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Time of India
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Serb picks up broom & bucket for a clean sweep of streets from Bengaluru to Gurgaon
PUNE: A lone cow stares at a tall man in shorts and dusty sneakers dragging a stick broom across a litter-strewn lane in Gurgaon's Sector 55 in a video. Passersby smirk, some laugh, some tell him to stop wasting his time, while one or two join him. "India ko saaf rakhna hai," he calls out in accented Hindi, sweeping food packets, plastic cups, and other litter into a bucket. Lazar Jankovic, a 32-year-old Serb, arrived in India in 2018 on a modelling contract but stayed for love of the country and his Sikkimese fiancee. Its beauty and culture drew him in, but the indifference to garbage unsettled him. He then picked up a broom and a bucket and began cleaning up roads. He started 'Ek Din Ek Gully', an initiative where he collects garbage scattered across roads and urges passersby to follow better civic sense. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Gold Rates Today in Pune | Silver Rates Today in Pune Jankovic graduated from The Academy of Criminalistic and Police Studies in Belgrade-Zemun, and prepared for a decade to work in forensics, alongside years of training in kickboxing and Krav Maga. He decided to impulsively take up a last-minute modelling assignment that brought him to Bengaluru in 2018. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brother Donates Kidney To Save Sister's Life. One Year Later, He Says, I Wish I Never Did It, When This Happens Daily Sport X Undo "Even as a child, I wanted to visit India, but never got the chance. I accompanied my friend for an audition in Serbia where the casting director offered me an assignment, and I jumped at the opportunity to come to India. My friends and family were shocked by my decision, but my mother was supportive," Jankovic said. He found India beautiful and the culture amazing, but littering and litterbugs bothered him. "I was shocked to see well-to-do residents stepping over piles of waste to get into their cars. I thought if nobody was going to act, I should," Jankovic added. In Bengaluru, he shifted homes four times, and cleaned up the surroundings everywhere he lived. He didn't make any videos then but started recording last year. "I didn't get much traction. I then learned how to post on social media and the videos now reach larger audiences. Some videos of me cleaning up a lane near my place in Gurgaon started trending. I have received hundreds of calls and messages from people who want to volunteer," Jankovic said. He also carried out self-funded cleanups in every city he visited in India, from Bengaluru to across Tamil Nadu, and the ghats of Rishikesh. But he reserves his praise for Sikkim for its people's attitude towards cleanliness. "The rest of India must learn from them," Jankovic said. His street work hasn't always been met with enthusiasm. "The only support I got during my first cleanup was from a cow who followed me around. Locals laughed at me. I couldn't converse with them, so I learnt Hindi through Kishore Kumar songs and Shah Rukh Khan movies," Jankovic said. In some videos, he is seen urging civic sense to people in Tamil. He is pushing for practical measures like designated dumping spots on every street to make waste collection easier. "My motto is to take charge of just two metres outside your own homes. If residents from every building kept their immediate area clean, it would change everything," he said. Earlier in August, Jankovic cleaned the premises of a temple in Gurgaon and spoke to the priests about using waste bins. "Volunteers joined the drive, we collected four-five bags of waste. A person stepped up and called a tractor to take it to the dumping ground and even instructed the driver not to dump it anywhere else," Jankovic said. In September, he will be in Mumbai and Pune to organise cleanup drives. He will visit Indore later to learn from their waste-management system. Jankovic is keen on yoga and is pursuing a certification. "Yoga is a discipline. So is civic responsibility. Both are about respect for your body and your surroundings," he added. He is clear that he is in India for the long haul. "I love this country. I'm going to marry into it. Throughout history, people have come here to take something away. It's time to give back," he said. 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.
Indian Express
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
From a golf driving range for beginners, how Siri Fort Sports Complex has become one of the largest sports arenas in the national capital
The Siri Fort Sports Complex (SFSC), one of the largest multi-sports facilities in the national capital, caters to both professional sports persons as well as amateurs. Membership of the complex, like that of most clubs in Delhi, is often treated as a badge of prestige. Now, Delhi residents have a chance to become a member of this highly sought-after clique. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will open applications for 800 permanent memberships at the SFSC from August 12 to September 11. The SFSC, formally opened by the DDA in 1989, is often described as one of the legacies of the 1982 Asian Games in the city. Initially, it featured a golf driving range for beginners, followed in 1991 by the addition of a 10-metre air rifle and pistol shooting range, a cricket ground, and a jogging track. Over time, the facility expanded to include indoor amenities such as squash and tennis courts and a gym, as well as outdoor features like a skating rink, a children's park, and several tennis courts. A swimming pool was introduced in 1994, while a football field was added in 1998, along with a nine-hole mini golf course soon after. Significant upgrades came in 2002 with the installation of air-conditioned indoor badminton courts and synthetic tennis courts. Ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, for which it served as a training venue, many facilities – including the badminton courts – were modernised. The event also led to the establishment of an all-season, Olympic-size swimming pool. Today, the complex also has facilities for basketball, croquet, aerobics, yoga, taekwondo, multi-gym, Reiki, naturopathy, Krav Maga, western dance, ballet, and jazz. DDA officials said that permanent memberships for the SFSC are being opened after a gap, following 'persistent demand from the fitness and sports community'. Apart from Siri Fort, the DDA operates 18 sports complexes, four mini sports complexes, and three golf courses in Delhi. The authority said the expansion of access to the SFSC is part of its effort to 'provide high-quality sports facilities for the public'.
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Female instructors lead empowering martial arts seminar in Bracken Park
The sixth edition of the Beauty is a Beast martial arts seminar was held on July 26 at Bracken Park Community Hall. Nearly 80 women, aged 13 to over 60, gathered for a day of fitness, empowerment, and skill-building. What began as a shared idea between Karyn Smith and a top female instructor friend in Cape Town has grown into a unique Johannesburg-based event that continues to attract women of all backgrounds, from seasoned martial artists to complete beginners. The aim of the event is to create a space where women can feel safe, strong, and inspired. 'It felt fresh, meaningful, and much-needed. Our slogan is 'Look like a beauty, train like a beast', and that's exactly the energy we bring every year,' said Karyn Smith, event organiser. A space for strength and support What sets Beauty is a Beast apart is its commitment to being a women-only event taught exclusively by highly ranked female instructors across various martial disciplines, including krav maga, karate, kickboxing, Zumba, and jiu-jitsu. 'We want participants to learn from the best women who are technically skilled and inspiring role models. 'Every year, we make adjustments based on feedback, and this time we introduced two new instructors, which really elevated the experience,' said Smith. The event remains non-profit and affordable thanks to sponsors like Bushido Martial Arts Supplies, PostNet Rosebank, Bidvest Protea Coin, and Kime Photography. All instructors donate their time, and any extra funds go toward sponsoring participants who cannot afford to attend. Learning and lifting one another The atmosphere on the day was full of excitement. Participants were invited to try out multiple martial arts styles in short, intensive sessions designed to build confidence and practical skills. Krav maga instructor Sharlé Vermaak shared how meaningful it was to teach in an environment focused on women. 'It gives them a safe and judgement-free space to come out of their comfort zone, have fun, and learn how to defend themselves. 'You could see the excitement when they realised they could do something they never thought possible,' she said. Monique Lyons, another instructor, praised the focus and camaraderie shown during her session. 'They helped and encouraged each other, which was amazing to see. Events like these give women the space to learn, express themselves, and push past their own limitations,' she said. Inspired and empowered Among the participants was Lenne Knuist, who left the seminar with a renewed sense of confidence. 'I wanted to challenge myself, learn new skills, and be part of an empowering event. 'The Krav Maga session with Sharlé was the highlight. It was practical and powerful, and I felt like I was learning skills I could actually use,' said Knuist. She added, 'The event gave me such a boost in confidence. I felt stronger, more aware, and I would absolutely recommend it to others.' Looking ahead Smith confirmed that Beauty is a Beast will return in 2026, with plans to add two or three new instructors and introduce split sessions for beginners and experienced martial artists. She said the goal is to make the event more accessible, more tailored, and more impactful. 'To me, 'Beauty is a Beast' means breaking the stereotype that you have to choose between being strong and being feminine. 'This event shows you can be both,' she said. As more women discover the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of martial arts, Beauty is a Beast continues to grow, not just as a fitness event but as a movement of strength, sisterhood, and self-belief.
News18
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Yash Begins Toxic Shoot After Wrapping Up Ramayana, To Perform His Stunts Without Help
Last Updated: Jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups is being directed by Geetu Mohandas. Kannada star Yash has landed in Mumbai, where he has started shooting the next schedule of his upcoming movie Toxic. If a report by Mid-Day is to be believed, the actor arrived in the city on July 21 and is now shooting in Goregaon with Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Akshay Oberoi. Reportedly, Yash will be performing his stunts without the help of a body double. 'Last Monday, the new schedule kicked off in Film City, Goregaon. It will be largely indoors, where the actors will perform their stunts without the help of body doubles. It includes many sequences that involve hand-to-hand combat," a source cited by the news portal claimed. Besides this, a team of experts has also been hired, which is helping Yash in making his acting sequences raw and brutal. 'A team of 15 experts has been put together for safety and execution. They are helping the actors with close-cut scenes. The action in Toxic is raw, brutal, and grounded. In the hand-to-hand combat sequences, action directors JJ Perry and Giorgi Iarajuli have blended elements of Krav Maga, Filipino Kali, and MMA techniques to create a gritty style of action," the insider added. Jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups is being directed by Geetu Mohandas. Meanwhile, Yash recently wrapped up the shoot for his upcoming movie, Ramayana. The Nitesh Tiwari directorial, which will also star Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, will feature Yash as Ravana. Recently, the teaser of the much-awaited film was also released. It began from the roots – the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who rule the world. With striking animation, the video then introduced characters from Ramayana – Lord Rama played by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Ramayana will be released in two parts in 2026 and 2027, respectively. First Published: July 25, 2025, 09:29 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Onion
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Onion
Cobra Kai Actor Accused Of Biting Co-Star
Karate Kid actor and Cobra Kai star Martin Kove was asked to leave a fan convention after biting co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim so hard during a VIP meet-and-greet that he nearly drew blood, claiming that he 'was being playful in the moment but went too far.' What do you think? 'Why didn't she just parry it into a crane kick?' Quinton Wantoke, Teleprompter Attendant 'That's allowed in Krav Maga.' Claire Billson, Unemployed 'They had to put Ralph Macchio down for the same thing.' Nate Farmer, Pothole Filler
