Mangaluru: Two-day national conference Scintilla 2025 concludes
Mangaluru: The two-day National Conference, Scintilla 2025: Perceptio – Crafting Reality with the Mind’s Eye, hosted by the Postgraduate Department of Counselling, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, in collaboration with Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) concluded successfully on February 22, Saturday. The conference witnessed participants from 18 colleges across India.
The second day featured engaging sessions, including “Unlocking the Secret of Mentalism – Myth Busting and Reality Checking”, conducted by renowned magician and mentalist Dr. B.S. Rakesh. He captivated the audience with an enlightening session infused with magic tricks, demonstrating the psychological principles behind illusions and perception. The session also highlighted the role of language, communication, belief systems, and cognition.
Following this, the conference hosted “From Victim to Survivor: The Transformative Power of Perception”, an inspiring talk by Dr. Lavina Noronha, Director of Ave Maria Palliative Care Centre and founding trustee of the Shusheg Suicide Helpline. She shared insights on resilience and shifting mindsets in crisis situations, emphasizing the importance of shedding disempowering labels that render individuals helpless.
The valedictory ceremony marked the grand conclusion of the conference. Chief Guest Dr. Deepa Maria Rasquina delivered an address,speaking about the significance of networking, the art of Kaizan, and always changing to improve and enhance our understanding of the world and self. Professor Evelyn Benis delivered the presidential address and spoke about the importance of sharing and communal concern, and took home the valuable lessons that nature impart, which is that of a generous spirit and serenity.
IQAC Coordinator Dr. Saritha D’Souza, Chief Guest Dr. Deepa Maria Rasquina, Secretary of Social Services Professor Evelyn Benis, Organizing Secretary Ms. Thani Anwar, Dr. Rosa Nimmy Mathew, H.O.D, M.Sc Counselling, Student Cultural Secretary Mitra S comprised of the valedictory delegation.
Ms. Ifra Ayesha compered the event. Assistant Professor Dr. Wilsy Francis, Ms Akshaya Bhandary, and Associate Professor Cecilia F. Goveas, were present among others.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
