YUVA KALARATNA - 2013
(29th INTER-UNIVERSITY CENTRAL ZONE YOUTH FESTIVAL)
NOVEMBER 18 - 22, 2013
hosted by
KAKATIYA UNIVERSITY, WARANGAL, AP
(Estd: 1976. Accredited with ‘A’ Grade by NAAC)
in association with
ASSOCIATION OF INDIAN UNIVERSITIES (AIU), NEW DELHI
(Sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India)
October 5, 2013
To
The Vice-Chancellor / Registrar
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
Sub: 29th Inter-University Central Zone Youth Festival at Kakatiya University - 2013
Dear Sir / Madam,
Warm greetings. We are pleased to inform you that Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has entrusted Kakatiya University, Warangal, A.P with hosting 29th Inter-University Central Zone Youth Festival 2013 during November 18 – 22, 2013 to celebrate the central youth spirit.
We request you to send teams from your university to participate in various events of Youth Festival as per the conditions laid down by AIU which are enclosed. The festival commences on November 18, 2013 (Monday after lunch) and concludes on November 22, 2013 (Friday, after lunch). Accordingly, you are advised to make your Travel Plans.
For stay in Warangal, kindly send your acceptance in the enclosed “Team Registration Form” (Annexure - I and IV) positively by November 4, 2013. Other forms (Annexure - II & III) and documents can be presented during registration. All the forms can be downloaded from our Home Page of KU Website (www.kakatiya.ac.in).
Please send an advance copy of your entry to Prof. G. Damodar, Cultural Coordinator, Department of English, Kakatiya University, Warangal 506 009, AP by post or email it to or . M: 09849142641.
Prof N. Ramaswamy, Organizing Secretary & Principal, UC, (M: 09390101665) or Mr K. Damodar Rao, Organizing Joint Secretary & Vice-Principal, UC, (M: 09949437018) can also be contacted for further information.
Looking forward to your active participation and cooperation,
Culturally yours
Prof G. Damodar
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YUVA KALARATNA, 2013: CELEBRATING THE CENTRAL YOUTH SPIRIT
“Let the path be open to and exciting for the talented youth.”
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About Youth Festival
AIU has entrusted Kakatiya University Warangal, AP, with hosting the 29th Inter-University Central Zone Youth Festival 2013, which is scheduled to be held during November 18 - 22, 2013 for five days.
About Warangal
The tri-cities of Warangal, Hanamkonda, Kazipet, together known as Warangal is the fourth largest city in Andhra Pradesh and the 32nd biggest city in India, with a population is 928,570. It is the second largest city in Telangana. It enjoys the unique distinction of being the capital of great family of rulers, known as the Kakatiyas, who estabilshed their sovereignty over vast areas of the Telugu speaking country between 1150 AD and 1323 AD. The benevolent Kakatiya rulers brought political stability, economic prosperity, linguistic and cultural unity, artistic splendour and literary efflorescence to the kingdom they built. The distinct term “Kakatiya” strikes an emotional chord in the hearts of the Telugu people. The artistic beauty of the temples with excellent sculpture of unique style, ever green wild life sanctuaries, and the glittering tanks with ripples are a feast to see to the eye. The amazing Thousand Pillar Temple, the Bhadrakali and the Padmakshi temples, the Warangal Fort, the dense forests of Eturunagaram and Pakhal, Laknavarm Lake and other destinations are the important tourist spots in and around Warangal.
‘Historic’, ‘pristine’, and ‘value-oriented’ are just a few terms associated with Warangal, and one has to be present here to truly experience the exotic atmosphere of this historic city. Turbulent yet modest, polite but dissenting, defiant yet sacrificing, vibrant and alluring, Warangal has a mystic charm attached to its culture. The city is a shining example of valued traditions. It is now globally famous as Cultural Heritage City and bagged the Award of Clean and Neat City. To the modern tourist, Warangal offers peerless excitement and excellent entertainment that includes Heritage, Nature, Wildlife, Cultural and Shopping sites and malls, making it one of the most memorable tourist destinations in South India.
The Warangal District has great intellectual legacy. The Kakatiya period was rightly called the brightest period of the Telugu history. The entire Telugu speaking area was under the kings who spoke Telugu and encouraged Telugu. Bammera Pothana, Palkurki Somanatha, Sivadevayya, Andhra Bhoja, Iswara Bhatta, Nrisimhakavi, Agasthya, Madhava Vidyaranya, Gangadevi and others adorned the Kakatiya Era and some of them formed the brain behind the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire. In modern times, ‘Prajakavi’ Padmabhushan Kaloji and Dr K. Jayashankar, the ideologue of Telangana, are remembered with reverence.
The Warangal Fort
It is one of the most famous Medieval Forts of Deccan. It was extended and improved during the rein of Ganapati Deva and Queen Rudramamba (1262-89 AD). The circular stone fortrication was surrounded by an outer mud fort with four main gates. A moat had also been dug all around the Fort to render the city impregnable. Swayambhu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva occupies the central part and it was marked by four ornake toranas renowned as the "Hamsatoranas" comparable to Sanchi Stupas. The ruins strewn all over, however, bear eloquent testimony to their original beauty and sculptural grandeur. They are under the process of bringing back the past glory.
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The Thousand-Pillar Temple
The Thousand-Pillar Temple, built by Rudra Deva, is the most important monument in Hanamkonda. Perched elegantly in the heart of the city, this temple is dedicated to Rudra, Vishnu and Surya. This temple was constructed by Rudra Mahadeva of the Kakatiya Dynasty in 1163 A.D. The highly ornate workmanship on the doorways of the garbhagruha, the artistry on the massive pillars and on the ceiling charms the devout and the tourist alike. The celebrated Nandi, a massive monolithic masterpiece of granite, is the main attraction here. Kalyana Mandapam, part of the temple, is under renovation.
The Bhadrakali Temple
Situated atop a hillock between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is one of the oldest Devi temples in this part. It is famous for the stone image of Goddess Bhadrakali. Eight-armed, with a weapon in each hand, she is shown in an eye-catching posture, bestowing her benevolent blessings on all the devotees. Built in the days of the Chalukyas, the temple is situated on the bund of a big Bhadri Tank, panoramic amidst the bare boulders atop the hill and the silent waters below.
The temple is believed to be built by the King Pulakesi II of Chalukya dynasty around 625 A.D to commemorate his victory over Vengi region of Andhra Desham. This can be observed from the square pillars used in the temple structure which were different from the circular pillars commonly used in temples constructed by Kakatiyas who adopted Goddess Bhadrakali as their "Kula Devatha" giving preference to Her to other Gods and Goddesses. The lake was built later by Ganapathi Deva, a minister in Kakatiya Dynasty. A road leading to the temple was also added during that period.
Before the temple was renovated in 1950 there were animal sacrifices at the temple (an old custom practiced at Kali temples in India). This practice was banned from 1950 onwards after the renovation of the temple. During the renovation, Chandi Yantra was installed in the temple and Amrutha Beejaksharas (holy shlokas) were written on the deity's hanging tongue and modified the deity's fierce looking eyes and tongue to a benevolent face made in a 2.7x2.7 meters square stone facing West with Shiva under her feet. 'Sree Chakram' and 'Utsava Vigrahas' of Bhadrakali are placed in front of the main deity. Since then everyday poojas, Sharannavaratras, Vasantha navarathras are being conducted regularly as per the Vedic rites.
A statue of Lion, Bhadrakali's Vahana, on which she rides, is placed opposite the sanctum sanctorum. The temple also has a Dhwaja Sthambam and Balipeetham. Some of the oldest deities in the Maha Mantapam along with Bhadrakali are Uma Maheshwara images on stone in front of Shiva Linga, Subramanya Swamy statue, Hanuman statue and Navagrahas all carved in stone.
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The temple has been expanded in the 2000s with the addition of Alaya Shikaram and Maha Mantapam. Recently Sri Vallabha Ganapathi temple and temple parikrama have been added to the main temple. The temple management is also running a Veda Pathasala (School for Learning Vedas) near the temple.
There are 8 major and 12 minor temples in the mountains surrounding the Bhadrakali Temple including Padmakshi Temple, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple and Sri Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy Temple, the Nostradamus of India.
Here is the list of Alankarams of Goddess during Sharan Navarathri:
Day 1 – Ashwayuja Padyami – Sri Swarna Kavachalankruta Durga Devi
Day 2 – Ashwayuja Vidiya – Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi
Day 3 – Ashwayuja Thadiya – Sri Gayatri Devi
Day 4 – Ashwayuja Chavithi – Sri Annapurna Devi
Day 5 – Ashwayuja Panchami – Lalitha Panchami – Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi
Day 6 – Ashwayuja Shashti – Maha Shashti – Sri Maha Lakshmi Devi
Day 7 – Ashwayuja Saptami – Maha Saptami – Sri Maha Saraswati Devi
Day 8 – Ashwayuja Ashtami – Durga Ashtami – Sri Durga Devi
Day 9 – Ashwayuja Navami – Maha Navami – Sri Mahishasura Mardhini Devi
Day 10 – Ashwayuja Dashami – Vijaya Dashami – Dasara – Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi
On Vijaya Dashami, the Navaratri celebrations are concluded with colourful Teppotsavam.
Batukamma Festival
The Festival is the biggest one in Telangana region for Hindu women who are dressed up in rich traditional pattu saris, and costly jewellery during celebrations. It is followed by Boddemma, which is a 7-day festival. This festival falls in September–October called Ashvin or Aswiyuja. Bathukamma is celebrated for nine days during Durga Navratri. It starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya. It concludes two days before Dussera, called Durgashtami. On the final day, the closing ceremony is celebrated on a grand scale as Pedda Bathukamma or Saddula Bathukamma. Bathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, arranged with seasonal flowers, in seven concentric layers, of potter’s clay like a cone. Bathuku in Telugu means live / life, and Amma means mother; hence Bathukamma, is celebrated for the glory of Life-Goddess, later denoted as Goddess Maha Gauri – the patron Goddess of Womanhood.
The Ramappa Temple
The great temple of Palampet dedicated to Rudreswara in 1223 AD is said to be a happy synthesis of the best in Western Chalukyan, North Indian Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture. The famous Nagini is one of the twelve figures brackets with their haunting melodies. The Nandi mounted on a raised pedestal in the mantapa is unique in its exquisite polish that feels like velvet. The gopura of this temple is built with unique bricks which float on water. Ramappa Lake, just one km away from the temple, is an ideal place for picnics and photography.
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The Laknavaram Lake
One need no longer travel all the way to Rishikesh for the Lakshman Jhoola experience or the Golden Bridge in San Francisco, USA. Our very own Laknavaram in Warangal now has a spring suspension bridge where one can live the experience! The 160-metre-long suspension bridge is the first ever suspension bridge to be built in the state. Built on the hill-hemmed and scenic Laknavaram Lake, 70 kms from Warangal city, the bridge connects two of the seven tiny lake islands. This is the only second suspension bridge in South India.
About Kakatiya University
The Kakatiya University is located in the historical town of Warangal in northern Telengana of Andhra Pradesh. Established in 1976, the university has a sprawling campus of nearly 650 acres. It is a home to nearly 2.25 lakh students including 112 foreign scholars from 11 countries pursuing their higher studies on its Campus and in Constituent, Affiliated Colleges and District Centers numbering around 502. The University has faculty and staff strength of nearly 800. The University’s strategic planning; teaching-and-learning policies and research direction have always emphasized respect for the concerns of the society and the need to address the issues that challenge it. In recognition of its excellent academic achievements, the University had the distinction of being awarded the ‘A’ Grade status by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) of the University Grants Commission, Government of India. It has been rated 33rd among the top 50 Universities, according to the latest India Today-Neilson Survey.
KU is the first in AP to become a European Union Partner for exchange of scholars on ERAMUS Project. It is an Affiliating University with 25 Departments of Botany, Bio-chemistry, Bio-technology, Chemistry, Commerce and Business Management, Economics, Education, English, Engineering (Civil, Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Mining and Electronics and Communication) Geology, Hindi, History and Tourism Management, Informatics, Law, Library and Information Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Pharmacy [rated one of the best in the country], Physics, Physical Education, Political Science, Public Administration and HRM, Sanskrit, Sericulture, Sociology, Telugu, Urdu, Zoology. It offers 120 Academic Programs at UG and PG level with vocational courses such as Industrial Chemistry, Agricultural Botany, Sericulture (Diploma), B. Tech, B. Pharmacy, Pharm D, B.Ed., B.P. Ed., LL.B. and Fishery Biology at the UG level; M. Tech, MBA, M. Pharmacy, MCA, LL.M, M.Ed., M. LISc., MCJ, M. P.Ed. at PG level with 5 Year Integrated Courses in Law, Chemistry and Biotechnology . It offers 60 Programs under Distance Mode through SDLCE, KU. It has 17 Constituent Colleges at Nirmal, Subedari, Khammam and Kothagudem in addition to the main campus at Vidyaranyapuri, Warangal. Internet facility is available through Campus LAN. It provides 16 hours of library facilities with an access to 4,000 e-journals besides 165 national and 76 international journals. It has excellent sports and games complexes with hat-ricks to its credit. It provides round-the-clock health care. It has comfortable hostel facilities. Regular placement and counseling sessions are conducted. It conducts Remedial Courses and Coaching Programs to the needy through CELT, KAK, NET Coaching Centre, Women’s Study Centre, Dr BR Ambedkar Study Centre, Yoga Centre and Finishing School.
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As many as 15 Departments in 8 Faculties (Botany, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Economics, Telugu, Commerce & Business Management, Zoology, Public Administration and Human Resource Management, History and Tourism Management, Geology, Bio-technology, Microbiology, Physics and Mathematics) have SAP and DRS programs. It has 30 Major Research Projects by UGC in progress. UGC, DST, DBT, CSIR, ICHR, DRDO, AICTE, ICMR, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Volks Wagon Foundation, Germany, European Union are sponsoring 245 research and academic programs. It has collaborative research with the University of Bonn, Germany, University of Reading, UK, CENARGEN, Brazil, LMU, Munich, Verona University, Italy, CASD, China, Perth Western University, Australia, Mississippi State University, Central Michigan University, USA, Groningen University, the Netherlands, IBS, Shanghai, BRC, Hungary, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Asmara, besides Reddy Labs, IIT, Kharagpur, University of Hyderabad, etc. It has procured state of the art research equipment and made it available at Central Instrumentation Centre. In the last 5 years, 306 M. Phil degrees and 530 Ph.D degrees were awarded. About 100 books and 1450 research articles were published by the faculty in the last five years. 96 M. Phil and 1,200 Ph.D scholars are currently on rolls.