Tuesday 27 November 2018

One Day Road Trip to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam And Ethipothala Waterfalls from Hyderabad: A Tranquil Sojourn

There are many points for a one day road trips from Hyderabad that can be enjoyed.Being an Engineer and a nature lover, I decided to visit Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in District Nalgonda and Ethipothala Waterfalls. Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the largest masonry dams in the world and supplies water and electricity to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Well that final Sunday came; let the adventure to find some space for ourselves. We started around 8:00 am in the morning from Hyderabad and reached there by 12:30 pm, driving slowly and enjoying the scenery on the way, stopping at places taking pictures and a cup of cutting teas. However, roads of AP are good, that is what I realized in this trip. Even this interior road, where both side it was shrubs for long way. Rest is the story, how we chalked a route for the trip.
The total distance between Hyderabad and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is about 180 KM and can be covered easily in 4-5 hours depending on traffic conditions. Unfortunately, there are not many choices to stay and foodings around Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. We entered in APTDC Haritha Vijay Vihar resort campus, to refresh and stayed there about half an hour. Behind the reception was a breathtaking view of the huge lake formed due to the dam. Serene, peaceful, extremely quiet.
It has huge lawns, playing area, gym, pool etc, and on first looks appears a great place to stay.The amazing sunrise and sunset from the hotel with the reflections in water and fog slowly rising to make the view mysterious, can be enjoyed. We were short of time to watch this amazing sun rise and sun set.I noticed and clicked pictures of some Green Bee-eaters, Sunbirds, and Indian Silverbills right in the garden of the hotel.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, built across the Krishna River is considered one of largest dams built in the recent times in Asia. As the tallest masonry dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is also the pride of India. The project has catchment area of roughly 215000 sq.km. The project also boasts of the largest canal system network in India.
Walking on the damn is banned for security reasons. However, there is a jetty which you can take to nearby island and see the museum.

The mighty dam was completed in the year 1969 and has a majestic height of 124 meters. It is 1 km long, and has 26 crest gates. The dam can store upto 11, 472 million cubic meters of water in the reservoir.
The project commenced in February 1956 and after a brief gap, due to lack of modern equipment it was constructed with stone rather than concrete. The dam was completed fully in 1972 once the crest gates were installed.
The dam has two canals, the left and right canals that supply water from the reservoir. The dam is also one of the earliest projects built in post independence India for irrigation and hydro-electricity generation. Exclusively for the purpose of tourism, a lake developed behind the dam, which boasts of its status as the third largest man-made lake anywhere in the world.

Ethipothala Waterfalls

Waterfalls are synonymous with Liril Girl Karen Lunel, who changed the way we take a bath under the waterfalls or dream about it.For decades, people have associated with the iconic advertisement Liril soap with a fresh-looking, lively bikini-clad girl under a waterfall. Even the tune “laa-la la la laa’ became a familiar ring with viewers of that period.Unusual as it is to hear of waterfalls named after soaps.Ethipothala Waterfalls is not such glamorous .Actually it is very tough to take a bath under a waterfall with all the algae, leeches, slippery and sharp rocks and a thousand bystanders watching you. Ethipothala Waterfall is a great place for mild trekking and camping along with refreshing nature sightseeing.After spending some time watching the serene beauty of River Krishna and game of water birds, sky left behind by the sun, we embarked on our next destination, at a distance of 14 km from Nagarjuna Sagar, Ethipothala waterfalls. The striking falls on River Chandravanka (a tributary of River Krishna), towards the down flow of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.It is one of the prime places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar and also one of the top Tourist places in Telangana.

Ethipothala waterfall is formed by the mountain stream which falls from a height of approximately 70 feet into a lagoon. Three streams namely Nakka Vagu, Tummala Vagu and Chandravanka Vagu combine to form this waterfall. The name Ethipothala has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'Etitaposthal' meaning the place for penance.
It is believed that saints have performed rigorous penance at this place. The caves nearby also attest their presence at this place. The melody of waterfalls did ring in our ears.There were lot of monkeys  to disturb, so be sure you do not carry food items carelessly in your hand.
Now it was time to return back, the Sun was shining low on sky line. While returning Hyderabad, We stopped on road by side of Nagarjuna Sagar dam, to get a perfect view of the river Krishna flowing below us and various types of birds playing their own games in the water

We could see the circular coracle boats used by fisherman from a distance as the evening approached fast.As expected the afterglow post the sunset showed us wonderful hues of color leaving us spellbound. After spending some time watching the sky left behind by the sun, we embarked on our destination back.
However we have experienced nature has its ways of helping you out often when you travel or probably life in general. During the return we were awestruck by the sunset happening right in front of the road hiding beyond the horizon till we reach further towards it only to see it hide again. 

The return journey was tiring; taking couple of breaks on the way back with cutting tea and potato chips mainly to remove the fatigue that comes along a long road trip.Entered in Hyderabad at 9.30pm.It was too late to cook dinner at home, so we took packed Biryani from a hotel. Here it ends; one Day Road Trip to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala Waterfalls from Hyderabad.My camera was full of memories.

We reached back little late but were pretty satisfied with our road trip.All in all, a great road trip, and some good clicks, what else do you need? 
 Written, photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram.

Monday 19 November 2018

AMU Students Union Installation Ceremony 2018: In Lense Of Engr Maqbool Akram

AMU Students Union results were declared early in the morning of of 4th November 2018.The winning candidates were eagerly waiting for installation Ceremony.Their wings were ready to fly in much awaited dream land ,the Union Hall.
12 November was the date fixed for Installation Ceremony.This function held in Athletic ground of AMU Aligarh in a huge pandal. Previously it was announced to be held in Kennedy Auditorium, but in a very short notice the venue was changed.

Installation ceremony of Union 2018 was presided by Aligarh Muslim University, Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor. Professor Zaheeru-d-din (Chief Election Officer) and Professor Nafees Ahmad (Hon. Secretory of Students Union) was also present. The programme was conducted by Dr Shariq Aqil.
The newly elected office bearers of Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union-2018 are Mohammad Salman Imtiyaz (President), Hamza Sufyan (Vice President) and Huzaifa Amir (Hon Secretary) with ten Cabinet members:
Maryam Batool, Ferdaus Ahmed Barbhuiya, Syed Shahrukh Hussain, Gawtham K, Nishant Bhardwaj, Naved Alam, Fahd Ayub Zinjani, Moin Uddin, Fakhara Khan and Hasan Mustafa took charge in the installation ceremony presided by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor.

It is special to mention that: Salman Imtiaz new elected President of Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union hails from Aligarh and is a student of Ph.D. (JRF Qualified) Social Work. It is after 44 years that someone from Aligarh has been elected as president.
Dr Shariq Aqil started installation ceremony by calling one by one the name of 10 winning Cabinet members to take their seats, It first started by Senior Cabinet Syed Shahrukh Hussain ,followed by other cabinet members.After it Huzaifa Amir (Hon) Secretary, Hamza Sufiyan (Vice President) and last name called was Mohammad Salman Imtiyaz (President).
 The entry of three chair persons of AMU Students union,Secretary,Vice President and President in installation place always remain as a “Hero’s Entry”:They use to enter sitting over shoulders of their supporters ,in a gracefull style waiving hand in “Salam” ,style.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Tariq Mansoor honored them with garlands and offered the traditional gown to wear.As per tradition of AMU Students Union ,the defeated chair candidates were called first to share their “Man ki baat” with audience and management.
During the installation ceremony of  Students union 

2018, two groups were clashed.

Zaid Sherwani’s (defeated candidate) lukewarm speech was being held at the post of Vice President. In his speech, he was telling himself innocence by mentioning the riot and controversy that happened with the doctors of JN Medical College. Meanwhile, a ruckus started in the back of the students audience gallery. Even before people understand something, they got clashed between two factions. Chairs started moving on each other. The situation of rumors and panic emerged in Pandal.
Angry Vice Chancellor Prof. Tariq Mansoor left the stage and moved back to the green room behind. A young man was injured due to the chair.He was sent to J.N Medical College for treatment. Some senior students and members of the proctorial team sitting in the pandals started intervening. 
Sonaveer Singh, the defeated candidate was summoned as vice-president when the atmosphere was peaceful. Once they started speaking, a ruckus started again. Stopping Sonveer's speech, the student union's newly elected president Salman Imtiaz and student leader Alauddin reached the mic, and appealed to students to maintain peace. 

Speaker Salman Imtiaz explained to the students that some people want to disturb the program. Action must be taken against them. Trying to defame the Union. Those who have tried to interrupt the program will see them later.
After the atmosphere was restored in Pandal Sonveer Singh and then Yasin Ghazi was invited for the speech. Yasin Ghazi says that until the Vice Chancellor does not come, the students will not be addressed. After that the Vice Chancellor was called on the stage. Seeing the look of the installation ceremony it became clear that the time to come is not easy for the union.
All the defeated student leaders were united looking against the newly elected office-bearers and cabinet members of the union. It was also a matter of fact that the student leaders, protesting against the newly elected union, accused former MLA Haji Zamirullah, for casting President Salman Imtiaz to contest elections and made it clear that if the President invited someone in the campus then he would not tolerate. 
However, later, President Salman Imtiaz gave a reprieve to the opposition student leaders. Showing photos of Alauddin on mobile, he said that these people welcome Haji zamirullah and ask for money. I'll open all poles later. He dismissed the allegations made by anti-student leaders in the end.
However, later, President Salman Imtiaz gave a reprieve to the opposition student leaders. Showing photos of Alauddin on mobile, he said that these people welcome Haji zamirullah and ask for money. I'll open all poles later. He dismissed the allegations made by anti-student leaders in the end.
After speeches by defeating chair persons, the winning chair persons were called to address the gathering.
(1) Secretary Huzaifa Aamir: Said that those who used to be grateful to the British now question over our patriotism and faithfulness towards country. Trying to erase us by changing the names of the cities . He appealed to the students to write on social media who gave the country Taj Mahal and Qutub Minar.He attacked govt ,whether the place from where you deliver speech belongs to your fore fathers.
Ask the Muslims, who understand the two-city urban areas, from where they work, did he bring his father-in-law? In 1857 we had exhibited corpses and asked us today what we gave to country. Aamir said that for the last 70 years, there are two parties in the country.

A Hard Hindu and the Second Soft Hindus. One attacks from front, second attacks from rear. Uses religion to hide its shortcomings. 

During his address, Huzaifa Amir strongly attacked the Vice-Chancellor sitting on the platform. On the charge of moving back and forth against the district administration, the V C became angry and in the middle, struck Amir and said that you are lying.

Aamir also attacked the Vice-Chancellor on the grounds of land, appointment, enrollment and nomination etc. His hard speech was unbearable to university management, they took it bad.

(2)Vice President Hamza Sufiyan: said that efforts are being made to eradicate the names of Muslim cities. In such a situation, the war is raging. He said that he is not against any Hindi or Sanskrit. But if Urdu will not be talk in AMU, then what will be the point in B H U? The former Vice Chancellor wrote the sign boards of the campus in Hindi.
Such mistakes should be corrected. If there is no justice with the Urdu in AMU, then where will it be? He said that the falling Waqar of AMU should be saved and it should be brought to power. Whoever tries to overturn A M U's brothers, I will be tough against them. It is noteworthy that the anti-student leaders had alleged that they used stringent words with Vice President Hamza Sufiyan along with the students sitting on the Baba-e-Syed.

(3)Mohammad Salman Imtiaz, President: Said that we are Indian Muslims. Nobody has the right to question our patriotism. We will not even give proof to anyone. We showed our intention only at the time of partition.

Salman Imtiaz said that he would create a legal network. For this, law experts , like Ram jethmalani, M Katju and Faizan Mustafa assured their help. They have started the conversation. Together with them we will fight for the right. They will create a media network like Oxford, so that the matter of Union and AMU can be made globally. During his address, he raised problems related to AMU students and gave assurances to resolve it.
He also took strong exception to the anti-student leaders and said that he has a childhood relationship with son of Haji Zamirullah Khan. The union has not started working yet and people are accusing them of selling. The roots of the lobbying are thrown out, they are not being tolerated. My wife is questioned that I have contested for her appointment in the university.

For this, experts from law like Ram jethmalani, M Katju and Faizan Mustafa will get help. They have started the conversation. Together with them we will fight for the right. They will create a media network like Oxford, so that the matter of Union and AMU can be made globally. During his address, he raised problems related to AMU students and gave assurances to resolve it.

The accusers do brokerage and sell Shervani. Everyone knows who has cut off on Union Hall. He said that the people of the bargain will sherwani take off and returning to the union's work and returning the voice. Will open all the gates from tomorrow many doctors of J N Medical College practice private practice. Will not spare them.
Here,the Installation ceremony of AMU Students Union 2018 ended.Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor announced that the classes of University and Schools will remain suspended on November 13’ 2018. The ceremony ended with University Tarana and National Anthem.

Dr Shariq Aqil asked the newly formed cabinet “first to go to AMU’S grand Masjid for two rekat namaz-e shukrana and offer fateha to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan”,the founder of AMU. Aligarh.



Here I am sharing a post published in Hindi Daily News Paper Amar Ujala ,in which Sri Sonveer Singh,the defeated Vice Presidential candidate.He has raised question over “Secularism in AMU Aligarh”.


Here I am ending this blog: “Installation Ceremony of AMU Students Union 2018: In Lense Of Engr Maqbool Akram”.

Written ,photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram.

Thursday 8 November 2018

A.M.U Students Union Election 2018:In Camera of Engr Maqbool Akram

The AMU Campus: Center of learning and higher education most of the time remains peaceful, silent, and engulfed in an academic atmosphere, was suddenly wake up from its kumbh karan sleep. Black and white campus became colorful and noisy.
The campus was flooded with Colorful banners, posters and flags of contesting candidates.Candidate supporters were running motor bikes in full speed with ear bursting horn sounds.Social sites as Face book,U-Tube and tweeters were spammed by messages and video clips in support of candidates. 

The reason was notification of Chief Election Officer for Aligarh Muslim University Students' Union (AMUSU) elections 2018. Prof Zaheer-ud-din announced that polling for AMUSU Office bearers and representatives of University Court will be held on November 3, 2018 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in respective faculties.

AMU. Aligarh Students Union acts as a mediator between the administration and the students fraternity, because they have the power to work for the welfare of the students.Union is primarily responsible for building and preserving a healthy political culture and an atmosphere of open debates on the campus. 
The main attraction of AMU. Students Election 2018 was the final speech by chair candidates, from Union hall terrace on November 1, 2018 from 2:00 pm onward. This final speech may be said as semi declarations of winning candidate.

Over 18,886 students are expected to vote in the Aligarh Muslim University Students Union Elections, where around 3,014 are women voters, but only 65 % voters turned to use their power.




Shahzad Alam Barni (2012-13) was first Ph. D Scholar who became the president of AMU Students’ Union.


Contestants for President of AMU Students union Election 2018 were

(1).M salman Imteyaz,(P.hd-Social works)
(2)Mohammad Ghaznabi-(P.hd-Hindi)
(3)Mohd.Alauddin-(P.hd-Arabic)
(4)Mobashshir Husain Shah-(P.hd-Public Administration)
(5)Asad Murtaza-(B.A.Linguistic)

Contestants for Vice President of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were
(1)Yasin Ghazi-(M.A.Human Rights)
(2)Hamza Sufian-(M.A.Mass Com
(3)Mohd. Arif Khan-(M.A.Human Rights)
(4)Son Veer Singh-(M.Tech)
(5)Zaid Shervani-(M.S.W)
 Contestants for Secretory of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were
(1)Huzaifa Amir-(M.A.L.L.M)
(2)Salman Ahmad-(PhD-Geology)
(3)Ghufran Ali-(PhD-Geology)
   (4)Mohd. Sufian-(M.A-Economics)



Contestants for Cabinet Member of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were
There were 28 candidates for 10 Cabinet Member.
Contestants for Court Members of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were
There were 32 candidates for 11 Court Members.
A Brief History of AMU Students Union
Sir Sayed, in 1884, established a debating club, on the pattern of Cambridge University. Known as the “College Union Club”, then became famous as “Sidon’s Union Club”, as its first President was Henry George Sidon’s.
First Vice President of Sidon Club in1918 was Dr Zakir Husain, who later became Vice chancellor of AMU .Aligarh and then President of India.First president of AMU.Students Union in 1920-21 was K.M Khuda bux.
The first Vice President was a student named Sajjad Husain. The first Hony. Secy. was Sayed Md Ali with 10 cabinet members of the Union. The main objectives of the Union Club were to produce good orators and wise leaders. From 1902 on wards, it also started having an honorary librarian; Nawab Ali was the first librarian. On 22 February 1905, Morison laid the foundation of “Sidon’s Union Debating Hall”.
In 1920, when it got the status of university with massive political mobilization (1898-1920), it came to be known as “Muslim University Union”, and its first Vice President was Sayed Nurullah, (who later on became the Pro Vice Chancellor of AMU, has co-authored a book on history of education).
The President used to be the Vice Chancellor. In 1952-53, it came to have a new constitution for itself and was probably the only Students’ Union in the world to have got a formal registration. Then it came to be known as “Muslim University Students’ Union”. And the Vice Chancellor became “Patron”, rather than the President of the Union.
In 1953-54, for the first time, a girl was elected as a cabinet member of the Union. She was Ms Zahra Naqvi, M.Sc. Physics, final year. Then, even the western countries did not have women franchise.Mahatma Gandhi was the first life member of the union and was conferred upon him on 1920. 
Result of AMU.Aligarh Students Election-2018
 After a peaceful polling Results of winning candidates were declared early in the morning of 4th November 2018 at 4.00.

President—Mr. Salman Imtiaz elected as the new President of Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union 2018 (AMUSU), Salman hails from Aligarh and is a student of PhD Social Work.He got 5,705 Votes


 Vice President—Mr.Hamza Sufyan was elected for the post of vice president, Hamza is a student of Social Science department.He got 5,577 Votes.



Secretary—Mr.Huzaifa Aamir grabbed Secretary Post. Huzaifa is pursuing MA in Language and Media Management.He got 5,731 Votes.


10 winning Cabinet Members of AMU. Aligarh Students Union 2018
(1)Syed Shahrukh/Senior Cabinet (8,913)
(2)Gautham.K (7,332)

(3)Fakhra Khan (6,604)
(4)Ferdous Ahmad Barbhuiya (5,810)

(5)Nishant Bhardawaj (5,790)
(6)Naved Aalam (5,029)
(7)Maryam batool (4,798 votes)
(8)Moiud-din (4,505)
(9) Hasan Mustafa (4,828)
(10)Fahad Ayyub jinjani (4,342)

AMU Students Union Court Members


Faculty of Arts: Abdul Waheed
Faculty of Law: Raas Masood Khan
Faculty of Theology & Agriculture Science:
Shafiq-ur-Rehman
Faculty of Medicine:
Md. Raashid
Faculty of Commerce;Md.
Bilal Khan
Faculty of Life Sciences: Md. Ghayasuddin
Faculty of Science: Mohd. Khalid
Faculty of Management Studies:
Anas Ahmad Khan
Faculty of Engineering: Arshe Alam
Faculty of Social sciences:
Salman Ahmad
Faculty of Unani Medicine:
Maaz Ahmad


Ending this blog with the message of Mr Sonveer Singh an M.Tech student,a candidate for Vice Presidential post of A.M.U Aligarh Students.He posted this message on his Face Book.


#दिलों_का_सदर_बनना_है_या_सिर्फ_यूनियन_हॉल_का
सर
सयैद के चमन के बुलबुलों को मेरा प्यार भरा नमस्कार!! अस्सलाम वालेकुम !!
मेरी तरफ से इस वर्ष चुने गए एएमयू छात्रसं के नवनिर्वाचित पदाधिकारियों और कैबिनेट सदस्यों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं ,जिन्होंने दिन रात की मेहनत के बाद इस सफलता को प्राप्त किया है।
अलीग बिरादरी ने इस भरोसे के साथ आपको अपना नेता चुना है कि आप अब उनके हक़ की बात करेंगे, कि लीबिया , सीरिया, फलस्तीन पर अटक कर रह जाएंगे।
आप हमेशा उनके हक़ के लिए लड़ेंगे कि अपने व्यक्तिगत स्वार्थ के लिए।
आप उनके बीच मे रहकर राजनीति करेंगे कि राजनीतिक पार्टीयों के बीच जाकर नेतागिरी करेंगे।।
आप हर उस शख्स के साथ खड़े होंगे जो अलीग बिरादरी से सम्बन्ध रखता है कि सिर्फ अपनी लॉबी वालों के साथ देंगे।
आपको हर समुदाय के लोगों ने चुना है तो हर समुदाय के लोगों के हक़ की बात करेंगे, कि महज एक समुदाय की बात करेंगे।
आप प्रशासन से हर मसले पर बात करने के लिए आगे रहेंगे, कि प्रशासन से मिलकर उसके मोहरा बनेंगे।
आप हमेशा ज़मीन से जुड़ कर छात्रों की ज़मीनी हकीकत को समझेंगे कि यूनियन में आने के बाद आसमान में उड़ना शुरू कर देंगे।
आप हॉल टू हॉल जाकर हर हफ्ते छात्रों से रूबरू होंगे कि यूनियन हॉल में बैठ कर मुलाकात करने के लिए छात्रों से इंतज़ार करवाएंगे।
आप हर उस वादे को निभाने की कोशिश करोगे जिन को आपने अपने मेनिफेस्टो में शामिल करवाया था।
अगर आप जरा सा भी छात्रों के भरोसे को कायम रखने में सफल हुए तो आप यूनियन खत्म होने के बाद भी हमेशा छात्रों के नेता बने रहोगे, वरना यूनियन हॉल से निकलने के बाद कब आपको अपनी बाइक चलवाने तक के लिए एक व्यक्ति का ढूढ़ना पड़ जाएगा, आपको पता भी नही चलेगा।
उम्मीद करता हूं अब तक चुने गए नेताओ की राह पर चलकर खुद की राह बनाओगे और इस अलीग बिरादरी के भरोसे पर खरा उतर कर एक मिसाल कायम करोगे।
धन्यवाद!!
आपका-
सोनवीर सिंह, प्रत्याशी उपाध्यक्ष पद,
एएमयूएसयू 2018-19

Written, photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram.