At 23, many would be chilling with friends and not have any big-time goals in life. But today’s generation is a lot smarter, and they have a whole lot of things sorted in life. One such ‘today’s’ boy happens to be Adarsh Kandika. Though not many in India would know about woodball, Adarsh is a champion in the game, has three books to his credit, and is in the process of getting his fourth degree.For the unversed, woodball requires a mallet that is used to pass a ball through gates, either in grass, sand, or indoors, by a stroke or successive strokes. Whoever passes the ball in the least number of attempts is the winner, with each team consisting of 2 to 4 players.Adarsh surprisingly took to the game when his father, who is also a sportsperson, introduced him to the game. He says he never regretted taking up a sport that most people have no idea about. However, he says, he will now do everything in his power to take woodball as far as I can. He says one thing he needs to do is to get international recognition, which will make Indians sit up and take notice.Adarsh had won medals, silver, and gold at the 2018 and 2019 Woodball inter-state and national championships, respectively. He also got a bronze in the 1500-meter race and also represented the country at the Malaysia Woodball World Cup.The young lad has already completed his BA, BCom Finance, and a post-graduation in Banking Finance. But his ultimate goal is to clear the IAS examination and become a bureaucrat. He says he will then bring his name to the country by winning international medals. He credited his parents, coach, meditation, and limited socializing for his success.

Aiming For Two Goals at One Shot

Usually, children are asked what they would like to do when they grow up. And they come up with random job names. However, in the case of Ravi Teja and Sai Teja, they had the same answer they wanted to be travelers. While many kids forget what they wanted to be as children, Ravi Teja and Sai Teja have indeed become travelers. Together, they now run an adventure company.Ravi (27) and Sai (24) nurtured their childhood dream and are now running a successful adventure sports company called Cliff-inn Adventure in Hyderabad. Sai says he wanted to travel, especially to the mountains. In fact, he is a trained mountaineer from Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism (IHCEA) in Gangtok. Being passionate about mountaineering, Sai worked under K Ranga Rao, the founder of Adventure Club in Hyderabad. Sai says he learned a lot from his mentor but needed to start something independently.Since they set up their company, the brothers have taken up nearly 100 treks to nearby hills and even the Himalayas. They also arrange smaller treks for families and corporations who want to spend time in nature. In addition, they arrange campsites near forest areas, so they can relax and get rejuvenated before returning home.Ravi Teja says that while many people are interested in going on treks, they don’t have an idea of how to go about it. For this, the brothers have come up with a schedule for self-training, and in case someone is not sure, they offer personal training before the trek. They say they only use A-Grade equipment in unison.For the uninitiated, Sai Teja trained Telukunta Virat Chandra, the eight-year-old from the city who was recently conferred with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

Organizing Adventure Trips is Their Passion

It is widely known that at Lal Darwaza Mahankali temple Bonalu festival will be celebrated on a grand scale amid high spirits among the devotees and organizers.Not many are aware that Mahankali in this temple was decorated with natural pearls more than a century ago, and there is a belief that the temple encouraged several jewelers to establish their shops nearby Charminar.Post the 1908 Musi Floods, The temple's significance grew when Bonam was offered for the first time at the temple so that water receded and there would not be more loss of lives. History says that when the historical flood hit the city, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad, Raja Kishan Prasad, suggested that Bonam be offered to the Goddess. Later, Nizam directed everyone to carry out rituals as per the Hindu tradition, where pearls in a silver chata were offered along with other items and later immersed in the Musi river. This was how the water levels receded. The businessmen who came to know about it later started a business around the Charminar area," revealed G. Mahesh Goud, chief advisor of Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Temple Committee member.The 'City of Pearls' came into existence back then, and the incident said the septuagenarian, who had been serving the temple for years. He also added that this is the only historical reason behind this name for the city, which is not usually possible as it is away from the sea.According to a managing committee member, The Mahankali Temple is amongst the few temples which used to have animal sacrifices involving bovines, the blood of which was applied all over the body by devotees. But this tradition was stopped after 1955 following the intervention of reformers. The sacrifice of animals was replaced by the offering of pumpkins, concluded the person.

Unknown But Glorious History of Lal Darwaza Mahankali temple 

A Defence Research &amp; Development Laboratory (DRDL) contract employee named Mallikarjun Reddy was arrested a couple of days back after falling prey to a honey-trap by a Pakistan-based ISI operative.Getting into details, Dukka Mallikarjun Reddy, an MBA Graduate from Hyderabad, was taken into custody by a joint team of police and a special operation group for sharing confidential information with the Pakistani ISI agent that has the national security.&nbsp;As per the cop's version,&nbsp; Mallikarjun Reddy was working with a Bengaluru-based company in 2018 and later was assigned to a DRDL project on which he worked till January 2020. Reportedly, after completing the assigned project, Mallikarjun reached out to the DRDL authorities and sought a job as a contract employee in the ANSP project and has been continuing to work at RCI Balapur, Hyderabad since then.Based on his Facebook profile that he worked for the DRDL, in March 2020, he received a friend request from another Facebook user named Natasha Rao. As the lady has said the friendship request, Mr. Reddy accepted her request, and she introduced herself as an employee of a UK-based defense journal engaged in the publishing department.In the casual FB chat, the ISI agent enquired about Mallikarjun's profession, location, and nature of work. Police reports suggest that during their conversation, the accused shared some confidential information with Natasha, and they both stayed in touch till December 2021. Currently, Mallikarjun Reddy is being questioned in all possible ways in connection with the Pakistani ISI.

Honey-trapped DRDL Employee Arrested for Sharing Data With ISI Agent 

The Surge in pricing levied by cab aggregators whenever it rains in the city is hurting commuters and making more and more people opt for personal vehicles. This, in turn, is indirectly causing an increase in traffic and air pollution in the city. As monsoon hits the city, rain is expected during most of the evenings. As roads are busy in the evenings, commuters face a double whammy - lack of cabs and surge pricing, say people have environmental concerns.&nbsp;Satyanarayana Mathala, president of Telangana Facilities Management Council (TFMC), says the surge pricing of cabs will push more and more people towards using their personal vehicles to go to their workplace. He added that the city would become another Bengaluru at this rate. We do not want to go that way.Founder president of Telangana Gig and Platform Union Workers (TGPWU) Shaik Salauddin's opinion is that contrary to popular belief, the drivers themselves do not earn more from surge pricing. They are unaware that the cab companies are charging the customer higher fees.In conclusion, Mr. Shaik said that sometimes the fare is hiked to 3-4 times the usual fare, but on their app, drivers will see the usual fare itself. It’s part of the algorithm game played by cab owners.Especially in the IT industry, the lack of last mile connectivity with public transport keeps many IT sector employees away from using them. To resolve this, IT firms have arranged transport for their employees from Metro stations to workplaces.Reportedly, the Central government held a meeting with cab aggregator platforms that cautioned them against levying high surge pricing. But there is no stepping back from the aggregators to date.

Surge in Cab Prices Making Life Difficult for Hyderabadis

On Friday morning, an uproar was in full swing at Secunderabad station. At the railway station, horrifying scenes were witnessed.&nbsp;A man was shot dead in police firing in Secunderabad, trains were burnt up in flames, and private and public vehicles were attacked as highways, and railway stations turned into a battleground amid burgeoning protests against Agnipath, the contentious defense recruitment scheme.Food stalls and other shops on all platforms were looted and set on fire. Some of the protesters were seen with sticks and hammers. When the protesters tried to enter electric locomotive engines, railway officials cut the entire railway station's power.After four hours of dharna and attacks, the number of agitators significantly came down. But those present at the railway station continued to protest on the railway tracks. The police tried to convince them to call off the protest, but they refused to budge.The police then continued their talks with the agitators, surrounded them, and around 5.30 pm, started taking them into custody and shifted them to the police station.Due to protests in the city against the Agnipath scheme, the Hyderabad Metro Rail had suspended all operations for a few hours till evening.By late evening, Operation All Clear became successful, and the railway authorities restored rail operations.

Agnipath Anarchism Rakes Havoc in City

The city boasts of good infrastructure and robust IT growth. However, if one looks beyond the sheen and glitter, there is a reality that is harsh. And one example of such harshness is the dilapidated state of government colleges in the city. According to RTI’s reply to a public petition, Rs 16.25 crore was allocated for infrastructure development in the colleges.Also, Rs 10 crore was allotted for two-degree colleges at Chanchalguda and Falaknuma, and works are yet to commence in these colleges. And it’s not the case with one or two government colleges; degree colleges at Neredmet, Chanchalguda, Golconda, and Falaknuma are in a dilapidated condition. Ironically, the government degree college at Sitaphalmandi is located on private land. The government hasn’t allocated land, and the colleges don’t have basic facilities.“It seems that funds sanctioned for renovating government degree colleges are only on paper. The government claims that the sanctioned amount has been utilized, but the ground reality is no development works have taken place from 2014-to 22. All colleges lack washrooms, there are no fans in classrooms, and a drinking water facility is lacking. There are computer labs without computers,” says social activist Robin Zaccheus.Though the government could have focused and rejuvenated the colleges using the funds, they haven’t bothered to take any steps in that direction, he adds. Due to lack of basic facilities, boys are forced to relieve themselves in public, while girls have to put up with dirty toilets, say the students.In yet another disturbing situation, the degree students at Neredmet college are forced to sit outside as the premises also have inter-college.a

Govt Colleges in Dilapidated State, Despite Having Funds

A young couple in their 20s has been excommunicated from their caste for marrying in the same gotra. Despite people advancing and prospering, some sections of society seem to be stuck in their age-old and often redundant thoughts.The couple who are from Hyderabad’s Shahinyatgunj has been excommunicated for marrying against their parents’ wishes. Incidentally, the couple tied the knot at an Arya Samaj temple in July 2020. The case of contention is that the boy and girl belong to the same caste and gotra. The girl’s family did not accept the marriage as it violated the ‘gotra.’The couple claims that their family members are harassing them by putting up abusive posts on social media. The couple realized that there was a threat to their lives based on such posts and approached the local police. A case of criminal intimidation was filed based on a complaint from the woman. The police accordingly called their community members and the family and warned them to mend ways, shares Afzalgunj inspector Ravinder Reddy.In the same area, Shahinyatgunj, a horrific killing took place in the name of ‘honor killing.’ A 21-yr-old man was stabbed to death in Begum Bazaar for marrying outside his caste. At least five people stabbed the man multiple times on the busy streets of Begum Bazaar. The deceased Neeraj Kumar married a girl a year ago. The police suspect the role of the girl’s family in the murder.

Couple Excommunicated and Threatened for Marrying in Same Gotra

India’s No.1 homegrown burger chain, Jumbo King, serving on-the-go vegetarian burgers, has come up at the Ameerpet Metro Station.The new Jumboking store at the crowdy Ameerpet Metro Station will have the brand’s entire product range of lip-smacking premium vegetarian burgers, including Nachos, Spicy Mexican, Hara Bhara Kabab, Crispy Veg, Mac &amp; Cheese, Big Crunch, and Corn Palak, along with fries (peri peri and cheese), thick shakes, softy, and coke.Dheeraj Gupta, the founder and MD of Jumbo King Foods says that Hyderabad has a spunky food culture with novel eating habits, a blend of cuisines, and a big density of young population. Our brand values are anchored in value for money, customer centricity, and the joy of delicious food! He said that they are excited to be a part of Hyderabad’s foodscape.Gupta adds that people are traveling as places and offices have begun opening up again. Hence, on-the-go snacking options largely driven by convenience and consumer needs have emerged again.Jumbo King caters to students, young working professionals, and anyone conscious of hygienic street food. It also has delivery tie-ups with Zomato, Swiggy, and Uber Eats, enabling order-ins as well.

Homegrown Vegetarian Jumbo King At Ameerpet Metro Station

Mental health is a much talked about and oft-debated topic these days. Yet, mental health continues to be a taboo among all sections of people. While many benefit by talking out their problems and seeking solutions and therapy, quite a few, especially in the under-privileged sections, continue to suffer due to a lack of awareness among their families. It is here that Roshni Trust comes in, which has been doing commendable services since the year 1997. However, Roshni is not just for under-privileged sections. They have a diverse section of clients from varied backgrounds.Since its inception, the Trust has provided free and confidential emotional support to the depressed through a call. Initially, Roshni Trust started its services by offering a helpline for the depressed through its center in Secunderabad. Since then, it has set up a counseling center in 2010 and has recently launched Psychiatry at Doorstep service for the underprivileged.Over the years, they have extended their services, and now they have a psychologist, counselor, therapists, and a child guidance center, among other things. The counselors address issues like career guidance, adolescence, marriage guidance, and others. They also provide free mental health counseling camps and free medication through them, shares Shashi Reddy, founder of Roshni Trust.However, despite all this, they realized that mental health issues were a huge taboo among lower-income groups, and of late, they have come up with Psychiatry at Doorstep to remove the stigma and help those in need. They have joined hands with Aanganwadi workers, set up posters, and given pamphlets to educate the people in these areas. They have also run awareness videos at nearby schools, says Shanthi Krish, founder of Roshni Trust.One can reach out to them at 040 66202000/ 66202001. For appointments at the counseling center, one can call 040 66661117/ 66661118 between 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday. One can also check out their website&nbsp;https://roshnitrusthyd.org/&nbsp;for further details.

Roshni, A Ray of Hope For Those Battling Mental Health Problems

Are you a Hyderabadi and a traffic fine defaulter? Have the hefty fines burned your pockets? There is finally some great news for you, thanks to the Hyderabad Traffic Police. According to the reports, the Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda Traffic Police have offered a huge discount on traffic fines on vehicles registered with the GHMC.This special drive to be held from March 1 to 31 has triggered hysteria among the city commuters. After identifying a hefty backlog of over 600 crores pending challans, the city traffic police has now given a discount to those defaulters who clear the dues within this one month.The Hyderabad traffic police state that this move is a humanitarian gesture towards the citizens who faced financial hardships during the COVID pandemic.&nbsp;As a relief, the three traffic police departments have come up with the move to enable the citizens to ease their financial burden amid a decline in the COVID situation.Under the challan discount scheme, if the two-wheeler owners pay 25%, car owners clear 50%, and the RTC bus owners pay 30% of dues, the Telangana traffic police have now promised to waive off the remaining amount. However, the state police have maintained that only online payments are accepted while clearing dues.The traffic police department advises the motorists to pay challans during the drive. However, how much backlog the traffic department clears during the month-long drive needs to be seen.