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Environment

Peacock Restaurant Opens Its First International Branch in Riyadh

Riyadh – On Friday, August 8, 2025, Peacock Restaurant—a celebrated name in Hyderabadi cuisine from Karimnagar—unveiled its first overseas location in the Al-Malaz area of Saudi Arabia’s capital. The inauguration was officiated by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Khan, and witnessed by a vibrant gathering of Indian expatriates and Saudi guests The Siasat Daily.

Founded in 1996 by the late Mohammed Akthar Ali, Peacock has become synonymous with authentic Hyderabadi biryani, kebabs, and hospitality. Its Riyadh outlet is envisioned as a cultural and culinary bridge, serving a variety of cuisines including Indian, Indo-Chinese, tandoori, and continental, along with traditional sweets and snacks The Siasat Daily.

The venture is a collaboration involving:

  • Syed Wayez Ahmed, Group CEO of Wayez International Group
  • Mohammed Asghar Ali, Managing Director of Peacock Group of Hotels and Restaurants
  • Mohammad Ali Al Jaidi, CEO of MAJIC Investment Company
  • Zaki, Vice President of Wayez International Group The Hans IndiaTelangana TribuneThe Siasat Daily

Catering to families and social gatherings, the Riyadh outlet features a dining area for 100 guests and an adjoining banquet hall accommodating 120 guests The Siasat DailyThe Hans India. Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, the restaurant has partnered with Hyderabad-based BioReform to eliminate single-use plastics from its operations The Siasat Daily.

This expansion not only introduces rich regional flavors to a global stage but also strengthens cultural ties, offering Saudis and the Indian diaspora alike a taste of home.

TDF Silver Jubilee Celebrations Begin in USA

TDF Silver Jubilee Celebrations in USA

Milpitas, California, Aug 8: Telangana Development Forum (TDF), which played a key role in the Telangana statehood movement, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with “Pragathi Telangana” Silver Jubilee events at the Indian Community Center, Milpitas.

Led by TDF America Chairman Murali Chintalapani and President Manikonda Srinivas, the opening day honoured senior leaders T.R. Reddy, Gopal Reddy, Divesh Anireddy, and Challa Kavitha for their services. Special tribute videos were presented.

Guests from India include MLC Prof. M. Kodandaram, Telangana State Education Commission Chairman Akunuri Murali (Retd. IAS), former MP Atmacharan Reddy, and Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy.

The three-day event features business, political, startup, and leadership forums, a Telangana Folk Night, and will conclude with the TDF General Body Meeting on August 10.

14th Mulam Santha – A Grand Success!

🌿🌾 14th Mulam Santha – A Grand Success! 🌾🌿
📅 Date: 2nd August 2025
📍 Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka

🙏 Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the 14th Moolam Santha a grand success with your enthusiastic participation, love, and support.

🌟 Highlights of the Santha:
🪴 Organic produce stalls
🍅 Direct farmer-to-customer sales
🎨 Cultural performances
🍽️ Annapatra – Free eco-meal service
🪔 Natural turmeric-clay Ganeshas
🌱 Promotion of traditional & sustainable living

Each part of the event received overwhelming response from the community!

🤝 Your encouragement keeps us inspired.
📸 We will be sharing event highlights through photos and reels very soon.

💐 Let’s meet again at the next Moolam Santha!
#MulamSantha #OrganicMarket #TarnakaEvents #SatvikLiving #Annapatra #EcoFriendlyLiving

Mulam Santha Inspires Eco Living at Tarnaka Event

🌿 Mulam Santha Inspires Eco Living at Tarnaka Event

Tarnaka, Hyderabad – July 19, 2025:
A powerful message of going back to our roots echoed at the Mulam Village Festival & Consumer Fair, organized at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka. The event drew attention to sustainable lifestyle practices, organic living, and indigenous products.

Renowned spiritual leader Swami Ramananda Prabhuji Maharaj, President of Sri Sai Dham, graced the occasion and urged the public to support Moolam Santha—a platform that promotes environmentally friendly practices through cow-based farming, traditional foods, and natural products.

💡 Highlight of the Event:

Mr. Krishna Reddy, the chief organizer, was instrumental in the successful execution of the program. His coordination ensured a well-curated experience for both exhibitors and visitors.

“These markets not only revive our traditions but also serve as models for eco-conscious living,” said Mr. Krishna Reddy.

🌱 What Made This Event Special:

  • Visitors experienced a variety of stalls:
    ✅ Organic fruits & vegetables
    ✅ Cow-based health products
    ✅ Handmade crafts and eco-goods
    ✅ Traditional games and cultural elements

🤝 Key Participants:

  • Swami Ramananda Prabhuji Maharaj (Chief Guest)
  • Mr. Krishna Reddy – Chief Organizer

Mana Santha -Mahilaa Abhivruddhi Neti Avasaram-July 5th & 6th-2025

🎉 Mana Santha 2025 – Mahilaa Abhivruddhi Neti Avasaram – Women Empowerment is the Need of the Hour concluded on a powerful and positive note!
💐 The event stood as a vibrant platform to honor the strength, creativity, and resilience of women.
🛍️ With over [insert number] stalls featuring handmade products, organic goods, handlooms, and food, the marketplace was alive with color and purpose.
🙏 Heartfelt thanks to the stallholders, visitors, and our enthusiastic volunteers – your energy made all the difference.
🎨 Today’s creative workshops like Seed Ball Making, Art & Crafts, and Eco-friendly Activities sparked imagination and awareness.
🌟 A special note of gratitude to Sri Krishna Reddy Garu for being the driving force behind this successful initiative.
🤝 The festival became a space for connection – where entrepreneurs shared, collaborated, and grew together.
📸 The smiles, the stories, the sales – every moment captured the spirit of community and empowerment.
💪 Mana Santha – A Festival with Purpose proudly carried forward the mission of Vocal for Local.
🌿 It wasn’t just a mela – it was a movement toward sustainable, inclusive, and women-led growth.
🌈 We are deeply grateful for the support of our community and partners who believed in this vision.
📢 From the entire Mana Santha team – Thank You! Let’s carry this energy forward and meet again, stronger than ever!

🌿 12th Mulam Santha – 14-June-2025

Hosted by Grama Bharathi & CSR Memorial Foundation

📅 Date: 14th June 2025 (Second Saturday)
📍 Venue: Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

🌱 What is Mulam Santha?

Mulam Santha is a unique, monthly rural market celebrating India’s roots — promoting sustainable living, natural farming, and traditional livelihoods.

It is a space where farmers, artisans, handloom weavers, millet entrepreneurs, khadi promoters, and eco-conscious producers directly meet consumers.

🛍️ What to Expect This Time

✨ Highlights of the Santha:

  • Organic Millets: laddus, murukkus, papads, traditional snacks
  • Pure Cold-Pressed Oils (Ganuga)
  • Bio-Enzymes, Panchagavya, Herbal Remedies
  • Cow dung & Neem-based natural products
  • Clay pots & eco-friendly terracotta jewelry
  • Khadi & Handloom Sarees, “Gollabhama” Sarees, Natural Fabrics
  • Desi Seeds, Medicinal Plants & Gardening Tools
  • Handcrafted jute bags & household essentials
  • Literature, folklore, cultural roots & craft communities

🎯 A true village-to-home market experience.

🍛 Special Farm-to-Table Lunch – ₹150 Only!

Enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal made with organic desi rice, rooted in tradition and packed with goodness.

🙌 Gratitude & Acknowledgement

We are proud to celebrate the 1st successful anniversary of Mulam Santha!
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible Badruka Volunteers for your continued support and effort.

🧭 Join the Movement – Go Back to the Roots

Bring your friends and family!
Reconnect with nature, tradition, and healthy living through this one-of-a-kind experience.

Hyderabad Declared Over-Exploited District for Groundwater Use

Hyderabad, June 2025 — In a concerning development for the future of water sustainability, Hyderabad has been officially categorized as an “over-exploited” (OE) district for groundwater use by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, according to its latest groundwater status report for 2023–24.

Of the 16 mandals in Hyderabad district, 11 have been marked as over-exploited, four as ‘critical’, and one mandal as ‘semi-critical’. The findings indicate a growing imbalance between groundwater extraction and recharge—especially in the eastern parts of the city.

Charminar Tops in Over-Exploitation

Among the mandals, Charminar recorded the highest groundwater over-exploitation at 117.1%, while Tirumalagiri in Secunderabad reported the lowest at 75.5%. Here’s a snapshot of the exploitation rates in some key mandals:

  • Golconda – 135%
  • Ameerpet – 126.7%
  • Asifnagar – 127.8%
  • Saidabad – 129.7%
  • Himayatnagar – 116.6%
  • Khairatabad – 106.9%
  • Musheerabad – 100.6%
  • Amberpet – 106.8%
  • Shaikpet – 101%
  • Secunderabad – 101.9%
  • Nampally & Marredpally – 99.7%
  • Bandlaguda – 97.1%
  • Bahadurpura – 96%

What’s Driving the Decline?

The survey, conducted under the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) guidelines, revealed that unregulated drilling by private rigs and non-compliance with the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA) are major contributors to groundwater depletion. Additionally, uncontrolled urban construction continues to reduce recharge areas and increase demand.

A senior official from the Ground Water Department (GWD) said, “The situation is alarming. We are now tasked with drafting a special action plan to preserve and augment groundwater sources.”

Low Rainfall Worsens the Crisis

The situation has been exacerbated by a 24.6% rainfall deficit. As of May 2025, Hyderabad received 828.4 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 1,099.6 mm. The shortfall is further straining the already-stressed groundwater table.

Next Steps: Regulation and Sustainability

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has also directed the implementation of Ground Water Extraction Rules across the district. This includes levying a cess and extraction charges on groundwater users to discourage excessive withdrawal and encourage sustainable usage.

Efforts are now underway to enforce better regulation, improve public awareness, and shift toward sustainable water management practices before the crisis deepens further.

The Legacy Weaver: Biography of Ramesh Ramanadham

Ramesh Ramanadham

Crafts Revivalist | Textile Designer | Natural Fibres Expert | Handloom Advocate

Ramesh Ramanadham is a celebrated Indian designer, crafts revivalist, and subject matter expert with over 37 years of pioneering work in handlooms, handicrafts, natural fibres, and natural dyes. Deeply rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, his mission is to revive, restore, and sustain India’s rich artisanal legacy, while creating sustainable livelihoods and socially connected ecosystems for craftsmen.

Core Contributions & Expertise

  • Spearheading the revival of naturally coloured cottons to uplift Khadi, restoring its traditional processes and equipment.
  • Revived the 400-year-old handmade paper industry in Aurangabad with INTACH.
  • Leading the holistic revival of Cheriyal Dolls, an ancient craft of Telangana, focusing on eco-friendly materials, story-based narratives, and sustainable market strategies.
  • Engaged with over 36,900 individuals through seminars and workshops, spreading awareness about India’s cultural heritage in crafts.
  • Empanelled designer with NIMSME, and a regular speaker at national and international platforms.

Pioneering Product Innovations

Ramesh holds the distinction of being the first in India (specifically combined Andhra Pradesh in the 1990s) to commercially develop several unique fabrics and applications, including:

  • Cotton-Jute, Cotton-Flax, Cotton-Linen blends in Single and Double IKKAT
  • Kalamkari prints on Madras checks, brushed fabrics, upholstery, and knitted fabric
  • Introduction of eco-textiles like vegetable-dyed handlooms, Katari Wool, Cotton-Lycra, Cotton-Wool blends, and others.
  • Extensive experimentation with natural fibres like Ramie, Banana, Pineapple, Mesta, Sisal, and wild grasses.

Social Impact

  • Conducts monthly workshops on languishing crafts and natural dye techniques.
  • Supported over 2,800 artisan families across India during the pandemic with ration and safety kits.
  • Worked with student and artisan communities across NIFT, NID, IITs, and craft clusters nationwide.

Early Journey & Legacy

Beginning his journey in 1987 with flavoured potato chips, Ramesh pivoted to handlooms after witnessing weavers’ distress. He co-founded Leela Handlooms, later transitioning to R S Krafts in 2015 — a tribute to his great-grandfather, Ramanadham Ramalingam Sr., who was honoured by King George V at the British Empire Exhibition in 1924 for his weaving prowess and community work (including building the Ramanadham Canal in Kandukur, Prakasam District).

Recognition & Awards

  • Vishisht Seva Puraskar on the Centenary of Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy
  • Honoured by the Telangana Government in 2022 as “Eminent Personality in Handlooms and Handicrafts”
  • Recipient of the IDEA Asia Award (2020)

Global & Collaborative Engagement

Worked with leading international brands such as Guess Jeans, Diesel, Camel, Grape, and Zuzka, bringing traditional Indian crafts to a global audience.

Media & Web Presence

Featured in multiple media outlets:

Bringing Colour Back to Cotton: Ramanadham Ramesh’s Revival Journey

Cotton is the most versatile and widely used fiber in textiles. Bharatavani has introduced cotton to the world. India is the largest exporters of handlooms to the world. We were exporting finest muslins of different shades to the globe till the advent of industrialisation. Most of the fabrics were naturally dyed using our traditional dyeing methods and a specific small portion of it was naturally coloured cotton, where in the cotton fibere attaines colour naturally by birth from the plant only. We had several naturally coloured cottons that ruled the market earlier. Unfortunately we lost ground over the last century. Inspite of that the naturally coloured RED cotton sustained for a very long duration, but now even that is losing ground quickly. Gollaprolu Red cotton and Konda Patti from srikakulam area are well known red cotton varieties struggling to sustain their stand in present world as the versatile definition of KHADI has changed. Center of this shift is Ramanadham Ramesh, a craft revivalist and eco-conscious farmer from Hyderabad, who is bringing indigenous coloured cotton back into the spotlight.

Ramesh cultivates 12 varieties of native Indian cotton. Unlike genetically modified hybrid cotton, desi (indigenous) cotton varieties are resilient, require less water, and do not need heavy chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They are naturally pest-resistant to a greater extent and better suited for organic farming. He has RED – 8 varieties, GREEN – in stabilising process and YELLOW – Preemptive stage. He says there are many other shades available, but he is not holding at present.

His efforts go beyond farming. Ramesh is actively promoting the traditional and sustainable desi cotton wicks for oil lamps to making hand-spun yarn for a healthy living. he demonstrates how every part of the cotton plant can be valuable.

To revive this traditional crop, Ramesh distributes native cotton seeds to interested farmers and provides them with the knowledge to grow these crops organically in a mixed cultivation method. His mission is not just agricultural—it’s cultural and ecological. He believes that reviving desi colourd cotton can give required impetus to the dwindling village-based traditional hand spun, hand woven khadi industries, create employment, and encourage eco-friendly lifestyles.

His work has gained attention for showing how traditional practices can align with modern sustainability goals in the present day requirement of minimalist eco conscious lifestyle. With increased awareness and support, desi cotton could play a major role in reducing environmental impact while uplifting rural economies.

Contact for seeds and guidance:
📞 Ramanadham Ramesh – 94400 55266.
Email: [email protected]

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.