLANY
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Osmania press continues to roll M Ravi Sankar Reddy
M
ost of us tend to take printed materials for granted, but imagine life today if the printing press had never been invented by Johann Gutenberg. We would not have books, magazines and educational institutions to impart knowledge. The printing press made a dramatic impact when it reached the public. Printed texts became a new way to spread information to vast audiences quickly and cheaply. Academics benefited from this dissemination of scholarly ideas. The 70-yearold Osmania University printing press, first press to be set up in a University in the State has been facilitating these tasks. The press has a history of its own. Back in 1910, printing press technology was unheard of in India, almost all the printing press machines were imported from United
Kingdom, Germany and Czechoslovakia by the Nizam
rulers. The press was established in April 1918. By 1929,
the press was brought under the direct control of the university. A photographic processing studio was established in 1933 and remained under control of Government Central Press. Later, in 1935, it was brought under the University’s purviewThe press also has a manual Micro-ink cutting machine. After the closure of the Department of Translation, in 1949, the De-
Centenary Inaugural in the Press Collage by Sreenija Gopagani
partment of Publication and Press was established. Since then, the OU Press has remained under the control of the department. . In the year 1974, the ‘Romayor 513’, and in 1992, the ‘Indo-Europa offset’ printers were new acquisitions. Barring three machines in working condition others which were functional are in need of immediate repair. All the print material- answer scripts, application forms, cash books, scholarship forms, teaching diaries and registers required for the students and the university are printed in the press. The press runs throughout the day and also works extra hours in order to meet the demands of the university. “Apart from Osmania stationery, we also get orders from Nizam college and Koti Womens college”, says a senior binder. As all the machines are archaic, they are operated man-
ually. There are no multi coloured plates used as the machinery doesn’t support it. Sources said there is an immediate need for the upgradation of technology there as the usage of paper is reducing. According to the Director, Department Publication and Press, Syed Rahman some machines are 50 to 60 years old but they are functional and the output is also standard. There are very few skilled workers who can handle the machinery with ease and there are several posts lying vacant . Employees also need to reskill to operate the new machinery, says the Press superintendent. Posts have lapsed along with the employees’ says Bandari Sainath, a computing accountant pointing out that the number of employeeshas declined from 200 in the beginning to just 45. Even as the University etches its names in the pages of history, the press looks forward to a full time Director to give direction to the press in the year to come in the context of online and paper less office systems.
THROUGH THE LENS
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A section of the audience
Osmania Courier 5 May 2017
VC Prof. S. Ramachandram presents a memento to President Pranab Mukherjee
Participants leaving after the Inaugural
Police personnel at the Inaugural venue
Arts College all decked up An artiste gets ready for her performance
Audience witnessing the cultural event