Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Author: hellohyderabad

How to Celebrate Holi

Holi is sometimes called the festival of colors and the festival of love. It is called the festival of love, as on this day, people unite forgetting all the differences and bad feelings for each other. 

Holi marks the arrival of the spring season which is the harvest season and the end of winter.

This festival of colors lasts for around a day and a night in the month of Falgun or Phalguna, which starts in the evening of Purnima or Full Moon Day. 

The first evening of this great festival is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi and the following day is called and celebrated as Holi. 

However, it is known by different names in different parts of the country.

How to celebrate Holi and what its its Significance:

  • As Holi is the festival of colors, it is considered that vibrant colors bring in a lot of positivity to our lives. And it is worth enjoying and celebrating a day to fill our lives with positivity. 
  • The ritual is started by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and people often throw things like wood, dried leaves, and twigs into bonfires. This process resembles the victory of good over bad.
  • On the day of Holi people purely enjoy and have fun by splashing colors on each other called Gulal, with their friends and families.
  • Also, there are a few private parties where people can attend and play Holi together. Holi is a fun-filled festival that can be enjoyed with your friends, neighbors, and your colony members too. 
  • Children also enjoy the festival by splashing colored water with water guns and water balloons. People also dance and vibe around by playing songs on this festive day. 
  • In the evening they show love and respect to their close ones with some lip-smacking sweets like Gujiya and a special Holi drink called Thandai.
  • According to Hindu mythology, demon king Hiranyakashyap was given a boon which gave him the superpower of not being killed by either a man or any animal. 
  • Hiranyakashyap had bad intentions and wanted to be worshiped by people. On the other hand, his own son Prahalad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. 
  • As his own son doesn’t worship him, Hiranyakashyap was angry at that fact and asked his sister, demon Holika to sit in a pyre(bonfire) while holding his Prahalad. Both Holika and Prahalad sat on fire. 
  • But only Holika died, and Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu. After saving Prahalad, Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Narasimha- a half-human and half-lion and killed the demon king Hiranyakashyap. 
  • Hence, many locals celebrate the morning bonfire which is Holika Dahan which represents the burning of the demoness Holika. 
  • The colors with which we play Holi, are also said to have some meaning within them. The color blue symbolizes the color of Lord Krishna, as it was believed that he was born with blue skin. 
  • The color Green – resembles New beginnings and Rebirth. The red color symbolizes good marital life or fertility. However, yellow is a color that is used on every occasion and is considered to be auspicious.
  • Although Holi is celebrated in the same way across the country, there are a few places where the celebration is unique. Celebrations of Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura are very famous for their unique celebrations. 
  • Also, in places like Rajasthan, Barsana, and Uttar Pradesh people celebrate Lathmar Holi. During Lathmar Holi women hit men with sticks(called lath) and the men try to shield themselves. 
  • So, this Holi makes a point to educate your children about the significance of the festival, enjoy playing Holi with your neighbors or friends and seek the blessings of your elders. Have a happy and safe Holi!

Holi

Holi,  one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India, is celebrated in almost every part of the country. The great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in the month of Falgun.  It is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on the first evening of the festival and the following day is called Holi.

Mythological significance of Holi:
Despite being such a colourful and gay festival, there are various aspects of Holi which make it so significant for Indians. Holi gets us close to our religion and our mythology as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with the festival.
  • Foremost is the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakshyap. The Legend has it that Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion to the lord while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the ‘Holika Dahan comes mainly from this legend.
  • Holi also celebrates the legend of Radha and Krishna which describes the extreme delight Krishna took in applying colour on Radha and other gopis.  This prank of Krishna later became a trend and a part of the Holi festivities.
  • Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of the death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill an infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it.

Rituals of Holi:

Rituals of the ancient festival of Holi are religiously followed every year with care and enthusiasm.  Days before Holi, people start gathering wood for the lighting of the bonfire called Holika at the major crossroads of the city. This ritual ensures that at the time of the actual celebration a huge pile of wood is collected.

Holi pooja:

It is believed that all sorts of fear can be conquered by doing Holika Puja on Holi. Holika Puja bestows power, prosperity, and wealth. It is believed that Holika was created to ward off all sorts of fear. Hence Holika, although a Demoness, is worshipped along with Prahlada before Holika Dahan.

The tradition of Thandai:

Thandai is embedded with the tradition of Holi.  A refreshing and healthful drink thandai is savored amid the play of colors when people become a little exhausted by throwing each other in the pool of colored waters. 

The tradition of Bhang:

Culled from the leaves and buds of cannabis – the very intoxicating bhang helps to escalate the spirit of Holi. The tradition of consuming bhang on Holi is particularly rampant in North India where Holi itself is celebrated with a gusto unseen anywhere else.

The colorful festival:

All in all the air is abuzz with fun and excitement. Each Holi color signifies a special emotion that transcends the brightly colored faces of people to a sentiment of community, equality and oneness.

  • Red: Purity
  • Orange: Endurance
  • Purple: Magic
  • Blue: Calmness
  • Green: Vitality
  • Yellow: Happiness
  • Pink: Love

Significance of colours in Holi

India celebrates Holi in all its glory with loud and elaborate revelry.

India’s First Telugu LLM by August: Transforming Digital Access in Local Dialects

The Telugu language is set to take a major leap in digital accessibility with the launch of the first-ever Telugu Large Language Model (LLM). This ambitious initiative, led by the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) in collaboration with Swecha, aims to make information readily available in Telugu and its regional dialects. The project is expected to release a basic version by April 2025 during the ‘AI Days’ conference, with a full-scale deployment planned by August 2025.

Empowering Telugu Speakers Through AI

Language models have revolutionized digital communication, but most AI-driven platforms are predominantly optimized for global languages like English. The development of a Telugu LLM will bridge this gap, ensuring native speakers can interact with digital platforms more naturally. This initiative aims to enhance access to knowledge in Telugu, making information retrieval, translations, and interactive digital experiences more seamless.

A Data-Driven Approach to Language Modeling

Building an effective AI model requires vast datasets, and the team behind the Telugu LLM has undertaken an extensive effort to compile one. They have digitized approximately 8 crore pages of Telugu literature and collected 4,000 hours of spoken data. This vast repository covers various dialects and linguistic nuances, ensuring the AI model can understand and generate text in multiple regional variations of Telugu.

From Folk Tales to Advanced AI

This isn’t the first attempt at creating Telugu-language AI models. Swecha and Ozonetel Communications previously collaborated to develop ‘AI Chandamama Kathalu,’ a Telugu Small Language Model (SLM) trained on folk tales. This earlier success provided a strong foundation for the upcoming Telugu LLM, demonstrating the potential of community-driven, open-source projects in advancing regional AI capabilities.

Impact on Culture, Education, and Business

The introduction of a Telugu LLM is expected to have a transformative impact across multiple domains:

Education: Students will have access to AI-powered learning tools in their native language, improving comprehension and accessibility.

Government and Public Services: Citizens can interact with online portals, legal documents, and official information in Telugu, reducing the language barrier in essential services.

Business and Customer Service: Companies can develop AI chatbots and voice assistants tailored to Telugu-speaking customers, enhancing customer engagement.

Preservation of Local Dialects: By incorporating various regional accents and linguistic styles, the model helps preserve and promote Telugu’s rich linguistic heritage.

Looking Ahead

With an expected full-scale release by August 2025, the Telugu LLM will mark a significant milestone in AI-driven language accessibility. As more regional language models emerge, India moves closer to a truly inclusive digital future, where technology caters to linguistic diversity rather than restricting it.

The success of this project could serve as a blueprint for other Indian languages, ensuring that AI technology benefits all linguistic communities. For Telugu speakers, this initiative is not just about AI—it’s about preserving culture, improving accessibility, and paving the way for future innovation in regional language computing.

Honoring a Legacy: Telangana IT Minister Pays Tribute to His Father’s Selfless Service

On March 2, 2025, Telangana’s Information Technology Minister, D. Sridhar Babu, commemorated the 88th birth anniversary of his father, the late Duddilla Sripada Rao, former Speaker of the undivided Andhra Pradesh Assembly. The event in Manthani town was marked by heartfelt tributes and community-centric initiatives.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Minister Sridhar Babu paid floral tributes to his father’s statue, reflecting on Sripada Rao’s selfless contributions to society. He emphasized the enduring impact of good deeds, stating, “If we do good for 10 people, it should be remembered for 10 generations.” This sentiment underscores the lasting influence of Sripada Rao’s work in the community.

Community Engagement and Welfare Activities

Demonstrating a commitment to public welfare, Sridhar Babu visited the Government Hospital in Manthani. There, he distributed fruits and bread to patients and provided new uniforms to the sanitation staff, highlighting the importance of healthcare and hygiene. Additionally, he inaugurated a buttermilk distribution center at the Manthani bus station, an initiative by the Youth Congress, to offer free refreshments to the public.

A Pledge to Constituents

In his address, Sridhar Babu expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from party workers and leaders. He reaffirmed his dedication to his constituency, stating that despite his ministerial role, he remains a committed worker for the people of his region. He noted that while Sripada Rao is no longer present, his spirit continues to inspire and guide their collective efforts.

The commemoration not only honored Sripada Rao’s legacy but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to community service and the well-being of the people in Manthani and beyond.

Former RS member Dr. Narendra Jadhav Delivers Justice Konda Madhava Reddy Memorial Lecture

Renowned Economist and Former Rajya Sabha Member Speaks on Socio-Economic Challenges

Dr. Narendra Jadhav, an eminent economist, educationist, and former Rajya Sabha member, delivered the prestigious Justice Konda Madhava Reddy Memorial Lecture. The event, held in honor of the esteemed jurist, highlighted pressing socio-economic challenges and their impact on India’s progress.

Addressing Key Socio-Economic Issues

During his address, Dr. Jadhav emphasized the need for inclusive development, economic reforms, and social equity to ensure sustainable growth. He shed light on the significance of education, employment, and economic policies in shaping India’s future.

Tribute to Justice Konda Madhava Reddy

Dr. Jadhav paid homage to Justice Konda Madhava Reddy, recognizing his contributions to the Indian judiciary and legal system. He highlighted the late judge’s commitment to justice and his role in upholding constitutional values.

The Role of Economic and Social Policies

In his speech, Dr. Jadhav underscored the importance of policy-driven economic growth, advocating for reforms that empower marginalized communities. He stressed the necessity of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to create a robust economy.

A Call for Action

Dr. Jadhav concluded his lecture by urging policymakers, scholars, and the youth to actively contribute to nation-building. He encouraged a collective effort to address economic disparities and ensure a prosperous future for India.

The lecture, attended by legal experts, academicians, and policymakers, provided valuable insights into the intersection of law, justice, and socio-economic development.

ED Attaches Assets Worth Rs 8 Crore in Hyderabad Illegal Drug Export Case

In a significant crackdown on illegal drug exports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 8 crore linked to an illicit internet pharmacy operation in Hyderabad. The case, which has been under investigation since May 2022, has exposed a web of financial irregularities and illegal drug trade disguised as a legitimate business.

The Investigation Unfolds

The probe began after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) registered an FIR against Aashish Jain, the alleged mastermind behind the operation. Jain operated JR Infinity Private Limited, which was purportedly engaged in telemarketing and search engine optimization services. However, authorities discovered that the firm was covertly exporting psychotropic substances, including Alprazolam, Zolpidem, Lorazepam, Clonazepam, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone.

NCB’s searches led to the seizure of Rs 3.7 crore in cash, along with crucial evidence pointing to large-scale drug trafficking. As the case progressed, the ED stepped in to investigate the financial trail linked to the illegal business.

Attached Assets and Money Trail

The Enforcement Directorate’s probe revealed that before establishing JR Infinity Private Limited, Jain and his family members received over Rs 4.5 crore in foreign remittances through their personal bank accounts without any legitimate business transactions. These funds, along with proceeds from drug sales, were allegedly laundered into real estate investments and fixed deposits.

In its latest action, the ED has attached 22 immovable properties, including land parcels in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, valued at Rs 6.5 crore. Additionally, 8 movable assets, including bank balances and fixed deposits amounting to Rs 1.46 crore, have been seized. The total proceeds of crime in the case are estimated at Rs 12.7 crore.

Crackdown on Illegal Internet Pharmacies

The case sheds light on the growing threat posed by illegal internet pharmacies, which exploit digital platforms to distribute controlled substances across borders. By masquerading as legitimate businesses, these networks not only fuel drug abuse but also engage in money laundering and financial fraud.

The ED’s swift action underscores the agency’s commitment to dismantling such illicit operations and bringing offenders to justice. With increasing scrutiny on online pharmaceutical businesses, authorities are expected to tighten regulations and enhance monitoring mechanisms to prevent the misuse of e-commerce platforms for drug trafficking.

Final Analysis

The Hyderabad illegal drug export case is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in tackling modern-day financial crimes and drug trafficking. The attachment of assets worth Rs 8 crore is a crucial step in holding perpetrators accountable and recovering illicit proceeds. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in curbing illegal activities that threaten public health and national security.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba-The winners of Government High School competitions.

Om Sri Sai Ram

With the divine blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, an event has been organized where prizes will be distributed to the winners of Government High School competitions.

On 22-02-2025 (Thursday) at 10:30 AM, the event will take place at Prashanthi Nagar Hall with grandeur.

At 10:30 AM, Jyoti (lamp) worship will be performed.

Chief Guest:

  • Sri Krishna Reddy Garu

Presiding Officer:

  • Sri Suresh Garu

Bal Vikas Coordinator:

  • Srimati Nalini Jyothi Garu

Participants:

  • Sri Ashok Kumar Garu

We humbly Thanks to all Sai devotees and well-wishers to participate in this divine occasion.

Prizes will be distributed to the winners of the competitions.

We warmly welcome students and parents to attend and make this event successful.

With loving regards,
Tarakaka Samithi

VMYF organised Balala Vivekotsav-2025 on 2nd February, 2025

Vande Mataram! VMYF organised Balala Vivekotsav-2025 on 2nd February, 2025, Sunday, at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka. Around 300 students of 8th & 9th classes from various schools participated in the event.

Elocution Competition on “Swami Vivekananda’s Life”, Skit Competition on ‘Any Social Message” and Quiz Competition on “Balala Ramayanam” were conducted on the occasion.

It was an outstanding display of talent by the Children. Prizes were given away to the Winners in the Prize Distribution Ceremony.

Sri Yagna Narayana, Sri Sita Rama Somayajulu & Sri V.Ramachander Rao acted as the judges for the Program.

The event was co-sponsored by CSR Foundation & Srikara Foundation.

Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy AIG Gastroenterologist Conferred with Prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award 2025

A Glorious Achievement in Medical Excellence

In a momentous recognition of his lifelong dedication to medicine, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, a renowned gastroenterologist, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. This exceptional honor is a testament to his unparalleled contributions to the medical field, particularly in the realm of gastrointestinal disorders, endoscopy, and public health.

A Pioneering Career in Gastroenterology

Dr. Nageshwar Reddy has carved a name for himself as one of the foremost specialists in the field of gastroenterology. With over four decades of experience, he has made significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, earning respect and admiration from peers worldwide.

As the founder and chairman of the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad, Dr. Reddy has been instrumental in shaping the institute into a world-class facility that serves as a beacon for cutting-edge medical care and research. His clinic is renowned for its excellence in treating a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders, including liver diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and pancreatitis.

Pioneering Innovations and Contributions

One of Dr. Nageshwar Reddy’s most notable contributions has been his work in endoscopic procedures, particularly endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which he helped refine. He has played a pivotal role in introducing advanced diagnostic techniques, ensuring patients receive less invasive, more accurate, and faster treatments. His expertise has also brought him to the forefront of innovations in minimally invasive surgeries, significantly improving patient outcomes and recovery times.

His commitment to medical research is equally outstanding. Dr. Reddy has published over 300 research papers in leading international journals and has been involved in numerous studies aimed at enhancing treatment protocols for gastrointestinal diseases. His groundbreaking work in cancer screening has helped save countless lives through early detection.

A True Humanitarian

Dr. Reddy’s contributions go beyond clinical expertise. His humanitarian efforts, particularly his work in community healthcare, have had a profound impact on public health in India. He has been a staunch advocate for preventive healthcare, regularly organizing medical camps and health education initiatives for underserved communities. Through his outreach programs, he has made quality healthcare accessible to thousands who otherwise would not have had access to it.

His philanthropy also extends to supporting various charitable causes, focusing on education and healthcare for the underprivileged. He has partnered with organizations to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure that essential medical services are available to rural populations.

A Leader in the Global Medical Community

Dr. Nageshwar Reddy’s expertise has taken him across the globe, where he has represented India at numerous international medical forums. He has been invited as a speaker at major conferences, where he has shared his knowledge and experiences with fellow doctors, researchers, and policymakers. His international recognition is a reflection of the respect he commands as a leading medical professional.

Moreover, Dr. Reddy has been instrumental in training the next generation of gastroenterologists. His mentorship has guided countless students and medical professionals, ensuring that the standards of medical excellence continue to rise.

Recognition and Awards

The Padma Vibhushan is the latest in a long list of accolades that Dr. Nageshwar Reddy has received over his illustrious career. His previous awards include the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, and the Dr. B.C. Roy Award for excellence in the field of medicine. These honors are a reflection of his outstanding contributions to medical science, healthcare, and society at large.

Conclusion

Dr. Nageshwar Reddy’s recognition with the Padma Vibhushan is a well-deserved tribute to his exceptional medical career, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his profound impact on public health. Through his innovations, expertise, and dedication to the betterment of society, Dr. Reddy has undoubtedly earned his place among the giants in the medical field. As he continues to inspire future generations of doctors and healers, his legacy will remain a beacon of hope and progress in the realm of healthcare.

Jai Kisan

On Monday, 23rd December 2024, from 12 PM to 2 PM  at Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Memorial Rock Garden, Beside Indira Park, Hyderabad, the event Jai Kisan will take place to honor farmer families, the backbone of the essential food we eat. This recognition celebrates their hard work and indispensable contribution to society.

For more details: Seva Mala – 2024