Latest news with #AmandeepSingh
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
‘In Finland, schools give children more freedom & make them responsible early on'
Ludhiana: Teachers of govt primary schools in the state who attended a training in Finland found a marked difference in their approach to pedagogy from India. They said they focus on experiential learning, which enhances children's understanding and gives them much more freedom, initiative and responsibility early on. Amandeep Singh, block resource coordinator (Pakhowal), said, "They employ the ELPS model — Experience, Language, Picture, Symbol, especially at the primary level. This method allows children to build understanding through hands-on experiences before introducing abstract concepts. In India, we often start directly with symbols, which can hinder deep comprehension." Singh was among the second batch of 72 schoolteachers to be sent to Finland in March. The ELPS model's emphasis on experiential learning resonated with the teachers, who recognised its potential to transform classroom dynamics in Punjab. By allowing students to engage with materials and concepts actively, the approach fosters a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. Another significant observation was the Finnish emphasis on child-initiative pedagogy. While the Indian system is child-centric, focusing on the needs of the child, Finland's approach encourages children to take the initiative in their learning. They are given choices and responsibilities, which cultivates independence and decision-making skills from an early age. Manmeet Singh, district resource person, who was among the first batch of teachers sent there last year, said, "The Finnish education system also integrates vocational training and life skills into the curriculum. Teachers observed primary school students engaging in activities like woodwork and blacksmithing, providing them with practical skills alongside academic learning. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped for various life challenges. " The teachers underwent a three-week training programme, of which one week was in Punjab and the rest in Finland, under a partnership with the University of Turku in Finland. The teachers said there is an MoU of three years, as part of which they are adding their observations and learnings for a repository that would then be used for training teachers across Punjab. BOX TAKEAWAYS FROM FINNISH STINT They employ the ELPS model — Experience, Language, Picture, Symbol, especially at the primary level. This method allows children to build understanding through hands-on experiences before introducing abstract concepts. In India, we often start directly with symbols, which can hinder deep comprehension Amandeep Singh, block resource coordinator (Pakhowal), who was among the 2nd batch of 72 govt schoolteachers sent to Finland for a training programme The Finnish education system also integrates vocational training and life skills into the curriculum. We found primary school students engaging in activities like woodwork and blacksmithing, providing them with practical skills alongside academic learning. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped for various life challenges Manmeet Singh, district resource person, who was among the first batch of teachers sent there last year
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Indian court slams influencer after 71 suffer reactions to homemade hair oil
An Indian influencer has been denied bail by a state high court after more than 70 people allegedly developed eye infections linked to a homemade hair oil he promoted. The incident in question took place on 16 March at an unauthorised hair treatment camp in Sangrur city, located in the northwestern state of Punjab. Amandeep Singh, who had over 85,000 followers on social media and owns a salon in Sangrur, is accused of claiming his homemade oil could treat baldness, and applying it on attendees. The attendees were told to wash off the oil after 10-15 minutes as part of the treatment, after which they began to feel a burning sensation in their eyes, as well as redness and swelling on their faces, according to The Times of India. The oil was being sold for Rs 1,300 (£11.42). Local media spoke to several doctors in the area, who confirmed treating patients who had attended the camp the next day with these symptoms and diagnosed them as having contact dermatitis. A week later, it was confirmed that a total of 71 people, of the 500 who attended, had adverse effects from the oil. Doctors also reportedly said that if the oil had affected the cornea, victims could have lost their vision. The police confirmed that no permission had been granted for the camp. In court on 12 May, Mr Singh's counsel argued that the influencer had applied for a patent for his oil and the reactions were because the victims did not apply it correctly. He added that Mr Singh worked as a hairstylist and was trying to help people suffering from hair loss. Denying him anticipatory bail, the Punjab and Haryana high court came down heavily on influencers peddling unverified and untested products, saying: 'This is yet another unfortunate example of internet-famous, unqualified quacks taking advantage of the common man's insecurities.' 'In a bid to meet fickle societal standards of beauty, vulnerable people go to extreme lengths and even undergo risky procedures. The constant pressure to look a certain way often has a deleterious effect on the mental health of children and adults alike,' the high court observed in its order, according to Live Law. 'In fact, in this day and age where social media and marketing agendas so deeply affect one's self-esteem, we, as a society, must endeavour to promote authenticity over curated perfection. 'Advertising tall, misleading claims without scientific backing must be condemned.' Mr Singh is reportedly absconding, and one of his associates has been arrested, according to the Hindustan Times.
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Punjab influencer denied bail after 71 suffer adverse reactions to hair oil for baldness
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has denied anticipatory bail to a social media influencer who promoted a homemade hair growth oil that allegedly caused adverse reactions in more than 70 people during a camp in Punjab's Sangrur. The incident took place on March 16 at the Kali Mata Temple in Sangrur, where Amandeep Singh applied his oil on attendees, claiming it could combat baldness. Within hours, 71 people reported burning sensations in the eyes and swelling on their faces. They were treated at Civil Hospital, Sangrur, where the senior medical officer diagnosed the reaction as severe contact dermatitis. Doctors warned that if the eyes' corneas had been affected, some victims could have lost their vision. Singh, who has more than 86,000 followers online and has applied for a patent for the oil, claimed the reactions were due to improper application by the users. His counsel highlighted his work as a hairstylist, and said he was only trying to help people facing hair loss. The court, however, was not persuaded. Citing the scale of the reactions — around 500 people had attended the event — the judge noted that the case pointed to broader dangers of unverified beauty products being marketed on social media. In a strongly worded order delivered on May 12, the court criticised the role of online influencers in exploiting personal insecurities for profit. Quoting Shakespeare — 'Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind' — the judge said, 'This is yet another unfortunate example of internet-famous, unqualified quacks taking advantage of the common man's insecurities.' The court stressed that products should be released only after ensuring safety and understanding possible side effects. 'Advertising tall, misleading claims without scientific backing must be condemned,' the judge said, adding that the state had a responsibility to protect public health and maintain trust in the market. With the bail plea dismissed, Singh now faces arrest as the investigation continues under charges including Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 7 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
First gurdwara in Surrey 'means everything'
Surrey's first gurdwara has been officially opened in Camberley. About 1,000 people enjoyed a festival of prayers, music, Punjabi writing classes, food, martial arts displays, talks and the unveiling of a new work of art from Amandeep Singh, the artist known as Inkquisitive, on Saturday. For two decades, Surrey's Sikhs had taken trains to Southampton or driven an hour into London to mark important events like weddings and funerals. Fundraiser Deepak Singh Udassi told BBC's Rena Annobil that getting a local place to worship meant "everything". The Gura Nanak Gurdwara Camberley charity raised £1.5m to transform an ex-military base in London Road into a place of worship. Trustee Dr Narinder Kaur Gill said that "an outpouring of love renovated the building" because people gave up their time to work on transforming it. After the group moved in five months ago, Dr Kaur Gill said everything was done by the community, including designing and making the goldwork and images. As well as a place for worship, the team said they were providing a place for the wider community too. They will offer food to anyone in need, as well as yoga, sports, martial arts and fitness classes and opportunities to learn Gurmukhi and Punjabi. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Surrey's first gurdwara set to open in May Sikhs raise £1.5m to use ex-MoD site for worship
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
First gurdwara to open in Surrey 'means everything'
Surrey's first gurdwara has been officially opened in 1,000 people enjoyed a festival of prayers, music, Punjabi writing classes, food, martial arts displays, talks and the unveiling of a new work of art from Amandeep Singh, the artist known as Inkquisitive, on two decades, Surrey's Sikhs had taken trains to Southampton or driven an hour into London to mark important events like weddings and Deepak Singh Udassi told BBC's Rena Annobil that getting a local place to worship meant "everything". The Gura Nanak Gurdwara Camberley charity raised £1.5m to transform an ex-military base in London Road into a place of Dr Narinder Kaur Gill said that "an outpouring of love renovated the building" because people gave up their time to work on transforming the group moved in five months ago, Dr Kaur Gill said everything was done by the community, including designing and making the goldwork and images. As well as a place for worship, the team said they were providing a place for the wider community too. They will offer food to anyone in need, as well as yoga, sports, martial arts and fitness classes and opportunities to learn Gurmukhi and Punjabi.
