Monday, February 25, 2019

The Velammal Group – The real Solution to Education

25.02.2019

Twenty first century marks the beginning of a Paradigm shift in the educational system throughout the global scenario, more so in the developing countries like our great India. Learning must be for learning sake and must replace the existing conditioning often prevalent in most learning institutions. Pedagogy of the 21st century should focus on classroom as learning labs where the individual learner expands the learning boundary for application and further learning under the supervision of the classroom teacher playing the role of a catalyst. Pedagogy must ensure the honing of the holistic personality in the learner encompassing intelligent quotient, emotional quotient, social quotient, time quotient, endurance quotient and bandwidth quotient.

Velammal Group is a co-educational learning solution from K to 12, Engineering and Medical that believes in the 21st century needs. The groups’ schooling segment is popular in the society of southern India with all the schooling verticals in the country, the Global curriculum, CBSE, Samacheer and the ECE program. The Indian values and survival skills particularly, the learning skills, the career skills, life skills and the futuristic skills form the complementary objective of classroom transactions.

A truly child centric philosophy that hones all the necessary skills for a successful living will be the hallmark of the school. Hence all activities and focus are pioneered to ensure the realisation of this objective of the schools since the last 30 plus years. The school is being preferred due to the school’s primary objective of learning for life. Academic transactions are aided through smart classroom pedagogy where learning gets converted to application in real life situations.

Teachers are oriented to challenge the gifted and handhold the special. It is always learning by doing in Velammal Group of Schools. And the additional offering, the dreams of the present-day parent to provide everything their cultural backing exposed them to, to be given to their children will prompt them to enrol into the GPS program in the schools. The school has structured an activity/training event every day after school for the students during the 5 working days in a week. This is being offered to the students as an option. This will include a performing art, a game sport, a martial art, theatre & debate and talent promotion skills’ expose. There is also the program as an option to prepare for entrance exams to pursue the most coveted courses in the best of institutions.

Operations Highlight

The co-curricular and extra-curricular will focus on student becoming fitting global citizen, who thinks, behaves, works, eats and lives like the native of the place and country where he/she find avocation or the country where he/she interface as part of avocation in life.

The schools facilitate the required and necessary academic transaction of the students in a regular classroom atmosphere.

The holistic skill development is attempted by the renowned experts in the field who will be the school’s, full time faculty. The much needed and the future requisite of global citizen, the culture and etiquette of countries of the world will be imbibed through near stimulus environment and physical exchange in the afterclass program, the GPS. All this is designed to be accomplished through time tested Indian ethical standards as in and through class room and campus experience.

The schools wish to evolve to pioneer a new concept in schooling. It provides the student in the school, an exposure to everything a fitting Global citizen need. This is realised in Velammal Group of Schools as in school and after school learning activities.

For more details contact: ‘Velammal New-Gen Park’ Ambattur Red-hills Road, Surapet, Chennai – 600 066 TOLL FREE: +91 7855005555 admissions@velammal.edu.in Visit : http://www.velammal.org/
College students develop an app to fight fake news

WhatsFarzi, a new app aims at detecting fake news on social media to help the end users

c-Jagriti.Kumari@timesgroup.com

25.02.2019

In order to fight fake news, a group of students from Delhi have launched an app which allows users to analyse authenticity of a message in text or image format.

Three BTech students from Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT-Delhi or IIIT-D) – Madhur Tandon, Suryatej Reddy Vyalla and Dhruv Kuchhal – have developed this app, which will help end users to check the authenticity of news spreading on platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.

The newly developed app named ‘WhatsFarzi’, which enables people to check the authenticity of the content, message or an image on social media. This was made under the supervision of Ponnurangam Kumaraguru, associate professor, department of Computer Science, IIIT-Delhi. To check the authenticity of a viral text or image getting, one needs to copy and paste it in the designated space in the app. The app will then rate the content on the scale of fake to authentic through a coloured bar.

The team combined the knowledge of graphics, natural language processing, machine learning /AI and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to analyse the authenticity of news content and images. The app, however, is not equipped to check the authenticity of video messages.

“It will help the end users by equipping them with a tool to check the authenticity of content circulated on WhatsApp,” said Ponnurangam Kumaraguru, the principal investigator of the project.

Before WhatsFarzi, a similar initiative to analyse the authenticity of news on Twitter and Facebook was tested by the PhD students of the college.

“We analysed Hurricane Sandy and Boston blasts in detail; using this understanding, we developed TweetCred, a Chrome browser extension and a REST API. Building upon the success of TweetCred, a PhD student who graduated in 2017, extended TweetCred for Facebook,” said Ponnurangam while talking to Education Times.

“Collecting enormous data in the form of fake content and image analysis were among the major challenges faced by the team while developing the app,” he added.

“We also analysed Paris attacks in 2015 based on the visual theme, embedded text, and the sentiment of images,” he added. “We have received a good response after launch of the app on February 11. We hope this app will help the users to differentiate between the genuine and fake information floating on the internet,” said Ponnurangam.
Unrecognised nursing courses in Tamil Nadu a public health hazard

Treatment by nurses with unrecognised nursing degrees have in the past caused medical complications or even death

TIMES NEWS NETWORK
25.02.2019

The Tamil Nadu Nursing Council has urged the government to cancel thousands of nursing courses offered in the state that are unrecognised by the national or state councils. Around 10,000 candidates or more who passed out of these unrecognised six-month certification or one year diploma programmes, offered by institutions, including quasi-government agencies and doctors’ bodies, will not be permitted to work as nurses.

According to the state nursing council registrar S Ani Grace Kalaimathi, the candidates should not be allowed to do sutures, scans, tests on patients as they neither have adequate knowledge nor the exposure. She emphasised that there were defined job profiles for nurses who have cleared four-year UG nursing degree, three-year diploma course and the two-year auxiliary nursing and midwife courses. However, there were no job profiles for nursing or bed assistants who pursue six-month and one-year courses.

Dr R Thigarajan, member of council member said that nurses with inadequate knowledge can be a public health hazard as some of them have low-paying jobs in rural hospitals where negligence or violation of medical code will not lead to the initiation of disciplinary action against them as they do not come under the council’s purview.

As per investigations, some of these nurses turn into quacks when they fail to get jobs in reputed private or government hospitals. Public health officials said that in the past, treatment by such quacks have led to complications and deaths during dengue outbreaks.

Many of the unrecognised colleges have said that the short courses were approved by the National Council on Vocational Training (NCVT) — an advisory body set up by the Government of India in 1956, the Barath Sevak Samaj — a national development agency, by the Indian Medical Association or some deemed universities. But the fact remains, there are no agencies authorised to approve these courses.

Unrecognised nursing courses in Tamil Nadu a public health hazard

Treatment by nurses with unrecognised nursing degrees have in the past caused medical complications or even death

The Tamil Nadu Nursing Council has urged the government to cancel thousands of nursing courses offered in the state that are unrecognised by the national or state councils. Around 10,000 candidates or more who passed out of these unrecognised six-month certification or oneyear diploma programmes, offered by institutions, including quasi-government agencies and doctors’ bodies, will not be permitted to work as nurses.
According to the state nursing council registrar S Ani Grace Kalaimathi, the candidates should not be allowed to do sutures, scans, tests on patients as they neither have adequate knowledge nor the exposure. She emphasised that there were defined job profiles for nurses who have cleared four-year UG nursing degree, three-year diploma course and the two-year auxiliary nursing and midwife courses. However, there were no job profiles for nursing or bed assistants who pursue six-month and one-year courses.
Dr R Thigarajan, member of council member said that nurses with inadequate knowledge can be a public health hazard as some of them have low-paying jobs in rural hospitals where negligence or violation of medical code will not lead to the initiation of disciplinary action against them as they do not come under the council’s purview.
As per investigations, some of these nurses turn into quacks when they fail to get jobs in reputed private or government hospitals. Public health officials said that in the past, treatment by such quacks have led to complications and deaths during dengue outbreaks.
Many of the unrecognised colleges have said that the short courses were approved by the National Council on Vocational Training (NCVT) — an advisory body set up by the Government of India in 1956, the Barath Sevak Samaj — a national development agency, by the Indian Medical Association or some deemed universities. But the fact remains, there are no agencies authorised to approve these courses.
Why we need more medical technologists

Blood bank and clinical lab technology have significant roles in the medical sector. Though we have many jobs, there is limited awareness about the courses available, writes Aruna Singh

Times of India 25.02.2019

Blood bank technology and clinical lab technology have significant roles in the medical sector. With advancing healthcare facilities , medical technologies have a crucial role to play. However, youngsters have limited knowledge of the growing job opportunities in this sector. Doctors depend on medical technologists, who provide precise data , collect and store samples and help the patients at the time of crisis.

Blood bank technicians are usually trained as phlebotomists and they work with patients to collect various settings, blood and labelling. The technicians usually work in medical laboratories and blood banks where they store blood of the donors for transfusion and transmission. Apart from this, they make sure that the type of blood and the collected blood is safe and also examines the level of healthy molecules in the blood.

National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) offers a course in Blood Bank Technology, and one can look at several options after finishing the course. The technicians can also start their own venture, through the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission.

NATURE OF WORK

Blood bank technicians work in hospital laboratories and independent blood banks. Examining the donor’s blood, analysing the type , and particularly identifying the safety of the blood is important for any technician. The technicians are also expected to maintain a record. Any discrepancy in the record of the sample can lead to severe confusion amounting to change in the line of treatment or patient getting infected with a deadly disease. Those aspiring to pursue a career in this field must have the flexibility to work independently and should also have good analytical skills, besides sharp management abilities.

COURSE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The diploma and certificate course for Blood Bank Technology is required to be passed from any recognised institute that is approved from an accredited board after passing class XII. The duration of the course is 1-2 years (the duration varies in each institute).

Most of the courses consist of practical training, along with the theoretical knowledge of human physiology and biochemistry. The practical training offers them hands-on experience to test the types of blood samples, aberrations, and chemical properties of blood is explained.

They are also taught how to handle emergency situation, particularly during major accident and natural calamities.

After the successful completion of the course, one can also opt for government jobs, by applying for government posts through Staff Selection Commission. The main aim of the Diploma in Blood Bank Technology (DBBT) is to train students and turn them into skilled technicians to manage and work under pressure.

OPPORTUNITIES

After taking the diploma in this course, every state will open many new job opportunities in the government and non-government sectors. Apart from this, the candidate can also work in private hospitals or private laboratories. There is a requirement of blood bank technicians as there is a scarcity of trained staff in most medical labs. Several major pharma companies have set up their own laboratories and banks in most cities. However, they are still unable to manage it accurately only because of the lack of experienced and trained technicians. Both private and government hospitals need a well-equipped blood bank that is managed by seasoned staff.

REQUIREMENT

Those who are planning to enter in this industry need to have the following qualities: Carry out routine laboratory tests by using Standard Operating Procedures such as keeping the details of blood group (forward and reverse), crossmatch and coombs (direct and indirect) Check the expiry dates of stock and working reagents, blood and blood components Have knowledge of the temperature of reagent, blood bank, and deep freezers The question is,are we giving proper education to our students? A look at the prominent job portals will reveal a big number of vacancies for blood bank technicians. Aspiring students should be careful to pick an institute that must have well-equipped laboratories, libraries and experienced faculty. The programme should offer elaborate information on blood, components, collection, separation, preservation, storage, donation and blood transfusion.

SCOPE OF RESEARCH

The field of the medical technologist is fast growing. However, there is very limited research work undertaken by the students. After diploma and certification in blood bank, blood transfusion and laboratory technicians, one must look at higher education including research.

(The author is principal of Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute, New Delhi)



SHUTTERSTOCK

MAJOR INSTITUTES

• Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute, New Delhi www.dpmiindia.com

• Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala, Haryana www.mmumullana.org

• Shivalik Institute of Paramedical Technology, Chandigarh www.shivalikinstitute.org

• Indian Medical Institute of Nursing, Jalandhar, Punjab www.iminursing.in
Modi washes the feet of five sanitary workers, hails them as ‘karma yogis’
Kapil.Dixit@timesgroup.com

Allahabad:25.02.2019

In an unprecedented gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday washed the feet of five sanitary workers, including two women — hailing them as ‘karma yogis’ — and then wiped them dry to express his gratitude for their service and lauded their role in maintaining cleanliness on Kumbh Mela campus.

The five sanitary workers — Pyare Lal, Naresh Kumar and Chaubi, all from Banda, Hori Lal of Sambhal and Jyoti of Korba (Chhattisgarh) — were in awe after the experience.

“We were told that we will be honoured and were made to sit on chairs. We were speechless when we saw the PM approaching us. He was very soft spoken. He then washed and wiped our feet and felicitated us with ‘angavastram’. He also asked us about our problems and the experience of working at Kumbh,” said Pyare Lal.

Modi addressed and felicitated sanitary workers, policemen, firemen and others for their contribution to making the Kumbh Mela safe, secure and clean.

Applauding the sanitary workers and ‘swachhagrahis’ (volunteers who urge people to keep surroundings clean) for making the world’s biggest religious congregation clean, Modi hailed them as ‘karma yogis’ who have proved through their effort that nothing is impossible in this world.

Amid applause, Modi said that the sanitary workers were his brothers and sisters. “They have been waking up early and sleeping late to ensure cleanliness of the Kumbh Mela area. They do not want any praise, but are doing their job without any fuss,” he added.

For full report, www.toi.in



PRAYER FOR PEACE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a dip during the Kumbh Mela at Sangam in Allahabad on Sunday
Madurai temple serves mutton biryani as prasadam at fest organized by hoteliers

Devanathan.Veerappan@timesgroup.com

Madurai:25.02.2019

Ever since Gurusamy Naidu from Vadakkampatti village near Kalligudi village in Madurai district started a successful hotel at Karaikudi in Sivaganga district in 1937, his villagers have been following suit and tasting success. Naidu was followed by his close friend Sundar Reddiar who established hotels at Kalligudi and Virudhunagar.

While many of the villagers have been turning hoteliers, they ensure two things — to offer tasty non-vegetarian food and name the hotel after their local deity Muniyandi. Today, there are more than 1,500 Muniyandi Vilas hotels in south India and a few have come up in other places too. So, what spurred these villagers to foray into the food business? Crop failure. The villagers who were facing a grim future in the fields looked for greener pastures and ventured into the hotel industry. “Our men used to work in the hotels run by their relatives. Once they learn the business, they go out to establish one themselves. Their relatives help them out to start the venture,” said S Rajaguru, who runs a hotel in Chennai. More than 500 hoteliers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Puducherry apart from Tamil Nadu took part in a two-day temple festival of their deity which concluded at Vadakkampatti in Madurai on Saturday.

Although both Naidu and Reddiar communities jointly hosted the temple festival till 1970s, a dispute resulted in the two celebrating it separately. More than 8,000 people took part in the festival the highlight of which was the distribution of mutton biryani as prasadham on Saturday morning.

“The festival is the time to give back to the society. All hoteliers from the community contribute for the festival. For this purpose, we keep aside the money we get from the first customer every day,” said N P Ramasamy, who runs Rajavilas Hotel at Poonamallee, Chennai. He could not name his hotel after the local deity since his fellow villager already runs one by the same name there.

MOUTH WATERING

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