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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.

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Amgen Opens $200 Million Tech & Innovation Centre in Hyderabad

Global biotech leader Amgen has inaugurated its $200 million technology and innovation centre in Hyderabad, reinforcing the city’s position as a growing hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, create new opportunities for local talent, and contribute to the region’s thriving biotech ecosystem.

Expanding Workforce: 300 Hired, More to Come

The Amgen India facility, spanning 5,24,000 square feet, has already onboarded 300 employees, with plans to hire an additional 300 soon. The company is targeting a total workforce of 2,000 by the end of the year.

Telangana CM Highlights Hyderabad’s Global Appeal

Inaugurating the facility, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized the significance of Amgen’s investment, calling it a collaboration of two global leaders—Amgen and Hyderabad. He underscored Hyderabad’s leadership in the pharma and life sciences sectors, which makes it an attractive destination for innovation hubs like Amgen’s.

Mr. Reddy reiterated the state government’s commitment to industrial growth as part of its ambitious $1 trillion economy goal by 2030. Recalling his discussions with Amgen leadership during his U.S. visit, he urged the company to expand its investment in Hyderabad, broaden its research initiatives, and contribute to the state’s skill development programs.

Amgen’s Long-Term Commitment to India

Amgen Chairman Robert A. Bradway expressed the company’s long-standing interest in expanding to India. He praised Hyderabad’s innovation ecosystem and confirmed Amgen’s plan to invest $200 million by the end of the year, with additional investments in the pipeline. Founded in 1980, Amgen operates in over 100 countries and employs 28,000 people worldwide.

A Boost for Hyderabad’s Life Sciences Sector

Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu highlighted the rapid setup of Amgen’s facility, following discussions between the Telangana government and Amgen’s leadership last year. He described the center as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Hyderabad’s life sciences journey, further cementing its status as a key player in the global healthcare and GCC space.

Photo Credit: By Arrangement

Polls to a Graduates’ and two Teachers’ seats of Telangana Legislative Council, MLC, on February 27, counting on March 3

Polls to a Graduates’ and two Teachers’ seats of Telangana Legislative Council, MLC, on February 27, counting on March 3

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) has announced the schedule for conduct of elections to two Teachers’ and one Graduates’ constituencies of the Telangana Legislative Council (MLC).

  1. Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates’ constituency

BJP : ANJI REDDY CHINNAMILE

Congress : VOOTUKURI NARENDER REDDY

  1. Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teachers’ constituency

BJP : MALKA KOMARAIAH

Congress : https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML 

  1. Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers’ constituency 

BJP : PULI SAROTHAM REDDY

Congress : https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML

The election would be held on February 27 from 8 am to 4 pm and counting of votes would take place on March 3. 

After the last day of withdrawal of nominations, a total of 90 candidates remain in the fray for three MLC seats.

Among the total candidates, 56 are contesting from the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar graduates’ constituency, 15 the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar teachers’ segment and 19 in the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers’ constituency.

The term of the three sitting MLCs — T Jeevan Reddy (graduates’ constituency), Kura Raghotham Reddy (teachers’ constituency) and A Narsi Reddy (teachers’ constituency)—will end on March 29.

Candidates details & affidavits –

https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML

India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Kohli’s Century Guides India to a Six-Wicket Win

In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Virat Kohli led India to a resounding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Group Stage of the Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli’s scintillating knock, which included his 51st ODI century, helped India successfully chase down Pakistan’s total of 241.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite a solid start from openers Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, the dismissal of both openers in quick succession put Pakistan on the backfoot. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel combined for a brilliant century partnership, steadying the ship. The middle order, including Khushdil Shah’s late cameo, helped Pakistan reach 241 all out in 49.5 overs.

India’s chase began confidently with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looking fluent at the crease. However, the early dismissal of Rohit (31) by Shaheen Shah Afridi brought Kohli to the middle. Kohli and Gill put on 69 runs for the second wicket before Gill was dismissed for 46.

Kohli then partnered with Shreyas Iyer, who played a vital knock of 56, as the duo took control of the chase, rotating strike and finding boundaries with ease. It was left to Kohli to finish the job, and he did so in style, bringing up his 51st century in the process, sealing India’s victory with 6 wickets to spare.

This match also marked Kohli’s first-ever century in an ICC Champions Trophy, making it a milestone performance in his illustrious career.

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


Microsoft opens new campus in Hyderabad, partners with Telangana government to impart AI training to 1.2 lakh people

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized that “the future belongs to Artificial Intelligence” during the inauguration of Microsoft’s new campus in Hyderabad on Thursday. Joined by Minister for IT & Industries D. Sridhar Babu, the event marked Microsoft’s 25th anniversary in the city.

The new campus, located in Gachibowli, spans 1.1 million sq. ft. and is LEED-certified. It will accommodate 2,500 additional employees, contributing to Microsoft’s workforce of over 20,000 professionals in India, with more than half based in Hyderabad. The company also plans to hire an additional 4,800 employees, as the city remains its largest R&D hub outside the US.

Microsoft announced a series of initiatives in partnership with the Telangana Government, aiming to train over 1.2 lakh individuals in AI. As part of the ADVANTA(I)GE TELANGANA program, Microsoft will launch an AI Foundations Academy in 500 government schools, benefitting 50,000 students. The AI-Industry Pro program will upskill 20,000 professionals, and the AI-Govern initiative will train 50,000 government officials in areas like digital productivity, generative AI, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, Microsoft will set up an AI Centre of Excellence (AICoE) in collaboration with the Telangana Government and other stakeholders. This centre will feature a cloud-based infrastructure for AI development, including a central AI Knowledge Hub containing research, case studies, and best practices.

Microsoft also revealed plans to double its investment in hyperscale AI data centres in Telangana, with an additional Rs 15,000 crore planned for the coming years.

Speaking at the event, Revanth Reddy stated, “Hyderabad and Microsoft have grown together, and as a proud representative of this state, I can confidently say that this is just the beginning. Hyderabad is now recognized as a technology powerhouse, attracting global talent. With partners like Microsoft, the future is even brighter.”

He also underscored the importance of AI, adding, “The future belongs to Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration will strengthen our startup ecosystem, offering mentorship, AI tools, and access to a global network.”

An MoU outlining these initiatives was signed between Microsoft and the ITE&C department, following a meeting between the CM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in January 2025, where they discussed modernizing government IT, cloud infrastructure, and accelerating AI adoption.

IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu praised the new campus and AI initiatives, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in the state.

Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director and President of Microsoft India Development Centre, also spoke at the event, stating, “The new building reflects our commitment to Telangana’s innovation ecosystem and India’s vision of becoming an AI-first nation. This expansion will provide cutting-edge infrastructure to enable innovation and accelerate AI development.”