Latest news with #Motale
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Sunday guided walks help urban residents reconnect with nature
1 2 3 Pune: Did you know trees 'communicate' using a network of fungi below the ground, just like we do with the internet? This 'mycorrhizal network' is also referred to as the 'wood wide web'! Several such interesting trivia and information about the fascinating natural world regularly come to light during the Nature Discovery Walks conducted every Sunday in the city by the Ecological Society. The purpose, said organisers, is talking about nature while walking through it — a refreshing, energising and educational sojourn for city folk. The organization, which works in the sphere of nature education, began these experiential trips to 16 locations across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad in Jan this year. These destinations are typically rich in biodiversity, such as the Ramnadi-Mula river confluence, Taljai hill, Vetal tekdi, Pashan lake, Empress Garden and more. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "Ecological literacy is our goal. We hope to provide an experience that stays with participants, as we believe this is the first step to connecting deeply with nature," said Aniket Motale, head of the school and college vertical at the Ecological Society. The target group is absolutely anyone — participants have been as young as seven years old, and each session has had at least 25 people joining in. "We have had a total of 520 participants since we began, hailing from all walks of life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 무지티만 입어도 빛날 수 있는 기부반지 유어턴 링 굿네이버스 더 알아보기 Undo Children, teachers, architects and even IAS officers, among others, have attended the walks," said Motale, adding, "Our motive is to introduce the urban population to the rich natural resources and heritage of the city. " During each walk, participants are introduced to various plants, insects and birds residing in that space by a dedicated guide. "Students are taught about the environment in school, but it's a whole other thing to soak it in first-hand. It is important to learn about it in class, but equally important to see flora and fauna, touch and smell them, play in mud and realise that nature is not limited to forests or city outskirts, but can also be found in the heart of a metropolis," Motale said. According to the Ecological Society team, research has shown that exposing individuals to nature in their early years makes them more eco-conscious as adults — this forms the core of their purpose in conceptualising and executing the nature walk series. Retired marine engineer and current faculty at the maritime institute in Lonavla, Neehar Lowalekar, said that attending these curated ambles has been the best way to spend Sunday mornings. "I attended the walks at Pashan Lake and on Taljai hill. The walks are a great way to understand how we are destroying nature and why we need to be more conscious about living in harmony with it. I learned how forgiving nature can be and that we must protect it to protect ourselves, too," Lowalekar told TOI. "I climb the Tukai Mata tekdi in Baner daily, but never really observed the things around me, which I now do. As adults, we tend to forget what we learned in school and each walk acts as a refresher course," he added. Nature educator Ganesh Jagdale, who helps conduct the walks, said Lowalekar's experience is exactly what their group aims to achieve. "The goal is to help citizens better connect with their immediate natural surroundings. The ecosystem in cities is just as important as that found in forests. Besides adults, even the younger generation feels quite disconnected from nature. In schools, fundamental concepts are taught, but there is a gap when it comes to experiential learning — children can learn by doing, observing, and engaging directly with the natural world," Jagdale said. "Every walk, even if conducted at the same location, is different. It has a lot to do with seasonality. There is a lot of co-learning involved, too. The questions children ask can sometimes be extremely enlightening and offer a different perspective on things," he said. City resident Madhura Godbole is another participant, who attended a walk with her two teenage children and niece, and loved the experience. "It's a great initiative to get people out in nature and explore a completely different facet of the city. The walks are extremely detailed and feel inclusive, even if participants don't have prior knowledge of the natural space. The session was also well organised and planned, and there was so much to see and learn," said Godbole, a biomedical engineer and theatre enthusiast. Ecological Society members also said that environmental literacy is a vast concept that cannot be imbibed over a few walks — but they are a veritable step in the right direction, igniting a spark to learn more. The society also conducts a detailed postgraduate diploma course and various short-term courses with a focus on nature and sustainability.
The South African
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: 100k salary and coach in hospital
Top-tier Betway Premiership club, Orlando Pirates, have announced no less than nine new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season. The names are Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting between Orlando Pirates legends and the new arrivals. R10 million from Kaizer Chiefs to sign talented PSL winger? Orlando Pirates' new signings for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Image: orlandopirates/Instagram Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Sea Robbers. 11 and 15: Orlando Pirates jersey numbers taken by new signings According to Motale, one of the key messages he shared with the new players is the degree to which their personal lives and finances will take big turns. 'I'm quite happy because the majority of them are still young, they still have three to four years with Orlando Pirates, you understand,' Motale said…Full story here. Buccaneers supporters have noticed Helmy Gueldich's absence from the first week of preseason training. The Tunisian strength and conditioning coach, formerly with Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi at Young Africans in Tanzania, has been spotted on a hospital bed. Gueldich, who was clutch in Jose Riveiro's five-trophy championship of three MTN8 and two Nedbank Cup titles, is yet to meet up with Orlando Pirates' new head coach Abdelsam Ouaddou…Full story here. DO YOU HAVE ANY MESSAGES FOR THE COACH? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates need to look outside SA for top striker, says former Buccaneer
Orlando Pirates may need to recruit a top striker from outside South Africa to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance, according to former player Edward Motale. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Pirates will surely be aiming to break the stranglehold of Mamelodi Sundowns as they won their eighth league title in a row last season. This comes after Pirates have appointed new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou after José Riveiro left his post last season after a successful period with the Soweto Giants. The 58-year-old, who was on the books of Pirates during the mid-90s, has been encouraged by some of the signings already made but still feels upfront is where a big addition is still needed. Orlando Pirates may have to look beyond the borders of South Africa if they are to find the top striker they need this coming season, according to former Buccaneer Edward Motale. Orlando Pirates Seek Striking Solutions Amid New Signings and Coaching Support 'We didn't have the right striker last season. We had [Tshegofatso] Mabasa, but he was on and off form due to a lack of game time, and then we tried midfielders to try and beef up upfront, and it also didn't work,' Motale told 'If they can beef up upfront with the right striker, they will be good to go. The only issue now is that there are no quality strikers in the country, and perhaps the club needs to look elsewhere for a striker. We need a finisher that can score goals week in and week out.' Pirates have, however, announced some high-profile signings like Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. 'I truly believe that they [Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis] will make an impact because, from the clubs they were playing for, they were regulars and doing very well there. I think Mbule has come to the right club now, and I believe we will see the best of him.' As for Ouaddou, Motale gave the new coach his full backing. 'I think we have a good coach because he played at the highest level and also for his country, so he knows what it takes, and it doesn't matter where you played football—the same rules apply.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
The South African
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Orlando Pirates give you R90 000, R100, 000 per month'
The top-tier Betway Premiership club, Orlando Pirates, have announced no less than nine new signings at the Rand Stadium. The names are Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting between Orlando Pirates legends and the new arrivals. Kaizer Chiefs make exciting announcement Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza leads a press conference from Parktown, Johannesburg. Image: Sowetan Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Orlando Pirates. Lee Miles spotted at Orlando Pirates According to Motale, one of the key messages he shared with the new players is the degree to which their personal lives and finances will take big turns. 'I'm qui te happy because the majority of them are still young, they still have three to four years with Orlando Pirates, you understand,' Motale told Soccer Laduma . 'Remember some of them are from Chippa, Baroka. We spoke to them about their behaviour on and off the field,' the former defender added. 'Also the money issue, because for example you're coming from Baroka, you're earning R10 000, here (at Orlando Pirates) they give you R90 000, R100, 000 (per month), you're going to go crazy! 'You also need to have control. It was a nice educational talk like fathers with sons,' Motale concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
