Latest news with #Kuchipudi
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Promoting and preserving Kuchipudi with passion
Vijayawada: In the heart of Vijayawada, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, the Gonugunta family stands out as a beacon of classical excellence. Gonugunta Saila Sree and her daughters, Satyanandini and Ramya Sahithi, are not just preserving the art of Kuchipudi, but passionately promoting it through performance, pedagogy, and innovation. 'The Hans India' interacted with this family. Gonugunta Saila Sree, the guiding force of the family, born in 1975 to K Nageswara Rao and Varalakshmi Sujatha. She devoted her life to Kuchipudi. Trained under legendary gurus like Lanka Annapurna, Dhanalakshmi, Josyula Sitarama Sastry, and Vedantam Radheshyam, she embodies tradition and excellence. She was a double diploma holder in dance. Saila Sree is widely respected as a performer, choreographer, and guru. In 1998, she founded Sri Nrutya Kala Nilayam, a Kuchipudi dance academy that has since become a cradle for nurturing young talent. Under her guidance, the institution has trained scores of students, many of whom have received HRD and CCRT scholarships, and have excelled in national-level competitions. Her dance troupe has performed across India, from Assam to Kerala, Mumbai to Odisha, and in temples and cultural festivals throughout the country. Her choreographed productions, such as 'Goda Kalyanam' and 'Girija Kalyanam', have earned her accolades like Nrutya Ratna, Natya Kala Tapaswi, and Natya Priya. Her students regularly grace esteemed stages, including the Prapancha Telugu Mahasabhalu, Assam Cultural Federation (Silchar), Bharata Muni Dance Festivals, and Margazhi Festivals of Tamil Nadu. Gonugunta Satyanandini, the scholar-performer, following in her mother's footsteps with her own distinct voice was born in 1999. A natural dancer from childhood, her journey began under her mother's watchful eye and later continued with advanced training under Vedantam Radhesyam and Vempati Ravi Shankar. Despite holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering and working in the corporate sector, her commitment to Kuchipudi remains unwavering. Satyanandini holds a diploma in Yakshaganam from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University and is currently preparing to pursue a PhD in dance. With over two decades of performance experience, she dazzled audiences at prominent venues such as the Mumbai Telugu Mahasabha, CCRT (New Delhi), and the Bharatamuni Dance Festival. As a choreographer, she crafted compelling ballets like 'Nauka Charitam' and 'Stree'. Her artistry has been recognised through titles like Nritya Koumudi, Nritya Priya, and Natya Virinchi, along with a gold medal from prestigious competitions in Hyderabad. She has also been honoured by Drushya Vedika for her contributions to the arts. Beyond dance, Satyanandini harbours a deep interest in theatre, having acted in plays such as 'Kanakapushya Ragam' and 'Danta Vedantam', reflecting her versatile artistic spirit. Gonugunta Ramya Sahithi, the emerging torchbearer, the youngest in the family, born in 2001, is an accomplished performer and a promising scholar. She is currently pursuing her Master of Performing Arts (MPA) at the Central University of Hyderabad. Beginning her training under her mother and later continuing with Guru Vedantam Radheshyam, Ramya's dedication was recognised early with the CCRT Scholarship in 2016. A graded artiste of Doordarshan Hyderabad, Ramya has already performed in over 700 solo and group shows across the country. Her consistent presence in national festivals and her mature stage presence mark her as one of the rising stars in the classical dance circuit. As the conversation with this extraordinary family came to a close, their shared dream became clear: to establish a new dance institution rooted in systematic, high-quality training, blending tradition with contemporary pedagogy. Both Satyanandini and Ramya Sahithi expressed a strong desire to promote not only dance but also theatre, continuing their family's artistic legacy while paving new paths for future generations. The Gonugunta family's journey is a testament to what passion, discipline, and generational dedication can achieve. In a world that's constantly changing, their art stands timeless.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
New Covid vaccine developed by USA researchers is ready to fight Coronavirus. How effective it is?
Amid fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, a team of US researchers has developed a new type of mRNA vaccine that is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1. While the currently available mRNA vaccines are highly effective at inducing an immune response against Covid , they present challenges like the high amount of mRNA needed to produce them and the constantly evolving nature of the pathogen. "The virus changes, moving the goal post, and updating the vaccine takes some time," said senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. To address these challenges, the researchers created a proof-of-concept Covid vaccine using what's known as a "trans-amplifying" mRNA platform. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pare a neuropatia: descubra como NeuroFit Undo In this approach, the mRNA is separated into two fragments -- the antigen sequence and the replicase sequence -- the latter of which can be produced in advance, saving crucial time in the event a new vaccine must be developed urgently and produced at scale. In addition, the researchers analysed the spike-protein sequences of all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 for commonalities, rendering what's known as a "consensus spike protein" as the basis for the vaccine's antigen. Live Events In mice, the vaccine induced a robust immune response against many strains of SARS-CoV-2. "This has the potential for more lasting immunity that would not require updating, because the vaccine has the potential to provide broad protection," said Kuchipudi. "Additionally, this format requires an mRNA dose 40 times less than conventional vaccines, so this new approach significantly reduces the overall cost of the vaccine." The study, published in the journal npj Vaccines could inform more efficient vaccine development for other constantly evolving RNA viruses with pandemic potential, Kuchipudi said.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
US Researchers Develop New mRNA Vaccine To Fight Covid-19
New Delhi: Amid fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, a team of US researchers has developed a new type of mRNA vaccine that is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1. While the currently available mRNA vaccines are highly effective at inducing an immune response against Covid, they present challenges like the high amount of mRNA needed to produce them and the constantly evolving nature of the pathogen. "The virus changes, moving the goal post, and updating the vaccine takes some time," said senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. To address these challenges, the researchers created a proof-of-concept Covid vaccine using what's known as a "trans-amplifying" mRNA platform. In this approach, the mRNA is separated into two fragments -- the antigen sequence and the replicase sequence -- the latter of which can be produced in advance, saving crucial time in the event a new vaccine must be developed urgently and produced at scale. In addition, the researchers analysed the spike-protein sequences of all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 for commonalities, rendering what's known as a "consensus spike protein" as the basis for the vaccine's antigen. In mice, the vaccine induced a robust immune response against many strains of SARS-CoV-2. "This has the potential for more lasting immunity that would not require updating, because the vaccine has the potential to provide broad protection," said Kuchipudi. "Additionally, this format requires an mRNA dose 40 times less than conventional vaccines, so this new approach significantly reduces the overall cost of the vaccine." The study, published in the journal npj Vaccines could inform more efficient vaccine development for other constantly evolving RNA viruses with pandemic potential, Kuchipudi said. "We hope to apply the principles of this lower-cost, broad-protection antigen design to pressing challenges like bird flu."
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Women in leadership essential, not optional: Soumya Mishra
Hyderabad: Let's build a world where women can rise, shine and lead, said Soumya Mishra, director general, (prisons and correctional services) on Thursday, adding how in today's world, it is no longer optional but essential to have women in leadership roles. Speaking at the Times Power Women Conclave 2025 Hyderabad, Mishra, who was the chief guest at the event, said that in every sector — from governance to grassroots, innovation to education — women are no longer waiting for permission. "They are claiming their rightful place at the table," she said, terming the event as a celebration of not just success, but of the spirit and resilience of women who are reshaping the world through extraordinary leadership. She advised women leaders to create pathways for other women to rise. Mishra pointed out that there is a need to address systematic challenges that hinder women from growing into leadership roles. "There is a need for structural shifts in legislation, education and economic representation to help women grow," she added. A total of 35 women from various fields, including badminton player Saina Nehwal, G Padmaja Reddy, classical Kuchipudi dancer, Anuradha Reddy, heritage activist, Pratibha Kunda, FICCI chairman, among others, received awards at the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The event, which also saw a panel discussion on 'the future of work: empowering women in a hybrid and automated world', discussed how work from home opportunities and hybrid work culture can help women, especially those who had to take a career break, to come back into the workforce. "There is fear, anxiety, nervousness and loss of confidence when women take a break. Structural intervention is needed to ease them back into career. They need access to tech or learning platforms, support from the ecosystem, especially bosses, a clear career patting and learning opportunities and to take care of their well being — physical, social, mental and financially," said Mamatha Madireddy, managing director and head of HSBC, who was one of the panellist's and awardees. She added that at their firm women get six month maternity leave plus an option to take one year work from home post leave. The panellists, however, added that the decision to take WFH should be of women alone as it might also have adverse affect on their mental health, if it is opted for wrong reasons.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
10th international convention of SPIC MACAY inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad
The 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) was inaugurated by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at IIT Hyderabad on Monday (May 26, 2025). The week-long exploration of India's classical and spiritual traditions saw over 1,500 students and volunteers from across India and abroad. The convention opened with a screening of film 'Gandhi', followed by an orientation led by SPIC MACAY founder Kiran Seth. He urged students to treat the convention as an inner journey—akin to a stay in an ashram—with simplicity, discipline, and reflection. The opening day saw Nadaswaram recital by Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob, and the evening concluded with Kuchipudi by Raja and Radha Reddy with excerpts from Bhama Kalapam, and Hindustani violin concert by N. Rajam, who brought out the emotive essence of the ragas, and offered a tranquil end to the first day proceedings.
