In a heartwarming initiative, the Youth for Seva (YFS) Hyderabad team organized an educational trip to Nehru Zoological Park on 13 November for 53 enthusiastic 5th-grade students from MPPS Raidurg.
The visit was supported by 15 volunteers from State Street, who played a key role in ensuring a meaningful learning experience. To provide personal attention and guidance, the students were divided into small groups of four, each accompanied by a dedicated volunteer acting as a mentor and companion throughout the day.
From exploring the vibrant fish aquarium to observing the unique species in the nocturnal bird house, the children engaged in experiential learning beyond the classroom. The volunteers added a special touch by helping students with ID cards, answering their questions, and sharing in their excitement as they discovered the wonders of wildlife.
Youth for Seva expressed sincere gratitude to the State Street team, the school staff, and YFS coordinators for transforming a simple field trip into an unforgettable memory filled with care, connection, and curiosity.
The timeless Cheriyal storytelling tradition of Katamaraju Katha came alive for students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School, Jubilee Hills, where artist Ramanadham Ramesh demonstrated its ritual practices, scientific reasoning, and cultural depth using Cheriyal dolls. — Image by R. Pavan
Ramesh has been spearheading efforts to revive this centuries-old narrative cycle, which comprises 32 stories dating back to 1165–1283 CE. Once central to memory, identity and community life across Telugu regions, the form has today been reduced largely to performance art and doll-making. His work aims to restore the broader ecosystem of artisans, storytellers and cultural practitioners who originally sustained it.
A Community-Built Tradition
According to Ramesh, the true strength of Katamaraju Katha lies in the communities that once built it collaboratively. “Weavers, basket makers, silversmiths, brass and leather workers, carpet makers, potters — all of them contributed to a single performance,” he explains. “The art survives only when the entire community moves together. Yet today, most are forgotten. Only narrators and dolls are remembered.”
Stories That Shaped Social Behaviour
More than entertainment, the tradition once served as a tool for social upbringing. “A mischievous child would hear these stories and feel inspired by their ancestors,” Ramesh says. “This storytelling shaped behaviour, values, and pride in one’s roots.”
Some rituals were deeply symbolic. During performances, Cheriyal dolls were even given last rites, teaching children respect for the human body and for social conduct.
Correcting Distortions and Reclaiming Accuracy
Over generations, many ballads drifted from their original versions due to informal transmission. “For example, people began saying the warrior Katamaraju married the goddess Ganga,” Ramesh notes. “But the story only mentions a woman named Ganga. Even the timeline had shifted.”
He is now working closely with narrators to rebuild accuracy and confidence. “Corrections aren’t negative,” he emphasizes. “They help narrators, audiences and patrons stay aligned.”
Documenting Ritual Science
Ramesh is also researching the scientific reasoning behind traditional practices—such as how trees were selected and cut for crafting—and plans to publish a detailed book and documentary next year.
Reviving the Tradition for Modern Audiences
To reconnect younger generations with this narrative heritage, Ramesh is preparing to present all 32 stories at 32 locations across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Schools, colleges and community groups have already begun expressing interest.
Workshops, competitions and an international experiential conference for schoolchildren are part of the revival plan.
Ramesh believes the form remains deeply relevant: “If we present it clearly, every aspect resonates with today’s children and adults — especially in an era where entertainment is available at a click.”
His presentation at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School showcased the historical, social and cultural richness of the tradition, demonstrating that this centuries-old storytelling form still holds meaningful lessons for contemporary audiences.
Anaya Sharma from Hyderabad has emerged as the Under-8 champion at the Commonwealth Chess Championships held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Draped in the national flag, the young chess prodigy proudly posed with her trophy alongside the Indian contingent’s Head of Delegation, K. S. Prasad.
A fourth-grade student of Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, Anaya delivered an exceptional performance, maintaining a clean sheet through all eight rounds of the competition to secure the coveted title.
The stage was set, the fans were buzzing, and when the moment finally came, it was nothing short of cinematic thunder. The highly-anticipated event for Sony/Sri Durga Arts’ upcoming magnum opus — formerly referred to as SSMB29 or GlobeTrotter — finally made its big reveal: the official title is Varanasi. The event, held at the sprawling Ramoji Film City on 15 November 2025, marked a milestone in Indian cinema’s grand-scale storytelling.
The Event & Unveiling
From the outset, the organisers under director S. S. Rajamouli spared no effort. In fact, the entry pass was replaced with a passport-style booklet, embracing the “GlobeTrotter” theme.
Over 50,000 fans reportedly gathered at Ramoji to witness the spectacle live, while the title reveal and first look were streamed online for the rest of the world
The big moment: the screen lit up, the title Varanasi emerged in all its glory, and then a striking motion poster appeared — featuring lead actor Mahesh Babu riding a powerful bull, trident in hand, muscles taut, backdrop of myth and mystery swirling.
Character & Concept Glimpse
Rajamouli wasn’t just unveiling a title — he teased an entire world. Mahesh Babu was introduced as Rudhra, a rugged explorer-hero unlike anything the actor has played before.
The film also brings onboard global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas (as Mandakini) and Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran (as Kumbha), setting up a mass-pan-Indian collaboration.
In his speech, Rajamouli revealed that a pivotal sequence elevates the story to mythic proportions — Mahesh Babu’s avatar draws on the charm of Krishna and the calm of Rama, suggesting that the film may reinterpret epic motifs for a modern audience.
Visuals & Ambition
The teaser/glimpse played at the event spanned time and space: from the ancient city of Varanasi to jungle terrains in Africa, from 512 CE to 2027 CE, even Antarctica making a dramatic appearance.The set design is reported to include a full recreation of Varanasi within Ramoji, and the film is being shot for IMAX in the truest sense.
Director Rajamouli also addressed a hiccup — a technical glitch delayed the full screening of the teaser, and he lamented footage leaked by a drone during testing, pointing to the immense stakes and scale of the project.
Reactions & Highlights
Social media exploded. One fan cried out in Telugu:
“Arey asalem jaruguthundi ra akkada. What the frame. MB on nandi (impressed).”
From the stage, Mahesh Babu pledged:
“I’ll make everyone proud! Most importantly, I’ll make my director proud. After Varanasi is released, the whole of India will be proud.”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas reflected:
“The energy tonight is electrifying… I am so glad to be back making this movie in my beloved India. The best and only way to join Telugu cinema is to do it with such greats.”
Prithviraj, moved by Rajamouli’s narration, said he was “mind-blown” within the first five minutes of the script – calling the scale and ambition “the best filmmaker in India again pushing his limits.
What This Means
With Varanasi, Rajamouli is signalling something beyond just another big film — it appears to be an action-mythology-adventure designed for global impact. The choice of title, blending the sacred Indian city Varanasi with a story that spans continents and epochs, hints at a bridging of local ethos and universal spectacle.
For Mahesh Babu, this marks his first collaboration with Rajamouli and perhaps a reinvention of his screen persona. For Indian cinema — particularly Telugu cinema — the barrage is clear: think big, think global, and tell stories that resonate mythically and theatrically.
What’s Next?The film is slated for a January 2027 release, according to the event introduction.More details are expected soon: full trailer drop, teaser roll-outs, international market strategies, and more glimpses of the cast and crew in action.
A government schoolteacher from Bhadradri Kothagudem district is earning wide recognition for his remarkable community service—saving lives through a sustained blood donation movement that has grown across the country.
J Balu, an SGT at MPPS Penagadapa in Chunchupally mandal, is the founder and president of the *Young Indian Blood Donors Club*. His journey toward this mission began 15 years ago when his parents required blood transfusions. With his mother’s rare O-negative blood group, the family struggled to find a donor—an experience that profoundly changed his outlook on voluntary blood donation.
Moved by the need to help others, Balu began donating blood and coordinating donors informally in 2012. His efforts took organized shape on February 18, 2016, with the establishment of the Young Indian Blood Donors Club. Since then, the network has facilitated more than **43,000 units of blood**, supporting patients across Telangana and multiple other states.
Inspired by the social messages conveyed in films, Balu encourages people to adopt blood donation as a lifelong habit. Whenever he receives information about a patient in need, he mobilizes donors through WhatsApp groups, coordinating with volunteers, NGOs, and hospitals. The club also maintains a directory of blood donors and organizations to ensure timely assistance.
Balu acknowledges the encouragement he receives from senior police officers and local leaders, which has strengthened the club’s growing network. Beyond blood donation, the organization also conducts plasma drives, supports patients undergoing transplant procedures, helps schools with amenities, and distributes essentials to the underprivileged.
Recognizing his contributions, several NGOs have honored him with awards for humanitarian service. With the support of his associates, Balu continues to organize free blood-group testing camps and expand donor awareness across the state.
His tireless effort stands as an inspiring example of how individual commitment can transform into a nationwide movement dedicated to saving lives.
Hyderabad: Raj Bhavan has invited nominations for the Governor’s Awards for Excellence – 2025, aimed at honouring exemplary contributions made between 2020 and 2025 in key sectors of public welfare and development.
The awards will recognise outstanding work in four categories Women Empowerment , Tribal Development, Rural Health and Medical Philanthropy, and Corporate Volunteering. Each category features two segments: one for individuals and another for institutions, organisations, societies, or trusts.
According to the announcement, the last date to submit nominations is December 5, 2025, by 5 PM. The awards will be conferred on January 26, 2026, during Republic Day celebrations, by the Hon’ble Governor of Telangana.
Applicants can download the nomination form from the official Raj Bhavan website and submit the completed forms offline to the Principal Secretary, Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad – 500041.
HYDERABAD: Telangana DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy on Friday said that road accidents have impacted almost every family in the state, either through relatives or close acquaintances who have become victims. He made these remarks while launching the *Arrive Alive* road safety initiative at LB Stadium, alongside Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar.
Expressing concern over the alarming rise in accident-related deaths, the DGP said that while around 800 people are killed in murder cases every year in Telangana, nearly 8,000 lose their lives in road accidents. Most of the victims, he noted, are pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.
Shivadhar emphasised the need for drivers to remain alert and exercise basic “common sense” on the roads. Pointing out common mistakes, he said many riders wear helmets without fastening them, rendering them ineffective. “If it’s not buckled, what is the use of wearing it?” he asked.
He stressed that road accidents are a serious concern that require urgent attention. The *Arrive Alive* programme, he said, will soon be expanded across Telangana as part of a large-scale public awareness campaign. Defensive driving and being conscious of others on the road are key to preventing accidents, he added.
Hyderabad CP Sajjanar said the city records around 3,000 road accidents each year, resulting in nearly 300 deaths. Despite continuous awareness efforts, many people still violate traffic rules, he said. To curb this, the police will soon implement stricter enforcement measures, including the formation of special teams.
Hyderabad: The city is all set to host ‘Hyplex-2025’, a grand exhibition featuring postal stamps, coins, paper currency, and antiques, organized by the Philatelic and Hobbies Society. The three-day event will take place from November 14 to 16 at the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Red Hills.
Addressing a press meet at Hyderguda on Wednesday, Society Secretary Sagi Srinivas Raju announced that around 60 stalls from across India will be part of the exhibition. The event will be inaugurated by Veena Kumari, Chief Postmaster of Hyderabad GPO, who will attend as the chief guest.
The exhibition aims to encourage interest in philately and numismatics through exhibitions, seminars, and workshops conducted in schools and other institutions. Raju also warned the public against fraudulent social media claims related to buying old coins and notes, emphasizing that the Society has no connection with such scams.
The event will also see participation from Society Joint Secretary S. Srikanth, and Managing Committee members Santosh Reddy, Radhakrishna, and Deepak Kumar Sethia.
At the ARISE Thought Leadership Day held on November 11, the second session brought together school leaders and principals for an in-depth discussion on the future of schooling and the leadership skills needed to navigate rapid change.
The session, *“Leading Schools Through Change: Leadership Mindsets, School Culture, and Teacher Transformation in Times of Rapid Change,”* was led by Manit Jain, Co-founder of ARISE, I Am A Teacher, and Eduxa Ai. A Harvard alumnus and a noted advocate of progressive education in India, Jain guided participants through a reflective dialogue on how school leaders can respond to uncertainty with clarity and purpose.
He emphasised the importance of building resilient school cultures and empowering teachers to adapt and thrive amid evolving educational demands. Through open conversations and shared reflections, attendees examined how schools can create learning environments that remain flexible, innovative, and strongly student-centred.
The session highlighted the growing need for future-ready leadership as educational institutions prepare for continued transformation.
