Latest news with #Jency
New Indian Express
17 hours ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Loyola College appoints transwoman N Jency as assistant professor, a first in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: The city's Loyola College has appointed transwoman N Jency, a scholar with a PhD in English literature, as an assistant professor in the department of English. The move is being hailed as a significant step towards transgender representation in academia and is believed to be the first such appointment in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M K Stalin also congratulated Jency on her achievement. In a post on X, the CM said, 'May your hard work serve as a beacon for several hundreds striving to rise through education. May they overcome obstacles and rejections, and triumph with the power of education.' Jency's journey to academia has been one of perseverance and dedication. Hailing from a modest background, Jency, a native of Tiruttani, overcame numerous social and institutional hurdles to pursue higher education. She earned her PhD in English literature from the Loyola College after completing her UG and PG studies from Dr Ambedkar College of Arts and Science. While Jency has been recruited on a contractual basis, she believes she will soon become a permanent faculty member. 'I am honoured that the CM has mentioned me in his post. This is not just a personal achievement, but recognition of the transgender community's right to dignity, education and equal opportunity,' she told TNIE. 'Five others were interviewed for the post along with me. I was selected on the basis of merit,' added Jency, who has lost both parents. While doing her MPhil, she worked as an announcer, host and tutor to save money for her sex reassignment surgery. It was only then that she told her mother and elder sister about her gender identity. 'My family was shocked, but they were not worried about my future,' said Jency, advising everyone to take education seriously. 'I am creating awareness among trans persons to focus on studies, as education can change lives,' she said. 'Her commitment and academic credentials are exemplary. She is teaching general English and spoken English to UG students, who have also taken to her. Her presence will enrich our academic community and inspire students from all walks of life,' said P Mary Vidya Porselvi, head of English department, Loyola College.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
The English teacher who overcame obstacles and marginalisation
On Sunday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin posted a message on his social media handle. 'Congratulations, Dr. Jency. May the light of your hard work let many more take up education. Let them overcome obstacles and marginalisation through education.' Ms. Jency is the first transgender to become an assistant professor at Loyola College. A native of R.K. Pet in Tiruttani, she completed schooling and under-graduation at government institutions. 'Even when I was in Class 2, I knew I was effeminate and liked it. Neighbours chided me but I was me. I used to be scared of transgenders. I decided that I would educate myself and worked hard. I was the topper in school in Class 12. There was no English teacher in school, and I scored the lowest in English with just 108 marks. I was lucky as 11 students ahead of me on the merit list did not turn up for counselling,' she says of her admission to BA Literature at Government Arts College, Tiruttani. She did her post-graduation in literature and then M. Phil at Dr. Ambedkar Government Arts College in Chennai. She was a gold medallist in BA and MA, she says. Her mother sold flowers and accompanied her to Loyola College when she registered herself for Ph.D, Ms. Jency says. 'Sadly, my mother did not live to see me complete my Ph.D,' she says. Her doctoral thesis was on the relationship between nature and literature. Ms. Jency says her guide and the current head of English Department, P. Mary Vidya Porselvi, helped her complete her research. She is indebted to the principal of the college too, she adds. 'I want to make an appeal to the Chief Minister. I appeal to him to give me a job in a government college. I would like to change the stereotype that people have of transgenders,' says the 30-year-old.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Art in action: Across T.N., students of govt schools learn to paint murals, learn
A mural initiative led by JFIND, an artist collective based in Villivakkam, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Model Schools Society, transformed 36 Tamil Nadu government schools through art. Through this project, government model schools across 36 districts were revitalised with vibrant murals created by local artists and students. The aim was to foster creativity, inclusion, and well-being in educational spaces. More than 6,000 students actively participated in painting these murals. 'Each mural was designed with intention. JFIND chose themes and colour palettes based on cognitive and emotional needs, enhancing memory, focus, and emotional well-being', said Jency, Founder, JFIND. The objective The project was born after JFIND received an invitation from the Holistic Development and Progressive Education Vertical of the Tamil Nadu Model Schools Society. The department approached JFIND and asked to collaborate in an event involving schools, where they would be conducting this wall art initiative. The objective was to foster creativity in children. They wanted to induce curiosity and also for children to learn more about societal changes. Through art, some pressing issues like women's empowerment, global warming, and more were brought to light. Choice of colours The choice of colours played a vital role in the murals. 'We were quite sensitive about picking the colours. The team picked colours that are very sensitive to children, which could affect their cognition and well-being. To do this, we used a mix of base colours, some pastels, and some vibrant ones', said Ms. Jency. Ms. Jency said that vibrant colours help children feel more energetic. The placement of murals was decided by the government; some areas were exterior walls, while others were interior walls. Based on the location and its purpose, JFIND brought in appropriate colours. For example, more energetic colours like red, yellow, and other vibrant hues were incorporated in playground areas. Mentoring by artists In most schools, JFIND's artists went and helped with sketches initially. But in Ramanathapuram district, the children were so enthusiastic that they began sketching on their own. 'That was something we learnt. There was no expectation that children would be this curious to take initiative in such work', said Ms. Jency. The whole day was spent sketching and painting. Artists had to give students certain instructions before using the products and materials, as they might stain their clothes. Extra care was needed while handling the colours. 'The children's observation skills were incredible. Not just in one location, artists from other districts also shared similar feedback. They needed to spend very little time explaining how to use materials or follow instructions. The students grasped everything almost immediately', said Ms. Jency. The JFIND is planning to expand geographically to other states if they are given opportunities and support from other state governments. Ms. Jency says, 'As a muralist and founder of JFIND, I've always believed that art is not just something we hang on walls—it has the power to transform minds, spaces, and communities'.
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi college teacher's homely restaurant is a foodie's delight
In a city like Kochi, where restaurants tirelessly compete to stand out, serving everything from fusion and pan-asian to continental, Mediterranean, and niche global cuisines, there's a quiet corner in Mulavukad, just a kilometre from Bolgatty, that chooses to walk a different path. At 'Jency's Good Food', the goal isn't to dazzle with trends but to comfort with simplicity. Here, the mantra is clear: 'Simple is key'. Rooted in authentic Kerala cuisine, Jency's Good Food doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it brings food that feels like home to the table. 'There's a market for everything unique, sure. But how long can someone keep eating unfamiliar dishes? For most Malayalis, the familiar taste of naadan cuisine is something they can have every day. That's the purpose of food, right? The idea was to serve something people can come back to daily,' says founder Jency Treesa. A passionate home cook turned entrepreneur, Jency also serves as an assistant professor in commerce at St Teresa's College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, and is a research guide under MG University. Despite her academic commitments, she took the step toward fulfilling a long-held dream. 'Starting a restaurant was always in the back of my mind. Growing up with three brothers, we all used to cook when we wanted to recreate dishes we tasted outside. But with my teaching profession, I wasn't sure I could manage it all. Thankfully, my college management was very supportive, and finally, I made it happen.' Before launching the restaurant, Jency had already dipped her toes into the food business with homemade syrups — like naruneendi, beetroot, and carrot — as well as meat masala and sambar powder, all made fresh at home. The occasional catering gigs gave me the idea of serving larger groups and the confidence to scale up. The positive feedback I got during those times really gave me the push to start Good Food,' she adds. As I stepped into the cosy, welcoming space she curated, it felt more like entering someone's home than a restaurant. That's exactly what Jency envisioned — 'like dining at your family table.' The meal began with appam — light, fluffy in the centre with lacy edges so delicate, it's easy to lose count of how many you eat. Paired with it were two standout dishes, prawns in thick masala and Eri pollichathu. The Eri — slightly fried and coated in a spicy, tangy blend — was flaky and moist in just the right way. The prawns were generously sized, juicy, and bursting with flavour. According to Jency, on her menu, the showstopper is the pork fry. 'I have repeat customers mainly for pork.' Made with a base of onion, turmeric, and a ginger-garlic paste, what sets it apart is the dominant peppery note that elevates the dish. Fatty, flavorful, and crisp around the edges, it paired perfectly with the rice meals served. To round off the meal, I tried the naruneendi juice. Its refreshing earthiness felt cleansing — a perfect finish to a hearty lunch. What stands out across all dishes is the careful use of ingredients, most of which are freshly ground by Jency herself. Nothing feels heavy or overdone. The venture has live counters set outside, which start around 6.30pm. They also cater to customised orders, bringing a personalised experience to an event.
