Category: Women, Girls

Bengaluru Class 4 student Parinita B, enters India Book of Records as young author

Parinita sat with the editor as well as the illustrator to explain the kind of pictures required.

Parinita B, a 10-year-old from Bengaluru, has already earned a place in the India Book of Records as a young author. She is currently studying in Class 4 at NET Public School, Basavanagudi, and has authored a book titled ‘Tales by Pari’ published by Subbu Publications.

Her father, K Balaji, is a deputy general manager in BESCOM, and her mother, Dr Anusha R Gupta, is a dentist. Speaking to the TNIE, Balaji said, “We used to recite songs and children’s stories to Parinita, and that’s when she decided to write a story of her own. When she was eight years old, she started learning the meaning of different words and told us that she would write a book. I had told her to write at least 30 pages if it had to be published as a book of stories.”

He added, “She put all her efforts after school and started writing a book when she was 9 years old. However, when she completed writing it, we faced challenges in finding a publisher. Finally, Subbu Publications in Hubballi decided to publish the book. Parinita sat with the editor as well as the illustrator to explain the kind of pictures required.

We did not select pictures from the internet. They are all original and created by Parinita. A lot of children have bought the book and appreciated her work.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru tops list as most welcoming city in India for women professionals

A recent study revealed Bengaluru as the best city in India for women to thrive professionally, based on factors like safety, career support, and participation.

Bengaluru is increasingly being seen as the most welcoming Indian city for women to build their careers and lives, a new study released on Wednesday has found.

According to the Top Cities for Women in India study conducted by workplace culture consultancy Avtar Group, Bengaluru has emerged as the country’s leading city for women professionals, The New Indian Express reported. Rounding out the top 10 are Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore.

The report introduces a long-term inclusivity index that evaluates how well cities support women through factors such as workforce participation, personal safety and professional advancement. It also highlights cities that can serve as benchmarks while outlining practices that could help organisations and policymakers improve women’s access to employment, said the report.

Researchers assessed 125 cities across India, comparing the latest findings with previous editions of the study. Rankings were determined using a composite City Inclusion Score, which combines both social and workplace-related indicators.

Social inclusion was measured using criteria such as quality of life, safety, women’s presence in the workforce and empowerment levels. Industrial inclusion, on the other hand, focused on the availability of women-friendly industries, career support systems and the concentration of gender-inclusive organisations, the report stated.

Bengaluru retained the top position in 2025 with a score of 53.29, driven largely by its strong professional ecosystem and career opportunities for women. Chennai followed with 49.86, while Pune (46.27), Hyderabad (46.04) and Mumbai (44.49) completed the top five.

The study also pointed out that while cities like Delhi, Gurugram and Noida performed well in terms of job opportunities and industrial growth, they scored lower on social factors such as safety, cost of living and ease of mobility, underlining that economic expansion alone does not guarantee inclusivity, as per the report.

In contrast, cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla and Tiruchirappalli showed strong social indicators but lacked a robust industrial base, limiting large-scale employment options for women. Meanwhile, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune were highlighted for achieving a more balanced mix of social support and workplace opportunities.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headlines edited)

Mangaluru-origin architect Dr Oscar Concessao inducted into University of Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Celebrated Indian architect and University of Oklahoma alumnus Dr Oscar G Concessao was formally inducted into the Christopher C Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame on October 2. The recognition honors his outstanding contributions to global architecture, sustainable design, and architectural education spanning more than three decades.

Dr Concessao, co-founder of Oscar & Ponni Architects in Chennai, is widely acclaimed for blending sustainability, technology, and cultural sensitivity in his designs. Along with his wife and partner, Dr Ponni M Concessao, a Cornell University alumna, he has completed over 1,000 projects across India and abroad, earning an international reputation for excellence and innovation.

A proud University of Oklahoma alumnus, Dr Concessao completed his master’s in Architecture (Urban Design) in 1987. That same year, at just 23, he won the William Van Allen International Fellowship Design Competition, marking an early milestone in his distinguished career. He later pursued advanced professional studies at Harvard University and holds honorary doctorates from the University of Malaysia and the University of Milan.

Born in Valencia, Mangaluru, and an alumnus of St Aloysius Institutions, Dr Concessao earned his Bachelor’s in Architecture from NIT Tiruchirappalli (formerly Regional Engineering College). In 2014, he received NIT’s Distinguished Alumni Award from the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India. Earlier this year, he was also honored with the Eminent Aloysian Award by St Aloysius Institutions for his contribution to architecture and society.

Among his landmark achievements is the Telangana State Secretariat in Hyderabad, a 1.2-million-square-foot complex recognized as Asia’s largest green secretariat and one of India’s most technologically advanced government centers. The project reflects his design philosophy of combining monumentality, functionality, and sustainability, while integrating traditional Indian motifs with cutting-edge systems.

Dr Concessao’s influence extends beyond practice into academia and thought leadership. He has presented over 175 technical papers at international conferences on urban resilience, smart city planning, and climate-responsive architecture. A passionate mentor, he continues to inspire young professionals as a visiting faculty member and keynote speaker at leading institutions worldwide.

Over the years, Dr Concessao has received more than 224 national and international awards, including honors from the Indian Institute of Architects, the Green Apple International Beautiful Buildings Award (London, 2024), and multiple government recognitions for excellence in design and innovation.

His induction into the Christopher C Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame places him among the most distinguished alumni of the University of Oklahoma celebrating a career that bridges innovation, sustainability, and inspiration.

Even as his work achieves global recognition, Dr Concessao remains deeply connected to his Indian roots shaping spaces that are sustainable, human-centered, and culturally resonant. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of architects to design for both people and the planet.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Udupi Saree weaver for 45 years Devaki Shettigar honoured

In a unique programme titled Chavadi Thammana, which means “felicitation at their courtyard”, the Tulu Sahitya Academy honoured unsung heroes of Tulunadu. As part of this initiative, Udupi saree weaver Devaki Shettigar (73) of Talipady Weavers Society was felicitated at the Weavers Society premises in Kinnigoli.

Dr Amarashree Amarnath Shetty, associate dean of Nitte, honoured Shettigar and emphasised the need to promote local livelihoods such as Udupi saree weaving, which she described as an integral part of regional culture.

Tharanath Gatti Kapikad, president of Tulu Sahitya Academy, said the academy is proud to recognise and honour artisans like Devaki Shettigar, who work selflessly and help preserve local culture and traditions. He also appreciated the contribution of Kadike Trust in reviving the Udupi saree weaving tradition, which was on the verge of extinction a few years ago.

Mamatha Rai, president of Kadike Trust, introduced the honouree and highlighted Shettigar’s extraordinary workmanship and experience. She noted that many skilled artisans who had left the profession have now returned to weaving following the revival initiative launched by Kadike Trust.

Amitha Ashwin read out the citation.

Prabhakar Neermarga, vice principal of MAPS College; Shubhoday Alva, president of Tulu Parishat; Sachidananda Udupa of Anantha Prakashana; and Rukmini Shettigar, president of Talipady Weavers Society, were present on the dais.

Vincent D’Souza, editor of Mylapore Times, Chennai; Santhosh Shetty, member of the academy; Bennett Ammanna, secretary of Tulu Parishat; Madhava Shettigar, managing director of the Weavers Society; along with members of the Tulu Sahitya Academy, Tulu Parishat, the Weavers Society, and other dignitaries were present.

B C Shetty, secretary of Kadike Trust, compered the programme.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

IISc Bengaluru develops nanozymes to prevent excess clotting

The team synthesised redox active nanomaterials of different sizes, shapes and morphologies through a series of controlled chemical reactions starting from small building blocks.

A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have developed a new method which will help control abnormal blood clotting conditions, including Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE).

The team from Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry have developed an artificial metal-based nanosyme that mimics the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes which help in clotting blood.

The research paper — Vanadia Nanozymes Inhibit Platelet Aggregation, Modulate Signaling Pathways and Prevent Pulmonary Embolism in Mice — published on May 11 was made public on Tuesday.

It explained that under normal circumstances, when a blood vessel is injured, specialised blood cells called platelets get activated and cluster together around the vessel to form protective blood clots. This process is known as blood clotting cascade (haemostasis). But when this does not happen in conditions like PTE or diseases like Covid-19, the oxidative stress and levels of toxic Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) increases, leading to over-activation of platelets. This triggers the formation of excess clots in the blood vessel, contributing to thrombosis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

The nanomaterials developed by the researchers mimic the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes and they control the ROS levels, thereby preventing the over-activation of platelets that leads to excess clot formation or thrombosis, the report stated.

The team synthesised redox active nanomaterials of different sizes, shapes and morphologies through a series of controlled chemical reactions starting from small building blocks. They then isolated platelets from human blood, activated them using physiological agonists, and tested how effectively the different nanozymes could prevent excess platelet aggregation, the researchers explained in the report.

Sherin GR, PhD student and co-author of the paper said, they found spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide nanozymes were the most efficient. These material mimic a natural antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase to reduce oxidative stress.

“The unique chemistry of the vanadium metal is crucial because the redox reactions that reduce ROS levels are happening on the surface of the vanadium nanomaterial,” added G Mugesh, Professor, and co-author of the paper.

The team injected the nanozyme in a mouse model of PTE and found that it significantly reduced thrombosis and increased the animals’ survival rates. They also observed the weight, behaviour, and blood parameters of the animal for up to five days after injecting the nanozyme, and did not find any toxic effects, the report added.

Anti-platelet drugs that target thrombosis sometimes have side effects such as increased bleeding. “Unlike conventional anti-platelet drugs that interfere with physiological haemostasis, the nanozymes modulate the redox signalling and do not interfere with normal blood clotting. This means that they won’t cause bleeding complications that are a major concern with current therapies,” said Bidare N Sharath Babu, PhD student and another co-author.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi honours 50 artists above 70 years with Suvarna Puraskar

There should be no aberrations in Yakshagana performances, says Talluru Shivarama Shetty, chairman, Karnataka Yakshagana Academy in Udupi.

Chairman of Karnataka Yakshagana Academy Talluru Shivarama Shetty on Saturday asked Yakshagana artists to ensure that there were no aberrations in the performances. The artists should uphold the tradition of the art form, he said.

He was addressing the artists at a programme organised by Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi to felicitate 50 Yakshagana artists who were aged above 70, on the occasion of the Kalaranga celebrating its golden jubilee.

Mr. Shetty said that the academy has been receiving letters from Yakshagana fans that the academy should intervene as the trend of many artists deviating from the tradition, especially by going out of context in the delivery of dialogues, is increasing. Yakshagana’s tradition should be maintained within its framework.

The chairman said that artists have the responsibility of saving Yakshagana in its true form and pass on the tradition to future generations.

The Kalaranga honoured each of the 50 senior artists with its Yakshagana Kalaranga Suvarna Puraskar with a purse of ₹50,000 to each.

At a session on the topic ‘Whether Yakshagana should continue as a full-time profession or a part-time job’ organised on the occasion, senior Yakshagana artist Kondadakuli Ramachandra Hegde said that none can stop amateur and part-time performers from performing in Yakshagana. Many debates held on the topic at various platforms earlier did not arrive at any conclusion, Mr. Hegde said.

He said that a day might come when there may not be any full-time performers.

Another senior artiste Permude Jayaprakash Shetty said that part-time performers can not do justice to the art form in its true sense. If Yakshagana is to sustain in its true form an artist will have to be a full-time performer, he said.

Artists of Madhava Matru Gramam Koodiyattam Gurukulam, Thrissur, Kerala presented a Koodiyattam show. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal conducted a free health check up for Yakshagana artists.

Seer of Puthige Mutt Sugunendra Tirtha, seer of Pejawar Mutt Vishwaprasanna Tirtha, Yashpal Suvarna, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, MLAs, secretary of the Kalaranga Murali Kadekar and president of the Kalaranga M. Gangadhar Rao participated.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

11 athletes from Alva’s Foundation chosen to represent India in World University Games

All of these athletes represent Mangalore University and are trained under Alva’s Education Foundation’ Sports Adoption Scheme.

Eleven athletes from Alva’s Education Foundation’s Sports Adoption Scheme, representing Mangalore University, have been selected to represent India in the forthcoming World University Games 2025, scheduled to be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16 to 27.

Foundation president M. Mohan Alva told reporters in Moodbidri on Wednesday that with the selection, the total number of athletes from the foundation participating in the games has risen to 32. He said the selection was a matter of pride for the institution and the State. The athletes were selected during the trials held at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a deemed-to-be university in Bhubaneswar.

In the men’s category, the selected athletes are Gagan (5,000 meters run), Sachin (20 km walk), Balakrishna (400 meters run) and N. Taufique (decathlon). Those selected in the women’s category are Deekshita Ramakrishna Gowda (400 meters hurdles), Basanti Kumari (half marathon), Manju Yadav (steeplechase), Sindhusree (pole vault), Sakshi Sharma (javelin throw), Jyoti (half marathon) and Shalini (20 km walk).

Dr. Alva said all the selected athletes represent Mangalore University and are trained under Alva’s Sports Adoption Scheme. Each athlete will require a financial outlay of ₹2.5 lakh to participate in the event. While Mangalore University has assured a contribution of ₹75,000 per athlete, the remaining expenses are being borne by the foundation, he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Trio of talented law students Aschel Simson, Laxmi Vinod & Goury Pradeep secure top honors at National Moot Court Competition

 In an impressive display of legal acumen and advocacy skills, Aschel Yohan Simson, son of Royprakash Simson & Cheryl Simson being a third year student of BA LLB along with his team members Laxmi Vinod and Goury Pradeep, Students of SDM Law college Mangaluru, emerged victorious at the National Moot Court Competition held in Chitradurga, Karnataka on May 3-4.

The team’s exceptional performance earned them the coveted 1st place title, with Aschel Yohan Simson being further recognized and awarded as the ‘Best Gentleman Advocate’ of the competition.

The National Moot Court Competition brought together talented law students from across the country, providing a platform for them to showcase their skills in research, argumentation, and advocacy. The event was a testament to the teams’ hard work, dedication, and expertise in the field of law.

Aschel Yohan Simson, along with his team members, demonstrated exceptional prowess in navigating complex legal issues, presenting persuasive arguments, and responding effectively to challenging questions from the judges.

“We are thrilled and honored to have secured the top spot at this prestigious competition,” said Aschel Yohan Simson. “This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and unwavering support of my team members, Laxmi Vinod and Goury Pradeep. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to excel in the field of law.”

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Jesnia Correa of Mount Carmel Mangaluru rolls to victory in Roller Skating at SGFI Nationals, New Delhi

 Mount Carmel Central School proudly congratulates Jesnia Correa for her outstanding performance at the Nationals of School Games Federation of India (SGFI) held in New Delhi from April 30 to May 3.

Displaying exceptional talent and determination, Jesnia Correa of grade VIII won the gold medal in the 500 metres rink race and the silver medal in the 1000 metres rink race in U-14 girls’ category. Her focus, hard work, and sporting spirit have brought immense pride to the school and her family.

Jesnia sharpened her roller skating skills at Hi Flyers Skating Club, Skate City, Ashoknagar, where she trained under the dedicated mentorship of her coaches, Mohan, Omkar and Ramanand. Her proud parents, Jerome and Preetha Correa of Bejai, have been her unwavering pillars of support, cheering her on every step of the way and celebrating her achievements with immense pride.

The school management, principal, staff and students of Mount Carmel Central School have congratulated Jesnia for her outstanding achievement in Roller Skating at SGFI Nationals.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s Sumithra Raju – Traiblazer, 2-Wheeler Female Mechanic Breaking barriers with Grease & Grit…

Mysuru’s woman mechanic powers ahead.

On International Women’s Day, stories of resilience and determination shine a light on women who step beyond societal norms. One such trailblazer is Sumithra Raju, Mysuru’s two-wheeler mechanic, proving that no field is off-limits for women.

For the past four years, Sumithra has been repairing scooters at Suchithra Auto Service Centre on Basaveshwara Road, defying the conventional belief that mechanics is a male-dominated domain.

Her journey into this world of grease and gears was fuelled by two things: A passion for learning something unconventional and the need to support her family financially.

A journey from fields to workshops

A native of Byathahalli in Mysuru taluk, Sumithra, now 49, was born into a family of agriculturists.

Hard work was ingrained in her life early on. With only a Class 5 education, she toiled as a farm labourer alongside her father and siblings, harvesting cotton and groundnut to make ends meet.

Marriage to Raju, a construction worker, brought new responsibilities, and when her two daughters were of marriageable age, Sumithra sought ways to supplement the family’s income.

Her turning point came when she repeatedly visited the garage where she now works, getting her scooter serviced. Intrigued by the mechanics, she asked the garage owner, Surendran, if she could learn the trade. Surprised but supportive, he agreed.

Spanners, scooters & success

Today, Sumithra can handle all scooter repairs, from minor fixes to complex engine overhauls. “If you are determined to take up the challenge, success is guaranteed,” she says, tightening a bolt with a practiced grip. 

Surendran, her mentor and garage owner, takes immense pride in her journey. “In my 28 years of running this garage, she is the first woman mechanic I’ve trained. Sumithra is living proof that if a woman is willing, she can master any skill,” he says.

Sumithra’s garage exclusively services scooters, and with more women riding two-wheelers, she finds herself in a unique position to encourage others to enter the field. She even services her five personal two-wheelers on her own and is open to teaching other women who are interested in learning vehicle repair.

In a world where women are making strides in every sector, Sumithra Raju’s story is a testament to perseverance and breaking gender stereotypes — one scooter at a time.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)