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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
‘What Bradford needs a is a proper museum about the city' says Civic Society chair
NEWS that Forster Square is being served by an extra six LNER London services per day will hopefully bring an influx of new visitors to the city - while also making it easier for us Bradfordians to enjoy trips to our nation's great capital. But, after our southern thrill-seekers have meandered through our smart-looking historic streets, had a cup of tea using proper tap water, and enjoyed curry that makes a Brick Lane biryani taste like a limp cheese sandwich by comparison, where would they discover the story of Bradford? Because while we can boast an outstanding collection of Council museums and galleries, a world-famous national museum, and a peppering of fascinating independent sites, Bradford still doesn't have a proper city museum. Nowhere in the centre can you really discover how Bradford grew from a sleepy Pennine backwater to one of the great industrial capitals of the world. You can't see our civic treasures, or learn about our great characters, or discover our proud history of migration, social reform, and pioneering spirit. Nor is there a 'warts and all' bit that chronicles some of the city's darkest days, but times that we must none-the-less never forget or, more importantly, learn lessons from. Pull-up banners, hastily-converted shop units, or occasional glimpses inside City Hall's civic rooms simply won't cut it. We need a big old stone building, full to the brim with weird and wonderful things, where you can get lost on a rainy Sunday afternoon or spend far too much money on fridge magnets and stationery. It should be where children hear tales of the Bradford Boar and make Minecraft Little Germanys; where grown-ups exchange knowing glances at a Rita, Sue, and Bob Too original movie poster; and where the even older folk marvel at posh old shop signs and artefacts from decades gone by. A proper celebration of Bradfordia, past, present, and future. If this all sounds fanciful given the Council's well-documented financial challenges, the conditions are right to make it happen. It's believed that the city will, at some point soon, need a new museums and galleries store to replace its crumbling backroom sites. It has also been stated, as outlined in the much-trumpeted 10 year cultural strategy, that there should be a standalone site in the city centre to help tell the 'story of Bradford' - a vision that has yet to materialise despite being mid-way through the UK City of Culture year. Plans for a mini museum inside City Hall were scuppered when a deal with the National Rugby League Museum fell through, and besides, the grand old building is already busy with new municipal functions and the excellent Police Museum. It's also a matter of public record (no pun intended) that the West Yorkshire Archives and local studies centre needs a new Bradford home. Presumably that search comes with a bit of regional funding in place too. Aside from the need and desire for a new city centre museum, Bradford is increasingly adored by lots of national bodies with regular funding streams, such as Historic England, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. With grand old sites like the Bradford Club on Piece Hall Yard, the striking terracotta Prudential building, and any number of ex bank buildings now up for grabs, the city's new Heritage Action Zone can comfortably host something with a fine civic and cultural function to keep the good people of this city entertained and enlightened. A proper city museum is an essential ingredient in any town looking to flex its municipal muscles. Leeds boldly created one in its main square; London is opening a new mega museum in 2026; and Liverpool has recently bagged £10m from the Government to build on its already excellent museums offer. Now is not the time for Bradford to be thinking small. Culture, heritage, and experiential activities are what are tempting people back to historic town centres, not retail, and with footfall rising in the city centre we need to be creating even more attractions that will see people returning in 2026, 2027, and years to come. The recent launch of our new website for Little Germany - thanks to the hard work of Impact Hub Yorkshire and other local partners - has shown that there is still such a strong appetite to make more of Bradford's history and heritage, and even more fascinating, there are still so many unanswered questions too. I hope that the upcoming changes and further reshaping of the city centre can provide an opportunity to satisfy that curiosity, and to create a new civic space for us all to take pride in, for us all to own, and for us all to contribute towards. That is the stuff proper cities are made of. * Si Cunningham is chair of Bradford Civic Society.
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Historic First: CUNY In USA Establishes 'Achyuta Samanta India Initiative' Research Institute
Dr Samanta also bestowed with the Presidential Medal by the Varsity in New York BHUBANESHWAR, India, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a ground-breaking development that marks a proud moment for India, especially for Odisha, a premier research institute at the City University of New York (CUNY) has been named after renowned educationist and social reformer Dr. Achyuta Samanta (Founder of KIIT and KISS). The newly established 'Achyuta Samanta India Initiative CUNY Crest Institute' (ASIICCI) was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of distinguished academics and dignitaries from across the United States. This historic move is the first time a research centre in the United States has been named after an Indian, making it a moment of immense pride not only for Dr. Samanta but also for the people of Odisha and the global KIIT and KISS community. The newly established institute will provide American students with opportunities to research on Odisha's rich art and heritage. It will also focus on Dr. Samanta's contribution to the socio-economic development of tribal communities and his achievements in the field of education. Adding to this prestigious recognition, Dr. Samanta was conferred the highest honour of CUNY — the Presidential Medal — during the event. Reserved for individuals of exceptional global impact, the medal acknowledges Dr. Samanta's transformative contributions to education, tribal upliftment, and humanitarian service. His grassroots work through KIIT and KISS has positively impacted over 80,000 tribal children, offering them quality education, dignity, and opportunity. The idea for the research institute originated during the recent visit of Dr. Milton Santiago, President of Bronx Community College under CUNY, to KIIT and KISS in Bhubaneswar. Deeply inspired by Dr. Samanta's journey and vision, Dr. Santiago proposed naming a research institute after him, a suggestion that received unanimous approval from the university board. At the inauguration, Dr. Santiago remarked, 'The Achyuta Samanta India Initiative will help American students from diverse backgrounds understand and engage with India's tribal communities, cultural roots, and one of the world's most impactful educational models.' Dr. Samanta, who attended the event as the guest of honour, expressed profound gratitude and humility, stating that it is a moment of great pride and honour for him as an Odia and Indian to have a U.S. research institute named after him. He noted that it was not only a personal recognition but also a matter of pride for Odisha, KIIT, and KISS. He hoped that the institute would encourage greater research and understanding of Odisha's art, literature, and culture, as well as his own work. Founded 175 years ago, CUNY is a prestigious U.S. public university system encompassing 25 colleges and over 300,000 students from 122 countries. The establishment of ASIICCI under its umbrella demonstrates the global relevance of Dr. Samanta's vision and Odisha's intellectual heritage. Photo: Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE KIIT
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
'Misunderstood', The mental health book that is making waves across borders
BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA, May 22, 2025 / / -- In an unprecedented publishing success, MISUNDERSTOOD – A Guide to Mental Wellness, authored by social reformer and legal crusader Sree Krishna Seelam, has taken the global literary scene by storm, topping the charts across 12 countries, including India, the USA, Germany, Australia, Canada, and the UK, without a single penny spent on marketing. The book is being hailed as a movement, not just a manuscript. Rooted in raw honesty, scientific insight, and heart-wrenching real-life stories, MISUNDERSTOOD is more than a guide; it's a revolution in how society perceives mental health. 'This book was born out of silence, stigma, and pain. But it now speaks loudly for those who couldn't. It's my war cry and my peace offering.' – Sree Krishna Seelam Sree Krishna Seelam, known for donating all royalties from his bestsellers to social causes, leads the www. Foundation, a volunteer-powered non-profit with over 12,000 changemakers worldwide. His latest work was co-created by a remarkable team of therapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, and hundreds of grassroots volunteers from rural India to international universities, making it a truly people-powered project. A Global Phenomenon with Local Roots The book's record-breaking success, achieved with zero ad budget, reflects not just the need for mental health reform but the collective hunger for empathy, understanding, and truth. Readers from all walks of life have called it 'life-saving,' 'soul-healing,' and 'the first book that finally understood them.' About the Author Sree Krishna Seelam is no ordinary writer. With 21 books across law, mental health, human rights, and social justice, he has turned his pen into a weapon for change. An aspiring lawmaker, an advocate for change, and founder of a pro bono legal service brand called www. Sree is on a mission to make the world a better place, one reader, one reform, and one book at a time. What Makes MISUNDERSTOOD Different? Backed by clinical insight, real-life suicide cases, and survivor stories Features contributions from licensed professionals and trained mental health advocates Every chapter includes practical tools: mental exercises, writing prompts, and daily actions 100% of proceeds support mental health education and suicide prevention campaigns in India Join the Movement With mental health issues rising globally post-pandemic, MISUNDERSTOOD has become a call to action. It's not just a book; it's a blueprint for building a more compassionate, informed world. Readers, professionals, and policymakers alike are invited to read, share, and take part in the mental wellness movement by downloading the book for free from Sree Krishna Seelam Wedidit Foundation email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
