JYOTHI REDDY- An Enlightening Inspiration……..

   Every successful story has a painful beginning and every painful beginning has a successful ending ..... Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam...

  An inspiring life story of a lady who was just an agricultural labour, worked for Rs. 5 per day until 1989 now became CEO of Keys software solutions in USA and making millions of money and serving the grass roots of Indian society. Is it awe striking and jaw dropping for you? but you need to believe and accept because you are all going to witness her, listen to her and even talk to her very soon. She is none other than Mrs. D. Anil Jyothi Reddy.

  Her success is not limited to her or her own family, the social service that she renders to the needy folk of society inspires many corporate giants to extend their hand with her to help the needy. The financial support that she renders is not a big issue when it is compared to her life story which has become a living example for millions to take her as inspiration and face the challenges with brave heart. Now many women take her as an example and coming out with courageous hearts to brake the limiting believes as well as glass ceiling which condense their actual growth according to their innate potential.

 

  Now here are some of the important phases in her much instigating story of her life:

  CHILDHOOD: Anila Jyothi Reddy was born in Narasimhula Gudem in Hanumakonda mandal, Warangal District as eldest of four children to a common peasant who has lost his employment during emergency. Her father was joined in Army but could not continue because of his attachment with the family. The military training that he had, the attitude that he developed, was given to her as inheritance. As it was very difficult for the family to meet the both the ends, he was forced to join Jyothi Reddy at BALASADAN, a government orphanage at Hanumakonda as a mother less child. 

  From 5th class to 10th class Jyothi Reddy stayed in orphanage by having solitary life away from home. She used to await if anyone would come and render some help. Particularly during winter season when she used to shiver like anything as her blankets were torn. May be this had a strong influence in her sub conscious and drive her to orphanages often and help the children with all that they require among all the love and feeling of belongingness. Even during summer she never used to go to her village, she used to stay in warden’s house and did all the house hold work for which she was fed.
The empathy that she shows on all the orphans is gained through her own bitter experiences. Recently she made a representation to the Government of India with all her allies to legislate the Rights of the Orphans. She strongly believes the words of Mother Teresa… “ The worst disease in the world is neither poverty nor other, lack of feeling of belongingness, being unwanted is the worst ”. Whenever she visits the Orphanages in India she prefers to spend more time with the orphans. Even they rejoice her company… “ she is more than mother to me’’ says Ranjitha, an orphan who is being sponsored by Jyothi. If you see many college students keep on blaming their environment and parents when they fail to satisfy their wants. A sincere advice to them to visit any orphanage at least once in a year. You better understand the real pain of the life and appreciate what you really have.
 

   MARRIAGE: Mrs Jyothi Reddy passed 10th class with good marks and she dreamed to continue her education. But her parents have contrary plans. At the age of just 16 they performed her marriage with Mr. SangiReddy because of their dire financial position. It is quiet common in rural India, many parents of girl child treat them as burden and try to remove the burden as soon as possible and perform marriage at an early stage. She was innocent and not knowing much about marital life.. time passed ..by the age of eighteen she became mother of two girls. It was very difficult for her to provide the basic needs of her children to feed them and to look after.

   EARLY CAREER: Strong determination to take care of her children made her to persuade her mother-in-law and husband to work in the agriculture to work for money. She worked for Rs. 5 per day as agriculture labour. Many other people who worked along with her on field were impressed by her attitude taught her the basics of hard work of peasants. She worked from 1986 to 89 on field till she got an interesting turn in 1989. Nehru Yuvak Kendra (NYK) started a night school in the village to teach the basic education for adults. As there was no graduate from the village and Jyothi was the only available option, they appointed her as the volunteer to educate the adults after giving some training. It fetched her Rupees 150 per month. She gathered all the co workers in the evenings to the Centre and taught them the basic education with unique play way methods. The Inspection authorities were very much impressed by the initiative and dedication of Jyothi as the volunteer and appointed her Mandal Prerak of Hanumakonda.

  ACADEMIC PURSUIT:   After being appointed as Mandal Prerak Jyothi had to visit all the centres of the Warangal district and realized the importance of education and without higher education she can not grow to next levels in life. She completed her graduation and post graduation Distance Mode from Ambedkar Open University. Even University authorities were impressed by her urge for education. She did B. Ed from Anna University and become a
government teacher. But it was not a cake walk for her. She had to cross over all obstacles at home as well as in society. Leaving her village and staying at her work place with her children and husband and balancing family and work and making money by doing all alternative sources as the salary was not sufficient etc,, these were all the different problems higher than the Everests for any rural Indian women. Patience, perseverance and commitment are the secrets of her energy behind this passionate effort.

  AMERICAN DREAM:   If the story stopped here there would be nothing much to inspire others. When Jyothi was working as inspector of schools, a relative of her who settled in America came to her place. Jyothi accompanied her during her stay and observed how much change had been taken in the life style of her America settled relative. The way her American relative was spending money for her daughters laid seeds of desires in her. She thought even she could give great future to her daughter if she would go to America and earn there. That time onwards she made up her mind and learnt computers and started saving money for her passport and visa. After series of early failures she could get a visiting visa and flew to America with a little amount but heart filled dreams.
 

  EARLY TRAILS IN AMERICA: As soon as she landed in America she realized it was not an easy task to settle in America. The people whom she believed would give her shelter and support turned off their faces. As money she brought from India was running off she joined as a salesperson in “ Movie Time ’’ a video shop in New Jersey. She stayed as paying guest in gujarathi family. While she was working iin Video Time a known Indian from Warangal saw her and recommended her name to his brother who owned a company called “ CSAMERICA” and she was appointed as recruiter after being trained. Later a well know company ICSA offered her a good job with handsome salary. Again she faced some problems as her visa was not approved and she went for H1 visa. She had to resign her job in ICSA and again had to work for $5 per hour in nominal jobs till she got her H1 visa.

  ENTREPRENEURSHIP: She went to Mexico for her VISA stamping. All the hardships of obtaining visa gave her an idea of establish her first entrepreneurship to assist the people to get their Visas. Thus Keys software solutions was initiated. It extended it services like developing software solutions and recruitment and other job providing areas. Jyothi came to America in May 2OOO and by September, 2001 she became entrepreneur. She made her cousin as partner as his partner and extended her business to become more profitable.

  FULFILMENT OF DREAMS: Her hard work, commitment and dedication fetched her the success she dreamed for. She made enough money to take care of her children and her near relatives. Her two daughters could finish higher education in America from prestigious universities and got married to well settled bridegrooms. Her dream to provide good living conditions to her daughters was fulfilled. But she thought it was not here mere responsibility. She has been always thankful to all the people who supported her. She never forgets the pains that she had throughout her life. So she decided to start helping all the needy. She wants to shed tears from the needy orphans who suffer from all inadequacies. She wants to give warmth heart to the pain tinted lives. These thoughts ushered her to take an inspiring turn to extend her service to the humanity.

  SERVING HUMANITY: It is not just a lady went to America and making some money.. and people started calling it as success. It is the attitude and humbleness of Jyothi Reddy which really made the people to notice her and started extending their service to fellow human kind. Jyothi Reddy never forgot her roots. In every visit to India she visits Orphanages, Old age homes and spends time with them, provides them financial assistance. She visits Women’s colleges and empowers them with her life experience. She stands for the orphans and represented to the government to make a legislation to safeguard their rights. She takes her success to heart and not to head. She helped many Indians to settle in America by providing initial shelter and guidance.

  FUTURE VISION: Jyothi Reddy has a vivid and constructive vision to extend her service to needy people. She wants to provide educational facilities and long term result oriented service activities. Everyone should accept the self responsibility and try to be courageous enough to face the challenges. Struggle in life strengthens the caliber of the people. She visits colleges and inspire girl students to take up the self responsibility to empower themselves. She strongly feels that every individual should stop blaming the environment and start helping themselves. God always sends his hidden helping hand through different unexpected sources. We need not to look back when we realize we are responsible for our lives. This is the message that she wants to share with everyone she meets.

  Napoleon Hill says “ Whatever human mind believes and conceives human mind can achieve” So just believe ..believe .. believe .. you can do it…. Have you goal clear and start working on it.

Transparent Mirage

      The French have produced a transparent "mock-ups", as in photos. In the above pictures, the Museum of Le Bourget, the Mirage F1 "crystal" (actually, plexiglass), made ​​in order to show potential clients the internal structure and layout of the onboard systems. It is used in the training of personnel working in the French fighter.

      This kind of learning approch will surely increase the engineering understanding & will also create a physical feel of the disign constrains.

Source:  http://www.aereo.jor.br/

Catapult test

Nice videos showing the challenges of engineering and Aircraft design:

Elattuvalapil Sreedharan - A man who built the Calcutta Metro, Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro.

   Ellatuvalapil Sreedharan is one of India's greatest civil engineers, the architect of the supposedly unbuildable Konkan Railway linking Mumbai and Mangalore, and, more recently, designer of the Delhi Metro system. 

    It was the early 1970s when Delhi's need for a mass rapid transit system for its increasing population was first felt. Many plans, studies and committees chased this thought in the following decades, leading to the formation of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 1995. But things

really got moving only in 1997 when Elattuvalapil Sreedharan (79), a senior Railway engineer of repute, was asked to take over as DMRC's managing director. A job Sreedharan had first flatly refused. "I was already 65 years old and didn't really need a job," he says. With the Delhi Government persisting, Sreedharan finally relented but lay down his conditions before he joining as the Metro chief. "I demanded full independence, my own team and no interference if I had to deliver the project," he says. "They honoured my conditions."

 

  With a small office in Lodhi Road, a handpicked team of employees and a no-nonsense attitude, Sreedharan got on to the task, which in the next five years, not only made him a household name in Delhi, but a national icon. When DMRC opened its first corridor between Shahdara and Tis Hazari on December 25, 2002, it changed the way the city moved. Delhiites now had a new commuting etiquette, a sense of responsibility towards public property and higher expectations from civic agencies. 

 

The beginning 

    Born in a remote village in Palghat (Palakkad) district of Kerala, Sreedharan initially wanted to become a doctor. He eventually graduated from the Government Engineering College, Kakinada in April 1953 and started his career as a lecturer at the Kerala Polytechnic, Calicut. However, a year later he joined the elite Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE). Sreedharan earned his spurs after restoring the Pamban Railway Bridge in just 46 days, after 125 spans of the bridge were washed away in a tidal wave in December 1963. He was also in-charge of investigation, planning and design of the first ever Metro in the country in Kolkata from 1970 to 1975.

   "Even as construction was going to start, Sreedharan opened a new design office. If he hadn't done that, Kolkata metro wouldn't have come up," says Professor SK Das, former IRSE and visiting faculty at the Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata. Das, who worked with Sreedharan for four years at Kolkata Metro, says he was a completely hands-on boss. "His approach towards work was that everything had to be done the way he wanted it. He, however, would never lose his temper during site inspections," he adds. "Even though I was a much junior officer but he would notice my work and guide me. He likes people who are serious and punctual," he says.

 

The taskmaster  

    When Sreedharan retired in June 1990, he was in charge of building the prestigious Konkan Railway project, which was an engineering challenge.After he took over as DMRC's MD, Sreedharan brought in a work culture that is not associated with public sector undertakings. "Decisions were quick and execution was quicker at DMRC. I came to DMRC on deputation and wasn't used to such a work culture," says a senior DMRC official who didn't wish to be named. "There were no peons at the DMRC office because files didn't move here, people did."

 

     Sreedharan is very good listener but the last word is always his, the senior official says, "He is an inspiring leader who leads by example. He is the reason that most of us who had come on deputation, chose not to go back to our parent departments despite the huge work pressure here." Anuj Dayal, chief PRO of DMRC recalls a visit to Mexico many years ago when some of his colleagues expected to let their hair down and just take it easy for a few days. "The MD, however, ensured that we were on time for not only meetings but also lunch and dinners and maintained official etiquette during our stay." he says. "It's due to his integrity and competence that Sreedharan has made the Delhi Metro what it is today," says M Ramachandran, former secretary, urban development ministry.

   Ramachandran, who was also the Chairman of DMRC for four years, feels that it was Sreedharan's personality, reputation and integrity that helped him push decisions without facing the usual bureaucratic red tape. "He already had a reputation when he joined as MD and that is why he perhaps enjoyed more powers than what another head of a public sector utility would," Ramachandran says. "However, it should also be kept in mind that the central government and other associated agencies also facilitated the project, such as making land available."

   After 14 years at the helm of DMRC, Sreedharan has finally hung his boots but he leaves behind a vast legacy. Delhi's expectation from the Metro are now higher than when Sreedharan joined DMRC and it remains to be seen how his successor carries the mantle. Dharan insists he does not hate any special skills to get the best out of people. "I always found that people cooperate if you work for a good cause," he says.

How to enable "switch user" in Gnome on CentOS 5

You need to follow these steps:
Install the Gnome configuration editor. Start "Add/Remove Software" from the "Applications" menu


and search for "gconf".



Select gconf-editor and apply.

Then start gconf-editor from the command line:

gconf-editor&

Select "Find" from the "edit" menu:

Search for "user_switch" and rember to also search in keys:

find the key user_switch_enabled in the top right pane and tick its value:
 
Close the editor (there is no save button or command).
Now select Lock Screen" from the "System" menu.

The password box will now have a "Switch User" button! remember that the user you're switching to must also have his settings changed as above to get a "Switch User" button from his or her account.

 Source: http://jorgenmodin.net/index_html/archive/2008/03/12/how-to-enable-switch-user-in-gnome-on-centos-5

Flash player installation

CentOS

Being as root follow the following:

1. First you need to install those libraries (.i386 and .x86_64):

   yum install curl compat-libstdc++-33 glibc nspluginwrapper

2. Once done with the libraries, we need to download the flash player rpm.

3. mkdir flash

4. cd flash

5. download the rpm inside the folder flash.
6. click here to Download
7. Next we need to execute the command below to install the rpm. This command should be executed inside the folder, where the rpm is downloaded. Ours is in the folder ‘flash’.

   rpm -ivh flash-plugin-10.0.12.36-release.i386.rpm

   (replace with the version of rpm you have downloaded)

8. Close the Firefox and restart it. You should be able to see the flashes hereafter.

Ubuntu 

 yet to be updated

Places to visit in and around KOLKATA

Victorian structures like Victoria Memorial and Prinsep Ghat, historical landmarks like Shaheed Minar, Netaji Bhavan and Indian Museum,
Religious attractions like St. Paul's Cathedral,  Kalighat, Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple

In & Around Kolkata
Conducted on a daily basis, this tour includes major attractions like Eden Gardens, Calcutta High Court, Writers' Building, Belur Math, Rabindra Setu, Dakshinsehwar Kali Temple, Netaji Bhavan, Kolkata Panaroma (Town Hall), St. Paul's Cathedral and Victoria Memorial. The tour begins at the Tourism Office at 8:30 a.m. and ends by 5:30 p.m., the fee is INR 250. Please note that if the number of tourists is less than 15, the tour is canceled and the amount is refunded. For additional details contact West Bengal Tourism Office, 3/2 B.B.D.Bagh East, +91 33 4401 2659 or visit at http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in. 

Walking Tours
Probably the only company that offers Walking Tours of Kolkata for tourists, Calcutta Walks takes you through the city literally on your feet. You will be taken back to the Victorian Era, when beautiful mansions and architectural wonders like Victoria Memorial and Prinsep Ghat were built. It also includes Kumortuli, Shobhabazar, New Market, Park Street establishments like Flurys, where the aristocrats dined. This tour is perfect for all those who do not like to be rushed and wish to capture the city at leisure. Check their website http://www.calcuttawalks.com or call +91 98 3018 4030 for booking and price details.

Offbeat Tours
This unique tour offers tourists an option to trace the graves of their ancestors. Many Europeans, when they first landed in Kolkata had to face the harsh living conditions like extreme heat and epidemics, which led to innumerable deaths. The city has many graveyards and burial grounds. Email the requisite details at explore@calcuttawalks.com and the rest will be taken care of by their expert
team.
Jetty Tours
You need not hire a guide or touring company to explore the mighty Hoogly river. The jetty services available at cheap prices are perfect if you want to enjoy beautiful views of the 'City of Joy'. Starting at 7 a.m., you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful bridges, Vidyasagar Setu and Vivekananda Setu on your way. Religious places like Kancher Mandir, Belur Math and Dakshineshwar Temple set against the back-drop of the river are worth a watch. Photographers are sure to rejoice at the vibrant colors and sights.

 Sunderbans National Park & Tiger Reserve
Sunderbans being an endangered freshwater swamp forest, has restricted entry due to conservation regulations. The highlight of the forest is the 'tiger reserve' but you need prior permission to visit it. Rather than getting hassled about obtaining requisite permits, it is advisable to join the WTDC's Sunderban tours. The luxury vessel M.V. Chitralekha, with a seating capacity of 44 berths, takes you through the amazing marshy lands and wildlife reserves. This tour of 1 night and 2 days includes Sajnekhali Abhayaranya, Sudhayakali and Netidopani Watch Towers. For further details, visit West Bengal Tourism Office, 3/2 B.B.D.Bagh East or call +91 33 4401 2659.
Links : http://forums.joeuser.com/135326
 http://mytravelthought.blogspot.com/2008/02/accomodation-for-touring-sunderbans.html

Shantiniketan Tours
The complete city tour of Kolkata takes about 4-5 days, so if you have more time in hand, you must visit Shantikentan. It is the place where the great poet Rabindranath Tagore penned poems and novels. Though you can visit Shantiniketan throughout the year; the festive season is the best time to be there. Avail of the WTDC 'Shantiniketan Tours' during the Poush Utsav, Gangasagar Mela, Kenduli Mela or Basanta Utsav. Be a part of this tour and you will experience Bengali culture and their inherent love for art and creativity.

North Bengal Package Tours
Join in the North Bengal Package Tours and explore the scenic and picturesque hill station Darjeeling and also enjoy the tea plantations at Siliguri. This tour has various options that include Darjeeling-Siliguri (7 Nights, 8 days), Darjeeling-Sikkim (9 Nights, 10 Days) and Green Doors that include Siliguri, Cooch Behar and other small towns (7 Nights, 8 Days). For more details, contact West Bengal Tourism Office, 3/2 B.B.D.Bagh East, +91 33 4401 2659 or login at http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in.

River Cruises
The launches MV Sumangal, MV Sarbajaya and MV Chitralekha are available for private cruises, tours to Sunderbans and river cruises along the Hooghly River. You can also rent it for parties, corporate meetings and private outings. The rates for the packages vary as per the season. Check http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in for in-depth information and regulations.
A point to be noted: Kolkata is not exactly meant for those who look forward to recreational or luxury travel. However, if you are interested in heritage and history, then this is the place for you!


 links: http://www.mandarmani.in/exm/WBTDC_Package_Tours/