Latest news with #IPSF
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Condemn Israel's actions in Gaza, civil society members urge govt.
The India Palestine Solidarity Forum (IPSF), a coalition of civil society leaders and people's movements, submitted a detailed memorandum to MPs on July 27, urging the government to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza for what it calls 'the ongoing genocide, forced starvation, and ethnic cleansing of the people of Palestine by Israel.' Signed by over two dozen eminent figures including Medha Patkar, Tushar Gandhi, Prashant Bhushan, Anand Patwardhan, and retired judge Justice Kolse Patil, and several advocates, journalists, authors, activists, social workers and political parties, the memorandum demands 'decisive' Indian leadership in global calls for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and accountability for alleged Israeli war crimes. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (August 5, 2025), Dr. Sunilam, president of IPSF, stressed the urgency of the moment. 'The memorandum urges the Government of India to unequivocally and categorically condemn the ongoing genocide, forced starvation, and ethnic cleansing of the people of Palestine by Israel.' Feroze Mithiborwala, general secretary of IPSF, called the silence of the Indian government on this 'historic moral issue' alarming. 'This statement bears the endorsement of some of India's most prominent civil society leaders,' he added. Addressed to both houses of Parliament, the memorandum outlines four broad demands: make and lead calls for a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian access in Gaza; restore India's moral authority in foreign policy by reaffirming support for Palestinian statehood and ending all agreements, military, security, agricultural, technological, with the Israeli government and related entities; reject Western propaganda, support independent and fact-based journalism, and uphold international justice mechanisms; and, ensure parliamentary oversight, transparency and public dialogue on India's Gaza policy. Tushar Gandhi, president of Hum Bharat Ke Log, said, 'The Modi government must condemn Israel for the genocide and war crimes being committed in Gaza. India must play a proactive role in ensuring Israel ends the policy of starvation and allows humanitarian essentials, food, water, medicines, to be provided to the Gazan population.' The memorandum presents statistics to highlight the humanitarian crisis. Since October 2023, over 58,000 deaths have been officially reported in Gaza, the majority of them women and children. Independent assessments, including those by The Lancet and The Economist, place the figure between 77,000 and 1,09,000. Over 1.9 million have been displaced, with infrastructure—including hospitals, bakeries, and water systems—systematically destroyed. Aid convoys and humanitarian workers have come under fire, and the UN Special Rapporteur has described Gaza's condition as a 'man-made famine' the memorandum said.
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Kempton athlete to represent SA at world pole sports event
Kempton Park resident Alana Jackson has been selected to represent South Africa at the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) World Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from October 20 to 25, 2025. This will be the third time Jackson represents South Africa on the international stage. 'It is such a great honour to be representing South Africa for the third time at the IPSF Worlds, this time in a solo capacity for two categories. I do this proudly,' said Jackson. The 35-year-old explained that her artistic solo routines earned her a spot on the national team. ALSO READ: National Wrestling Federation brings wrestling event to Kempton Park Her artistic pole routine is inspired by Faith Like Potatoes, telling the story of a farmer who struggles through drought before finally celebrating fruitful ground after rain. Her artistic aerial pole routine explores the journey of a woman coming to terms with a life she never expected to want. 'I was ecstatic when I found out I had qualified. My scores were much higher than expected. It's such an unreal feeling,' she said. Jackson, who has been doing pole fitness for 13 years, said her training includes warm-ups, pole and off-pole conditioning, stretching, and practising tricks and combos. She also incorporates calisthenics to support strength building. She described the IPSF World Championships as a prestigious event featuring over 500 athletes from around the globe. ALSO READ: Boxing academy unites teams in Ekurhuleni 'The athletes are strong and talented, and everyone comes together for the love of pole and aerial sport,' she said. Jackson owns Phenomena Aerial Dance and Fitness in Glen Marais, which she opened in 2020. The studio currently has 25 students, and she says there is always room for more. She credits her coach, Benita Bouwer – a recorded world champion – and her calisthenics coach, Dominic Lewarne, for their ongoing support. 'Training in winter is a big challenge. The poles are cold, and so is the weather, but thinking about the world championships keeps me motivated,' she said. 'I need to make myself and my people proud, keeping our country and its incredible athletes visible in the sport.' Her goal for the competition is to deliver clean performances that resonate with the audience. 'A fair score would be a bonus. I'll keep training the best I can and ensure my tricks are flawless.' She encourages aspiring athletes to find a studio and a qualified coach who believes in them, to put in the work, and to never give up. 'It's not easy, but you can do it,' she said. ALSO READ: Gauteng climber set to represent SA in Europe Jackson trains as often as she can, with each session lasting around two hours. She draws inspiration from top-level athletes as well as her newest students. She is excited to experience the global talent at the event, be inspired by fellow competitors, and build new friendships along the way. Jackson also noted that the South African team of 25 athletes is self-funded and needs support, whether through financial contributions or raffle item donations to help raise funds for the trip. Anyone wishing to assist can contact Alana at [email protected] or the South African Pole Sports Federation at [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
