Mangaluru: Mohammed Ashik, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Mangaluru, has clinched victory in the eighth season of MasterChef India, a renowned culinary competition aired on Sony Liv. This historic win not only brings immense pride to Mangaluru but also marks a groundbreaking moment as Ashik becomes the first South Indian to secure the prestigious title in the tough culinary competition, judged by internationally acclaimed chefs.

Facing financial challenges earlier in his career, Ashik redirected his path by venturing into entrepreneurship. He established Kulki Hub, a juice shop, where he showcased his creativity by inventing unique and enticing recipes. Despite facing hurdles in the previous season, Ashik returned to the MasterChef India kitchen with newfound determination.

In celebration of this momentous achievement, Mohammed Ashik Fans Kudla, a community of culinary enthusiasts, well-wishers, and friends, has announced a grand welcome for the culinary hero. Ashik is scheduled to arrive at Mangaluru Airport on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 2 p.m. The enthusiastic reception will feature traditional Mangalurean garlands and the rhythmic beats of chande drums.

The welcome ceremony at the airport will be followed by a procession through the city, extending from the Airport to Forum Nexus Mall in Pandeshwar, Mangaluru. Mohammed Ashik Fans Kudla invites all Mangalureans and well-wishers to join this celebration and extend a warm welcome to Mohammed Ashik.

Expressing their joy, a release from Mohammed Ashik Fans Kudla stated, "Mohammed Ashik's victory is a moment of pride for every Mangalurean. His culinary journey and this remarkable achievement display the indomitable spirit of our city. Let's come together to celebrate his success and welcome him with open hearts."

Mohammed Ashik Fans Kudla urged everyone to participate in this historic celebration, showcasing solidarity and admiration for the culinary hero who has brought glory to Mangaluru.

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New Delhi (PTI): To shield students from heat-related ailments amid soaring temperatures and harsh afternoon sun, schools across Delhi have begun taking precautionary measures by suspending outdoor activities, shifting assemblies indoors, with some even considering early closure for junior classes.

From indoor games and hydration breaks to ORS consumption and modified dispersal timings, schools are tightening measures as the city braces for prolonged heatwave conditions.

Sudha Acharya, principal at ITL Public School in Dwarka, said all outdoor activities, including morning assembly and games, have been shifted to the school's multipurpose hall.

“We have issued an advisory to all parents to take precautionary measures before sending their children to school. We are also planning to close the school from classes 1 to 8 from May 14 onward if the weather conditions worsen," she said.

Mallika Preman, principal at Tagore International School in East of Kailash, said students have been advised to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours and keep themselves hydrated.

“We have suspended all outdoor activities, and students now play indoor games like carrom and chess. We have also modified the dispersal system so that students are not brought out until their parents arrive at their designated collection areas,” Preman said.

“This reduces their exposure to heat in the afternoon. Students have also been advised to wear caps or use umbrellas during dispersal,” she added.

Ritu Sharma, principal at Sovereign Public School in Rohini, said that teachers have been asked to closely monitor students for signs of heat exhaustion.

“Our priority is to ensure that children remain safe and comfortable during school hours. We are encouraging them to carry water bottles, avoid direct sun exposure and immediately report any discomfort. We have also arranged shaded rest areas and indoor engagement activities to reduce heat exposure,” she said.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has launched a ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative for government, government-aided and private unaided recognised schools in Delhi in view of the heatwave conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The initiative follows the Heat Wave Action Plan issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and aims to protect students from heat-related illnesses while promoting hydration, environmental awareness and care for animals and birds.

Under the initiative, schools have been directed to ring a 'hydration bell' daily in the penultimate period, during which every student will consume oral rehydration solution (ORS). Teachers will also briefly explain the importance of staying hydrated.

Schools have also been encouraged to create 'cool corners' with earthen water pots, promote a ‘one child-one plant’ green mission and appoint student volunteers as 'Jal Mitras' to place and refill water bowls for birds and stray animals, the advisory said.

According to the DoE, the other measures include ensuring safe drinking water stations, spreading awareness on heat stroke prevention, training teachers to identify symptoms of heat stress, and prominently displaying emergency helpline numbers across campuses.

The heads of schools have been asked to submit an action taken report on the implementation of the measures to their respective district offices by April 28, it said.