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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Kolkata (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday conducted raids at the premises of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and a local businessman as part of a money laundering probe against an alleged criminal and his linked syndicate in the poll-bound state, officials said.
Two premises of Biswas, including his residence in Ballygunge area and one location of the businessman named Joy Kamdar, Managing Director of a company named Sun Enterprise, have been raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Kamdar has been taken by the officials to the local ED office for questioning. Biswas, chief coordinator and nodal officer of the West Bengal and Kolkata Police welfare committee, was not present at his premises, they said.
The action is linked to a money laundering case against an alleged local criminal named Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases on charges of attempted murder and extortion.
The federal probe agency had conducted the first round of searches in this case on April 1.
The ED had then seized cash of Rs 1.47 crore apart from gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh and a country-made revolver from some premises that were searched.
The probe stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against against Podder for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and Arms Act violations. The accused, including Podder, were engaged in organised criminal syndicate activities in the state of West Bengal and generated funds illegally by way of syndicate operations, the ED said in a statement on April 9.
Podder is also wanted by the police in a case of violence in Kankulia road near Golpark of Kolkata and is currently on the run.
The ED has issued summons to Podder but he has failed to join the investigation so far, according to the agency.
West Bengal will have a two phase poll on April 23 and April 29.
