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Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Independence Day is a reminder to represent India with pride & professionalism: Pankaj Advani
For Indian billiards champion Pankaj Advani , wearing the national colours has never been just about winning medals; it's always been about responsibility and the privilege of inspiring others through his sport. On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, the world champion — who will be part of the flag-hoisting ceremony at the historic Red Fort in Delhi today — reflects on what it means, as a sportsperson, to celebrate the nation's freedom and represent India on the global stage. Excerpts: 'REPRESENTING INDIA, TO ME, HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN WINNING' 'It's been 25 years now since I first wore the national flag on my chest, and it's a privilege and honour every single time,' says Pankaj. The sportsperson explains, 'When you go abroad, you're an ambassador for your country, you're carrying that responsibility in how you play, how you conduct yourself, how professional you are. You want people to say, 'India is not just good at the sport, but is professional and respectful. Every time I represent India, I'm aware it's bigger than me. It's about showing the world what we stand for: professionalism, respect, and the spirit to compete at the highest level, and that's the true essence of the sport; and Independence Day is a reminder of that.' You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru Every time I represent India, I'm aware it's bigger than me. It's about showing the world what we stand for: professionalism, respect, and the spirit to compete at the highest level, and that's the true essence of the sport Pankaj Advani 'INDIA MAY HAVE BEEN A ONE-SPORT NATION, BUT THAT IS CHANGING' He acknowledges that India remains a one-sport nation in terms of mass following, but participation is evolving. 'People are taking up pickleball, paddle, Formula One, and even cue sports for fun, but the challenge is to connect them with the competitive side to make them watch and follow the best players in action,' he says. Today, India boasts champions across disciplines — Neeraj Chopra in javelin, PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in badminton — and Pankaj believes these athletes inspire the next generation. 'Having a figure in each sport who consistently excels on the world stage is important. But inspiration alone isn't enough; understanding the process, the training, tournaments, funding, and equipment is what truly creates more champions,' he says. Sports bring people together; it doesn't care about caste, wealth, or background. It's about testing yourself, not just against the best, but against your own limits — to win with humility and lose with grace Pankaj Advani 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 Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Science mela to ignite scientific curiosity among rural children
Mangaluru: In order to ignite scientific curiosity among rural children, who are also first-generation learners, a charitable trust, with the help of an IT firm based in the city, launched 'Code Craft Science Mela-Empowering Rural Talents Through Science'. In a region where science exhibitions are rarely accessible to rural govt and aided schools, this mela aims to be a breakthrough. It aims for 600 models to be presented across rural taluks in the coming days in the district. It is organised by Akanksha Charitable Trust, in partnership with CodeCraft Technologies, under their CSR initiative. Jobin Joseph PJ, programme coordinator from CodeCraft Technologies, addressing the reporters on Thursday, said the mela plans to reach over 35 rural schools and more than 8,000 students across Dakshina Kannada. The mela provides a vibrant platform for students to design and present working science models under the theme 'Science for a Better Life'. The mela has already been started in several schools with positive outcomes. Joseph said that it was launched a few weeks ago, and so far, competitions were held in 30 schools with 600 student participants. About 60 winners were already selected for the upcoming district-level event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Your Current Make-Up Routine Might Be Aging You Learn More Undo "We have witnessed collaboration between school staff, local education officials, and community volunteers to make the mela a successful one," he added. "We believe access to quality education is not a privilege, but a right. Equal education lays the foundation for a just and empowered society, enabling every child—regardless of background—to thrive." The mela was inaugurated at a school in the quiet village of Kadandale. On that day, 37 exhibits came alive, with models that spoke of clean energy, simple machines, water filters, disaster warning systems, and more. Each project reflected a unique spark of creativity, nurtured not in private labs or elite classrooms, but in modest village schools. The mela will culminate in a grand finale at the district level, where outstanding models will be awarded scholarships and recognition, not just for innovation, but for courage, effort, and potential, according to Shreesha Bhat, founder and managing trustee of the trust. "The mela is a joint effort to empower rural children with opportunities they truly deserve. By making science engaging and approachable, we are sowing seeds of curiosity that will grow into lifelong learning," he added. Govt and aided rural schools in Dakshina Kannada can register a week in advance by contacting 88619 32512 / 94837 68512. 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 Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
