10 September,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Ashish Raje
A girl adds final touches to her Ganesha idol at a clay moulding workshop in Gamdevi. Pic/Ashish Raje
Students of DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering in Vile Parle have knocked it out of the park, and out of this world, with multiple wins at the European Rover Challenge in Poland. Presided over by leaders like à Âukasz Wilczyà Âski, president of the European Space Foundation, the recently concluded event saw the Mumbaikars battle it out against rovers from Italy, Japan, Czechia, and Switzerland, among others.
Team DJS Antariksh oversee Mars Rover Avyaan's performance in Poland. PICS COURTESY/DJS ANTARIKSH
"Our Mars rover Avyaan bagged the first prize in the Exploration segment which entailed the study of a mock âMars Yard' terrain in the city of Krakow. We were delighted to learn that overall, we finished first in Asia, and fifth worldwide," said team member Shaan Upadhyay. Godspeed, Avyaan.
A scene from the wildlife-themed plays, Cultured Vulture and Chhava. PICS COURTESY/VANYAVANI FOUNDATION
A little birdie told us that the new Vanyavani Wildlife Festival by Vanyavani Foundation, in collaboration with the BMC and Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla is all set to make a grand entrance this World Wildlife Week (October 2 to 8). Featuring expert talks, wildlife plays, activities for children, and practical demonstrations, the festival will aim to be a one-stop experience for Mumbaikars. "One of the more interesting sessions will be the camera trap demonstration by experts. The celebrations will flow out of the Zoo, onto on-field activities in the city," founder Makarand Sawant gave us a sneak peek.
Come as you are, city-based psychologist Wasti Laskar (below) urges Mumbaikars who might be struggling to get through today, which also marks World Suicide Day. Those who wish to find an oasis of calm can head to Laskar's open house in Mira Road. "You can journal, talk, connect, make new friends, or simply spend some time in a safe and welcoming space," he shared. If you're keen to explore the idea can log on to @your-neighbourhoodtherapist.
Kandivli-based rappers at the cypher. PICS COURTESY/BAHARGAON SCENE
In an ever-changing city, Mumbai's young hip-hop talent is finding new ways to come together. The newest kids on the block are from the Bhargaon Scene group in Kandivli. Prasad Pawar aka Cipher Pablo told us, "The initiative was started by my friends Sam SD and Max SD, and myself, to give visibility to young rappers, dancers, and beatmakers in the suburbs a platform." With the world's eyes on Mumbai's budding cyphers, including Navi-Mumbai-based Rare 78, who bagged a shoutout from American rapper Cardi B last month, we're all ears.
