Latest news with #Namibians


Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Modi, Modi' chants in Namibian parliament: PM receives standing ovation; promises stronger future ties in his address
Screengrab NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the final leg of his five-nation tour, addressed the parliament of Namibia on Wednesday. The address marked a symbolic moment in India–Namibia relations, blending shared history with promises of future cooperation. PM Modi began his speech with warmth, calling the parliament 'a temple of democracy' and said he was honoured to speak as 'a representative of the mother of democracy.' He said he brought greetings from 1.4 billion Indians. He thanked Namibia for sending cheetahs to India, saying, 'I am grateful to you for sending the cheetahs. They have sent a message to you — 'Everything is fine.' They are having a great time here.' The prime minister recalled India's support during Namibia's independence movement. 'Even before our own independence, India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations. It was an Indian lieutenant general, Dewan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia. India is proud to have stood with you — not just in words, but in action.' PM Modi also congratulated Namibia on recently electing its first woman president. Drawing a parallel, he said, 'We understand and share your pride. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Red Hat simplifies virtualization to drive business innovation CIO | AWS Undo In India, we too proudly say madam president. The constitution of India gave a daughter of a poor tribal family the opportunity to become president of the world's largest democracy. And someone like me, born into a poor family, the chance to be prime minister — not once, but three times. Those who have nothing, have the guarantee of the constitution.' Prime minister Modi was earlier conferred Namibia's highest civilian award during the visit. He said the gesture was a 'symbol of friendship between our peoples.' Comparing the India–Namibia bond to the country's national plant, he said, 'Like the Welwitschia Mirabilis, our friendship grows stronger with time.' Looking ahead, the prime minsiter emphasised India's commitment to Namibia's development goals. 'We not only value our ties from the past, but we are focused on the future. We see great value in working together on Namibia vision 2030 and the Harambee prosperity plan. Over 1,700 Namibians have benefitted from scholarships and training programmes in India.' PM Modi ended his Namibia speech to loud cheers and chants of 'Modi, Modi' from parliamentarians.


Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Optical illusion: Is it circles or rectangles?
Optical illusions reveal the fascinating ways our brains interpret visual information, often differing from reality. The Coffer illusion, named Best Illusion of 2006, challenges perception, prompting viewers to see either rectangles or circles. Cultural background and environmental exposure significantly influence what we perceive, highlighting that our interpretation of the world is subjective. Life is not all black and white after all. Well, not according to scientists at least. Though we may think that the world is exactly as we see it, studies about optical illusion suggest that it is far more complex. Optical illusion is the best way to challenge the brain. This optical illusion will give you a run for your money. Created by Stanford vision scientist Anthony Norcia, this optical illusion, known as the Coffer illusion, was crowned the Best Illusion of 2006. This illusion will certainly leave you in circles. It's complex, just like the world, and will push you to look beyond what you see. What are optical illusions An optical illusion is a fascinating phenomenon where the human brain finds it difficult to understand visual information, causing us to perceive images differently from reality. These illusions come in all sizes and shapes! There are patterns, colours, shapes, or motions that deceive the eyes. Optical illusions reveal the complex interplay between our eyes and brain. They are the best examples to understand how perception is not always an accurate reflection of the physical world. Let the game begin (Pic courtesy: X/ @DrGBuckingham) Now for the moment we all were waiting for. Don't worry this is more than just a visual trick. Consider this illusion as a window into how culture, experience, and biology play a role in shaping perception. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Look at this Coffer illusion. Do you see rectangles or circles? Don't worry, there's no right or wrong answer here. This illusion shows that the perception is shaped by many factors, including cultural background. A recent study by researchers at the London School of Economics examined how different cultures perceive the Coffer illusion. Participants from the United States and the United Kingdom were more likely to see rectangles first. However, people from rural communities in Namibia were more likely to see circles. Researchers believe this difference comes from environmental exposure. People in Western, urban societies, often referred to as 'WEIRD' (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic), grow up in built environments filled with straight lines and right angles. On the other hand, rural Namibians live in areas where rounded forms, such as circular huts. Tamil Kids Poem: Nursery Song in Tamil 'Sick' What's the answer though (Pic courtesy: X/ @DrGBuckingham) The right answer for you is what you saw. It could be rectangles or circles. At first glance, people see a grid of rectangles. But if you look closer, you will be able to see a set of 16 circles slowly emerge from the background. Don't doubt your brain, it may just be doing what it does best - perceiving the world on its own terms.


New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Namibia's Windhoek Islamic Centre names madrasah after Tuanku Syed Faizuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: The Windhoek Islamic Centre has named its madrasah the Faizuddin Academy for Ilm and Dzikr in honour of Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. The naming was a culmination of an effort by the Charge d'Affaires of Malaysia to Namibia, Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, in recognition of the Regent of Perlis' contribution in kind and cash to the Windhoek Islamic Centre, which administers the affairs of the Muslim community in Namibia. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin's two-year contribution included a soup kitchen to the needy after Friday prayers, said Rameez in a statement on Sunday. He said the Raja Muda of Perlis, through Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ), would also provide scholarships to Namibian Muslim students to pursue their tertiary studies in Perlis, Malaysia beginning this September. Thus far, four Namibians have been accepted to pursue their Islamic tertiary studies at UniSIRAJ, said Rameez. At the naming ceremony, the chair conveyed a heartfelt gratitude from the Windhoek Islamic Centre to Malaysia - a non-Arab and non-African country - for its assistance since Islam took root in Namibia through its first batch of indigenous Muslim converts in 1979. Rameez hoped that the madrasah would serve as a starting point for the dissemination of Islamic teachings to help the people of Namibia understand Islam's role in creating a united, peaceful, and harmonious society in Namibia. – Bernama


First Post
03-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Namibia Holds First Genocide Remembrance, Presses Germany for Justice Firstpost Africa
Namibia Holds First Genocide Remembrance, Presses Germany for Justice | Firstpost Africa | N18G Namibia Holds First Genocide Remembrance, Presses Germany for Justice | Firstpost Africa | N18G Namibia has observed its first-ever Genocide Remembrance Day, honoring the victims of the Herero and Nama genocide carried out by German colonial forces over a century ago. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed between 1904 and 1908, during which tens of thousands of Namibians were killed or displaced. As part of the commemoration, Namibian leaders renewed calls for justice and formal reparations from Germany, urging acknowledgment and accountability for the historic crimes. This remembrance highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and healing in Namibia's journey toward justice and reconciliation. Watch for full details. See More


Eyewitness News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
NGO says South Africans can relate to struggles Namibians faced
CAPE TOWN - A local NGO has highlighted the importance of showing support to Namibia as it marks its first Genocide Commemoration Day. To demonstrate this, activists in Cape Town staged a protest outside the German consulate. The day is meant to remember the more than 50,000 Herero and close to 10,000 Nama people who were killed by German military forces between 1904 and 1908. Under German rule, land was also confiscated from the indigenous people. Bettie Fortuin, from the Working On Farms project, said that South Africans could relate to the struggles Namibians faced. "That's why we are in solidarity with the Namibians and also Palestine because we know, we still feel it inside ourselves to be evicted, and to be murdered and to be chased away from your homeland."