Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), which was recently expanded from 650 square kilometres to 2,053 square kilometres, may soon undergo a major structural change. Indications suggest that the civic body could be divided into three separate municipal corporations after February 2026.
Speculation around the proposed division gained momentum following a media conference addressed by GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. When asked about reports of bifurcation, the Commissioner avoided a direct response and stated that GHMC would continue in its present form only until February 2026. His remarks were seen as a strong hint towards an impending reorganisation.
Although no official announcement has been made so far, unconfirmed reports regarding the division of GHMC into three corporations have been doing the rounds for some time. With its current size making it the largest municipal corporation in the country, the move is believed to be aimed at improving administrative efficiency and governance.
Further clarity is expected from the State government in the coming months, as officials continue to examine proposals related to the restructuring of the civic body.
Hyderabad: The Fourth Edition of the History Literature Festival (HLF) will be held from February 6 to 8, 2026, at The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, bringing together some of India’s most eminent historians, archaeologists, academicians, and authors under one roof.
The festival aims to foster meaningful conversations around India’s rich and complex past, offering a vibrant platform for discussions on history, archaeology, culture, literature, cinema, food, music, and society. Through engaging panel discussions, talks, and interactive sessions, HLF continues its mission of making history accessible beyond academic circles and into public discourse.
HLF 2026 will showcase diverse perspectives, encouraging dialogue on ideas, discoveries, and debates that continue to shape the understanding of India’s historical narrative. The festival also highlights the importance of critical thinking and storytelling in preserving and interpreting history.
As part of its broader outreach, the History Literature Festival is documenting its journey through press articles and online coverage, allowing wider audiences to engage with the sessions, conversations, and ideas emerging from the festival.
With free entry and an inclusive approach, HLF 2026 promises to be a significant cultural and intellectual gathering for history enthusiasts, students, scholars, and the general public alike.
Padma Shri awardee and senior oncologist Dr. P. Vijayanand Reddy has stressed that quality cancer care must go beyond hospitals and reach the most vulnerable sections of society.
Speaking on equitable healthcare, Dr. Reddy said cancer treatment is a basic right, not a privilege, and no child should be denied care due to poverty. Through the Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, he has supported underprivileged patients with free or subsidised treatment, medicines, nutrition, and follow-up care.
Dr. Reddy believes doctors must actively engage in public health, policy advocacy, cancer prevention, and education reforms. Highlighting the importance of psychological and palliative care, he said dignity, comfort, and listening are central to healing.
His book I Am a Survivor reflects lessons from patients on resilience, humility, and hope, reinforcing his belief that medicine is as much about humanity as it is about science.
Hyderabad: More than 75 cancer survivors created history by setting a World Book of Records (London) record for singing the National Anthem using artificial larynx devices. The rare feat was achieved during Republic Day celebrations at the Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute.
The participants, aged between 24 and 87 years, accomplished the record in their very first attempt. All of them had undergone complete removal of the larynx due to cancer and were rehabilitated using advanced speech techniques.
Dr Chandrashekar, Head of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the hospital, told Deccan Chronicle that over the last decade, around 500 patients had undergone laryngeal surgeries, of whom nearly 200 survived. Many of them later formed a Laryngectomy Club to share experiences, motivate fellow patients, and spread awareness through recorded videos.
“Only patients who had their larynx completely removed were invited for this programme, as partial surgery patients can still speak naturally,” Dr Chandrashekar explained. He said the participants were rehabilitated through esophageal speech, tracheo-esophageal puncture, and electro-larynx devices. “Their collective effort led to the creation of this world record,” he added.
Film actor and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chairman of the hospital, unfurled the National Flag on the occasion and interacted with the cancer survivors, appreciating their courage and determination.
The event stood as a powerful symbol of resilience, medical advancement, and the human spirit, inspiring cancer patients and survivors across the country.
Hyderabad: Chiguru 2026, organised by Youth for Seva Hyderabad, concluded successfully, marking yet another milestone in the journey of nurturing confidence, creativity, and inclusion among children.
The event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—from early morning preparations and seamless coordination to ensuring every child felt supported and encouraged on stage. Their commitment transformed the programme into a memorable experience filled with joy, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging for all participants.
Volunteers played a crucial role in managing the event, solving challenges with quiet determination and celebrating each moment with enthusiasm. Their selfless service ensured that Chiguru 2026 was not just an event, but a meaningful platform that empowered children and created lasting memories.
Youth for Seva Hyderabad expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, acknowledging that the success of Chiguru 2026 truly belongs to each one of them. The organisation reiterated its commitment to service and community-driven initiatives, looking forward to many more editions of Chiguru in the years to come.
Chiguru continues to stand as a symbol of service, smiles, and collective effort—growing stronger with every edition.
Two-Day Community CPR Program Successfully Conducted at Gandhi Medical College Secunderabad: Immediate administration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can save the life of a person suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, said Dr. G.R. Lingamurthy, President of the Gandhi Medical College (GMC) Alumni Association. He emphasized that timely CPR performed before shifting a patient to the hospital significantly improves survival chances.
Speaking at a media interaction held at the GMC Alumni Education Centre, Dr. Lingamurthy, along with Alumni Director Dr. P. Maheshwar Reddy, Dr. S. Ravinder, and Janahita Seva Trust Managing Trustee S. Narasimha Murthy, highlighted the importance of CPR awareness among the general public.
The Gandhi Medical College Alumni Association, GMC Global Alliance, and Janahita Seva Trust jointly organized a free two-day Community CPR Training Camp on February 1 and 2 at the Alumni Education Centre, Gandhi Medical College. Dr. Lingamurthy stated that for the past 26 years, the Alumni Association has been providing free CPR training to thousands of people. He noted that nearly 92 percent of deaths in India occur due to cardiac arrest, stressing the urgent need for CPR training at the community level.
He explained that CPR knowledge can help save lives at home, workplaces, and public places during emergencies. As part of the camp, a total of 5,000 participants received hands-on CPR training using mannequins, enabling them to learn the correct techniques practically. Certificates were issued to all participants upon completion of the training.
Organizers stated that around 2,000 people underwent CPR training on the first day alone, reflecting the growing public interest in life-saving skills. Citizens from various parts of the city actively participated in the program.
The two-day training camp concluded successfully on February 2. Addressing the participants, Gandhi Medical College Principal Dr. K. Indira said that learning CPR and saving a life also means supporting an entire family. She appreciated the organizers for training 5,000 people free of cost and underlined the importance of such initiatives in reducing preventable deaths due to cardiac arrest.
The program was attended by GMC Vice-Principal Dr. Chandrasekhar, Alumni Association President Dr. G.R. Lingamurthy, Dr. Maheshwar Reddy, Dr. K. Rajasekhar, Dr. Nagarjuna Chakravarthy, Dr. Chaitanya, Dr. Lakshminarayana, Dr. Dennis McAuley, Dr. Rajesh, Dr. Anita, Dr. Rohith, MEPMA In-charge Dr. Sujatha, and representatives of Janahita Seva Trust including Narasimha Murthy, Krishna Reddy, Sridhar, Venkat, Sridevi, Nandakumar, Vasumathi, Rameshwar, and Nursing Rao.
Secunderabad, February 1: A two-day CPR training programme organised by the Gandhi Medical College Alumni Association and Janahitha Seva Trust was conducted on Sunday at the Gandhi Medical College campus with the objective of creating awareness among the general public about life-saving emergency care.
Doctors and organisers highlighted that people’s health largely depends on awareness, timely action and preventive care. They noted that the rise in adulterated food consumption and environmental pollution has contributed to an increase in various health problems, including heart-related ailments, in recent years.
Speakers emphasised that the number of cardiac emergencies has grown significantly and stated that immediate administration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can help save the lives of heart attack victims until they are shifted to a hospital for advanced medical treatment. They stressed the importance of basic CPR knowledge for every citizen, as it can be crucial during emergencies at home or in public places.
The organisers appreciated the positive response from the public and said that the free CPR training programme was aimed at empowering citizens with essential life-saving skills. On the first day of the programme alone, around 2,000 people received hands-on CPR training.
The programme was attended by Alumni Association President Dr. G.R. Lingamoorthy, Dr. Maheshwar Reddy, Dr. K. Rajashekhar, Dr. S. Ravinder, Dr. Nagarjuna Chakravarthy, along with representatives of Janahitha Seva Trust including Narasimha Murthy, Krishna Reddy, Sridhar, Sridevi, Venkat, Nandakumar and Vasumathi.
Hyderabad: The Telangana State government is considering restructuring the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) by splitting it into three separate municipal corporations, each comprising 100 wards. The proposal is expected to be finalised by the end of January, with elections likely to be held in April–May.
According to sources in the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department, authorities are evaluating multiple models, including forming either three corporations with 100 wards each or one corporation with 150 wards and two with 75 wards each.
GHMC officials have already submitted geographical data and maps for all 300 wards, whose boundaries are fixed. As per preliminary plans, the proposed civic bodies may be:
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
Greater Secunderabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
Greater Cyberabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
Each municipal corporation would have 20 circles and five zones, with four circles per zone. An IAS officer of secretary rank would be appointed as commissioner for each corporation, and the new setup would result in three mayors.
GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan stated that the move aligns with the recent formation of new police commissionerates and may be announced simultaneously, based on the existing 300 GHMC wards.
A final notification is expected by January-end, paving the way for civic elections in April–May.
Telangana Police have intensified preparations to ensure peaceful and transparent municipal elections following the announcement of the poll schedule. Director General of Police B. Sivadhar Reddy said the police machinery is fully prepared, with strict security and surveillance measures now in force across all municipal corporations and municipalities under the election code of conduct.
As part of the arrangements, check posts and flying squads have been activated to prevent the distribution of illegal cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements. Officials will verify the source of cash exceeding ₹50,000, ensure the deposit of licensed weapons, and conduct special searches to detect illegal arms. Recalling the recent Gram Panchayat elections, Mr. Reddy noted that 1,800 weapons were voluntarily surrendered at police stations during that exercise.
To boost voter confidence, armed flag marches will be conducted at over 1,000 sensitive and vulnerable locations across the State. In addition to local police, personnel from the Telangana State Special Police and other departments are being deployed, with around 2,000 staff from the Excise and Forest departments assigned to election duties.
The DGP appealed to citizens to exercise their franchise freely and resist inducements, assuring that police will remain on high alert to maintain calm and orderly elections.
