Latest news with #DSSC
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Community heroes recognised for their work in Durban South
BLUFF Towers Shopping Centre has shone the spotlight on unsung heroes in the community with its second Bluff Community Heroes awards. The initiative aimed to honour individuals on The Bluff and from surrounding communities who selflessly give of their time and energy to better their community. Also read: Bluff Towers recognises community heroes This year's campaign drew hundreds of nominations, up from last year's response, with the public nominating and voting for everyday heroes who are celebrated for their acts of kindness, leadership and service. From the long list, four exceptional women were selected, Liziwe Mkhulisi, Celeste King, Celeste Jacobs and Sharin Rajman. Each of the winners has made a profound impact, whether it is feeding and caring for those in need, mentoring the youth, conserving the environment or serving the elderly with compassion and dedication. Adeela Haffejee, Bluff Towers marketing project manager, explained that the shopping mall was thrilled to highlight and recognise these individuals who continue to positively make a difference. 'As a community-oriented shopping centre, Bluff Towers is humbled to pay it forward to the same individuals making this place so special. These heroes inspire us all to be better and do better,' she said. As a token of appreciation for their services, all the winners received R5000 and also had a celebratory lunch at Bluff Towers. Also read: Southlands Sun 1 August 2025 Among those celebrated was Mkhulisi, a pensioner who helps the homeless and unemployed. 'I am humbled by the gesture of a community. I chose to dedicate my retirement life actively assisting in one way or the other, not seeking monetary gain or fame. The award is a humbling reminder that one is granted an opportunity by one's creator to serve those who otherwise are vulnerable,' said Mkhulisi. King, eThekwini South Youth in Business chairperson, received an award for her altruistic work in youth skills development. She has a passion for encouraging those who may have lost hope. 'I'm really incredibly grateful for the honour of receiving this award. It is truly humbling, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved,' said King. Tidy Towns Bluff organiser Jacobs was awarded for her environmental advocacy and efforts to keep The Bluff clear of litter. Jacobs said The Bluff is home and it is people's responsibility to protect it and take pride in it. 'Being named a community hero is incredibly humbling, but this honour belongs to every single person who is out there doing something positive to uplift The Bluff and make a difference,' said Jacobs. The final recipient, Rajman, has been involved in community service for over 40 years and is currently at the helm of the Durban South Service Centre (DSSC) and Helping Hands. 'I would like to thank the DSSC family for their nominations and for appreciating my time and dedication. Thank you to Bluff Towers for also recognising me and making me feel special,' said Rajman. The Community Heroes initiative continues to play an integral part in Bluff Towers recognising those who form the backbone of the community. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This dad's stroller walks helped normalize postpartum support for fathers
After his daughter was born, Kalvin Bridgewater didn't recognize himself. He was overwhelmed, gaining weight, and quietly unraveling under the mental weight of new fatherhood. 'I didn't even notice how much I was changing,' he wrote. 'My health was declining and my weight went from 200 to 265 from stress eating—food became my only comfort from what I now know was postpartum depression.' His wife was also struggling, and she got help. But Kalvin's pain went largely unnoticed—because paternal postpartum depression is still so often left out of the conversation. And he's not alone. While maternal mental health has (rightfully) received growing awareness, support for dads remains rare. But the research is clear: Up to 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression, often presenting as irritability, withdrawal, and hopelessness, according to a systematic review published in the American Journal of Men's Health. And when it goes unaddressed, the ripple effects can impact entire families. Kalvin's turning point was deceptively simple: he took his baby for a walk. That one act of movement became a lifeline. Other dads began joining in. Those quiet strolls turned into something powerful—what's now called the Daddy Stroller Social Club (DSSC), a growing support network that has brought together hundreds of fathers across the country. 'We just started bonding, socializing and creating a community for dads,' Kalvin shared in a now-viral TikTok. 'To not just be a better father—be a better husband, somebody better in the community.' Related: Should dads be screened for postpartum depression too? DSSC isn't just a walking group. It's a reimagining of what fatherhood can look like—with space for vulnerability, peer support, and healing. The group's growth was inspired, in part, by Eve Akins, a Dallas-based doula who organizes weekend meetups for young moms. Watching the strength and impact of maternal circles, Kalvin realized dads needed the same kind of space: a soft place to land, reflect, and show up for one another. DSSC's mission is to normalize paternal mental health care through community-building, storytelling, and advocacy. With chapters now in cities like Atlanta, L.A., and Philly, these weekend 'strides' are showing what's possible when fathers stop pretending to have it all together. The emotional labor of fatherhood doesn't always look like sleep deprivation or diaper duty. Sometimes, it looks like silent guilt. Loneliness. A sense of falling short in a role they're expected to just 'figure out.' In one of DSSC's Instagram reels, the group boldly rejects outdated norms like 'boys don't cry' and 'rest equals laziness.' The comments are full of support—many from mental health professionals cheering on the shift. One therapist wrote, 'This is great that you all are dismantling the myths. Men go through their own postpartum journey!' And that's the point: this isn't about making dads the center. It's about making space—for all parents. Because healing happens when people feel seen. And sometimes, that starts with something as simple as a walk. If you're a new dad—or love one—check out Daddy Stroller Social Club for local meetups, resources, and support. Because nobody should have to carry the weight of parenthood alone. Related: What is paternal depression? We need to talk about men's mental health, too
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Death anniversary of India's first Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw observed in Nilgiris
The Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) in Wellington, Coonoor observed the 17th death anniversary of Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw on Friday (June 27, 2025). The event was marked with a wreath laying ceremony held at his final resting place in Udhagamandalam in the Nilgiris, a press release from the MRC stated. Field Marshall Manekshaw passed away on June 27, 2008 and 'his legacy remains eternally etched in the heart of every Indian soldier,' the press release added. 'The ceremony paid homage to one of India's greatest military leaders, who led the Indian army to victory in the 1971 Indi-Pak war and became the first Indian army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshall. Officer, Junior Commissioned Officers, and soldiers of the Madras Regiment and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) gathered to honour his legacy and lifelong dedication to the service of the nation.' The ceremony began with the laying of the wreaths at the Manekshaw Memorial by senior officers, including the Commandant of the DSSC and members of the Parsi community, the press release added. A guard of honour was presented as a mark of respect followed by a two-minute silence in memory of Mr. Manekshaw. 'Field Marshall Manekshaw's illustrious military career spanned over four decades, from World War II to post-Independence conflicts. Revered for his strategic brilliance, charismatic leadership and unwavering courage, he remains an enduring symbol of India's military heritage,' the press release added.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Defence Services Staff College appoints Amitabh Mattoo as Chair of Excellence on India's Strategic Culture
Tamil Nadu-based Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), a training institution under the Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday (May 28, 2025) the appointment of Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), to the first-ever Chair of Excellence on India's Strategic Culture. In a press statement, DSSC stated that this appointment will take effect from June 1 for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year, and will be in addition to his continuing role as Dean at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). In his new role, Professor Mattoo will engage with faculty and officers undergoing training at DSSC, contribute to curriculum development, and mentor research that deepens our understanding of India's rich and complex strategic culture. 'His scholarship—rooted in both classical Indian thought and contemporary global theory—offers an invaluable perspective at a time of profound geopolitical change,' the press statement said. Professor Mattoo stated, 'It is a privilege to be entrusted with this Chair. India's strategic thought has long drawn from its civilizational wisdom as well as contemporary realpolitik. I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty and officers at DSSC to deepen our understanding of India's strategic culture and contribute to India's preparedness in an increasingly complex world.' A Padma Shri awardee, Professor Mattoo is an academic, policy advisor, and institution-builder, widely recognized for his contributions to strategic studies, diplomacy, and international relations. Currently serving as the Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he has previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu and as Honorary Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne. He has been a member of the National Security Council's Advisory Board. 'Professor Mattoo's appointment to the Distinguished Chair marks a significant milestone in DSSC's continuing commitment to fostering advanced research and strategic thinking within the Indian defence and academic establishments,' the statement said. The statement also said, 'DSSC looks forward to Professor Mattoo's contributions in enriching the intellectual ecosystem of the College and advancing India's strategic discourse on the global stage.' 'The DSSC, which trains officers of the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, civil services, and foreign militaries for senior leadership roles, views this initiative as essential to enriching professional military education in India with deeper indigenous knowledge systems and strategic perspectives,' the statement further said. 'This appointment represents a timely confluence of academic scholarship and national service, strengthening the bridges between India's universities and its defence institutions,' the statement added.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Headline: DGAO Air Marshal AK Bharti's Family Hails OP Sindoor Heroics
DGAO Air Marshal AK Bharti led crucial efforts in India's anti terror Operation Sindoor, commanding precision strikes that dismantled terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. Hailing from Bihar, Bharti's family expressed pride in his leadership. 'My son's leadership made us proud,' said his father. 'Proud to see him serve the motherland,' added another family member. A fighter combat leader and DSSC graduate, Bharti was commissioned into the Flying Branch in 1987. Over 20 years of service, he has achieved multiple milestones. He served as Flight Commander of a Sukhoi-30 MKI squadron and earned three stars for accident-free flying. In 2023, Bharti was promoted to Air Marshal, marking a high point in a stellar IAF career.#airmarshalakbharti #dgaoakbharti #indianairforce #akbhartifamilyrecation #akbhartifather #opsindoor #iaf #nationfirst #fighterpilot #sukhoi30mki #airforceheroes#indiapakistanconflict #indianmilitary #akbhartibihar #toibharat Read More
