Latest news with #Chandran
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
N Tripura rolls out AI-powered boards to check dropout rates
Agartala: In a groundbreaking move to address the alarming dropout rates in North Tripura, the district administration has launched "Aspirational Boards," an AI-driven visual initiative designed to inspire high school students by focusing on their dreams. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This innovative project, introduced in Dasda of Kanchanpur, aims to reverse the trend where only 30% of students transition from Class VIII to IX and from X to XI. "We saw almost 70% of our students were dropping out at the high school level," said North Tripura DM Chandni Chandran. After an investigation, it was found that factors such as low-income jobs, early marriages and exam failures were behind this trend. However, lack of emotional connection to personal goals emerged as a significant issue. The administration has traced many such students. To tackle this, the administration collected students' career aspirations and used AI to create images of them in their desired professions, whether as doctors, engineers, athletes, or artists. These images were then displayed in classrooms, providing students with a daily visual reminder of their potential futures. The initiative has already shown promising results. "Students were excited to see their future selves, giving them a tangible goal to strive for beyond their immediate challenges," Chandran said. Buoyed by the positive feedback, plans are underway to expand the programme to more schools. Director of secondary education, N C Sharma, praised the initiative, stating, "This is one of many innovative efforts by local administrations to enhance education in the state. We aim to replicate these success stories for broader impact."
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kaantha teaser: Dulquer Salmaan revives golden age cinema in tense period drama
The upcoming period drama 'Kaantha', starring Dulquer Salmaan, has released its teaser, coinciding with the actor's birthday. Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, the film is set against the nostalgic backdrop of 1950s Madras. It is a joint production effort between Dulquer's Wayfarer Films and Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media.'Kaantha' delves into themes of ego, love, and artistic rivalry, portraying a clash between two significant artists. The plot centers on Ayya, a legendary director, and his estranged friendship with Chandran, a star he helped rise in the film industry. The narrative takes a turn when Chandran alters a female-centric film project, originally titled 'Shaantha', to reflect his own image, retitling it 'Kaantha'.advertisementThe teaser offers a glimpse into the conflict-laden world of 'Kaantha'. Alongside Dulquer Salmaan, the film features Rana Daggubati, Bhagyashri Borse, and Samuthirakani. It opens with a film crew preparing to shoot a horror scene, revealing an intense past between Samuthirakani and Dulquer's characters, which culminates in an ego battle. The tension is palpable as the teaser unfolds, drawing viewers into the emotional and artistic turmoil. Watch the teaser here: Dulquer Salmaan portrays Chandran with a fierce intensity, capturing the complexity of an artist torn between ambition and legacy. Samuthirakani gives a powerful performance as a legendary filmmaker, while Bhagyashri Borse makes a notable impression. The actors' chemistry and the layered storytelling promise an engaging cinematic world of 'Kaantha' is crafted through Dani Sanchez Lopez's cinematography and Tha. Ramalingam's art direction, with music by Jhanu Chanthar enhancing the film's atmospheric tension. The visual and auditory elements work in harmony to create a captivating ambiance that lingers long after the teaser for release on September 12, 'Kaantha' promises to be a visual masterpiece, drawing viewers into its richly detailed world. The film's intricate narrative and compelling performances are set to leave a lasting impact on audiences, making it a highly anticipated release.- Ends
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Decks cleared for land pooling for Infopark phase III expansion in Kerala
KOCHI: With the state government issuing an order instructing the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) to pool 300 acres of land in Kizhakkambalam for Infopark's Phase III expansion, the space-starved IT park can now breathe easy. According to Chandran Pillai, GCDA chairman, decks have been cleared with regard to land pooling. 'Earlier, we didn't get the go-ahead from the chief minister's office. Then there was the problem associated with the approval from Kizhakkambalam panchayat. We got that too,' he said, adding that the GCDA team associated with the land pooling will now study similar cases, like the Amaravati model. 'This is a first-of-its-kind step in the state. We don't have a precedent. We are studying the Amaravati model and others. Careful study needs to be done before we begin the process,' Chandran said. Discussions will also have to be held with the IT and revenue departments, as well as the district collector to hammer out the nitty-gritties of the procedure, he said. 'However, the fact we have got the green signal is a big step forward in terms of the Infopark Phase III project. Envisaged as a township it is a prestigious project for the city and also much-needed, since we have a queue of companies wanting to set up offices at the IT park,' Chandran said. In the 10 years encompassing two tenures of Pinarayi Vijayan government, 352 new firms launched their offices in Phases I and II, creating over 73,500 jobs, said an Infopark official. The city's IT sector has seen a steady growth since the inception of Infopark, from 100 acres with four companies in 2004 to 583 companies in 2025 -- tech giant IBM Software's Ecosystem Incubation Centre (EIC) being the latest entry. Started as a small unit providing employment to close to 100 people, IBM has grown exponentially in the last three years to grant jobs to over 35,000 IT professionals.
Fashion Value Chain
6 days ago
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Monsoon – The Season of Healing
As per wellness science, monsoons are always the best time for wellness over any other season SwaSwara by CGH Earth offers tailored monsoon well -being programs in Gokarna , Karnataka A new kind of luxury travel is emerging; a growing and unmistakable trend where travellers are choosing off beat locations for their wellness breaks. In a world, where people are reaching digital fatigue and work burn-out, they are chasing meaningful travel and soul -soothing locations. At the heart of this shift is SwaSwara a CGH Earth Wellness property in Gokarna. SwaSwara is a wellness sanctuary and ideally suited for seekers of nature, solitude, and inner healing and there is no better time to do this than the Indian Monsoon- a season overlooked but deeply powerful, for a mindful wellness journey. SwaSwara, CGH Earth According to surveys and reports, wellness tourism is growing 1.5 times faster than general tourism, A McKinsey 2024 report confirms that 70% leisure travellers are seeking wellness experiences that improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Ayurveda and Modern Wellness science will both agree that monsoon is the best time for healing, detox and emotional reset. According to Ayurvedic texts, the increase in moisture and cooler temperatures, open up the skin's pores, which help soften bodily tissues making it mor receptive to treatments. The Panchakarma program is 38% more effective during monsoon months according to Ayurveda Research Foundation. CGH Earth Wellness guests also agree that they feel far more mentally rejuvenated during monsoon season over the other months, citing better sleep and a peaceful serene environment. SwaSwara – Om Beach 'Guests at SwaSwara have reported better sleep, improved digestion and enhanced mental clarity within days of arriving during monsoon months. The natural stillness of the season aligns beautifully with the goals of wellness, slowing down, grounding the nervous system, and restoring balance,' saysMini Chandran, Head Strategic Alliances and Product Development for CGH Earth Wellness. The search for balance is complete when you form a deep connection with nature and yourself – meditate on birdsongs, explore your creative side through art and pottery, understand the inner workings of healthy cooking, commit to the practice of Yoga, and cleanse your body with the help of Ayurveda.' she adds. Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea , SwaSwara comes alive in the rains. Located on the serene shores of Om Beach, the resort is a sanctuary for those who are in search of a restorative wellness holiday. Swa Wellbeing is about rejuvenating the SwaSwara way. Based on the concepts of Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and wholesome cuisine, the programme is a carefully curated inward journey. The itinerary blends the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, Naturopathy, delicious healthy gourmet dishes, transformative power of yoga, creative expression of art and experiences like forest bathing to create an immersive healing experience. SwaSwara does not believe in rigid regimes. Instead, it invites guests to relax and take a deep breath, listen to their body and inner voices, supported by nature's quiet rhythms. CGH Earth Wellness Centres are pioneers in offering curated Ayurveda and Naturopathy healing practices designed for enhancing physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance and various tools to manage stress and overall well- being. Through targeted therapies, corrective medicines, appropriate diet, yoga, meditation and spiritual practices, a tailored program is created to cleanse, correct and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. When it Rains, You Heal. SwaSwara is offering exclusive monsoon retreats spanning 3 days to 21 days, curated to your specifications. To learn more about these programs and book your stay at one of the centers, visit our website About CGH Earth Experience Wellness The art of healing meets the science of health at CGH Earth Experience Wellness – with experiences that heal your body, mind and soul. Combining the power of ancient medicinal systems and traditional therapeutic practices, CGH Earth Wellness offers holistic healthcare based on Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga. It also addresses ones overall state of wellbeing through experiences that are fulfilling and enriching for the self. All of the transformative experiences offered by CGH Earth Wellness are intrinsically nourished by the core values that are at the heart of all the group's hospitality and healthcare. The CGH Earth Group believes that operating with environmental sensitivity, including and benefiting local community and adopting the local ethos are the only ways to revive, sustain and thrive as a global collective. A pioneer in responsible tourism in India and with a credible background spanning over five decades in offering uniquely immersive travel experiences, CGH Earth diversified into wellness with the start of Ayurveda Healthcare 17 years back at Kalari Kovilakom, followed by Kalari Rasayana. Subsequently, Prakriti Shakti was started in 2018, which offers naturopathy healthcare, another system of holistic healing with roots in indigenous wisdom. These centres are certified and accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare providers). While the Ayurveda and Naturopathy healing centres primarily addressed the body, SwaSwara was CGH Earth's quest towards redefining the meaning of a true holiday. Embraced by the wilderness on the seashore of Om beach, SwaSwara addressed the mind by offering rejuvenating and immersive experiences to release, re-focus and recalibrate the self.
New Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Light of the fireflies : director Vimal Chandran on ‘Ray', Sushin Shyam's debut indie track
Chandran also credits Kerala's cultural heritage as an inspiration. 'I wanted to showcase the beauty of Kerala and the importance of acceptance and inclusion. I have already experimented with it. The alien's bright colours were inspired by Kerala art forms like the Theyyam, while the outfits drew from the traditional attire of African tribes and the Japanese kimono. It's a mix of many things,' he explains. Moreover, the video's aesthetic adds a '90s touch to it. 'I took a retro-futuristic approach to the theme because Sushin and I are from the '90s,' he says. 'The car in the story, the TV holder, walkman, even I took a retro-futuristic approach to the Alien Spaceship,' he explains. Creating Ray in around nine months was a labour of love and collaborative work for Chandran. 'Sushin had planned to do a different concept, in English, initially. When I heard the song, I felt like it lacked nativity. So, I wanted to do it in our way, and Sushin was very supportive,' he says. There are several instances of cultural exchange leading to the video's core message of inclusion, Chandran explains, 'The visuals which plays in the ending is actually from the Malayalam movie Njan Gandharvan (1991), in which the lead mythical character is from the outside world, and the fireflies have an ET [Extra-Terrestrial] (1982) reference. So it's a mix of the directors – Spielberg and Padmarajan coming together at that point. A cultural exchange of art happens there.' The video ends with fireflies as a metaphor. 'The fireflies coming out of the TV and how they share the light shows that they have become one family now, living together under one roof,' he concludes.
