Latest news with #Divi
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Beyond medals and sponsors, this Kerala chess prodigy wants to reunite with her mother
Kochi: Divi Bijesh is only nine years of age, but she carries the weight of expectations on her tender shoulders that's far greater than most children of her age. A rising star in India's rapidly burgeoning chess arena, Divi is also the youngest Woman Candidate Master from the state. But behind her meteoric rise lies a story of a family's sacrifice, struggle, and the excruciating pain of separation from her mother. "I can see my mother again only if I win more tournaments," Divi tells TOI, her voice exuding a child-like innocence and steely resolve. A fifth-grade student at Alan Feldman Public School in Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram, Divi dazzled at the FIDE World Cadet & Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships in Rhodes, Greece in April this year. Competing at the Under-10 category, she scored a stunning 10 of 11 points, clinching India's only gold medal in the tournament, alongside a silver in the Blitz category. It's a remarkable and inspiring tale when you consider that Divi began playing chess when she had barely turned six. And in the past three years, she has amassed nearly 60 titles across several international, national and state-level competitions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 5 Books Warren Buffett Recommends You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Divi's parents— Bijesh Somanathan Pillai and Prabha BS — once held promising careers in the IT sector. However, when it became clear that their prodigious daughter's talent required constant travel and coaching, Bijesh had to take the difficult decision to quit his job. Consequently, the family's finances began to strain under the mounti ng pressure of tournament expenses and travel costs. When they fell behind on their home loan repayments, Prabha had no choice but to accept a job offer in the IT sector in the US, last year. Staying apart from her mother for the past eight months, Divi just wants to bring her mother back home. For that to materialise, she needs to win more titles, and find a sponsor. "I want to bring my mother back home," Divi says. "Maybe if I keep winning, someone will notice, and maybe we can find a things will change." An exasperated Bijesh has been running from pillar to post in search of sponsors. "I've approached several people," he says. "Some in the IT industry know me well. But they all ask the same thing: 'What do we get in return for sponsoring a girl in chess?'" A year ago, fate and circumstances played a role in handing Divi a rare lifeline. Kazakhstan's chess association offered to sponsor her if she would switch federations and represent them internationally. On the face of it, it looked like an exciting proposition. But Bijesh and Prabha turned down this offer. "We didn't want to leave India. We love Kerala. But now, we're seriously considering moving to Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra, where there's better support for chess," Bijesh explains. He points out that a peer of Divi, a girl from Tamil Nadu with similar Elo ratings, has nearly 20 sponsors, complete fee waivers, and strong government backing. Although Divi's school has generously waived her and her brother's fees, it's a small relief in the face of larger financial hurdles for the family. "When Divi plays in international selection tournaments for India, SAI (Sports Authority of India) covers her expenses. But she's just a child, and someone has to accompany her. And the cost of accommodation for the guardian comes to nearly Rs 1.5 lakh per tournament," Bijesh explains. Even Divi's elder brother, Devnath Bijesh, a 16-year-old national-level chess player has been hit hard. With coaching costs out of reach, he now trains on his own, quietly stepping back to allow his sister's to take the limelight. Last year, Bijesh submitted a five-year roadmap to the Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC), chalking out how Divi could become a Grandmaster with sustained government support. He requested Rs 1.5 crore over five years. The proposal gained initial traction, even reaching the sports minister's desk with support from KSSC president Sharaf Ali. Then came the crushing blow. In June, Bijesh received a letter from the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs Kerala (DSYA) rejecting the request, citing insufficient funds. "They told me they had Rs 65 lakh left from the Rs 38 crore corpus earmarked for sports fund in the 2024–25 financial year," Bijesh recounts. "It was just the third month of the financial year." Around the same time, the Kerala government sanctioned Rs 13 lakh from that fund for the sports minister's official visit to Spain, to invite the Argentine football team to the state. Divi continues to train, compete and dream. Her chessboard remains not just a battleground for medals, but a marker of her family's financial stability. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Hans India
12-08-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Kerala's young chess prodigy makes one move at a time
Thiruvananthapuram: When Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Divi Bijesh sits before a chessboard, the world around her disappears. At just 10 years old, the fifth-grade student of Allen Feldman Public School in the state capital already boasts an enviable resume. Her latest feat -- a silver medal at the National Under-11 Girls Chess Championship in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, last week -- is yet another jewel in her crown. In Jalgaon, Divi tied for first place with 9 points alongside Maharashtra's Krishna Tamhane Jain and Tamil Nadu's Poojashree R. Venkalav. The Buchholz tiebreak placed Krishna first, Divi second, and Poojashree third. For Divi, the result was more than just a medal -- it was a reaffirmation of years of effort. 'I started playing chess when I was 7, thanks to my brother Devnath,' she recalls. 'From the first game, I loved it. Chess teaches you to think ahead, focus, and never give up.' Her coach, G.S. Sreejith, along with her supportive family, has been instrumental in her success. The year 2025 has been exceptional for Divi. She became World Champion in both the World Cup U-10 and the World Cadet Rapid U-10 categories, earned silver as World Vice Champion in the World Cadet Blitz U-10, and finished runner-up in the World School Chess Championship. This comes in addition to her earlier Under-11 National title and a string of medals at Asian and Commonwealth championships. Behind these achievements is a family making constant sacrifices. 'Travel, training, and tournaments are financially demanding,' says her father, Bijesh. 'We're looking for a sponsor so she can seize every opportunity ahead.' Away from the chessboard, Divi finds balance in another passion -- sketching. After intense matches, she often unwinds with pencil and paper, a self-taught hobby that offers her creative calm. Her journey is as much about inspiring others as it is about winning titles. 'I hope more kids, especially girls, will take up chess,' she says with a smile, adding, 'It's fun, and it teaches patience and determination.' From a curious 7-year-old to a world champion, Divi's story is still unfolding -- and with every move, she inches closer to her next checkmate.
Time Business News
11-08-2025
- Time Business News
The Ultimate Guide to Travel Blog Websites in 2025
Introduction Travel blogging has become one of the most exciting and profitable ways to share adventures, tips, and experiences with a global audience. Whether you're a passionate traveller or looking to monetise your journeys, starting a travel blog website can open doors to incredible opportunities. If you're searching for the best travel blog websites to inspire you or contribute as a guest writer, platforms like NexBlogs offer a great space to publish your content. NexBlogs is a blogging website that accepts articles on business, travel, technology, health, food, and fashion, making it a valuable platform for both writers and readers. In this guide, we'll explore: Why travel blogging is a great online business How to start a successful travel blog The best platforms for travel bloggers How contributing to NexBlogs can boost your online presence Why Start a Travel Blog Website? Travel blogging is more than just sharing vacation photos—it's a way to build a brand, earn money, and connect with like-minded travellers. Here's why you should consider it: 1. Share Your Passion If you love travelling, a blog lets you document your trips, share your tips, and reveal your hidden gems for others to discover. 2. Monetisation Opportunities Successful travel blogs earn through: Affiliate marketing (Amazon, Sponsored posts from tourism boards Ad revenue (Google AdSense, Mediavine) Selling digital products (travel guides, e-books) 3. Build a Personal Brand A well-maintained travel blog establishes you as an expert, leading to collaborations and media features. 4. Work from Anywhere Unlike traditional jobs, travel blogging allows you to work remotely while exploring new destinations. How to Start a Travel Blog Website in 2024 Starting a travel blog is easier than ever. Follow these steps: 1. Choose a Niche Instead of a general travel blog, focus on a specific angle like: Budget travel Luxury vacations Solo female travel Adventure tourism 2. Pick a Domain Name & Hosting Use a short, memorable name (e.g., ' Reliable hosting providers include Bluehost and SiteGround. 3. Set Up Your Blog Use WordPress (most flexible for blogging). Install a travel-friendly theme (e.g., Astra, Divi). 4. Create High-Quality Content Write detailed travel guides. Share personal stories and tips. Use high-resolution images. 5. Promote Your Blog , Instagram, and Facebook. Optimise for SEO (use keywords like 'travel blog websites' ). ). Guest post on sites like NexBlogs for backlinks. Best Travel Blog Websites for Inspiration If you need ideas, check out these successful travel blogs: 1. Nomadic Matt Focus: Budget travel tips Why It's Great: Offers free guides and money-saving hacks. 2. The Blonde Abroad Focus: Solo female travel Why It's Great: Stunning photography and detailed itineraries. 3. Expert Vagabond Focus: Adventure travel Why It's Great: Thrilling storytelling and outdoor guides. 4. Migrationology (Mark Wiens) Focus: Food travel Why It's Great: Combines travel with local cuisine experiences. Studying these blogs can help you refine your style and develop a more effective strategy. How NexBlogs Can Help Travel Bloggers NexBlogs is a growing platform that welcomes guest posts on travel, business, technology, health, food, and fashion. Here's how contributing to NexBlogs benefits travel bloggers: 1. Free Backlinks for SEO Google ranks websites higher based on the quality of their backlinks. Publishing on NexBlogs helps your own blog's SEO. 2. Increased Visibility Your articles reach a new audience. Readers may visit your blog. 3. Networking Opportunities Connect with other travel bloggers. Potential collaborations with brands. 4. Builds Authority Guest posting establishes credibility. Helps you become a recognised voice in travel blogging. If you're looking for travel blog websites to contribute to, NexBlogs is an excellent choice. Monetising Your Travel Blog Once your blog gains traction, you can earn money through: 1. Affiliate Marketing Promote travel gear (Amazon Associates). Recommend hotels ( affiliate program). 2. Sponsored Posts Tourism boards and brands pay for featured content. 3. Ad Revenue Google AdSense (beginner-friendly). Mediavine (for high-traffic blogs). 4. Selling Digital Products Create and sell travel itineraries or photography presets. Final Thoughts Starting a travel blog website is a rewarding way to turn your passion into a business. By selecting a niche, producing valuable content, and effectively promoting your blog, you can establish a successful online presence. Platforms like NexBlogs provide an excellent opportunity to expand your reach through guest posting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced blogger, the key to success is consistency and authenticity. Ready to start your travel blogging journey? Pick a niche, set up your site, and begin sharing your adventures with the world! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Wire
04-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Divi Founder Dani Austin Named BeautyMatter's 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Divi, the scalp and hair wellness brand redefining scalp care, is thrilled to announce that founder Dani Austin has been named BeautyMatter's 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year. This honor celebrates not only Divi's category-defining innovation, but also Dani's transformative impact as a creator-CEO. A Forbes Top Creator for three consecutive years and 2023's Influencer of the Year, Dani turned her personal hair loss journey into a viral, $40M+ brand that sells a Scalp Serum every minute. 'This award is more than a personal milestone, it's a tribute to the community that believed in Divi's mission to make scalp care cool and accessible,' said Dani Austin, founder and CEO of Divi. 'Being recognized by BeautyMatter, an industry authority that truly understands brand-building in today's creator-driven landscape, is incredibly meaningful.' The BeautyMatter Awards spotlight excellence across the beauty industry, honoring brands, founders, and innovators who move the industry forward with creativity, purpose, and integrity. Winners were selected by an independent panel of category experts based on relevancy, impact, and innovation. 'In a world that has become increasingly transactional, we remain committed to recognizing good work based solely on merit,' said BeautyMatter Founder and CEO, Kelly Kovack. 'When someone is recognized as a BeautyMatter Award winner, it's because they put in the work to be the best.' Winners were selected by a panel of independent judges—each a leading expert in their respective category—who evaluated entries based on relevancy, impact, and innovation. This year's honorees represent the forefront of beauty, from visionary product design to brand leadership that drives positive change. 'Numerous beauty industry award ceremonies tend to be politicized or connected to product promotion. In contrast, the BeautyMatter Awards stand out as a refreshing and dynamic experience. Their vibrancy, rawness, and edginess align precisely with the industry pulse that BeautyMatter understands so well, ' said Dr. Robb Akridge, Founder & CEO of Opulus Labs and BeautyMatter Awards judge The complete list of 2025 BeautyMatter Award winners is now live at and being shared across BeautyMatter's social media platforms. About Divi Founded in 2021 by creator and entrepreneur Dani Austin, Divi is a scalp and hair wellness brand committed to making scalp care modern, effective, and inclusive. From its best-selling Scalp Serum to a growing portfolio of dermatologist-tested essentials, Divi is redefining how consumers approach hair health—one drop at a time. Learn more at About BeautyMatter BeautyMatter is a global content and data platform built by brand builders, operators, and investors. Recognized as an essential resource for beauty insiders, BeautyMatter connects the dots with context-rich analysis, actionable insights, and a fresh point of view that informs and inspires the people shaping the future of beauty.
Pink Villa
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kingdom Ending Explained: Why is Vijay Deverakonda's Suri infiltrating his brother's syndicate and what is his final destiny?
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role, hit the big screens on July 31, 2025. The spy action drama is directed by Jersey fame Gowtam Tinnanuri with actors Satyadev and Bhagyshrii Borse as the co-leads. If you have watched the film in theaters and are wondering about its climax, here's an explainer that you need to read. Why is Vijay Deverakonda's Suri infiltrating his brother's syndicate? Kingdom is set in the late 1980s in Sri Lanka, where Suriya aka Suri (played by Vijay Deverakonda), a police constable, works diligently. Owing to his past, the policeman is unaware of where his elder brother is and searches for him. In his quest to find his long-lost brother, Suri is assigned to an undercover operation to infiltrate a crime syndicate. The twist comes in his life when it is revealed that his brother Siva (Satyadev) is part of the syndicate and does shady actions for its functioning. As Suri successfully becomes part of the syndicate, Siva learns about his brother's true intentions. Meanwhile, the syndicate's powerful don's son, Murugan, is crossed with Siva owing to his growth. After figuring out Suriya lied to him, Siva warns his brother and decides to leave him. At the same time, Murugan (Venkitesh VP) decides to seek revenge. Similar to Game of Thrones' Red Wedding, Murugan kills Siva and his entire family, consisting of an indigenous group of Telugu-speaking people in Sri Lanka. As soon as Suri learns about his brother's death, he rushes to their rescue but is too late. Now, a furious Suriya unleashes his full strength against his brother's killers, ending their lives, only for the indigenous group's leader to see a tattoo on his body. What does Suri's tattoo mean? See the tattoo, the group leader remembers the prophecy their tribe had for years. Taking us to the 1920s, the tribe called Divi was on the brink of collapse in a battle against a British invasion. In the final moment, the tribe's king sacrificed his life to protect his people, and it was prophesied that he would reincarnate once again. The king had a tattoo, the symbol of the group. The same tattoo was inscribed on Suriya by a fragile woman when he was a child, indicating he is the reincarnation of their king. After learning about the truth, Suri learns about his true destiny and symbolically becomes the king of his people, joining the ranks within his group. At the same time, a new threat awaits as Murugan's brother Sethu is planning his revenge, setting up the premise for the sequel.
