Blog

  • Shivamogga: Government Committed to Permanent Solution for Sharavati Displaced; Minister Madhu Bangarappa

    Shivamogga, September 22, 2025 – With the blessings of the revered deity Sri Sigandureshvari Amma, timely rains have blessed the Malenadu region, filling reservoirs, canals, and ponds, and raising hopes for a bountiful harvest. This has naturally brought joy to the people, said State School Education and Literacy Minister and District In-Charge Minister Madhu S. Bangarappa.

    He was speaking after inaugurating the Sigandooru Dasara celebrations on the 25th day of Navratri at the Sri Chaudeshwari Amma temple in Sigandooru, Sagar taluk, on Monday.

    Bangarappa assured that both central and state governments will continue to provide necessary assistance for the comprehensive development of this sacred site, as they have in the past.

    Addressing the long-standing issue of Sharavati displaced persons and forest land cultivators, he reiterated the government’s commitment to a permanent resolution. “The government is bound to protect the rights of those who have lived in forests for decades without displacement. Officials have already been instructed accordingly.”

    He noted that the survey work, as per the Supreme Court’s directives, has been completed and the report submitted. “The displaced need not worry; we expect a favorable verdict in line with our expectations,” he added.

  • Gangolli: Samanathe Sabhe Inaugurated with Tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar

    Gangolli, September 22, 2025 – The Samanathe Sabhe in Gangolli, Byndoor constituency, Udupi district, was inaugurated with a floral tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s portrait by senior advocates from Kundapur—Kiran Murudeshwar, who presided over the event—and film actor and social activist Chetan (Chetan Ahimsa), known for his role in Maina, along with Satyanath Kodiri from Ganesha Kumbashi Koraga community activist.

    The program, successfully organized under the leadership of religious leaders and organizational heads, was held at Ambedkar Bhavan, Mail Gangolli Bavikatte.

    The gathering focused on equality and social justice, drawing community members to honor Ambedkar’s legacy and discuss ongoing efforts for marginalized groups.

  • Karwar: Avoid Delays in Disbursing Loans for Govt Schemes, Urges CEO Dr. Dileesh Sashi

    Karwar, September 22, 2025 – Dr. Dileesh Sashi, CEO of Zilla Panchayat, directed bank officials to promptly process loan applications under various government schemes without unnecessary delays. He was speaking while chairing a Lead Bank Progress Review Meeting at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium on Monday.

    Dr. Sashi instructed banks not to reject applications due to incomplete documents but to assist beneficiaries in providing additional paperwork to ensure timely loan approvals. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring by relevant departments to track application progress.

    He urged banks to raise awareness about schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, aiming to increase registrations. Additionally, banks were directed to organize loan melas to educate the public, prioritize educational and housing sector loans, and avoid rejecting applications due to lack of credit history. Financial literacy programs in rural areas were also recommended to enhance banking access.

    Canara Bank Regional Manager Nagaraj Reddy reported that by June 2025, Rs 1,522 crore was disbursed for agriculture, Rs 1,123 crore for small and medium industries, Rs 9 crore for education, and Rs 14 crore for housing. With Rs 24,527 crore in deposits, efforts are underway to improve the credit-deposit ratio, targeting Rs 9,980.25 crore in loan disbursals this year.

    Dr. Sashi stressed linking Aadhaar to PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts and promoting schemes like PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, and PMFME to ensure benefits reach eligible recipients.

    The meeting was attended by RBI representative Maniraj, Zilla Panchayat Project Director Kareem Asadi, NABARD DDM Sushil Naik, Lead Bank Manager Rajappa, bank managers, and district-level department officials.

  • Byndoor: Jalsa-e-Aam Celebrated at Ar-Ridwan Indian School of Excellence

    Byndoor, September 22, 2025 – The Dar ul Arqam Educational and Charitable Trust (R) organized its public event, Jalsa-e-Aam, at Ar-Ridwan Indian School of Excellence in Kirimanjeshwar, Byndoor, with enthusiastic participation from parents, teachers, and students.

    The event commenced with recitations of the Holy Qur’an. Abdul Ahad (LKG) delivered the first Tilawat, earning warm applause for his confidence, followed by Taha bin Tausif Ahmed from the Hifz Department. Mohammed Tajammul Hussain Manna served as the Master of Ceremonies, welcoming distinguished guests to the dais.

    Jalsa-e-Aam Celebrated | Photo: Waqqas Kazi

    Maulana Abdus Subhan Nadvi, Head of the Tafseer Department at the Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Centre, delivered the keynote address on “Higher Education and an Islamic Society.” He urged parents to balance academic excellence with moral and religious upbringing, emphasizing community support in nurturing principled, knowledgeable youth.

    School representatives presented multilingual overviews: Asmiya Maulana in English, Ustadha Iffath Tahseen in Urdu, and Headmistress Al Farzana in Kannada, highlighting the institution’s mission and achievements.

    Student Performances
    The children’s segment captivated the audience with:

    • Nasheed: “Alif for Allah” by LKG students.
    • Nasheed: “Months of Islam” by LKG and UKG students.
    • Group Performance: “Alifun Ba, Baun Ta” by primary-level students.
    • Du‘a Exercise: Presented by Aina (Nursery), a touching finale.

    Maulana Nadvi later addressed parents, stressing active involvement, moral education, and the integration of Islamic values with higher education.

    The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Saadiya Azimuddin and formal closing remarks. Attendees praised the students’ performances and the organizers for blending religious, cultural, and educational elements seamlessly.

    Jalsa-e-Aam Celebrated | Photo: Waqqas Kazi
  • Udupi: Lokayukta Officials Raid Urban and Rural Planning Office in Manipal Over Pending Files

    Udupi, September 22, 2025 – In response to numerous public complaints, a team from the Udupi Lokayukta office conducted a surprise raid on the Urban and Rural Planning Department at Rajathadri office in Manipal on Monday afternoon, inspecting records for delays in processing applications.

    The raid was prompted by grievances regarding pending 9/11 (layout approvals) and Ekvinyasa (development plans) files, which have reportedly been delayed without justification. Lokayukta officials are examining the office to address these issues and ensure accountability.

    Officials advised the public that anyone with complaints or needing information can visit the Urban and Rural Planning Department near the District Collector’s office for assistance.

  • Gangolli: Complaint Filed Against ‘Sanatani Sinha’ Facebook Page for Communal Comment

    Gangolli, September 22, 2025 – Gangolli resident Abdul Salam has submitted a complaint at Gangolli Police Station against the Facebook page ‘Sanatani Sinha’ for posting a comment that allegedly disrupts communal harmony. This follows an FIR already filed at Vitla Police Station a few days ago under Crime No. 131/2025, Section 353(2) BNS 2023, addressing similar concerns.

    While browsing the Facebook app, Salam observed the offensive comment on a news post by the ‘Vartha Bharati’ page, which he claims was intended to disturb peace between communities.

    Abdul Salam was accompanied by Salahuddin, Munir Mestri, Ashim Kote, Imran, Fawaz, Safa, and Ziya while filing the complaint.

  • Kundapura: Construction Workers Protest for Pension Approval Amid Age Discrepancies

    Kundapura, September 20, 2025 – Hundreds of elderly construction workers took to the streets in a statewide protest demanding approval for their pension applications rejected due to age mismatches between Aadhaar records and registration certificates. The demonstration, led by the Taluk Building and Other Construction Workers Union (CITU), highlighted the plight of marginalized laborers who have been denied benefits for 3-4 years.

    The workers, many visually impaired, hearing-impaired, or mobility-challenged, marched to draw attention to their grievances. Union President Suresh Kallagar criticized the Labor Welfare Board for ignoring repeated memorandums and appeals to departments. “Despite submitting applications with doctor-estimated ages and consent forms before Aadhaar’s advent, the board’s software flags discrepancies, leading to rejections. This forces vulnerable seniors to protest, which is inhumane,” Kallagar said.

    He noted that despite appeals to District In-Charge Minister Rohini Sindhuri, the District Collector, and elected representatives, no resolution has been achieved. “The board promises meetings but shows no progress, pushing the elderly to the brink.”

    The protest was led by Pensioners’ Union President Chikka Mogaveer Gangolli, Secretary Krishna Poojari Hangaluru, Taluk General Secretary Santosh Hemmadi, and district CITU leader Balkees, among others.

  • India-Pak Match: Youth Display ‘Save Sharavathi’ Poster in Dubai Stadium, Boosting Anti-Pumped Storage Campaign

    Karwar, September 22, 2025 – During the Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan, three young men in the spectator gallery at Dubai International Cricket Stadium held up a poster reading “Save Sharavathi, No to Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project,” drawing global attention to the opposition against the proposed project. The moment, captured on live broadcast, has gone viral on social media, infusing new energy into the campaign.

    The protesters’ identities remain unknown, but their bold act has inspired activists. The ‘Save Sharavathi Struggle Committee’ leaders welcomed it, stating, “Youth are awakening, and raising voices at the international level strengthens our fight.”

    Upcoming ‘X’ Campaign
    To garner national focus, youth from Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga are preparing a Twitter (now X) campaign. Using the hashtag #StopSharavathiPumpedStorage, they are calling for widespread participation on social media, with significant support already building.

  • SSC Successfully Hosts “Gammat” – A Joyful Sports Festival – See Photos

    Gangolli, September 21, 2025 – The Social Sports and Charitable Association (SSC) successfully hosted “Gammat,” a vibrant sports festival, on September 21, 2025, in Gangolli, bringing together school students for a day filled with fun, teamwork, and community spirit.

    See Photos Here: Gammat Sports Festival Photos by Sabith Hassan

    Open to students up to 10th standard, the event was divided into two categories: juniors (3rd to 6th standard) and seniors (7th to 10th standard). True to its name, “Gammat” (meaning fun) emphasized enjoyment over competition, with no professional grounds or strict rules, focusing purely on sportsmanship and entertainment. Winners will be felicitated at SSC’s annual function later.

    Photos: Sabith Hassan
  • Chikmagalur: Teacher Dies After Falling into Waterfall While Taking Selfie at Kemmannugundi Viewpoint

    Chikmagalur, September 21, 2025 – A tragic accident claimed the life of a 40-year-old teacher from Shivamogga district’s Shirasi when he fell from a viewpoint at Kemmannugundi tourist spot while posing for a selfie with his wife. The incident occurred on Sunday, leaving his wife in shock.

    The deceased, Santosh (40), a teacher at a government school in Lakshmi Sagar village, Tarikere taluk, was on a picnic with his wife Shweta during the Dasara holidays. While enjoying the scenic beauty at Kemmannugundi, Santosh climbed to a viewpoint to take a selfie. His foot slipped, and he plunged hundreds of feet into the waterfall below.

    Santosh died on the spot, and Shweta fainted upon hearing the news. A case has been registered at Lingadahalli Police Station in Tarikere taluk. Police, fire brigade personnel, and local assistance helped retrieve the body.