Indian-origin academics in UK 'dread' Modi in power, issue open letter

April 23, 2014

London, Apr 23: Around 75 professors and other academics of Indian origin working at some of Britain's prestigious institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford university and London School of Economics today issued an open letter, sharply attacking Narendra Modi and saying, "The idea of Modi in power fills us with dread".
Indian-originThe academics led by Prof. Chetan Bhatt and Gautam Appa of the London School of Economics issued the open letter in the UK"s Left-leaning 'Independent' newspaper.

"As the people of India vote to elect their next government, we are deeply concerned at the implications of a Narendra Modi-led BJP government for democracy, pluralism and human rights in India," the letter said targeting the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate.

"Narendra Modi is embedded in the Hindu Nationalist movement, namely the RSS and other Sangh Parivar groups, with their history of inciting violence against minorities. Some of these groups stand accused in recent terrorist attacks against civilians," the letter titled "The idea of Modi in power fills us with dread" reads.

The letter followed a similar open letter by Indian-origin author Salman Rushdie and artist Anish Kapoor among others in the 'Guardian' earlier this month.

The letter in 'Independent' published here today reads: "There is widespread agreement about the authoritarian nature of Modi"s rule in Gujarat, further evidenced by the recent sidelining of other senior figures within the BJP. This style of governance can only weaken Indian democracy." "Additionally, the Modi-BJP model of economic growth involves close linking of government with big business, generous transfer of public resources to the wealthy and powerful, and measures harmful to the poor.

A Modi victory would likely mean greater moral policing, especially of women, increased censorship and vigilantism, and more tensions with India"s neighbours," the letter reads.

The academics represent some of the leading British educational establishments, including Oxford University"s Prof. Nandini Gooptu and Prof. Joya Chatterji from Cambridge University.

Like most of the other columns in the British media, the letter refers to the Godhra riots as proof of sectarianism in Gujarat under Modi, who has been the chief minister of the western state for 13 years.

"We recall the extreme violence by the Hindu Right in Gujarat in 2002 which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,000 people, mostly Muslims. This violence occurred under Modi"s rule, and senior government and police officials have provided testimony of his alleged role in encouraging or permitting it to occur," the letter says.

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Press Release
January 3,2020

Mangaluru, Jan 3: Vishruth Bhat, a Class VI student from CFAL is the topper in Dakshina Kannada District in the first round of the VVM examination (VI Standard category) and now advances to the ‘State Level Camp’.  Proving their mettle, 12 students from CFAL have qualified for the “State Level Camp” of Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) - a national programme to educate and popularise science for classes VI – XI. A total of 129 students are selected from Karnataka to participate in the State Level Camp, out of which around 9.30% students are from CFAL. These students were selected on the basis of their performances in the first stage, an online exam. The State level camp shall include written test, observational analysis of video clips, situation problem solving and hands on activities.

The selected students are:  B Vishruth Bhat, Pratham D, Chinmayee Adiga, Chirag J Sunil, Nidhi Noronha, K Sai Prathiksha, Aryan Atul Surana, Rakshith K R, Anupama Kamath, Krithi, Mavith Saldanha and Vignaraj. Among the selected students Kirti, Mavith and Vihnaraj are TLC PU College students.

About VVM:

VVM is a national program jointly organized by Vijnana Bharati, NCERT and Vigyan Prasar for educating and popularizing science among the school students of Classes VI to XI. The main objective of the program is to identify keen knowledge seekers in Science and then nurture them for higher level of science education. Students participating in VVM undergo the following multi-level testing procedures:

•        Objective type question answering

•        Comprehensive writing

•        Presentation and Group discussion

•        Role play

•        Practical examination

•        Methods of Science

The program also includes organising visits to reputed National Science Laboratories and Centres. To enable deserving students to have interaction with renowned scientists of the Nation. The VVM will identify Vigyan Jigyasu (Keen Knowledge Seeker of Science) at National level.  

This exam is conducted in three phases.  The first phase is an online exam conducted in the school itself.  In the second phase (State level camp) top 20 rankers per class, per state will be identified to participate in two days State Level Camp. Eminent scholars and scientists from different fields will guide the students. Practical examination will be conducted to select top 2 students from each class to participate in the national camp. Toppers will get certificates and cash awards.

In the third phase (National camp) which is a 2-day camp, comprise presentations, scientific understanding, innovation, and creativity, out of box activities and assessment of leadership qualities. Toppers are awarded with certificates and cash awards.

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Media Release
March 15,2020

First Steps Pre-School, Kudroli celebrated Red Day on Friday, 14th March 2020 with elegance. To mark the celebration, all the tiny tots wore Red clothing and brought Red coloured fruits, vegetables & toys to share with the class and each pre-schooler briefly described his or her Red item brought to the class. 

The classroom was decorated with red streamers, balloons and table settings. The bulletin board was designed with the word ‘Red’ with pictures of Red animals, vehicles, plants and foods.

The Bloomings were asked to bring Red coloured objects for a ‘Show and Tell’ activity.

The teachers collected the objects from the children and displayed them on a table and taught the names of the objects to the children and also introduced many other facts about them. Students were given a thorough understanding of the colour red through different activities.

The kids actively participated and were very happy and excited. Parents were equally thrilled and overwhelmed due to their child’s participation.

Career Guidance Counsellor, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Shameer Ahmed was the chief guest of the event. He addressed the students on the importance of colours and explained the purpose of conducting such an event to boost the confidence and creative culture in kids.
 
Headteacher Himna S. Ahmed enlightened the importance of colour in our life. She further added that Red is the best colour to create enthusiasm for life and can awaken greater confidence & optimism. In the meaning of colours, Red inspires original thought and inquisitiveness. 

Red is the colour of energy, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense colour. Children learnt the significance, importance and identification of the colours.

The teachers Himna, Azeema decorated the classrooms with red objects that children can easily identify with. They created beautiful red tables, red drapes, red balloons, red toys, red boxes, red balls, red fruit and vegetable cutouts etc. Everywhere the kids looked, they found something or the other in red. Learning was fun on red day and the children are looking forward to learning about yet another colour.

Event coordinator Shehzan S. Ahmed arranged the event in a skilled manner, which added a feather to the event.

In the end, each child was sent home with a bright Red smiley prop. and the colouring sheets which they coloured as an indoor activity to commemorate the Red day.

The event magnificently concluded with refreshments for the kids of pre-school.

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News Network
August 9,2020

The core objective of the new National Education Policy (NEP), which has given freedom for amalgamation of different concepts, will be translated into action through the National Curriculum Framework, CBSE director said on Friday.

CBSE Director Biswajit Saha made the comments during an e-conclave on the new NEP organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The core objective of the policy will be translated into action through the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which needs more participatory approach. The policy has given freedom for amalgamation of different concepts and multidisciplinary approach. The NCF will give a roadmap for implementation of reforms laid down in the policy,” he said.

Saha said the training required for competency-based education and learning outcomes can be achieved with progressive participation of stakeholders.

“There could be a debate about the training required for competency-based education and learning outcomes but once we have decided we want to do it, it can be achieved with progressive participation of stakeholders. It is a forward-looking policy,” the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) director said.

The NEP approved by the Union Cabinet replaces the 34-year-old National Policy on Education framed in 1986 and is aimed at paving the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems to make India a global knowledge superpower.

Choice between 3 or 4 year undergraduate courses, multiple entry and exit options in degree courses, adding 3.5 crore seats in higher education institutions, which will now have a single regulator, discontinuation of M.Phil programmes and fixation of fees are among the higher education reforms outlined in the new NEP.

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