Students Celebrate Dr Kalam’s Legacy at Space Convention
Former DRDO chairman Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, who chaired the sessions, said over 30,000 students watched the proceedings online.
Hyderabad: More than 6,000 students gathered at GMR Arena, Shamshabad, on Wednesday for Kalam’s Space Convention 2025, celebrating the 94th birth anniversary of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The event, organised by the Kalam’s Institute of Youth Excellence (KIYE) — an ISRO Space Tutor — brought together scientists, professors, and startup founders who spoke about India’s advancements in space and defence technologies.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, astronaut and Indian Air Force pilot, said he was honoured to speak on a day celebrating Dr Kalam’s vision. “I am so proud and excited to see the enthusiasm, energy, and talent of the students here,” he said.
Former DRDO chairman Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, who chaired the sessions, said over 30,000 students watched the proceedings online. He described the convention as an opportunity to inspire youth to innovate and contribute to India’s growth in science and technology. “This convention is about motivating students to think, explore, and create,” he said.
Throughout the day, participants attended sessions on satellites, launch vehicles, artificial intelligence, and robotics in space exploration — all echoing Dr Kalam’s message that young minds must dream big and work hard to turn ideas into reality.
KIYE officials said the event was part of their ongoing initiative to foster scientific curiosity among students and strengthen India’s future in space research. The convention concluded with a collective tribute to Dr Kalam, whose vision continues to inspire generations of learners.
Waqf disburses ₹24.26 cr honorarium to 16,187 Imams, Muezzins
Hyderabad: The Telangana Waqf Board has disbursed honorariums totalling ₹24.26 crore to 16,187 Imams and Muezzins across the state for the period from June 2025 to August 2025. Chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni expressed gratitude to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and minorities welfare minister Adluri Laxman Kumar for facilitating the release of the honorarium.
Speed Post services to be open 24/7
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad General Post Office (GPO) will now offer Speed Post services round the clock, making it a 24/7 facility. The Hyderabad Central Post announced on Wednesday that extended service hours will be available from 8 pm to 8 am, encouraging citizens to make use of the new facility.
TG clears decks for Chhath Puja celebrations
Hyderabad: Chhath Puja organisers are busy making arrangements for the upcoming festival dedicated to the Sun God. The North Indian community in Hyderabad celebrates this festival every year, and the Telangana government has consistently extended its support since the formation of the state.
On Wednesday, Chief Secretary K. Rama Krishna Rao issued a memo permitting the organisation of Chhath Puja at Baby Pond-I, Herbal Garden, opposite Sanjeevaiah Park, on the banks of Hussainsagar. He instructed all concerned departments to make the necessary arrangements. The festival will be celebrated from October 26 to 28.
Rashtriya chairman of Bihar Samaj Seva Sangh, Hyderabad, who had submitted a representation seeking permission and arrangements, said, “The Telangana government has always extended its full support for the celebration of this festival.”
EME launches drone, robotics training centres at MCEME
Hyderabad: The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) launched two advanced training facilities, one for drone operations and another for robotics, at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad on Wednesday.
The announcement coincided with the Corps’ 83rd anniversary celebrations, marking a strategic move towards building a technology-driven force. The new centres, Dronalaya and Yantralaya, will train EME technicians in unmanned systems and modern warfare applications, strengthening the Army’s preparedness for future conflicts.
Lt Gen Neeraj Varshney, Commandant of MCEME and Colonel Commandant of the Corps, said that innovation and technological adaptation have always been central to the EME’s mission. “Our role goes beyond repair and maintenance; it’s about ensuring mission readiness through technological mastery,” he said while addressing soldiers and staff during a Sainik Sammelan.
The Commandant also paid tribute to the Corps’ rich legacy, recalling the contributions of its personnel during operations such as Operation Sindoor, and honoured achievers from various faculties for excellence in training and sports. The Faculty of Electronics received the Commandant’s Annual Championship Banner.
At the EME War Memorial, officers laid wreaths in remembrance of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Lt Gen Varshney said the new facilities represent the Corps’ next step in combining tradition with technology to sustain the Army’s operational superiority.
