Latest news with #StJoseph'sCollege
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: Bong Bangalored!
Despite Those Oodles And Oodles Of Puddles, My Love For The City Keeps Growing By The Month Standing on the balcony of our hotel room near Langford Gardens, the 'beat' emanating from those heavy-duty loudspeakers on St Joseph's College campus was unmistakable. Chart-busting Eurodance group Vengaboys was performing live, and my sister and I were thrilled that those Rotterdam guys were closer than we thought – 'right here, right now'! For, until then, the closest bond we struck with such foot-stomping stuff as'Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom', or 'We're Going to Ibiza' was only through the medium of the ubiquitous audio CD. And here they were – playing live. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru That was the winter of 2000, and I was on my first visit to Bengaluru, then Bangalore. Coming from Calcutta, now Kolkata, a city better known for staging the venerated annual Indian classical music fest, The Dover Lane Music Conference, than playing host to western pop soirees, what struck me that January night was the large number of youngsters making a beeline for the concert venue at the college ground. Their energy, verve, tenor were so steeped in an inescapable urgency to live life to the fullest that it reminded me of what one of my JNU classmates had once told me. Knowing full well that I'd invariably be booking my Rajdhani ticket to Calcutta to respond to the allure of that autumnal zest that Bengalis love to refer to as 'Pujo', Jeesha Menon, a true-blue Bangalorean and diehard fan of Mahesh Dattani's theatre, told me: 'Skip the 'Pujo' once, Das, and come to Bangalore. 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 Promise you a cracker.' Jeesha's invitation was politely turned down because being in Delhi had already made me too homesick to look for greener pastures other than Calcutta, but standing on that Langford Gardens hotel balcony on a chilly night in Bengaluru and watching those youngsters turn up for the Vengaboys concert made me realise what she had probably meant many moons back. Jump cut to the summer of 2023. I return to Bengaluru, this time with a new job at TOI. Lo and behold. The conceptual construct of a quaint, chic, stylish city -- based on what I had seen, heard and felt almost a quarter of a century ago -- was jolted by a reality check marked by potholed roads, abrasive driving, rush-hour road rage, all-too-frequent power cuts, dry taps and never-ending infra work pushing Bengaluru's brand equity as a 'Garden City' to the backburner, with invisible 'work-in-progress' boards hung all over. Worse still, on the very first weekend after I landed here, my run-in with an auto driver off Brigade Road, who roundly abused me with expletives in Hindi, made me wonder whether it's the same city that had so impressed me with its sobriety and sophistication back in 2000 or, for that matter, the metropolis that Jeesha would go ga-ga about over umpteen cups of tea at JNU's 'intellectual hotbed' called Ganga Dhaba. Yet, beyond the hustle bustle and the rough and tumble of this many-splendoured and often-misunderstood city lies the wider canvas of a melting pot, an 'existential angst' that shocks and enamours in equal measures. If you opt to be numbed by the 'shock', then you'd certainly miss out on the finer points of life that this city offers. And, if you prefer to only gloss over the endearing factors and live in denial of the squalor, you'd probably be denying yourself the other half of a lived experience – an experience that rolls detachment and engagement, love and indifference, agony and ecstasy into one composite whole like a Roman Polanski film. Remember 'Bitter Moon'? Quite like the 1992 Hugh Grant classic, present-day Bengaluru makes you feel that you are the victim and the torturer – all at once. Retribution can only come through accepting the fact that given those millions who have descended upon this city from all over the country to call this place their second home, self included, Bengaluru has been stretched to its maximum to make us all feel welcome and wanted. The collaterals are concomitants. The 'existential angst' was all too palpable when those 11 RCB fans lost their lives, trying to accord a heroes' welcome to the 2025 IPL champions. Many would question: 'Is this Bangalore? Whither Bangalore?' Personally speaking, those deaths, unfortunate as they were, perhaps bore one of the surest signs of a city having far extended its reach and appeal beyond its immediate geo-cultural template and emerge a lodestone for a much wider, varied audience – an audience bent on soaking up life even in all its frailties and perils. Having spent two years in this city now, I can say this without a modicum of doubt that the abusive auto driver off Brigade Road, for me, is an islet of aberrance, an air-pocket of turbulence, but certainly not an apocalyptic wind system that would knock the daylights out of me. Better still, I'd root for that auto captain who agreed to drop me to Richmond Circle from Garuda Mall for Rs 90, but as I was about to scan the QR code upon reaching the destination, said out of his own volition, 'Sir, 80 de do' (give me just 80), realizing that the evening traffic down Richmond Road wasn't all that bad. As I mentioned earlier, Bengaluru for me is a melting pot of cultures, of identities, of a shared sense of belonging – much like what I had experienced in Dubai during my nearly two decades of living and working there. Quite like that charming UAE emirate, the Karnataka capital continues to roll out the red carpet to all those who keep streaming into this 'IT hub' in search of a better way of life and, perhaps, for more love per square foot. Add to that the city's culinary delights, its vast patches of green that are unparallelled anywhere in India, its vibrant, pulsating nightlife, and, most of all, a god-gifted weather that doesn't punctuate conjugal bliss with the threat of 'kinetic action' unleashed over whether the room AC should be set at 18 or 24 at bedtime! On a more personal note, did I tell you that I've rekindled my love for vinyl after moving to this city? That record store on MG Road is such a treasure trove that I ended up buying a vinyl player, breathing new life into a childhood fascination – quite like revisiting those yellow, worn-out pages of a long-forgotten Scrap Book. Though I continue to be a Bong at heart who's not ready to trade his 'mishti doi' for a plate of 'obbattu' – not yet, that is – I must still confess I'm besotted by Mysore Pak and delectable, slicky masala dosas, washed down with fresh filter coffee at some of those iconic Bengaluru eateries. For me, this city is as much about its pain pit-stops as it is about its pleasure points. So, I'll continue to fret and fume behind the wheel as I negotiate oodles and oodles of puddles on a rain-soaked, bumpy drive down Bannerghatta Road, but quietly assuaging the frustration with this hope that the next visit to my favourite lounge bar atop World Trade Center or the next play at Rangashankara is just a weekend away. Quantum of solace. Life's good.
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Kerala Student Creates Eco-Friendly Pen To Reduce Plastic Waste
Amala Jose, a college student from Idukki, Kerala, has created an innovative biodegradable pen called PenCanvas, aiming to reduce plastic waste caused by everyday items, Onmanorama News. A former Business Management student at St Joseph's College, Moolamattom, Amala developed the idea during her studies. "During my second year, I attended a seminar at the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Kochi, where bioplastics and biopolymers were discussed. That session sparked the idea," Amala told the news portal. With support from her mentors, Dr Sharon Lee Jose from the Management Department and Dr. Robin John from the Physics Department, Amala explored sustainable materials and successfully created an eco-friendly alternative to regular plastic pens. "Sustainable materials are the future. Amala's participation in various events, including industry visits and seminars organised through the Kerala Startup Mission's RINK (Research Innovation Network Kerala) platform, gave her exposure to real-world innovation," said Dr Robin John. Her college's incubation centre, Novation Nexus, played a vital role in turning the idea into a market-ready product. PenCanvas is now gaining attention for its contribution to sustainable innovation. Initiatives like this need to be promoted, as plastic waste has become a massive issue, with microplastics now infiltrating the human body while 2,000 garbage trucks' worth of plastic pollution pours into oceans, rivers, and lakes daily, according to the UN. This global problem threatens ecosystems, livelihoods, and human well-being. Annually, 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste contaminate aquatic ecosystems, altering habitats and exacerbating climate change. The environmental, social, economic, and health risks of plastics must be assessed alongside other stressors like climate change and ecosystem degradation. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate the devastating impact of plastic pollution.
The Print
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Kelulu Dawhuo crowned Miss Universe Nagaland 2025
Dawhuo, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at St Joseph's College, Jakhama, impressed the judges and audience alike, triumphing over 13 other finalists to clinch the coveted title. The beauty pageant was organised under the aegis of the Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN), drawing enthusiastic participation and a vibrant audience. Kohima, Jun 10 (PTI) Kelulu Dawhuo, a 19-year-old model representing the Chakhesang tribe, was crowned Miss Universe Nagaland 2025 in a glittering grand finale held at the RCEMPA in Jotsoma near Kohima on Tuesday evening. She had earlier secured the second runner-up position at Miss Nagaland 2024, and currently holds the title of Miss Kohima 2024. Following her latest victory, she will now represent Nagaland at the upcoming Miss Universe India pageant, expected to be held later this year. The crown for first runner-up went to reigning Miss Nagaland 2024, Anon Konyak A, while first time contestant Teilih Konyak was named second runner-up. A total of 14 contestants vied for the prestigious Miss Universe Nagaland 2025 title, judged by a panel that included Rhea Singha, the reigning Miss Universe India 2024, and Amjad Khan, Director of Franchise Operations, Miss Universe India. Adding to the glamour was a special appearance by Ruopfuzano Whiso, the outgoing Miss Universe Nagaland 2024 and fourth-place winner at Miss Universe India 2024. PTI NBS ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Mint
01-06-2025
- General
- Mint
Meet the folks packaging Meghalaya's indigenous rice beer
While the North-East has a long tradition of brewing rice to make beer and wine, efforts to brand and bottle them are yet to catch on. The relative success of fermented rice beverage brands like Judima and Xaj from Assam has now brought young entrepreneurs from Meghalaya to package and promote the local rice beer of West Garo Hills—chubitchi or bitchi. Startups such as 7 United run by Keenan K. Marak and Chuchekra by Tengnang D. Sangma are trying to preserve the heritage drink and reach a wider market. Bitchi is made using a starter culture or yeast that has been passed down for generations. It is this yeast that makes it lighter and milder compared to most other rice beers in the North-East. Locals also use a special earthenware jar called diktom that stores the sticky rice while it ferments. 'We received a GI tag for bitchi in 2024, and therefore only rice grown in these hills can be used to make it. The sweet and smoky taste is unique to the rice beer from these parts," says Marak. Sangma says that the early makers divided the spirit into gender-specific terms, making it one of the only spirits to be classified into male and female sections, depending on its flavour. 'If the bitchi tastes bitter, it is known as Bitchi Bipa (male) and if it tastes sweet, it is called Bitchi Bima (female)," he says and adds, 'The diktom jar is considered as female genitalia inside which bitchi is created and is called as the brew of the gods passed down to humanity." Every village in Garo Hills celebrates their harvest festival known as Wangala where bitchi is distributed to appease Minima Rokimi, the local deity of rain, prosperity and fertility. The yeast used to make bitchi is used to mark the face during weddings, birthdays and funerals. 'Even today, if you go to smaller villages, you will be treated with bitchi and not tea," says Marak. The idea to bottle bitchi came to both entrepreneurs during the covid-19 pandemic. Marak had just graduated from St Joseph's College in Bengaluru before heading back home during the lockdown. He started making fruit wines and moved to rice beer. The first couple of iterations learnt from YouTube went horribly wrong and made him realise he needed to learn from the local communities. Also read: The new wave of North-East Indian food in Andheri 'It took me around four months to learn the process. I realised the younger generation was out of touch with their tradition, so I decided to make a trendy rice beer," says 26-year-old Marak, who put up an Instagram post in August 2022 about the product, and got hundreds of followers overnight enquiring where they could buy it. 7 United is the first bottled bitchi and comes in an aluminium can instead of regular glass bottles. Marak says he studied cola and beer brands, and wanted to prevent glass breakage, especially since he adds extra carbonation to the spirit to make it easier to drink, and bring down the ABV to 7%. The brand is available in Tura in West Garo Hills, and debuted in Shillong last year. Marak has also applied for a grant from the state government to launch a new variant even as he eyes Assam next after selling 28,000 cans last year. For 34-year-old Sangma, who is an anthropologist and musician, the workings of the Garo community, especially the way they treat their yeast used to make bitchi, like a family heirloom, drove him to start Chuchekra. 'It's an old word that many people have forgotten, but it's the literal term for storing bitchi," he says. Chuchekra is made from the first extract of the distilled rice after it is stored in a diktom jar for one month. The brand launched in 2022 and is available by direct order or at cultural festivals and local events in Shillong—they make about 4,000 litres a year. He is also keen to serve traditional bitchi without adding carbonation, and looking to expand to Himachal Pradesh next, followed by Goa and Bengaluru.. The potential for rice beers is seemingly huge given that soju and sake, with similar taste profiles, are still in the nascent stages of adoption for the wider Indian audience. At a conference last month in Vienna, Marak took a few cans for sampling and was blown away by the response. 'When you say rice beer, most people automatically think of soju or sake, but as Indians, we are never proud of what we already have. This product can change global perspectives," he says. With a consolidated movement towards popularising heritage spirits in the North-East and young, passionate founders looking to expand in India and beyond, it's time this unique rice beer gets its due. Also read: North-East food creators get candid on cuisine Priyanko Sarkar is a Mumbai-based writer covering the F&B industry.
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Teacher caught having sex with pupil in car writes kid's book on 'bad choices'
Eppie Sprung, from Scotland, was struck off the teaching register for sleeping with a student. Now, she is writing a book which states 'making bad choices doesn't make you a bad person' A former teacher who was caught having sex with a male pupil in her car has written a children's book to help other parents tell their kids about something they did wrong in the past. Eppie Sprung, from Scotland, was banned from teaching after she carried out the sickening crime with a dyslexic teenager, aged 17. The married educator, who worked at St Joseph's College in Dumfries, had agreed to give the boy additional lessons. She was busted for having an affair after she was spotted half-naked with him in a layby. She was placed onto the sex offenders register with a six-month community payback order after she pleaded guilty to a breach of trust. Now, she is hoping to use her experience to build communication between parents and their kids. The slogan of her book states: "You and I know that making bad choices doesn't make you a bad person." The story centres around a conversation between two bears (a parent and a child), in which the parent tells the child about choices from their past that are still impacting on their lives today. The child asks questions and the parent answers as best they can. In a recent blog post titled: "Not a Monster, a Mum", Sprung confirmed that she was motivated to write the book before having own children, reports Daily Record. She said: "One day, they're going to learn to type things into internet search engines and they're going see my name emblazoned across tabloids - Eppie Sprung: Sex Offender. I realised that I was going to have to handle talking to my children about my conviction very carefully. So, I put pen to paper and 'Here, with you' is my attempt to fill that gap." Back in 2012 officers spotted the married teacher, who was 26 at the time, parked in a layby with the pupil after noticing condensations on her car windows. She split from her husband of two years after the incident and the pupil moved in with her. Their relationship came to an end in 2015. Sprung has since attempted to share messages of remorse and rehabilitation, including starting a charity for ex-offenders called 'Next Chaper Scotland'. Her book release comes just months after she sparked controversy for whining about the 'stigma' surrounding her conviction in a call-in to BBC Radio One. The mother-of-two, who has since remarried, complained about the judgement she faces due to living with a criminal record and told how she doesn't "get invited to kids parties". She previously said she found it difficult to move on with her life and said media coverage of the case meant potential employers were "concerned I bring with me a reputational risk". She added: "Everybody knew who I was." Sprung said a bar owner "took a punt on me" after her conviction. She was later offered a job at a charity before setting up Next Chapter Scotland. The venture was handed thousands from the public purse through a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, which she says will help those with criminal records 'navigate discrimination'.
