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The Hindu
18-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Three Rosarians' gift to their alma mater
What does it take to organise a grand all-batches alumni reunion of an institution that has 75 years behind it, and never a formal alumni association in all those years? Three busy women professionals — architect Priya Lourduraj, course director Matengi S. Suresh and medical doctor Malini A.V. — can take that question. If this trio's experience is anything to go by, one needs to extend one's waking hours a wee bit. In October 2024, these three old students of Rosary Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Santhome got started on an effort to gather alumni down the decades and they are still finding themselves in a last-minute scramble to tie loose ends. The platinum jubilee meetup of old students across batches and retired teachers would also signal the formation of an alumni association. A previous attempt 15 years ago to have an association of this kind was spectacularly stillborn. With the D-day drawing near — the alumni reunion and platinum jubilee carnival would take place on the school campus on July 26 — they are both excited and nervous. Excited as they survey what they have achieved in the past months and look forward to the culmination of the effort on July 26. Nervous as anyone is expected to be ahead of a grand event they are responsible for. One challenge that stared them in the face was getting a buy-in from the school management to organise the mega reunion. The next major thing was to have an alumni association registered. 'We have enrolled ourselves under the Society of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, the congregation that runs the school. The association is now a formal entity under the Society, so that helped us plan for the D-Day, and this also gives us more credibility,' says Priya, who graduated from the institution in 2003 and is an architect by profession. Like any registered body, Rosary Alumni Association will maintain accounts and have an executive team elected. Towards spelling out the goals and objectives of the alumni association, they have published the charter on the school website. And then what they dreaded — bringing old Rosarians on board — seemed easier than expected thanks to social media. 'We were surprised to find the enthusiasm of students across batches in connecting with the school. When we started calling out for representatives from each batch to help us plan the reunion and find their classmates, we immediately got response from 1962, 1964, 1965 batches,' says Matengi, a student of 1992 batch. The WhatsApp group currently has 65 members across batches who are a big support for us, says Matengi. The batch representatives act like a first level of validation before adding new classmates. The core team has been meeting in person every month. As they have reached the last leg of the preparation, intense discussions happen every day. Matengi is in-charge of registrations, Priya acts as a bridge between the school and the alumni and Malini coordinates with the sponsors. They have sub committees to assist them. They include a PR team, an emcee team and a cultural team. Over the last month, 35-40 representatives, each representing a batch, also met to discuss the progress as well address concerns. Dr. Malini, who is based in Bangalore, says two major social initiatives that the alumni would be driving are sponsoring deserving students studying in the school and helping retired teachers with medical assistance and other financial support. The trio want every Rosarian to be part of the reunion. And if one is unsure about making it to the meetup they could at least register so that they can be part of future events.
The South African
03-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
D-day for the South African economy less than a WEEK away
D-day for the South African economy – Wednesday 9 July 2025 – is now less than a week away. And talks of a necessary extension is creating growing tension in government ranks. Back in April of this year, US President Donald Trump instituted 30% tariffs on South Africa for all goods imported into America. But facing tremendous backlash worldwide, Trump hit pause on the tariffs for 90 days. This takes us to next weeks' D-day for the South African economy. Trade talks with the US started in May, but have not resulted in any concrete framework as yet. Image: File Unfortunately, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Parks Tau, has shared little in the way of progress on crucial US-SA trade talks. All he can confirm is that South Africa is (one of many countries) asking for more time, reports The Citizen . Interestingly, it appears to be US delegates that are dragging their heels on trade talks. South Africa is yet to hear anything after a trade delegation submitted several proposals to the US back in May. The DTIC put forward a framework agreement focusing on trade and investment. And it identified key areas for growth in each nation's markets. However, as of now, it appears to have done little to stave of D-day for the South African economy … US insistence that South Africa must reform politically does not sit well with ANC leadership. Image: File As such, it appears the acrimonious relationship between the US and South Africa is grounded instead in ideological differences. There have been reports that President Ramaphosa's unwavering stance on BEE and denial of land expropriation has raised the hackles of US delegates. Nevertheless, last week, the Deputy Minister of Trade met with a US representative on the sidelines of a summit in Luanda, Angola. South Africa used the meeting to raise its concerns about the impact of the reciprocal tariffs in Africa. Worst-case scenario, South Africa is seeking a maximum tariff application of 10%. Vehicles like the South African-built Ford Ranger are exported all over the world and will suffer if 30% Trump tariffs go ahead next week. Image: File In a bid to avert D-day for the South African economy, the DTIC wants key export products exempted from the Section 232 tariffs. These include cars and car parts, as well as steel and aluminium. Although time is running out the DTIC is confident: 'The proposed framework will go through the internal approval processes in the US administration. South Africa welcomes this and has expressed a preparedness to engage once it is finalised.' Meanwhile, government is urging industry to exercise strategic patience and not take any decisions in haste. 'Government will continue to use every avenue to engage with the US to find an amicable solution to safeguard our interests in the US market,' concludes the department. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Funeral celebrates life of much-loved D-Day veteran
The funeral of one of the last survivors of the assault on the D-Day beaches in 1944 has been held at Wiltshire crematorium. Cecil Newton, from the village of Aldbourne and died at the age of 101, was 20 years old on D-Day when he was part of a tank crew sent to attack a German blockhouse. His amphibious Sherman Tank was among the first to land on Gold Beach on 6 June. Described as "feisty, driven, a little bit mischievous", he was involved in the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations, and even had a French school named after him. Major Graeme Green, the regimental secretary for the Royal Dragoon Guards, described Mr Newton as a "great guy" who always had a "little glint in his eye". He added that Mr Newton was "driven to commemorate his fallen comrades". At the funeral earlier at North Wiltshire Crematorium, near Royal Wootton Bassett, a message was played from the Cecil Newton Primary School in Normandy. Mr Newton was a trooper in the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards and a loader in an amphibious Sherman Tank crew. "I was never nervous. I was too young to be nervous. I hadn't got the imagination," he said in a BBC interview about D-day. Along with his crew, he was in action for just a few moments. "It was just off the landing craft into the water, an engagement with the blockhouse and then we sank," he said. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Later in the war, in November 1944, he was severely wounded with a leg injury and was shot three times when his tank came under attack in a German village. He described himself as "exceptionally lucky to survive" the later attack. Amongst those he knew who died in the war was Mr Newton's brother Frederic - shot dead by two Germans who raised their hands to surrender, but then opened fire. In June 2024, Mr Newton travelled back to France to take part in the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations. He also visited a French school named after him and some of the places his comrades fell in battle. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. D-Day veteran Cecil Newton dies aged 101 D-Day veteran says friends' sacrifice a 'waste of life'
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Yoga Village at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam turns a beehive of activity
Girls and boys, in different uniforms, were moving anxiously from one block to another at the Yoga Village on the Beach Road on Tuesday. Their worry was whether they would get an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the D-day on June 21. The Yoga Village on the Beach Road witnessed a beehive of activity as students of various affiliated colleges of Andhra University thronged in batches to demonstrate their skills before the yoga gurus on Tuesday. They were trained by Master Trainers from the Department of Yoga & Consciousness, Andhra University. The Principals and faculty members were seen pleading with K. Ramesh Babu, Head of the Department, to check whether the names of their students, who had undergone training, were included in the list of trainers. Prof. Ramesh Babu told them that the list has already been uploaded on the official website. The students, who came in batches from their respective colleges, gathered in the shade of trees, outside the main demonstration hall. The students were called in groups and asked to perform as Sravani Chittoori, Faculty Member, and Professor of Practice, analysed their show along with Prof. Ramesh Babu and others. 'The students are very excited as the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in Visakhapatnam this year. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is also keen on making the day a huge success and yoga volunteers were sent to the rural areas also to promote the ancient Indian concept,' Dr. Sravani told The Hindu during a break from the session. 'We have 200 Master Trainers, who were entrusted with the responsibility of training students of colleges, which were located closer to their residence. Today (June 17) is the final rehearsal for the trainers,' she said. How long does it take to learn the technique? One month is enough to learn the protocol asanas. The Chief Minister had declared Yogandhra a month ago and training sessions were being held across the State ever since. But, one should make yoga 'a way of life' to benefit from it, she says. The Yoga Village of Andhra University has a 'Naturopathy Centre' for treatment of psychosomatic and lifestyle disorders. Yoga can delay the onset of lifestyle disorders like hypertension and diabetes in individuals, who have a family history of such disorders. The steam bath at the Yoga Village can be used to remove the excess water in the body, skin cleansing, and lubrication of joints in the body. The Extension Wing of the Department offers short-term classes in yoga to the general public during the mornings and evenings. 'Our department is offering a two-year PG course in M.A. Yoga and 1-year and 6-month PG Diploma courses in Yoga. We have offered training to 2,000 Common Yoga Protocol Trainers at 32 affiliated colleges of AU, who had in turn gave basic training to their students. In all, 71,000 students of colleges affiliated to AU, have enrolled for participation in the event,' Prof. Ramesh Babu added.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reporter's Notebook: Recalling an American WWII hero who helped fight off Nazi forces during Normandy invasion
The 81st anniversary of the famous U.S.-led D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, was recently commemorated. Less well-known are the battles during the days and weeks that followed in Normandy, which helped secure the massive beachhead, so the allies could go on and defeat Nazi Germany in World II. One of those clashes was at a bridge over a small river near the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division landed near there early on the morning of June 6, 1944. They had to hold the position against Germans threatening American forces who came ashore at Utah beach, one of the main landing sites. Reporter's Notebook: Remembering Courage On The 81St Anniversary Of D-day One of those was Iowa-born 31-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Owens. For three days, as his unit was cut down in combat from 45 to just 12 men, he bravely helped fight off the Germans. Read On The Fox News App He fired from three different machine gun positions, threw hand grenades, commanded bazooka teams and moved from foxhole to foxhole, coordinating action. The actions of him and his men eventually knocked out four German tanks, killed 275 German soldiers and stopped the Nazis dead in their tracks. It was hailed by historians as a key battle of the Normandy invasion. On a recent day alongside the river in the now green and peaceful countryside, after years of research and lobbying at the Pentagon and in Congress, Owens was recognized for his valor in a ceremony during which his honors were upgraded to Distinguished Service Cross, the second most important medal the Army can bestow. Chris Donahue, the commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa, told Fox News Owens' actions were "incredibly important. What Owens did is the exact model that all of us try to live up to." On 81St Anniversary Of D-day, One Us Navy Veteran's Son Is The First American Pope Owens died at the age of 54 in 1967. His youngest daughter, British-raised Susan Marrow, said, "I don't have words to describe how full my heart is and how much it means to me." His great-grandson, Harris Morales, was also proud to be there, saying, "without a doubt," Owens was a brave guy. As for the new recognition of Owens, he added, "It means everything, and I still don't believe it. It's still not real for me yet." This comes at a time the world remains in turmoil from Ukraine to the Mideast and beyond. While 81 years seems like a long time ago, the heroism and inventiveness displayed by Owens then is still seen as relevant today. "It is important," Morales said. "I don't think 81 years or any time is too long." Speaking from a military standpoint, Gen. Donahue noted, "We're in the middle of a transformation, and we're going to continue to do that so we live up to what they have done." As for lessons learned then, Owens' daughter had a simple answer, saying, "Do unto others as you would have them do onto you." Sometimes, as in the case of Staff Sgt. William Owens, the dangerous behavior of "others" means acting with the greatest and sometimes brutal article source: Reporter's Notebook: Recalling an American WWII hero who helped fight off Nazi forces during Normandy invasion
