Latest news with #VSS


Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
‘Translating Chitampalli's work will bring wider recognition he deserves'
Nagpur: Padma Shri Maruti Chitampalli, fondly known as Aranya Rishi, and revered for bringing Maharashtra's forests alive through his words, was paid heartfelt tributes in Nagpur on Friday. The condolence meeting organised by Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh (VSS) at Ameya Hall turned into an emotional homage, with speakers unanimously describing Chitampalli as a literary figure of global calibre whose legacy deserves to transcend linguistic boundaries. VSS president Pradeep Date presided over the meeting. On stage were prominent editors and personalities, including Shrimant Mane (editor, Lokmat), Shailesh Pande (editor, Tarun Bharat), Shripad Aparajit (editor, Maharashtra Times), Pramod Kalbande (editor, Sakal), ornithologist Dr Anil Pimpalapure, retired forest officer Kishor Mishrikotkar, and former information officer Anil Gadekar. Speakers drew comparisons between Chitampalli's writing and world-renowned nature writers like American naturalist Henry David Thoreau and English author Ruskin Bond. Yet, as many pointed out, while Chitampalli's works are of international standard, they have remained 'local' purely because they are available only in Marathi. "Translating at least ten of his select works into other languages would be the truest tribute we can pay him," several speakers suggested. Dr Anil Pimpalapure described Chitampalli as a writer with extraordinary observational skills and gentle, nuanced prose. "He worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between environmental science and society," he said. He proposed naming the Ambazari Biodiversity Park in Nagpur after Chitampalli as a fitting tribute. Retired forest officer Kishor Mishrikotkar reflected on Chitampalli's unique ability to teach people how to 'walk through and read the forest'. "If you want to understand the jungle, you must walk through it on foot. He taught us how to write in a simple, scientific, and evidence-based manner," Mishrikotkar said. He proposed naming the Navegaon Tiger Project after Chitampalli, instituting an award in his name, and establishing a memorial at Navegaon, his karmabhoomi. Shripad Aparajit called Chitampalli a true 'Vansakha' — a friend of the forest — and emphasised that compiling a comprehensive collection of his writings would be the ideal homage. Shrimant Mane highlighted Chitampalli's pioneering concepts like jungle reading and forest reading and credited him for bringing medicinal uses of trees to public awareness. Pramod Kalbande said Chitampalli's work helped people understand forests, birds, animals, and ecological intricacies, calling for more scientific study of his writings. Shailesh Pande observed that Chitampalli lived as an integral part of the forest ecosystem. In his presidential remarks, Pradeep Date said Chitampalli carved a 'green path' in Marathi literature through his intimate connection with nature. In his introductory address, Anil Gadekar traced Chitampalli's remarkable journey, recalling how Vidarbha embraced his literature and how VSS once honoured him by naming him the president of its literary convention. The condolence meet saw participation from various literary and environmental personalities, including Vilas Manekar, Dr Pinak Dande, Ashutosh Shewalkar, Prakash Edlabadkar, and Teerthraj Kapgate.


Daily Record
25-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Dedicated Prestwick volunteer left speechless seconds before meeting top royal
Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow. A voluntary worker has revealed how she was left speechless... seconds before meeting HRH The Princess Royal to collect an award. Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow. The Princess Royal, who is the Patron of the charity, visited to celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025 as well as Victim Support Scotland's 40th anniversary. Margaret won the Volunteer Impact Award, having been nominated and voted on by VSS colleagues and service users. 'I couldn't believe it when my name was read out,' she said. 'I was truly speechless, which is most unlike me! 'And what an honour to be presented by The Princess Royal, I'm well chuffed.' Staff and volunteers were also praised for their long service, receiving awards for five years all the way up to an incredible 28 years as a volunteer and 35 as a staff member. The Princess Royal warmly addressed all attendees, commending them for the support offered to victims of all crimes across Scotland for the past 40 years, and for the many years to come. The festival focused on celebrating volunteering at VSS and the positive impact volunteers have on the lives of people impacted by crime. Staff and volunteers took part in workshops designed to improve wellbeing, communication, and mentoring skills. James Whyte, Head of Volunteering at Victim Support Scotland, said: 'It was a real treat for our volunteers to meet The Princess Royal, and we are incredibly grateful for the support she has shown as our Patron and the interest taken in the vital support we provide to people impacted by crime in Scotland. 'This festival focused on celebrating the amazing contribution of our volunteers and the staff who support them every day. 'Our volunteers are often supporting people going through the most difficult time in their lives, and at VSS we want to let them know that they are appreciated and valued - not only by the people we support, but by the entire organisation.' Victim Support Scotland is an independent, volunteer-led charity that provides emotional, practical, and trauma-informed support to individuals and families dealing with the impact of any type of crime in Scotland. Volunteers guide victims and witnesses through the court process, provide emotional support, signpost specialist services, or simply listen to people who often feel isolated and unheard in the criminal justice system. VSS has volunteers in communities across Scotland offering in-person support, alongside a helpline and webchat service that can provide support remotely. The other award winners were: Rachel Duncan - Spirit of VSS (Lochgelly) and Julie Farish - New Volunteer (Cumbernauld).


CNA
20-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Google offers to tweak search results to promote rivals, stave off EU antitrust fine, documents show
BRUSSELS :Alphabet's Google has proposed more changes to its search results to better showcase rivals in a bid to stave off a possible hefty EU antitrust fine, according to documents seen by Reuters. Google's latest proposal came three months after the European Commission charged the U.S. tech giant with favouring its own services such as Google Shopping, Google Hotels and Google Flights over rivals in breach of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The landmark DMA sets out a list of dos and don'ts for Big Tech aimed at reining in their power and giving rivals more room to compete and consumers more choices. Under Google's new proposal a vertical search service (VSS) selected on objective and non-discriminatory criteria would get its own box at the top of the search page with the same format, information and features as Google's, the document said. The box would contain three direct links picked by the VSS, to hotels, airlines, restaurants and transport. Other VSS, which are specialised search engines within Google, would be ranked below but without a box unless users click on them. "We do not agree with the (Commission's) preliminary findings' position but, on a without prejudice basis, we want to find a workable solution to resolve the present proceedings," the documents sent by both Google and the Commission to the rivals said. The rivals will provide feedback at a July 8 meeting called by the Commission. A number of rivals, who did not want to be named ahead of the meeting, told Reuters that the changes still do not go far enough to ensure a level playing field.


Reuters
20-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Google offers to tweak search results to promote rivals, stave off EU antitrust fine, documents show
BRUSSELS, June 20 (Reuters) - Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Google has proposed more changes to its search results to better showcase rivals in a bid to stave off a possible hefty EU antitrust fine, according to documents seen by Reuters. Google's latest proposal came three months after the European Commission charged the U.S. tech giant with favouring its own services such as Google Shopping, Google Hotels and Google Flights over rivals in breach of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The landmark DMA sets out a list of dos and don'ts for Big Tech aimed at reining in their power and giving rivals more room to compete and consumers more choices. Under Google's new proposal a vertical search service (VSS) selected on objective and non-discriminatory criteria would get its own box at the top of the search page with the same format, information and features as Google's, the document said. The box would contain three direct links picked by the VSS, to hotels, airlines, restaurants and transport. Other VSS, which are specialised search engines within Google, would be ranked below but without a box unless users click on them. "We do not agree with the (Commission's) preliminary findings' position but, on a without prejudice basis, we want to find a workable solution to resolve the present proceedings," the documents sent by both Google and the Commission to the rivals said. The rivals will provide feedback at a July 8 meeting called by the Commission. A number of rivals, who did not want to be named ahead of the meeting, told Reuters that the changes still do not go far enough to ensure a level playing field.


Glasgow Times
20-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Volunteers supporting crime victims praised by Princess Royal
More than 100 volunteers and staff from Victim Support Scotland (VSS) were honoured by her visit at the annual OneVSS Volunteering Festival on June 12. Princess Anne, who is the charity's patron, was there to celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025 and the 40th anniversary of VSS. A group of 12 volunteers had the chance to meet her and discuss their roles as well as challenges faced by victims and witnesses of crime. Read more: 'Mmm yummy': Marti Pellow reveals city's 'best' spot for mac and cheese Man dies on beach after 'taking unwell' Date of first Rangers vs Celtic 2025/26 Scottish Premiership fixture confirmed Numerous awards were given to staff and volunteers in categories such as Volunteer Mentor, Volunteer Impact, New Volunteer, Colleague Support, and Spirit of VSS. They were also commended for their long service, with some having dedicated 28 years as volunteers and 35 years as staff members. The Princess Royal praised the attendees, acknowledging the support they have offered to victims of crime across Scotland for four decades. James Whyte, head of volunteering at VSS, said: "It was a real treat for our volunteers to meet The Princess Royal, and we are incredibly grateful for the support she has shown as our patron and the interest taken in the vital support we provide to people impacted by crime in Scotland. "This festival focused on celebrating the amazing contribution of our volunteers, and the staff who support them every day. "Our volunteers are often supporting people going through the most difficult time in their lives, and at VSS we want to let them know that they are appreciated and valued - not only by the people we support but by the entire organisation." Victim Support Scotland is an independent, volunteer-led charity that provides emotional, practical, and trauma-informed support to individuals and families dealing with the impact of crime in Scotland. Volunteers guide victims and witnesses through the court process, provide emotional support, signpost specialist services, or simply listen to those who feel isolated and unheard in the criminal justice system.