The goal of the Foundation for Futuristic Cities, the organisers of this contest is to influence the city government / policy makers to incorporate citizen ideas into city development policy initiatives.

Hyderabad|India|Septembet'2009:The Foundation for Futuristic Cities has announced a unique ‘Citizens for City’ contest for City Strategist Awards 2009 for the citizens of Hyderabad - an initiative to make Hyderabad City future ready. The goal of the Foundation for Futuristic Cities, the organisers of this contest is to influence the city government / policy makers to incorporate citizen ideas into city development policy initiatives. Details on www.citizensforcity.org

Entries are invited ‘To prepare implementable strategies on 30 different topics’ listed in the website of the foundation. Citizens can also add new ideas in addition to the topics mentioned in the website. Top three winners will be given CITY STRATEGIST AWARDS along with cash prizes. In addition to top 3 prizes, 10 Best teams will be presented Citation and Memento and 30 Best Teams strategy will find a place in a special publication titled ‘Sculpt your City’ which will be knowledge resource for Indian Cities.

The purpose of the Foundation for Futuristic Cities ‘Citizens for City’ contest is to engage citizens of Hyderabad in preparing strategies and state exactly ‘what should change and how to bring about the change to improve the quality of life in the city. The Foundation is confident that these strategies can become an important source of information and knowledge for areas of concern in the city. They will also attract the attention of the town planners and policy makers and can find a place in CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES.

Making the announcement Karuna Gopal, President of Foundation for Futuristic Cities said we are convinced that initiatives conceived, steered and owned by the citizens themselves for the problems hurting the city, will infuse a sense of urgency and accountability into the government agencies. Also, such initiatives will eventually lead to meaningful partnerships between the government, private sector and the citizens to make our city a VIBRANT and a PERFORMING city. She also added that this is unique initiative and a first time any city in India is attempting this scale of activity – involving all stakeholders (THINK SMALL – THINK ALL).

The goal is to prompt GHMC in finding solutions that are locked up in the minds and hearts of Hyderabadi’s and the city government will only be too happy to incorporate the winning strategies in the City Development Strategy of Greater Hyderabad. GHMC is currently preparing City Development Strategy for Hyderabad – a requirement under JNNURM Mission Program of Government of India.

Shri. Nadendla Manohar, Hon’ble Dy. Speaker of Andhra Pradesh State Assembly launched the ‘Citizens for City’ Contest for City Strategist Awards – 2009 contest in the presence of many eminent citizens of the city at a launch function organised on Tuesday. Karuna Gopal, President of Foundation for Futuristic Cities and the Core committee members of the project, Padma Shree Pulella Gopichand, Dr. Srinivas Chary Vedala - Director ASCI (Administrative staff college of India) Satish Andra, Partner DFJ Ventures highlighted the campaign objectives and its goals.

In their address the core committee members of the Foundation for Futuristic Cities Padma Shree Pulella Gopichand, Satish Andra, Partner, DFJ Ventures and Srinivas Chary Vedala Director, Centre for Energy, Environment, Urban Governance & Infrastructure Development, Administrative Staff College of India said we are pleased to part of this unique initiative and we hope citizens will come forward to participate in ‘Citizens for city’ contest to show they can contribute by way of strategies that can play pivotal roles in their city’s ability to perform. It is good opportunity for the citizens to challenge their mind and come with strategies as what should change? What should we "keep and improve" and as many ideas as they think are right for the city’s betterment.

The contest is open to Corporate Houses, Institutions of higher learning like B-Schools & Law / Engineering / Medical Colleges and Degree Colleges. In addition to Research and Development Establishments, Professional Bodies and Voluntary Organisations, Government Agencies & PSU’s, Expatriates and NRI’s. Organisations may nominate any no. of teams (2 teams may even select the same topic). For contest details click (http://www.citizensforcity.org/downloads/citizens_for_city.pdf)

The last day to enter the contest is 15th October 2009 and the deadline for submission is 31st October 2009. The winners will be chosen by a jury and the winners will be declared during a gala evening at Novotel HICC in November 2009.

THREE CITY STRATEGIST AWARDS ALONG WITH CASH Prizes will be awarded along with a Citation and Memento to the winners. Award Winning Strategies will be incorporated in the ‘City Development Strategy ’of Greater Hyderabad

Contest Prizes

First Place: City Strategist Platinum Award: Rs. 1, 00,000 & with a Citation and Memento
Second Place: City Strategist Gold Team Award: Rs. 75,000 & with a Citation and Memento
Third Place: City Strategist Silver Team Award: Rs. 50,000, with a Citation and Memento

In addition to top 3 prizes, 10 Best teams will be presented Citation and Memento and 30 Best Teams strategy will find a place in a special publication titled ‘Sculpt your City’ which will be knowledge resource for Indian Cities.

This unique initiative under the ‘Citizens for City” campaign is promoted by Foundation for Futuristic Cities to stimulate active participation of citizens to own the city and sculpt the way they envision it. Foundation for Futuristic Cities will also hold Town hall meetings during the month long campaign which will involve interaction with Government representatives before culminating to the grand finale in the month of November 2009.

The contest is sponsored and supported by HEC, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, ASCI, HYSEA, CII, Pragati Art Printers, Gopichand Academy, Audric Consulting, Marriott Hotel, Taj Deccan and Novotel Hotels.