Category Archives: Education

PSBB celebrates diamond jubilee

Education, Records, All

The PSBB Group of schools celebrated their diamond jubilee on Wednesday in an event where the the history of the school and its journey so far was brought to the fore.

R. Ravichander, Group President (Business & Development) South, YES Bank, who presided over the event, recalled the growth of the school from a thatched roof at the home of the founder Mrs. Y.G. Parthasarathy, with just 15 students, to the institution that it is today with 7,600 students.

“Mrs. YGP will always be the lady of many firsts as she was the first entrepreneur in education,” he said. Mr. Ravichander was a part of the first batch of students at PSBB.

S. Vaidhyasubramaniam, Dean of Sastra University, and another alumnus of the school, donated ₹9 lakh towards a corpus fund for Sastra PSBB Action For Refreshing Knowledge (SPARK).

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Y.G. Parthasarathy, credited the teachers of the institutions for the school’s journey.

A diamond jubilee planner was unveiled by Deputy Dean and Director of the institutions Sheela Rajendraa. Along with it, a logo to commemorate the milestone. A video screening presented some of the notable alumni who passed from the school, a press release said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – February 23rd, 2017

Snooker Champion: He Started with Tennis, Ended up with cue sports

Education, Records, All, Sports
Srikrishna recieving the Young Achiever award
Srikrishna recieving the Young Achiever award

Did you know that the current World Amateur Snooker Champion is a school student  from Chennai?. CE chats with Shrikrishna S on beginning out with tennis and ending up with cue sports

Chennai :

From slamming forehands on the tennis court to potting cue balls at the snooker table, young Shrikrishna S has straddled two different games successfully. The Class 11 student of National Public School is the current World Amateur Snooker Champion, the latest addition to his achievements in a short cue sports career. He was recently awarded the Young Achiever Award by Rotary Club of Madras East, where CE caught up with him for a quick chat.

His foray into cue sports happened by chance. As a child, he was more of a tennis player, but didn’t want to run a lot! He chuckles, and adds. “I chanced upon billiards when I was at the Mylapore Club where I saw my father play. I wanted to give it a try but I was told that children under 12 weren’t allowed in the room.” After some sweet talking, the member-in-charge allowed him to attempt a few balls, which he fortunately potted into the pockets. “After that, they changed the rules and height requirement for me,” he grins.

Shrikrishna’s father coached him for the first 10 months. When he started showing more promise, Nadeem Ahmed, a professional coach, took over. “He kept pushing me to improve my game and I owe a lot to him. Often, he would discuss techniques with my father and let him teach me rather than do it himself. This helped since my father had his own ideas and techniques,” says Shrikrishna.
The cueist’s record is testament to his talent. He has won a hat-trick of titles at the National U18 Billiards Championships (2015, 2016, and 2017), the National U18 Snooker Championships (2016, 2017) and also won all 6 titles in State Championships for the second consecutive year. He recently won gold at the IBSF World U21 Billiards Championship in Adelaide, Australia. “Representing the country at an international championship was a novel experience,” he shares. “I always make it a point to set targets for myself. I always try to outperform myself. Even if I lose a match, I will be satisfied if I play to my targets.”

Shrikrishna also has a regular fitness regimen, swimming daily for two hours. He attributes his weight loss and improvement in game to this and his swimming coach Shanmugham. He acknowledges the sacrifices his parents have made and says they are his personal role models. “Without them, I wouldn’t be a champion — they are my biggest supporters. I’ve also received lots of support from my teachers and faculty at school, where they’ve been very accommodative about studies and exams,” smiles the young champion. For the same reason, his first priority is on finishing his schooling, though he plans to go professional.
He is also inspired by two great contemporary sportspersons. “My role model is Christiano Ronaldo because he is a good human being. He refuses to have a tattoo because he donates blood, and he’s a lover of all sports! And even though I’ve stopped tennis, I am a big fan of Roger Federer. I often get excited watching his matches!” he grins. “Maybe once I finish with billiards, I can take it up again…” he adds thoughtfully.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Gokul M Nair / Express News Service / February 24th, 2017

Research scholars undergo training in epigraphy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education
Research students of Government Arts College attending a training programme on epigraphy at the Government Museum in Salem on Thursday. | Photo Credit:
Research students of Government Arts College attending a training programme on epigraphy at the Government Museum in Salem on Thursday. | Photo Credit:

They were taught to interpret the messages on the inscriptions

The about 45 M. Phil and Ph.D research scholars belonging to the Departments of History and Tamil of the Government Arts College in the city underwent a specialised training in epigraphy for three days at the Government Museum in the city.

C. Govindaraj, known epigraphist-cum-archaeologist, and curator of the Government Museum, Krishnagiri, was the resource person.

Mr. Govindaraj explained the earliest Brahmi script, the development and transformation of script through ages, leading to the emergence of ‘Vatta Ezhutthu’, and the later Tamil scripts with special reference to the tenth century Raja Raja Chola era.

The Brahmi script was not used by the Tamil society alone, but across the whole country.

On the first two days, the research scholars got training in identification of script and interpretation of the messages on the inscriptions. On the final day on Thursday, they were imparted practical training in estampage.

Mr. Govindaraj said that the students in the two days learnt to write Vatta Ezhuttu to a certain extent.

A similar programme held at Krishnagiri Government Museum too evoked good response, he added.

K. Subash Chandra Bose, an M.Phil scholar, said that this training programme was a good opportunity to learn about the inscriptions and Brahmi script, which will immensely benefit them in their research work.

J. Mullai Arasu, curator of the Government Museum here, said that following the success of this programme, it had been proposed to have another similar programme for the research scholars of the Government Arts College for Women shortly.

At the valediction held in the evening, A. Thennarasu, Associate Professor, Government Arts College, delivered special address.

Mr. Mullai Arasu handed over the certificates to all the participants.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Special Correspondent / Salem – February 17th, 2017

13-year-old chosen for an edu trip to Germany

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, World Opinion
Sivakami
Sivakami

Chennai :

It’s 1:30 pm. There is a flurry of activity at the Corporation Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Saidapet. As we enter the administrative cabin, head master Lyla greets us and enthusiastically says, ‘Let me call her!’ She sends news of our arrival to Sivakami, the Class 8 student who has been selected the second time for an educational trip — this time to Germany. She looks like any teenager would, but as we chat, we discover that the little girl’s ambitions and goals are deeper than what meets the eye.

This is the second time 13-year-old Sivakami has emerged the winner in the Elocution competition, ‘Wings to Fly’, organised by Rotary Club of Madras East. Reminiscing her first international educational trip to Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, Sivakami says it was a life-changing experience. “I was surprised when I won last year. I was in awe of their culture, especially the respect they give to every language. I like how they don’t mix languages. For instance, Tamil and Malay aren’t mixed with English, unlike our ‘Tanglish’ here… I wish we could learn to speak that way too! Also, the place is extremely clean; why can’t we maintain our place like that?” she says.

This year, the final competition, conducted by the club along with Goethe Institut and Greater Chennai Corporation, was themed ‘Embrace Our Rivers’. Sivakami said she felt a strong urge to protect and preserve the water bodies. “It was my father who wrote the draft of the speech for me…but the topic was extremely relatable. and I was able to add several anecdotes,” she shares.
Excited and curious about her trip to Germany in July, she says, “I have heard that the water bodies there are maintained with utmost care. I want to see how they do it. I also want to observe and analyse the public contribution towards conservation and preservation.” To her, this will be the biggest take away from the trip. “Once I am back, I will lend a hand to preserve our rivers!” she smiles.
Crediting her parents, teachers, and friends for her success, she says that she has been lucky to have their constant support. “Even if I miss classes for competitions, my teachers don’t discourage me. They say that this is the time for me to achieve. My parents also push me to give my best. My friends have been extremely patient when I rehearse my speech with them a number of times. They don’t get bored, but keep giving suggestions,” she beams.

Apart from elocution, music, writing and storytelling are Sivakami’s other interests. “I enjoy singing and I love storytelling. I come up with my own stories and improvise according to the expectations of my audience,” says the NCC junior leader. A n all-rounder, the 13-year-old wants to serve the society and lead it to a ‘better future’.
So, how does she aim to do that? “I want to become the Chief Minister! That’s my ambition. I’ve always wanted to lead people and bring about a change. I believe that success comes when you observe and listen to things around you. This way, you understand a lot and direct your followers in the right path. As CM, my focus will be on providing quality education and improving the sanitary standards in villages. I would also arrange for counselling and make people realise these are important causes,” she says.
Talking more about her other goals, she says that if not CM, she would become a doctor. “I want to serve the society. I want to spread awareness about diseases through proper counselling so that the people don’t panic,” she smiles.
As she leaves for her class, she adds, “I think dreaming of serving the place where I was born isn’t a big thing. In fact, I feel it is our duty to do so.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Roshne B / Express News Service / February 20th, 2017

FICCI launches cell to educate women on their legal rights

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

Chennai :

The next time you find yourself tangled in a legal battle concerning matrimony or succession, you can avail first-hand advice. FLO, a division of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry (FICCI), has launched a legal and advocacy cell — a pan-Indian attempt to empower women and sensitise them in their knowledge and understanding of laws relevant to their rights.
The cell in Chennai was launched last week with a series of workshops on how to file an FIR, awareness of matrimonial laws, succession and will. It was followed by comprehensive sessions by Jayanthi Natarajan and Justice M Sundar.
“The purpose of this cell is two-fold: firstly, everyone should know their rights and entitlement, and secondary, we as a chamber, want to make important policy suggestions. Pan-India, we found that there were gaps; while laws are available and there are several women who use them to their benefit, they don’t always percolate down. This legal and advocacy cell is an attempt to understand that gap and bridge it,” said Sudha Shivkumar, chairperson, FICCI FLO Chennai.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Chennai News / by Saranya Chakrapani / January 31st, 2017

Nursing student relives her life-saving moment

Amazing Feats, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All

DurgaDeviCF29jan2017

Meet 22-year old nursing student W. Durgadevi of Peranampet in Vellore district, the recipient of the prestigious Anna Medal for Gallantry, 2017, presented by Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam at an impressive Republic Day celebrations here on Thursday.

The award was in appreciation of her “timely, brave and noble act” of rescuing her classmate from drowning, as a wooden make-shift bridge over Cooum river connecting the Island Grounds in Chennai gave away in the early hours of June 5 last year.

“We were casually standing on the bridge, and suddenly, the wooden surface under our feet was going down. It was dark and we heard screams everywhere. That was when I saw my classmate G. Nandhini drowning and crying for help and I rescued her,” recalls Ms. Durgadevi.

But does Ms. Durgadevi know swimming? “No!,” she chuckles. “I don’t know how to swim but I saw many were trying to step over Nandhini and find their way to safety. I don’t know how and why, but I wanted to save her, who was crying for help,” she recalls.

Both of them were classmates doing B.Sc. Nursing at a college here and were at the Island Grounds on that day to take part in a marathon, which was organised to create awareness for breast cancer.

While her former classmate is now working as a nurse in a private hospital, Ms. Durgadevi is pursuing Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing as well as working part-time as a nurse.

“My father is my role model. I’m quite happy that he is proud of my endeavour and this award,” she says with a smile. She has four siblings, including an elder sister. Her mother is a home-maker in her native Peranampet.

The aspiring nurse says though she is proud of this award, it would in no way alter her course towards her primary goal of becoming the best nurse, who would always be available for help and care.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – January 27th, 2017

A prof’s efforts to take science out of textbook

Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Science & Technologies

Chennai :

Balloons turn into air pressure models, DVDs transform into hovercraft and kitchen utensils become devices for physics experiments. For government middle school students, many of whom are without proper science labs in their schools, these Saturday sessions stretch their imagination, thanks to the efforts of Lata Kumar, former Anna University professor.

Her ‘Curious People’ science initiative, with the help of ‘select school students who moonlight as co-instructors, involves conducting these sessions for corporation school students from Classes 6 to 8.

Although a lot of classes draw from popular encyclopaedias of home experiments, she mixes her years of physics teaching. But why only middle school students? “Middle school is the right time to learn basic concepts in science visually and through hands-on experiments. Class 6 is when science is broken down into sub-branches. So we target those students,” says Kumar. Experiments are intended to expose students to science and kindle their inquisitive spirit. Topics like ‘light’ and ‘heat’ are learned from candle-glass experiments; botany is iodine-on-leaf test; and chemistry with ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.

Kumar says corporation schools in the city have been open to her ideas. Children improve social skills by interacting with their peers. The real driver, she says, is the general misconception about state board science syllabus not being good enough. “When I started designing the programme, I found the state board imitating CBSE. It is the teaching method and the way exams are conducted that need change. Only that can inspire real interest in the subject.”

Manoj Suresh, a Class 12 student of Akshar Arbol school who is a volunteer, explains a lesson. Children are told how laws of physics from acceleration to mass affect an action like a football kick. It is taught while they play the game .

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Chennai News / by Amrutha Varshini / TNN / December 03rd, 2016

The game is on

Education, Records, All, World Opinion

Eighteen students from the city are taking part in the Tournament of Champions at Yale University

On November 18, over 3,500 students from 50 different schools around the world will gather at Yale University, U.S., to take part in the Tournament of Champions. And, while that might sound like a jousting challenge, this is part of the World Scholar’s Cup, where the kids will parry their knowledge and intelligence, hone their talents and discover new ones.

It is on this international stage that 18 students from Chennai will be competing. They’ve made it through some rigorous regional and global rounds, and are making their way to Yale this week. Trained by Shaan Katari Libby of A to Zee Creativity, this is the first time that such a large contingent has made it to the tournament in the last 10 years.

Says Shaan, “We’re very proud of these kids for working so hard. At the World Scholar’s Cup, they will have the chance to interact with and learn directly from Yale students and faculty. Last year, we had three students who went to Yale, although six had qualified. This year has been very special so far; hopefully, they will do their country and their schools proud.”

To begin with, the students did the Regionals in Chennai in April 2016, and qualified for the Global Round by placing in the top 15 per cent. “This led to the Globals in Bangkok / Prague, where they competed against 3,000-plus students in each division (Seniors/Juniors) from around the world. They placed in the top 10 per cent, which meant qualification for the Tournament of Champions at Yale,” explains Shaan. They will compete in teams of three.

The schools in the A to Zee Creativity delegation are Sishya, KC High, DAV Boys, DAV Girls, P.S. Senior Secondary and Chennai Public School.

The participating students are Adam Libby, Anirudh Satish, Srinika Rajanikanth, Vichar Lochan, Nila Srinivas, Hrsh Venket, Sanjith Krishna, Vivaaan Nanavati, Tejas Narayan, Ridhi Agarwal, Vanshika Bhaiya, Rohan Manoj, Vipasha Gupta, Tarasha Dugar, Udhav Goenka, Guhan Kallapiran, Vedant Mimani and Naveen Varma.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Opinion> Features> Metroplus / Susanna Myrtle Lazarus / Chennai – November 15th, 2016

Scholars from Finland and Canada share Sastra Ramanujan prize

Amazing Feats, Education, Records, All, World Opinion

Thanjavur :

The 2016 SASTRA Ramanujan prize, for outstanding contributions by young mathematicians to areas influenced by the genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, will be jointly awarded to Kaisa Matomaki of University of Turku, Finland and Maksym Radziwill of McGill University, Canada, SASTRA University announced on Thursday.

scholarscf16oct2016

The University release said the duo’s works have opened the door to a series of breakthroughs on some difficult questions such as the Erdös discrepancy problem and Chowla’s conjecture, previously believed to be well beyond reach. The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize was established in 2005 and is awarded annually for outstanding contributions by young mathematicians to areas  influenced by Srinivasa Ramanujan.

The age limit for the prize has been set at 32 because Ramanujan achieved so much in his brief life of 32 years. The prize will be awarded during December 21-22, 2016, at the International Conference on Number Theory at SASTRA University in Kumbakonam (Ramanujan’s hometown) where the prize has been given annually.
Matomäki and Radziwill will share the $10,000 prize this year. They are especially recognised for their spectacular collaboration, and also for their significant individual contributions.

Kaisa Matomäki is one of the strongest young analytic number theorists in the world today.
MaksymRadziwill is one of the very best of the new generation of analytic number theorists, highly original, and technically one of the strongest and broadest.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / October 13th, 2016

Book released in legal luminary’s honour

Education, Leaders
Befitting Tribute:Chief Justice of Madras High Court Sanjay Kishan Kaul (third from left) hands over the first copy of the book Law & Dharma to N.R. Madhava Menon, Chancellor, Central University, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday. —Photo: M. Vedhan
Befitting Tribute:Chief Justice of Madras High Court Sanjay Kishan Kaul (third from left) hands over the first copy of the book Law & Dharma to N.R. Madhava Menon, Chancellor, Central University, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday. —Photo: M. Vedhan

Eminent personalities drawn from various fields showered rich encomiums on one of the country’s well known legal luminaries and former Attorney-General of India K. Parasaran, who turned 90, at a function held here where a book was released in his honour.

Participating in the event, Madras High Court Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said, “We are living in troubled times. The process of evolution is on, which must take care to preserve our heritage and yet advance ours as a modern society. Eminence, scholastic ability and honesty of purpose above all has to be the hallmark of both a judge and a lawyer. Shri. Parasaran epitomises all these qualities. He can provide guidance and light to the younger members of the Bar and even to the Bench.”

The book Law & Dharma: A tribute to the Pitamaha of the Indian Bar was authored by three students of SASTRA University and was released in honour of Mr. Parasaran. Chief Justice Kaul released the book and the first copy was received by legal education expert and Chancellor of Central University in Chhattisgarh, N.R. Madhava Menon.

Mr. Menon said Mr. Parasaran was a combination of professionalism with humaneness and simplicity with spirituality.

Noted political commentator S. Gurumurthy, who is also research professor of Legal Anthropology at SASTRA University, recalled an anecdote of how Mr. Parasaran chose to withdraw from appearing for the Central government in 1980s when it refused to honour the orders of the courts in a particular case.

Mr. Parasaran, too, recalled several incidents in his life and in the life of his advocate father, and exhorted the need to remain conscious of dharma while taking decisions. Noting that capitation fee in educational institutions was an issue concerning the students, he said parents felt helpless while the government said it had no funds and there the dharma was lacking.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / Special Correspondent / Chennai – October 10th, 2016