Latest news with #DSSC
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This dad's stroller walks helped normalize postpartum support for fathers
After his daughter was born, Kalvin Bridgewater didn't recognize himself. He was overwhelmed, gaining weight, and quietly unraveling under the mental weight of new fatherhood. 'I didn't even notice how much I was changing,' he wrote. 'My health was declining and my weight went from 200 to 265 from stress eating—food became my only comfort from what I now know was postpartum depression.' His wife was also struggling, and she got help. But Kalvin's pain went largely unnoticed—because paternal postpartum depression is still so often left out of the conversation. And he's not alone. While maternal mental health has (rightfully) received growing awareness, support for dads remains rare. But the research is clear: Up to 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression, often presenting as irritability, withdrawal, and hopelessness, according to a systematic review published in the American Journal of Men's Health. And when it goes unaddressed, the ripple effects can impact entire families. Kalvin's turning point was deceptively simple: he took his baby for a walk. That one act of movement became a lifeline. Other dads began joining in. Those quiet strolls turned into something powerful—what's now called the Daddy Stroller Social Club (DSSC), a growing support network that has brought together hundreds of fathers across the country. 'We just started bonding, socializing and creating a community for dads,' Kalvin shared in a now-viral TikTok. 'To not just be a better father—be a better husband, somebody better in the community.' Related: Should dads be screened for postpartum depression too? DSSC isn't just a walking group. It's a reimagining of what fatherhood can look like—with space for vulnerability, peer support, and healing. The group's growth was inspired, in part, by Eve Akins, a Dallas-based doula who organizes weekend meetups for young moms. Watching the strength and impact of maternal circles, Kalvin realized dads needed the same kind of space: a soft place to land, reflect, and show up for one another. DSSC's mission is to normalize paternal mental health care through community-building, storytelling, and advocacy. With chapters now in cities like Atlanta, L.A., and Philly, these weekend 'strides' are showing what's possible when fathers stop pretending to have it all together. The emotional labor of fatherhood doesn't always look like sleep deprivation or diaper duty. Sometimes, it looks like silent guilt. Loneliness. A sense of falling short in a role they're expected to just 'figure out.' In one of DSSC's Instagram reels, the group boldly rejects outdated norms like 'boys don't cry' and 'rest equals laziness.' The comments are full of support—many from mental health professionals cheering on the shift. One therapist wrote, 'This is great that you all are dismantling the myths. Men go through their own postpartum journey!' And that's the point: this isn't about making dads the center. It's about making space—for all parents. Because healing happens when people feel seen. And sometimes, that starts with something as simple as a walk. If you're a new dad—or love one—check out Daddy Stroller Social Club for local meetups, resources, and support. Because nobody should have to carry the weight of parenthood alone. Related: What is paternal depression? We need to talk about men's mental health, too
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Death anniversary of India's first Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw observed in Nilgiris
The Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) in Wellington, Coonoor observed the 17th death anniversary of Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw on Friday (June 27, 2025). The event was marked with a wreath laying ceremony held at his final resting place in Udhagamandalam in the Nilgiris, a press release from the MRC stated. Field Marshall Manekshaw passed away on June 27, 2008 and 'his legacy remains eternally etched in the heart of every Indian soldier,' the press release added. 'The ceremony paid homage to one of India's greatest military leaders, who led the Indian army to victory in the 1971 Indi-Pak war and became the first Indian army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshall. Officer, Junior Commissioned Officers, and soldiers of the Madras Regiment and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) gathered to honour his legacy and lifelong dedication to the service of the nation.' The ceremony began with the laying of the wreaths at the Manekshaw Memorial by senior officers, including the Commandant of the DSSC and members of the Parsi community, the press release added. A guard of honour was presented as a mark of respect followed by a two-minute silence in memory of Mr. Manekshaw. 'Field Marshall Manekshaw's illustrious military career spanned over four decades, from World War II to post-Independence conflicts. Revered for his strategic brilliance, charismatic leadership and unwavering courage, he remains an enduring symbol of India's military heritage,' the press release added.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Defence Services Staff College appoints Amitabh Mattoo as Chair of Excellence on India's Strategic Culture
Tamil Nadu-based Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), a training institution under the Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday (May 28, 2025) the appointment of Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), to the first-ever Chair of Excellence on India's Strategic Culture. In a press statement, DSSC stated that this appointment will take effect from June 1 for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year, and will be in addition to his continuing role as Dean at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). In his new role, Professor Mattoo will engage with faculty and officers undergoing training at DSSC, contribute to curriculum development, and mentor research that deepens our understanding of India's rich and complex strategic culture. 'His scholarship—rooted in both classical Indian thought and contemporary global theory—offers an invaluable perspective at a time of profound geopolitical change,' the press statement said. Professor Mattoo stated, 'It is a privilege to be entrusted with this Chair. India's strategic thought has long drawn from its civilizational wisdom as well as contemporary realpolitik. I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty and officers at DSSC to deepen our understanding of India's strategic culture and contribute to India's preparedness in an increasingly complex world.' A Padma Shri awardee, Professor Mattoo is an academic, policy advisor, and institution-builder, widely recognized for his contributions to strategic studies, diplomacy, and international relations. Currently serving as the Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he has previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu and as Honorary Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne. He has been a member of the National Security Council's Advisory Board. 'Professor Mattoo's appointment to the Distinguished Chair marks a significant milestone in DSSC's continuing commitment to fostering advanced research and strategic thinking within the Indian defence and academic establishments,' the statement said. The statement also said, 'DSSC looks forward to Professor Mattoo's contributions in enriching the intellectual ecosystem of the College and advancing India's strategic discourse on the global stage.' 'The DSSC, which trains officers of the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, civil services, and foreign militaries for senior leadership roles, views this initiative as essential to enriching professional military education in India with deeper indigenous knowledge systems and strategic perspectives,' the statement further said. 'This appointment represents a timely confluence of academic scholarship and national service, strengthening the bridges between India's universities and its defence institutions,' the statement added.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Headline: DGAO Air Marshal AK Bharti's Family Hails OP Sindoor Heroics
DGAO Air Marshal AK Bharti led crucial efforts in India's anti terror Operation Sindoor, commanding precision strikes that dismantled terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. Hailing from Bihar, Bharti's family expressed pride in his leadership. 'My son's leadership made us proud,' said his father. 'Proud to see him serve the motherland,' added another family member. A fighter combat leader and DSSC graduate, Bharti was commissioned into the Flying Branch in 1987. Over 20 years of service, he has achieved multiple milestones. He served as Flight Commander of a Sukhoi-30 MKI squadron and earned three stars for accident-free flying. In 2023, Bharti was promoted to Air Marshal, marking a high point in a stellar IAF career.#airmarshalakbharti #dgaoakbharti #indianairforce #akbhartifamilyrecation #akbhartifather #opsindoor #iaf #nationfirst #fighterpilot #sukhoi30mki #airforceheroes#indiapakistanconflict #indianmilitary #akbhartibihar #toibharat Read More
Malay Mail
28-04-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Smiles, science, and spark: Why creativity matters in dental education — Azwatee Abdul Aziz
APRIL 28 — Every year on April 21st, the world observes World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) – a day designated by the United Nations to encourage creative thinking and innovation as essential tools for solving global challenges. In an era marked by rapid technological transformation, WCID holds increasing significance for academic fields that must continuously adapt to shifting landscapes—and dental education is no exception. As dentistry integrates emerging tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the need for creative and forward- thinking approaches in dental academia has never been more urgent. Creativity and innovation in dental education Dental education is undergoing a metamorphosis, driven by evolving technologies, societal needs, and new healthcare challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, necessitated remote learning innovations and accelerated the adoption of digital platforms. But beyond crisis adaptation, there'S a broader call for integrating creativity into the foundation of dental Education. Creativity, defined as the generation of novel and useful ideas, is essential for developing innovative pedagogies that respond to modern demands such as interprofessional collaboration, sustainability, and equity in dental care. Byrne and Glasser (2023) emphasise that cultivating creativity in dental academics is key to ensuring that future dental professionals are not only technically proficient but also adaptive and reflective thinkers capable of addressing diverse community needs. Recently, these ideals were powerfully embodied during the 26th Dental Students' Scientific Conference (DSSC) and the 2nd Dental Students' Talent & Innovation Competition (DSTIC) 2025 with the theme 'Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Digital Technology Impact on Learning and Research in Dentistry'. It is an annual event where final-year dental students from the Universiti Malaya showcase their research findings through oral or poster presentations. These events brought together forward-thinking students and academics to showcase innovative research, technology-driven projects, and creative approaches to dental practice and education. From AI-based diagnostic tools to artistic interpretations of oral health awareness, the conference echoed the very spirit of WCID: celebrating originality, curiosity, and bold thinking in academic spaces. The celebration of WCID thus becomes more than a symbolic gesture. It serves as an annual checkpoint for dental institutions to assess how well they are nurturing creativity and innovation within their programs. Fields (2022) underscores that WCID has inspired educational initiatives worldwide that combine fun, imagination, and hands-on problem-solving to stimulate learning environments that foster original thinking. Dental robots offer incredible precision and efficiency, but the author notes they lack the ability to make empathetic, ethical, and context-driven decisions — elements that remain at the heart of patient-centred care. — Unsplash pic The Rise of Robotics and AI The rise of robotics and artificial intelligence represents one of the most exciting yet debated advancements in dental innovation. With machines capable of conducting procedures with unmatched precision and consistency, the question arises: Can robots replace human dentists? The integration of robotics into dentistry is already well underway. Robots are being used for implant placement, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and even routine diagnostics. A recent review by Xia et al. (2024) details how robotics, paired with AI, can automate complex procedures, minimise human error, and improve patient outcomes — creating a paradigm shift in oral healthcare delivery. However, most researchers argue that robots will augment, not replace, human dentists. Kathuria (2024) notes that while dental robots offer incredible precision and efficiency, they lack the ability to make empathetic, ethical, and context-driven decisions — elements that remain at the heart of patient-centred care. Another example, AI algorithms can analyse radiographs and clinical data to assist in early detection of dental caries, pulp diseases, and structural anomalies. This allows for faster and more accurate diagnoses in operative procedures like fillings, root canals, and restorations (Pandey & Lakhanam, 2024). This viewpoint is echoed by Lubart et al. (2021), who present a model in which robots act not as independent replacements, but as collaborators—or 'Humbots'— in a creative partnership with human professionals. This co-creative model sees robots supporting dental practitioners by handling repetitive tasks and enhancing the precision of complex procedures while leaving diagnosis, ethical judgment, and interpersonal care to humans. The Gap Between Perception and Practice Despite the technological promise, there remains a significant gap in knowledge and acceptance among dental professionals. A 2023 study found that while a majority of dental practitioners believe that AI will improve dental care, over 50% fear it could eventually replace human dentists. Yet, most respondents lacked practical experience with these technologies (Alanya-Beltran et al., 2023). This calls for an urgent curriculum shift. Dental schools must not only teach the technical use of robotics but also foster critical and creative thinking to explore the ethical, social, and psychological implications of these tools. Creativity is not optional — it's a necessity for navigating the complexities of a technology-driven future. Events like DSSC and DSTIC 2025 offer a blueprint for this shift. By providing platforms where students can apply creativity to real-world challenges, these conferences go beyond theory and stimulate active innovation. They affirm that the next generation of dentists will need to be innovators, communicators, and collaborators—not just clinicians. Conclusion: A Future Forged in Creativity World Creativity and Innovation Day is a powerful reminder that progress in dental education must be fuelled by imaginative thinking, technological literacy, and ethical insight. As robotics and AI continue to revolutionise clinical practice, dental academics are called to lead with innovation, not fear. By embracing creativity, dental educators can ensure that future dentists are not only technically equipped but also humanistically grounded — ready to collaborate with machines, not be replaced by them. The success of events like DSSC and DSTIC 2025 underscores that creativity is already thriving in dental education — and with the right support, it can shape the future of the profession. * The author is associate professor at the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
