Fashion for a Cause

The Special Needs Family (SNF) Children Development Centre commenced operations in April 2007 as an extension of the Special Needs Families Support Group in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Centre is a dedicated facility for young adults with special needs, who would like to enhance their lives by contributing to the community in their own special way. Qualified and certified staff members assist in escalating their integration in mainstream society by imparting training, specific to every individual’s potential and vocational needs.

The official poster that entails the activities at the Fun Bazaar on 6th November 2009 which aims to support the SNF

The SNF organization creates a podium where the children’s interact and display their creativity. This initiative provides an opportunity for their families to understand the difficulties they face and also serves as a meeting point.

The SNF’s annual event is the Fun Bazaar, which is being held today on 6th November 2009 at the Sheraton Deira Hotel, from 10 am to 9 pm. Various activities like Magic shows, Harley Davidson Bike Rides, a Fashion Show by our college students along with children with special needs, food court, raffle draws, lots of products sold below the market price, games stall, on the spot prizes are few of the main attractions of Fun Bazaar.

Our very own Fashion Department will be taking part in the Fashion show that will be held at the Fun Bazaar. Mr. Kailash, a faculty member of the Fashion Department said, “Manipal got involved with the SNF organization about three years ago, when they had contacted us and asked us if we would be interested in involving ourselves with this noble cause”.

Students busy with preparations before the big day

(Photo Credit: Deepa Narwani)

The Fashion Department has its preparations for the event in full swing. The first and second years are involved in the designing of the costumes for the event. “These children are the models and also other models escort them on the ramp. Our students design the clothes that they would be wearing. This gives the children an opportunity to increase their level of confidence and gives them equal recognition.” said Mr. Kailash.

“The theme for the event is Sweet Factory. So we have planned a chocolaty feeling for the clothes and they are going to quite colorful. We are also planning on using sweets like candies and jelly beans on the garments.” said Leena Chapru, a first year from the Fashion Department.

“In addition to the preparations being done by our juniors, last year's Fashinova garments are also going to be used for the show.” added Manisha Sadhwani, a 3rd year Fashion Department student.

Here’s wishing good luck to all the participants and hoping that the SNF members have memorable day.

By Deepa Narwani

A Tiny Gesture can Inspire Huge Changes

Pulitzer prize winning authors Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn embark on a journey to reach out to the emotionally and physically captivated women. Their journey leads them to heartbreaking stories which are horrific in nature and moves their readers.

Together they have written Half the Sky Movement, which talks about the horrific experiences of women.

As their site proudly states "Women aren’t the problem they are the solutions along with men." This is enough to make the viewers understand the importance of women in the world and how imperative it is for us to do whatever we could to help them.

This intriguing http://www.halftheskymovement.org/ lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: Sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. Though there are many worthy causes competing for attention in the world. Half the Sky Movement focuses on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference.

Half the Sky Movement holds a segment of the stories of some of the women who have suffered brutality or has done well for the society for the benefit of others. The site also gives us an opportunity to do our bit for these ladies by citing various organizations which are working for the same cause, though some of these organizations might be small but their involvement in the project is significant.

To spread the word, Half the Sky Movement is also linked to major social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Stumble-upon, Delicious, Reditt and Dig.

We could help in this good deed in many ways, the least is by informing others about the movement and spread awareness amongst many by informing them about http://www.halftheskymovemnt.org/ and their objective.

By Nafisa Zaki

Day 1:Working with the Mould

The Pottery Workshop organised by the Dept. of Interior Design, which is being orchestrated by Mr Sundeep Manchekar, a man who has a passion for the clay begun today.

1st November 2009 was the first day of the workshop; this day entailed three classes which were spilt into 3 separate rooms. You had the senior most room (Advanced Level 2), constructing and molding of relief patters, this was thematic based. The other classrooms were for second year students (Advanced level 1) and the final room was a mixture of final and second year students. Advanced 1 differed from Advanced 2 in the manner of it being of a different theme (Islamic mural, Advanced 2 original theme). Materials was different between the levels as the lower level advanced had thinner slabs to work on and their was more technical conformity as compared to Advanced 2 which had more of a gung ho attitude.

Students on Day One of the Pottery Workshop

All pottery was done individually and the students were being graded with the 2nd years being marked for their History and Humanities courses and the 3rd year students for their product specialization.

The Manipal faculty in charge of the workshop, Mrs. Indira Bavre displayed the Kiln which she says is “kept standing at the temperature of 900 degrees Celsius for 12 hours and a further 12 hours to cool down”. She added with a bright colored apron that “The Kiln is fairly large in size and can hold up to 30 mugs or plates.” Fans of the movie ‘Ghost’ will be pleased to know that the pottery wheel will begin its revolutions on the 3rd of November. The 4th day of the workshop also has the construction of a large jewellery box.

Basic techniques for the novices will be taught on the 2nd of November. As the Kiln burns so shall our reporting for these next few days.

By Keegan G. Pereira and Amartojit Basu

The Essential Media Guide: A review on The Media Production Magazine.

For media junkies everywhere-(whether you are a media person, student or just a hard core media enthusiast) there’s a new way to quench your thirst of the media world - The Media Production Magazine.

Launched around the beginning of this year, Media Production (MP) is a monthly magazine that proudly states that it is the first magazine for creatives in the Middle East, on its website (http://www.mp-mag.com/).

The Magazine consists of media worthy content- such as media persons, latest events, institutes and media software and equipment in U.A.E.

The Magazine not only gives equal importance to all forms of media- such as video, print, audio etc. but even the advertisements displayed are related to media (in terms of equipment, media events, media outlets and institutes etc)

In its latest (fourth) issue (Sept-Oct. 09) Media Production heavily informed its readers about all the media events which have taken place and are about to take place as the issue focused on helping media creatives choose their right career path.

Events such as GITEX 09’, IBDAA Awards and The Media and Marketing Show 09’ were given focus to.

Available in 120 locations across the U.A.E, Media Production is available for purchase at bookstores such as ‘Borders’ (DIFC, Marina), Books Plus (Greens, Umm Saquim) and Superstores such as West Zone and Union Co-op, as well as plenty of other locations.

Those interested in universities and at work, can also subscribe to the magazine by simply downloading the subscription form (on their website, link provided above) and sending it to office@thinktank-me.com, or by just subscribing directly on their website.

For those unsure, there is a trial subscription available, where you can get three issues free.

Media Production is a great magazine for those who want to be constantly updated about the media issues happening in the nation. Universities especially, can benefit from it, as students can learn about various other institutes and competitions to challenge their creativity, and increase their knowledge.

The Editor, Ali Sultan, keenly writes in his editorial, ‘Use the maze on our cover (referring to the picture of a maze on the cover of the magazine) and discover the various ways you have to find your path that will enhance your creativity.’

We hope you give it a read and enhance your creativity!

Stacey Pinto

Back Into the Spotlight

Last year, a Film and Drama Club was established at the Manipal University to provide students with a chance to build upon their theatrical abilities.

“Through the Film and Drama Club, we are trying to create an environment where creativity will get a right perspective and a chance to flourish, thereby helping the students to overcome all inhibitions.” said Ms. Fokiya Akhtar, faculty in charge of the Club.

The Club is run extensively by the Department of Media and Communication. It aims to host regular screenings at the university auditorium. The movies lined up span various genres and the club will be organising workshops, seminars and discussion groups pertaining to the performing arts.

Ms. Fokiya Akhtar with members of the committee.

(Photo Credits: Aneesha Sudhir)

The movie screenings will be subjected to critique and debate in forthcoming workshops and group sessions. The objectives of the Club are to promote the theatre culture and provide students with a platform to nurture and showcase their theatrical talents.

Engrossed in the movie

(Photo Credits: Aneesha Sudhir)

This year’s edition of the Film and Drama Club took off with a movie screening held on October 22, 2009. The movie chosen was M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Unbreakable’, a psychological thriller.

Membership to this club is free and open to all students of Manipal. It is however on first-come-first-serve basis and only 100 seats are available.

For registrations, send an email to muazsm@gmail.com.

By Rabiya Sonde

Battle of the Whiz Kids

On Thursday, the 29th of October, 2009, Mathematika was held in our Auditorium. The winners of the preliminary round for the Mathematika battled it out in the finals.

There were seven teams in total, two from the Engineering Department and five other teams from BSC Information Systems Management and Department of Management Studies.

Mrs. Seena Biju, faculty from the Department of Management  Studies was the host of the event. Her energetic voice was enough to generate excitement among the faculty, students and the participants.

Mrs. Seena Biju, faculty from the Department of Management  Studies hosts Mathematika Quiz

(Photo Credits: Stacey Pinto)

The Mathematika was divided into five rounds with the first round beginning successfully. Round two was a new category known as the ‘Math crossword puzzle.’ Being the brain twister that it was, the audience, the contestants as well as the faculty enjoyed themselves, giving the answers. However that ended with two teams being eliminated.

Round three was known as ‘Pick.1.’ Here the teams had to pick one option from many math subjects. This ended with only the last three teams standing. Round four was also one, where a choice had to be made, this time among the different Departments of the University.

Finally the last three teams fought their way through the Final round - the Rapid Fire. The pressure was palpable. In the confusion of difficult questions thrown and rapidly passing seconds, many questions were left unanswered.

Soon the time ran out, marks were allotted and the results were finalized into the following:

1st place -Mir Hassan and Akhil Madan- 3rd year students from the Department of Management Studies
2nd place - Joshua and Rahul- 3rd year students from BSC Information Systems Management
3rd place - Sameer and Zainab- 1st year students from the Engineering Department

Proud winners of the Mathematika Quiz: Mir Hassan and Akhil Madan from the Department of Management  Studies

(Photo Credits: Stacey Pinto)

The winners of the Mathematika were overjoyed. “The questions were tough. We were at the edge of our seats the entire time. We just want to thank our Head of Department and the faculty for their support,” said Mir Hassan, from the Department of Management Studies.

“Winning the runners up position was so unexpected. Ms. Seena Biju kept pushing us to take part in the quiz, we are so happy with the result.” said Joshua, one of the runners up of the Mathematika.

By Sonya Mathias