MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 1 2 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 PPPOWER POINT PICTURE OF THE MONTH

Hands-on Experience! Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje joins farmers in cultivating a fallow land at Kadekar village in Udupi as part of Hadilu Bhoomi Revival Scheme. ““““““ WWWORDSWORTH ”””””” “We must break the walls of “The musical world has caste, religion, superstitions the immense power to as well as mistrust that attract lakhs of people as create impediments in the music plays a very key role path of our progress” in enlivening our minds Prof Sabeeha B.Gowda, Professor, Dept of and hearts” Kannada Studies of Mangalore University at noted singer Ajay Warrior at the inaurual of a farewell ceremony on the occasion of her “Knowledge of local Karavali Music Camp in Mangaluru. retirement from service. languages will go a long way in assisting the police “Ranga Mandiras need to be “Man can lead a peaceful to efficiently maintain law protected if we have to life when he incorporates and order as well as in preserve and promote the good values and shuns his investigation of crimes” theatrical field” ego” City Police Commissioner N Shashi eminent Kannada movie director Rajendra Prof. P S Yadapadittaya, Vice Chancellor of Kumar at the inaugural of the month Singh Babu while launching the fund raising Mangalore University at the Kanaka lecture long Tulu learning workshop for police drive for the renovation of Don Bosco Hall in series at the University. officers and personnel. Mangaluru.

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 3 EEEDITOR’’’SSS EDGE

VOL 24 ISSUE 7 SEPTEMBER 2021

Publisher and Editor V. U. GEORGE

Executive Editor MAHESH NAYAK Gem of an Associate Editor JAYASHREE SUDHIR

Special Correspondents Entrepreneur ESHWAR SUNDARESAN (Bengaluru) HARSHA D’SOUZA (Mangaluru) Visionary entrepreneurs not only create Not one to rest on his laurels, RAMESH S PERLA (Mangaluru) wealth but also give back generously Mr.Hegde used his wealth for social V MOHAN RAO (Udupi) to society. NitteVinaya Hegde is one good. Taking a great interest in rural ADOLPH LOBO (Dubai) such rare gem of an entrepreneur. He development, he has implemented MADHUSUDAN KUMAR (Mumbai) is an industrialist having made a several rural uplift projects like Contributors successful foray into the field of construction of roads, public Prof. NARENDRA NAYAK education heralded a renaissance in the wells,houses for the homeless, self- I. J. SALDANHA SHET DR. G. SHREEKUMAR MENON field in Dakshina Kannada. employment schemes,women empowerment schemes, financial BHAMY V. SHENOY Following a stint at Canara Workshop SRINIVASAN NANDAGOPAL support to poor students and Ltd., VinayamHegde ventured into the healthcare. Production & Marketing world of entrepreneurship in 1975 with SHASHIDHARA AMIN his flagship company- Lamina The K S Hegde hospital attached to the Suspension Products (P) Ltd.Even as he medical college at Derlakatte provides Copy Desk was engaged in building his industrial free medical treatment to more than SOWMYA enterprises, Mr.Hegde found time to thousand patients per day.A mission of Contributing Photographers actualise yet another long cherished total health care is extended to the RAMACHANDRA BHAT desire to contribute to society through remote villages of Dakshina Kannada, PRASHANTH NAYAK education. Thus in 1979, Nitte Udupi ,Chikmagalur, Uttar Kannada as Editorial, marketing & correspondence office: Education Trust was established. well as Kasargod district in Kerala state. 26, Venkatramana Building,Temple Square, Car Street, Mangaluru 575 001 The Trust was originally meant to serve Besides all these, Mr.Hegde is involved Phone: 0824-2492549, Mobile: 98455 24558 in several social activities like cultural E-mail: [email protected] the rural sector by providing basic education and community welfare development, promotion of communal Edited and published by activities.Today the Trust has under its harmony among people of the twin V.U.George, Mangalore Today, 26, Venkatramana Building, Temple Square, umbrella a string of thirty five districts, construction and renovation Car Street, Mangaluru 575 001 institutions covering the entire of temples and places of worship, Printed by V U George at Prakash Offset Printers, educational spectrum - from schools to national integration programs etc. Plot # 164, Industrial Area, Baikampadi, pre-university and first grade colleges Mangaluru 575 011 With tremendous zeal coupled with to polytechnic to professional hard work and inspired team effort, he collegeslike engineering, medical, systematically built, almost from Views and opinions expressed in individual articles dental, pharmaceutical, nursing, are those of the writers and need not necessarily scratch two organisations; an industrial business administration, hotel reflect the opinions of MANGALORE TODAY. enterprise and the other an educational management among others spread over All disputes and legal proceedings are subject institution. Both have become symbols three campuses: Nitte, Mangalore and to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent of what one man with conviction can Bangalore. courts and forums in MANGALURU only. achieve in one’s own lifetime.

4 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 CCCONTENTS

Visionary entrepreneurs not only create wealth, they give back generously to society. Nitte Vinaya Hegde is one such rare gem of our generation.

n COVER STORY ..... 14 n COMMUNITY 26 Reactions ...... 6 Wordzworth ...... 7 Fr. Alfred Roche Editorial ...... 8 SERVANT OF GOD City Politix ...... 9 In a historic moment for Udupi diocese, Fr DK Diary ...... 10 Alfred Roche, OFM, Capuchin was Column ...... 12 declared as Servant of God. He is the first from Udupi Diocese and the second Profile ...... 27 person of Karnataka origin, to be declared Picturesque ...... 28 as Servant of God. Poetic License...... 31 Whizz Kids ...... 34 n ART BEAT 32 Opinion ...... 36 Happenings ...... 38 Education ...... 42 Art Safari Tribute ...... 45 Random Thoughts ...... 46 S Cube Art Gallery’s ‘Art of the Humour ...... 48 Week’ Series hosted at Kodialguthu Heritage House is a unique visual Kids ...... 50 parade of coastal talents News Briefs ...... 52 People ...... 54

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 5 RRREACTION

n Mangalore Today Cover Story- n RTI activist Vinayak Baliga murder case Vinayak Baliga Murder- Justice Delayed, remains in the spotlight for more reasons made a grim reminder of the many than one. It has been a relentless fight for happenings right since the murder of Baliga justice by his sisters, while the aged parents five years ago at a place very near to his of Baliga breathed their last hoping for justice house. The fight for justice is continuing for the death of their son, till the last breath and it is rightly pointed out that justice of their lives. Here, one cannot forget the delayed is justice denied. tireless efforts put in by rationalist Prof VIJAY KUMAR, Mangaluru Narendra Nayak in this crusade for justice. H.S. D’SOUZA, Mangaluru n Mangalore Today cover story on the RTI activist Vinayak Baliga murder case n An extensive write-up providing a vivid and the fight for justice by his family, is account of the RTI Activist Vinayak Baliga well written. We ardently hope justice murder case and the developments later on, would prevail in this case and those who made good reading and at the same time are behind this gruesome murder will get brought in sad feelings, We sincerely hope the strictest of punishment. the family's fight for justice will yield VAMAN SHENOY, Mangaluru positive results at the earliest. FEDRIC D’SA, Mangaluru n It has been five years since RTI activist able to effectively highlight the needs and n The Vistadome coach in the Mangaluru Vinayak Baliga was brutally killed. His demands of the region in the Parliament. Junction-Yeshwanthpur Express has been family continues its fight for justice amid K.N.RAO, Mangaluru a major tourist attraction. Indeed a good all odds. Mangalore Today cover feature move by the Railways. These coaches will on this case has provided an in-depth n The demise of Srimad Vidyadhiraja go a long way in tourism promotion with account of the case. I sincerely wish the Teertha Sripad Wader Swamiji of Gokarna tour operators too offering tour packages family's wait for justice would end soon. Parthagali Sarvottam Mutt has been a inclusive of the Vistadome coach journey BS SHENOY, Mangaluru great loss to the spiritual world. He has which takes one through the breathtaking contributed significantly towards the views of the Western Ghats. n The elevation of Udupi- development of the Mutt into a vibrant LAVINA D’SOUZA, Bengaluru Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje religious institution through various as the Union Minister of State for activities aimed at the overall welfare of n The Vistadome coaches on the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has been the society. Mangaluru-Yeshwanthpur train is a well a welcome development as far as SUDHA KAMATH, Mangaluru thought-out measure by the Railways. This undivided Dakshina Kannada is has been a big boost to the coastal tourism concerned. Hope Shobha will live up to n A nice write-up on the Bethany and this is evident with the several smiling the expectations of people of the coast and Congregation in Mangalore. Thanks to I faces seated on the rotating seats of the ensure expeditious implementation of J Saldanha Shet for the write-up. We got state-of-the art Vistadome coaches which various projects that have been limping to know much about the history and make travelling a delightful and for long. activities of the congregation. pleasurable experience. SUDHAKAR SHETTY, Udupi FRANCIS RASQUINHA, Mangaluru PRAKASH AMIN, Mangaluru n Shobha Karandlaje, the Udupi- HOT PROPERTIES IN MANGALURU Chikkamagaluru MP who is now a Union 3000 sft commercial Minister of State holding a vital portfolio 11 cents land for sale in space at 3rd floor 20 year old 2 BHK Kuntikana, near AJ has great responsibilities on her shoulder- available for rent at house in 5 cents land Hospital, Mangaluru. of fulfilling the needs and aspirations of Falnir, Mangalore for sale in Kodikal. Price: 15 Lakhs per cent the coastal districts. It is hoped Price: Rs.90 per sft. Price: 37 Lakhs development would get a boost in the coast under her ministership and she would be CONTACT: 9880616670 / 9591520629

6 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 7 EEEDITORIAL Ward Committees: Still too far? Though the process of forming ward committees has been set in motion, much needs to be done by the City Corporation to ensure transparency in the process.

The process of formation of the much needed and long due Ward Committees in Mangaluru, seemed to finally on track when the City Corporation invited applications from interested citizens to be members of the ward committees late last year. Though the process of receiving applications was completed in December 2020 itself, the MCC could not further pursue the matter due to the Covid pandemic. And finally when all applications were scrutinized and the draft list of the nominated members were put up by the MCC recently giving a 15-day window for the public to file objections, there was much furore. The reason evident. Not everyone was happy with the draft list. Many residents to have ten members as per the Karnataka Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake too had took to social media after not finding their Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Act issued a directive to form ward committees names in the provisional list released by of 2011. As per the provisional list only within a certain time frame but of no avail. the MCC. Some even wrote to the City 11 wards have the mandated ten members In 2011 Namma Mane Namma Ooru Corporation seeking clarity on the criteria while one ward has four members and two voluntary organization of Pachanady for selection to the committees. If that's wards have five members each. threatened the Corporation that it would not enough Congress leaders too cried foul. It may also be mentioned here that it move High Court against the delay in the Former Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo were civic groups and social activists who formation of ward committees following even convened a press meet and said that persuaded citizens to submit applications which the MCC meet placed an agenda those affiliated to the BJP were prioritized in large numbers to be members of the ward but no decision was taken. while selecting members for the ward committees that go a long way in However ultimately a PIL filed in the committees and asked the MCC to take contributing to citizen participation in Karnataka High Court by the Karnataka suo moto action to remove such names. governance. The result- the Corporation Ward Samithi Vedike, MCC Civic Group The BJP was quick to deny the had received over 1,200 applications. resulted in the Karnataka High Court allegation of Lobo. District BJP General The Karnataka Municipal Corporations issuing a directive in August 2020 to form Secretary and whip in the Mangaluru City (Amendment) Act 2011 has made it the committee forcing the BJP led MCC to Corporation counsel Sudhir Shetty Kannur mandatory for city corporations to form the adopt a resolution. claimed that no BJP activist was part of committees. But the local administration After much dilly dallying and following any ward committee. in Mangaluru had dragged its feet for as constant pressure from civic groups, the Meanwhile, social activists have also long as two decades. MCC had finally took the decision at a urged the MCC to maintain transparency Initially, the corporators had feared council meeting in September 2020, based in the process. Activist M G Hegde too that the ward committees would reduce on the directions of the high court. alleged that those loyal to the corporators their significance in the wards. In 2014, Now, that the provisional list is out, got selected to the committees. the then Congress administration led by much needs to be done by the City Interestingly, in the provisional list Mayor Mahabala Maarla had in fact formed Corporation to maintain transparency in the released by the City Corporation, 49 a committee to study the advantages and process and ensure that the true objective committees have less than 10 members disadvantages of such committees. behind the formation of these committees though it is mandatory for each committee In 2014, the then Urban Development is achieved.n

8 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 CCCITYPPPOLITIX Savarkar row Politics after a raid A Freedom Chariot or The recent NIA raid on the residence of a the Swatantrya Ratha former MLA of Ullal following suspicion of organised at the Kabaka ISIS links of some of the members and the village in Puttur taluk to subsequent taking into custody of one person mark the 75th Independence has resulted in political mud-slinging. The Day celebrations ran into a raids gave a good tool in the hands of the BJP controversy after SDPI and the Parivar outfits to raise a clamour about activists disrupted the anti-national activities and a right wing outfit procession demanding the even tried to stage a protest outside the removal of the portrait of residence where the raid took place. Hindutva ideologue Veer Meanwhile, when local MLA U T Khader Savarkar which was placed made a request not to politicise the raid and along with portraits of other freedom fighters in the chariot. create confusion, it did not go down too well Though the police were quick to arrest three accused in the case, the incident with the BJP leaders. The District BJP Chief even got a political colour with the Congress party holding the government Sudarshan Moodbidri was quick to respond, responsible for the untoward development. In another development,a Hindu saying the BJP will protest whenever such organisation named the Akhila Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha made an interesting terror links and suspected Love Jihad cases statement when it blamed both the SDPI and the BJP for playing politics in the emerge, in any part of the nation. He also said name of Savarkar and alleged this had to do something with the upcoming Panchayat Khader had no right to question the protest polls. staged by a Hindu outfit. "Ullal is our own The organisation even wanted to know why the BJP which wanted to ban the land and is not in Pakistan," the BJP leader SDPI did not do so after coming to power. rebuked Khader.

OFFTRACK

Encroachment at doorstep Yes, this can very well be described as encroachment at doorstep. The MCC often embarks upon eviction drives at various places to clear footpaths of unauthorised vendors. But it is nothing but an irony that it has chosen to keep its eyes shut to the encroachment of pavements right near its office despite the place literally turning into a open air shopping centre with a wide variety of things on sale here. What's the MCC doing?

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 9 DDDKKK DIARYYY Tanushree Pithrody's Stone inscription of Vijayanagara times world record feat on found during Yellur temple renovation Independence Day Udupi's Tanushree Pithrody, the wonder Yoga girl who has many records to her credit, has added another feather to her cap by registering her seventh world record. She has entered the Golden Book of Records by exhibiting 245 Yoga postures in 43 minutes and 18 seconds. Her record Yoga performance was held at the Rajangana of Sri Krishna Mutt on the occasion of Independence Day. Manish of Golden Book of World Records, Asia who was present on the A stone inscription belonging to the times of Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya occasion, lauded the achievements of was found during the renovation of the Sri Mahatobar Vishweshwara Temple of Yellur Tanushree and said it was equal to 100 near here. records. Tanushree who also spoke, said The inscription belongs to 1509 AD. The engravings on a granite stone has Sun, she had worked hard to achieve this feat. Moon, a lamp, Shivalinga, flower and royal sword apart from a Nandi. Tanushree who is the daughter of Uday The writings are in 12 lines and mentions the month of Jyeshta of Shalivahana Kumar and Sandhya couple of Udyavar Shaka 1434. The inscription also mentions Yellur, Aikala, Puttige areas and was Pithrody, is an eighth standard student of given to Kunda Heggade of Devaradi by Barakura Ratnappa Odeya Aluvana St Cicily's Kannada Medium School. Thirumalaraya and Thirumalarasa Kinnika Hegade under the guidance of Paryaya Admar Shree Esha Priya Krishnadevaraya. Theertha Swamiji, blessed Tanushree A history research student Shruthesh Acharya read the inspection under the guidance Pithrody on the occasion. of Udupi’s Oriental Archives Research Centre Director Prof S A Krishnaiah. New Ministers promise to live upto people's expectations Newly inducted State Minister for Energy, Kannada and Culture, Sunil Kumar has said he would strive for the overall development of undivided DK district. He was speaking on the occasion of his maiden visit to the Dakshina Kannada BJP Office after taking charge as Minister. Sunil Kumar was felicitated on the occasion by the local BJP leaders. He said he would take all elected representatives into confidence in his endeavour to strive for KOTA SRINIVAS POOJARY S ANGARA SUNIL KUMAR the progress of the district. The Minister Sullia MLA S Angara paid at visit to the expectations of the people. has also hinted at his plans of having a Subrahmanya which comes under his Kota Srinivas Poojary said "I have been separate policy for the Kannada and Culture constituency, and offered prayers to the allotted social welfare and backward classes Department taking cognizance of the fact Lord after taking oath as a minister for welfare departments where I have ample that the Department did not have its own second time. Speaking on the occasion, the opportunities, by using which I will policy as in case of other departments. minister assured to discharge his honestly try to see that even the last person DK District in-charge Minister and responsibilities efficiently and live upto in the state gets social justice".

10 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 DDDKKK DIARYYY School admissions: Dakshina Coastal districts to get Kannada bags second spot 40 adverse weather warning systems Dakshina Kannada district stands The state government has decided to second in the entire state in install as many as 40 adverse weather admissions to classes from first to warning systems along the coastal tenth standard. As against the target districts. The systems will also have a fixed for admissions, Dakshina siren that will alert local residents and Kannada district registered a fishermen within a radius of six kms. progress of 98.1% securing second The project will be funded by the position while Uttara Kannada Union Government and each alert system district by registering a progress of is expected to cost Rs 10 crore to Rs 12 98.4% stood first. Udupi district crore. The Minister said such a measure which registered a progress of 97.2% will go a long way in alerting the local stood seventh. residents and prevent loss of lives during The target fixed for Dakshina Kannada was 3,18,436 and so far 3,12,394 admissions natural calamities. have been made. Admissions to almost all classes except class one, is above 98% The Minister said the government will while in case of class one it is 93%. also initiate measures to alert people on Government schools in Dakshina Kannada have also seen a rise in admissions by lightning in the wake of a number of lives 1% and officials see this as an impact of financial distress due to Covid pandemic that lost during every monsoons due to has forced at least a few parents to shift their children from private to government lightning strikes. schools. Even among government schools, demand for seats in bilingual schools which offer education in both Kannada and English mediums is high. 20 months after arrest in Group of enthusiasts sets up Saudi, Harish Bangera back Kambala track for practice home Harish Bangera Kambala-the traditional of Beejadi in sport of Tulunadu is something Koteshwara who which people of the land love was arrested in immensely. There are many Saudi Arabia in who travel long distances just connection with a to catch a glimpse of Kambala. blasphemous post Despite the allegation by reportedly made by animal rights organisations of some miscreants through a fake social cruelty to animals in the sport media account in his name, has finally been and despite the court battles, released and has returned hometown. Kambala continues to be a It may be recalled here that soon after favourite traditional sport. the derogatory post on Saudi prince, had Recently, when Kambala Jockey Srinivas Gowda made headlines as the Usain appeared, the Saudi police had arrested him Bolt of Kambala for his lightning speed on the Kambala tracks, he in fact had enthused in December 2019. Meanwhile his wife many youngsters in the field. Sumana in Udupi had lodged a police There are many at present who aspire to be a part of this sport. Giving wings to the complaint following which Police managed dreams of such youngsters, a group of enthusiasts have set up a 130 meter long Kambala to arrest two persons from Moodbidri who track in the midst of a field at Kalibailu of Udupi district. The group had put almost a had opened a fake FB account in Bangera's month's efforts in getting this track ready and already many are practising here. The name to post the blasphemous content. The Kambala track project even had got the support of the local Panchayat and a few accused had used a screenshot of the post Kambala patrons. Those behind this Kambala track hope the track would help in the to make it viral and had subsequently emergence of many talents in the field. deleted the account.

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 11 CCCOLUMN IN BLACK & WHITE

Prof. NARENDRA NAYAK

Things happening around us both at local, national and international levels does not make us happy. Talibanisation of If we look at the happenings at Afghanistan where the religious right not just the right but the extreme right has AFGHANISTAN taken over the country, it is going back to the dark days of middle ages when superstitions and religion ruled the society. - repercussions in India The fall of this country from a modernized, educated society to one ruled Will India see a tussle between soft and extreme right wing by religious bigots started decades ago elements?, Prof Narendra Nayak analyses in this write-up. when the Talibanis supported by US and through bases in Pakistan started their takeover. While the horrors of this and airport by Talibanis! That the Indian policy battles to defeat the Russian supported the fallout are going to be seen soon, the towards Afghanistan has been a failure has ruling regime. The move was to counter desperate stampede to get out of the been said by one of their top ideologues the Russian influence in that region. The troubled nation has cost many lives as of and Rajya Sabha member Dr.Subramanya same groups turned out to be now and we can only guess as to what the Swami. Frankenstein’s monster which turned on future is going to be. But going by their “Taliban completed its takeover. Time their creators resulting in sheltering the history it is not going to be any good for for Modi to get serious about governance biggest culprit- Osama Bin Laden who had the women, children and those professing for battle. Pakistan mentored Taliban is masterminded the 9/11 attack and the faiths different from that of the one of those now within striking distance. China will resulting mayhem. It was also the first who have grabbed power. urge them on and US is good only for attack on American soil after the Pearl Soon after assuming power, the ruling supplying weapons. Let us get Bharat Harbor bombing which started the second clique held a press conference and assured Mata's destined duty for us done.” world war. While the revenge for this all that they would grant all rights to The dangers of this are very much at resulted in a campaign costing trillions of women (of course permitted by Islam) our doorstep. The next to be Talibanised dollars, chases across countries and would not have any conflicts with other will be Pakistan. With Russia and China continents resulting finally in ‘taking him nations etc. But going by the past history willing to recognize them and big brother out’ in a covert action and destroying his of these people it would be something treating that as an internal matter of the set up, the displaced ruling dispensation difficult to believe! In the meanwhile the country we have not much support to fall was in power due to support by the western Indian embassy staff along with some upon. That apart this would lead to a nations in general and US particular who others have reached back safely and as reaction in our country with disastrous were the last to pull out just before the per some claims they were escorted to consequences. As a reaction that, the trend

12 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 CCCOLUMN here too may continue to extremes of right. Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs! His ire was at Like many other allegedly secular I had read a prediction of a Hindutva those whose alleged religious loyalties lay countries where the clergy enjoy a status ideologue two decades back. He had said outside the limits of Bharat(of course of super citizenship we too may soon the future political battle is not going to Akhand Bharat which would run from follow. As it is we have quite a few be between the Hindutva and secular Afghanistan to Burma). With this ‘Rajgurus’ who seem to be above the laws forces but the soft and extreme right wing definition we know very well who are of the land. That may soon increase and religious ones! As at present it looks like those being accused of loyalties to others. may even constitute a formal network too softer ones are in power it is not long With this definition and a dictat to keep whose permission has to be obtained for before the extreme ones taken on. them subservient it is not far from being anything. To understand their mindset we have put into practice. Of course this may also In all modern, civilized nations the to go back to the thoughts of their founder cover the political left who may be accuse religion and state have been separated to patron of the Hindutva brigade- V D of having a punya bhoomi in some foreign a large extent. India came into existence Savarkar. He was the one who brought land. Though the definition of Savarkar as a secular state despite of the division Hindutva into the picture long back even was not based on any method of worship of nation according to religious lines. before the RSS was founded. He was not it is not far away for this to be defined. Though formally the division was into two a religious Hindu at all. He was an atheist secular states with populations of followers not following any forms of worship idol of respective religions being in majority, or otherwise. But, he pointed out the we know which way the other part went! divisions in the population based on his Will we too be going the same way? If concepts. His concept of Hindu was you see pictures of Afganistan before different from the conventional one based Taliban and today the difference can be on caste or forms of worship. Because all clearly made out. From a liberal society categories of people come under the where women enjoyed freedom, the state definition of Hindu starting from those as of today is that of heavy repression. who follow tribal worship forms to Will we go the same way? Only time will Brahminical rites. He defined Hindu as decide and the people- the choice is that the one whose fatherland( in the fashion of a theocratic state and a secular of you know who and has more robust democracy.n masculine sound than the weak effeminate Prof. NARENDRA NAYAK is a consumer mother land) and HOLYLAND (punya activist and a rationalist. This is a regular column bhoomi) are the same! Which means that and we invite readers’ response. The writer can he had no objections to Non Hindus like be reached at: [email protected]

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By V. U. GEORGE

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” – General Douglas MacArthur

VERY TIME I MEET HIM, I feel inspired, a few years Eyounger and confident. He has a charisma that makes anyone feel comfortable and listen to him. He has a way of optimism that makes you see things in a positive way. The poise and his wisdom make anyone overwhelmed and motivated. I have watched him at close quarters Felicitating Mr. Hegde on his 75th birthday for over four decades. He has been an inspiration throughout my life and career. The gentleman I am referring to here has carefully built, guiding its destiny with He has helped me and many others in is none other than Nitte Vinaya Hegde, effortless ease. different ways, as an entrepreneur and a Chancellor of Nitte deemed to be Successful entrepreneurs can friend in need. He can never say ‘No’ to University and Chairman of Lamina invariably see the next wave in business anybody. No one goes empty handed when Group of Companies. Even at the age of and ride it to make a fortune. Visionary approaching him for help. Anyone can 82, when most men contemplate entrepreneurs not only create wealth but walk into his office, no matter how big or retirement, Mr. Hegde continues to be a also give back generously to society. Nitte small a person; known or unknown. In busy man, always proactive and Vinaya Hegde is one such rare gem of spite of his huge success and fame, he is enthusiastic. From his plush office on the our generation. He is an industrialist, who so open and down to earth that anyone eighth floor of Ram Bhavan Complex in having made a successful foray into the can approach him in dire needs. the city, he presides over the empire he field of education, heralded a renaissance

Vijaya Bank CMD, Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty laying the foundation stone for Lamina Suspension Products (P) Ltd.

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 15 CCCOOOVER STORYYY in this field in undivided Dakshina Kannada district. He towers over many others in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Besides being a busy businessman, he is known to be a social reformer, an avid sports promoter and a wonderful human being. Children of famous personalities often struggle to break free from the shadow of their parents. But in the case of Vinaya Hegde, being the son of a famous personality was not a deterrent for him to carve out his own place of eminence. In an interview to Mangalore Today he said “I would consider it my greatest honour if someone were to say that I have been a worthy son of my father” Born on 3rd April 1939, Nitteguthu Vinaya Hegde is the second son of Justice Justice K. S. Hegde and Meenakshi Hegde K. S. Hegde and Meenakshi Hegde. His father Justice K.S. Hegde, an esteemed “I would consider it my greatest former judge of Supreme Court and later the Speaker of the LokSabha, perhaps left honour if someone were to say that I an indelible impression on his life while have been a worthy son of my father” his mother inspired him to be a better human being. Well-read and widely travelled, Vinaya Hegde is happily him in every way. younger brother Justice N. Santosh Hegde married to Sujatha who has been a pillar His two brothers have made a name has followed the path of his illustrious of strength all through his life. They have and fame for themselves in their own way. father by becoming a judge of the Supreme two children, daughter Ashwita R. Punja While his older brother N. Prasanna Court of India and later the Lokayukta of and son Vishal, who has faithfully Hegde was a captain in the Indian Navy Karnataka. One of his sisters Mrs. followed his father’s footsteps and assists and later became an industrialist, his Nirmala Adyanthaya is settled in the US, Mrs. Asha Ajila lives in Mangalore, while Nitte Vinaya Hegde family the third sister, Dr.Usha Poonja who was settled in the US is unfortunately no more. Vinaya Hegde had his early education at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore and St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore; topped it with a B.Sc degree from Central College, Bangalore. He was a keen sportsman, a cricketer and a member of the college hockey team. He is still an avid sports lover and his passion is quite evident at Nitte campuses. All the campuses have large playgrounds, indoor and outdoor sports pavilions equipped with the most modern facilities. The Indian basketball team has been practicing in Nitte for some time. The B C Alva stadium and cricket ground at Nitte are of international standards. All institutions encourage regular

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Following a stint at Canara Workshops Ltd., Vinaya Hegde was all set to plunge into the world of entrepreneurship. In 1975 his dreams took shape in the form of his flagship enterprise Lamina Suspension Products Ltd. Lamina Suspension Products and Lamina Foundries, which manufacture and market automotive components and account for a turnover of over Rs. 200 crores, employing more than 2,000 people. The group has an export turnover in excess of Rs. 100 crores, dealing with countries like Germany, USA, UK, Korea, Finland, Belgium and others. Even as he was engaged in building his industrial enterprises, Mr. Hegde found Ramakrishna Hegde laying the foundation time to actualise yet another long cherished of Lamina Foundries Ltd. desire - to contribute to society through sports and games in addition to cultural activities. He strongly believes that “Late Sri. V.S. Kudva was a great growing children should have disciplinarian and an adept extracurricular activities, be it sports, games, social and cultural programs for entrepreneur. I consider myself overall development. Vinaya Hegde was fortunate to have worked with him” responsible for awakening the sporting spirit by sponsoring national level sports for the first time in the district in 1984. Workshop in 1975. He considers that this education. Thus in 1979, Nitte Education He also played a pivotal role in nurturing institution moulded him to be a successful Trust was established. Over the past 41 a few national-level athletes from the entrepreneur. Late V.S.Kudva, the years it has grown into the largest district. Chairman of Canara Workshop inspired him educational organisation of D. K. Today Vinaya Hegde started his career as an in many ways. “Late Sri. V. S. Kudva was the trust has under its umbrella a string of employee in Canara Workshop Ltd., a great disciplinarian and an adept thirty five institutions covering the entire (manufacturers of Canara Springs). He was entrepreneur. I consider myself fortunate to educational spectrum - from schools to pre- a sales manager when he left Canara have worked with him,” recalls Mr. Hegde. university and first grade colleges to polytechnic to professional colleges like engineering, medical, dental, pharmaceutical, nursing, business administration, hotel management among others spread over three campuses: Nitte, Mangalore and Bangalore. There are more than 20,000 students studying in these institutions, which employ over 4500 people. The Trust has implemented a school support system in the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts to provide basic education to rural children. The scheme includes construction of school building and classrooms, support teachers, providing teaching, transportation, uniforms, scholarships on merit-cum-

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 17 “My achievements Nitte Campus in Nitte are not mine; they are the result of means basis, sports materials, and the hard work of Nitte Campus in Deralakatta, Mangalore sponsoring rural athletes to participate in national and international tournaments. many who have ‘Nerekere Kshema’ is another project pursued the grand of Nitte Education Trust for total community development of Nitte, Mukka, vision along with Sasihithlu and neighbouring villages by me tirelessly over bringing the economically and socially the past four marginalized to the mainstream of the society. Projects include self-employment decades.” schemes, construction of public wells, houses for the homeless, women Institute of Nursing Sciences and Nitte empowerment schemes, healthcare and Institute of Physiotherapy. Under his financial support to poor students. farsighted leadership, in a short span of The Nitte deemed to be University was twelve years, Nitte deemed to be established in June 2008 with A B Shetty University has been placed under category Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences as ‘A+’ by NAAC and ‘A’ by the Ministry its first constituent college. From April of Human Resource Development, 2009, four more Institutions of Nitte Government of India, which is a rare Education Trust came under the ambit of distinction and achievement. the Nitte deemed to be University: KS With tremendous zeal coupled with Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte Gulabi hard work and inspired team effort, he Shetty Memorial Institute of systematically built, almost from scratch Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nitte Usha two organisations; an industrial enterprise

18 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 Nitte Campus in Bangalore In a short span of twelve years, Nitte and the other an educational institution. deemed to be Both have become symbols of what one man with conviction can achieve in one’s University has been own lifetime. However, Mr Hegde gives placed under all the credit to his team:“My achievements are not mine; they are the category ‘A+’ by result of the hard work of many who have NAAC and ‘A’ by the pursued the grand vision along with me Ministry of HRD, tirelessly over the past four decades.” It is this humility that enables him to be Government of successful and to stand apart. India. Unlike many other lesser success stories, in Vinaya Hegde’s case, success has only brought out the best in the man. Not one to rest on his laurels, he has used his wealth for social good. Taking a great interest in rural development, he has been personally supervising several rural uplift projects. These include running 22 rural clinics as well as a multi-speciality hospital and a psychiatric centre at Nitte. The K S Hegde hospital attached to the medical college at Derlakatte provides free medical treatment to more than thousand patients per day. The mission of total health care is extended to the remote villages of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi , Chikmagalur, Uttar Kannada as well as Kasargod district in Kerala state. The K S Hegde Foundation established in 1992 undertake innumerable philanthropic works which include promotion of sports and sportsmen, recognising and honouring eminent personalities, philanthropists and NGOs. The Foundation extends financial support

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 19 CCCOOOVER STORYYY to expensive medical treatment of the poor patients, geriatric centres, prevention and control of pandemic and endemic diseases projects etc. The Foundation also contributes substantially to natural calamity and disaster relief works, public utility projects and rural developments projects. Besides all these, Mr. Hegde is involved in several social activities like cultural development, promotion of communal harmony among people of the twin districts, construction and renovation of temples and places of worship, national integration programs etc. Project N.A.M.A.S.T.E connecting the five North-Eastern states as part of the ‘Bharath Jodo’ appeal by the PM, Former Assam and Nagaland Governor P B Acharya inaugurating 'Namaste' centre at Nitte University Narendra Modi was established in Nitte to provide free accommodation, healthcare scholarship to meritorious students to education and industry Mr. Hegde has and education to students from these states. pursue higher studies in Nitte institutions. been conferred with "Honorary Over hundred students are benefitted by In recognition of his distinguished and Doctorate" by the Mangalore University this program. This program also provides longstanding service in the fields of in 2008. Honours that have come his way

The project include self-employment schemes, women empowerment schemes, houses for the homeless, education, healthcare etc.

are many, including the Udyoga Pathra Award from Institute of Trade and Industrial Development, New Delhi, Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry Award, Outstanding Manager of D. K. & Udupi Districts Award and the Best Public Relations Person Award etc. He was the former Chairman of CII, Mangalore chapter and was nominated by the Government of Karnataka as the industrial representative in the governing council of KREC, Suratkal, and held this office till the institution was elevated to National Institute of Technology, following which he was nominated as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of National Institute of Technology

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Karnataka, by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. He was a member of the Mangalore University Syndicate and Academic Council, besides serving on the management council of MIT, Manipal. He was appointed by the Government of Karnataka as Chairman of Coastal Agenda Task Force, constituted for drafting a long term plan for the comprehensive development of the Coastal districts. The Coastal Agenda Task Force headed by him played a key role in proposing the Special Economic Zone for this region, which is now a reality. Vinaya Hegde is not one person to slow down or rest. He believes that one should keep himself busy working as long Former Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, Former Attorney General, Soli J Sorabjee, Former Chief Justice, Justice Y V Chandrachud and Former Lokayuktha Justice N. Santhosh Hegde during the inauguration of as the mind and body permit. ‘I don’t want the birth centenary celebration of Justice K S Hegde in 2008 to rest and be contented that I have done enough. There is so much to be done and I will continue to be active and strive to add more institutions and be useful to the society at large.” His son Vishal Hegde has been by side, following father’s footsteps quietly, lending a hand whenever needed and watching father’s intricate moves in every endeavor since the past two decades. Mr. Hegde in turn has not given him a cake walk but made him to prove himself starting from the bottom of the ladder in leadership. Steadily Vishal climbed up the ladder to take up a major role in the organization. Vinaya Hegde has great confidence in his son and thinks Former PM Manmohan Singh receiving Justice K.S. Hegde Foundation Award for the year 1997 he would lead the Nitte Group into greater heights. With a vision of further developing the Brand Nitte into a formidable multi- disciplinary University Mr.Hegde has acquired hundred acres land to start a new campus close to the Mangalore Campus. The proposed new campus would be futuristic and tech-savvy with all modern amenities set in a sustainable ecosystem. This would be a major milestone in the journey of Nitte Group as it approaches its Golden Jubilee year in 2029. Among Hegde’s greatest qualities is his humility. You will never hear him Inauguration of Atal Tinkering Lab at Dr MRSM trumpeting his own achievements. On the English Medium School at Nitte campus other hand he is keen to listen to what you

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Institutions Managed by Nitte Education Trust and Nitte (Deemed to be) University.

Health Science Institutions Management Institutions 1. K.S Hegde Medical Academy, 22. Justice K.S Hegde Institute of Mangalore Management, Nitte 2. A.B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental 23. Nitte School of Management, Bengaluru Sciences, Mangalore 24. Sarosh Institute of Hotel Administration, 3. Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Craniofacial Mangalore Surgery, Mangalore 25. Nitte Education International, Pumpwell, 4. Nitte Gulabi Shetty Institute of Mangalore Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mangalore 26. Nitte Institute of Communication, 5. Nitte College of Pharmaceutical Mangalore Sciences, Bengaluru 27. Nitte Institute of Tourism & Hospital 6. Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Studies, Kannur, Mangalore Sciences, Mangalore 7. Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy, Technical Institutions Mangalore 28. Nitte Rukmini Adyanthaya Memorial 8. Nitte Institute of Speech & Hearing, Polytechnic, Nitte Mangalore 29. NMIT Polytechnic, Bengaluru 9. Nitte University Centre for Science 30. Mulki Ramakrishna Punja Industrial Education & Research, Mangalore Training Institute, Thokur 10.Leela Narayan Shetty Memorial Cancer 31. Nitte School of Fashion Technology and Vinaya Hegde with son Vishal Hegde Institute, Mangalore Interior Design, Bengaluru have to say and accommodate your ideas Hospitals Science and Commerce Institutions into his grand vision. As a result of this 11.Justice K.S Hegde Charitable Hospital, 32. Dr. Nitte Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial team building ability, he has been able to Mangalore First Grade College, Nitte attract a great many talents to work with 12.Nitte Gajria Hospital, Karkala 33. Dr. Nitte Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial him in creating wealth for the community. 13.Nitte Rural Psychiatry Centre, Nitte First Grade College, Bengaluru Nitte Vinaya Hegde is a gem of a 34. Dr. Nitte Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial personality with an emotional streak who, Research Centres Pre-University College, Nitte sometimes, willfully allows his heart to 14. Nitte University Centre for Stem Cell 35. Dr. Nitte Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial rule over the mind. His bonding with his Research & Regenerative Medicine Pre-University College, Mangalore family is what he treasures more than 15.Leela Narayan Shetty Centre for 36. Dr. Nitte Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial anything else. He is worried about the Neurosciences & Research, Mangalore Pre-University College, Yelakanka, Bengaluru changing scenario in the society where the 16.KSHEMA IVF: Fertility and Reproductive 37. Nitte Pre-University College Shivakote, elderly and the sick are neglected by their Medicine Centre, Mangalore Bengaluru children and kith and kin in their pursuit 17.Nitte University Centre for Animal for monetary gains. “Nothing is more Research & Experimentation (NUCARE) Schools pleasurable than making your parents 38. Dr. Nitte Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial happy,” is his philosophical advice to Engineering Institutions English Medium High School, Nitte youngsters. He believes in relationships 18.Nitte Mahalinga Adyanthaya Memorial 39. Dr. Mundkur Ramanna Shetty Memorial in that he still keeps a rendezvous with Institute of Technology, Nitte English Medium High School, Thokur his classmates and reunites with his family 19.Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, 40. Dr. Nitte Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial spread over different parts of the globe. Bengaluru Higher Primary School, Bolakodi What differentiates this visionary from the 20.Nitte Institute of Architecture, Paneer, 41. Nitte International School, Bengaluru rest of the pack is that he nurtures Deralakatte 42. Nitte Primary School, Bengaluru relationships with a commitment and 21.Nitte School of Architecture, Bengaluru 43. Nitte Poorva Prathamika Shale, devotion that is exemplary and worthy of Sahakarnagar, Bengaluru emulation n

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t has been almost half a century since I you became an entrepreneur. How did you set out to become an entrepreneur? Whom do you attribute your success? I started my career as an employee in Canara Workshop Ltd. (manufacturers of Canara Springs). It was one of the most disciplined institutions in those days. I consider that this institution molded me to be a successful Entrepreneur. I was a sales manager when I left Canara Workshop in 1975. Late Sri.V S Kudva, the founder and Chairman of Canara Workshop has inspired me in many ways than one. He was a great disciplinarian and an adept entrepreneur. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with him. Interview with NITTE VINAYA HEGDE Being a new entrepreneur, (Lamina Suspension Products Pvt. Ltd.) you were development programs. We could have Karkalla and there was no transportation in tough competition with highly saved a lot of money; but then, creating facility. The villagers were mostly established brands. How did you employment and improving livelihood of a depended on agriculture and could not succeed establishing your brand? whole village and neibourhood were more afford to send their children far to study. important. It was his urge for some positive action Being new in the market and knowing that resulted in the founding of Nitte the market are different matter. We knew From Industry to Education, was the Education Trust. the market and the brands in the market. diversification decisive? When was Nitte Offer the consumer a package better than We adopted Nitte village for over all Education Trust formed? Who was the competition; better quality, better price, development and improving living force and inspiration behind the Trust? better incentives, above all, better service standard of the people. Building a Baily that gets you going. There should be a My father, Justice K S hedge had bridge across the river Shanbavi, sincere ‘give and take’ policy in your settled down in Nitte after four decades constructing roads, public wells, houses dealings. It is a matter of time and sincere of illustrious career adorning some of the for the needy, self-employment programs efforts to prove your worthiness. Well, highest positions in public life. He was and medical facility etc., we could slowly nothing is easy; you got to fight the moved by the pitiable condition of the bring about better living standards. competition in multiple ways to win the people of our village which was in sharp Knowing very well that education is market confidence. contrast to his success in life. There was crucial for social change, Nitte Education a Government school which was in Trust was established in 1979. To begin Coming to starting Lamina Foundries; dilapidated condition. Most school with, we took up renovating the why did you go to Nitte, Karkala instead children dropped out even before fifth Government primary school, later starting of Mangalore, close to Lamina standard. The high school was far in a primary school, a high school, a pre- suspension Products? (You could have saved a lot in transportation of raw materials as well as finished products “We could have saved a lot of money; shipment). but then, creating employment and The first and foremost reason was that I wanted to provide employment to the improving livelihood of a whole village youth in my village. Lamina Foundries was and neibourhood were more a catalyst in the development process. We important.” had already adopted ‘Nitte’ for village

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 23 CCCOOOVER STORYYY university college and a Polytechnic in Nitte, we did what was required. Over “Looking back I feel proud that I could the years we could make vast difference in education and living standard of the help so many boys and girls coming people of Nitte and neighborhood. from economically and socially weaker

What are the activities of Nitte Education sections in shaping their lives and them Trust in addition to starting education in turn taking care of their families.” institutions? Which were the institutions started by the Trust in the beginning? As the institutions grew larger and the institutions have a ‘Social responsibility NET was originally meant to serve the complex there was a need for the University cell’ which is involved in philanthropic and rural sector by providing basic education and status. The Nitte (deemed to be) University welfare activities. A yearly budget is community welfare activities. Initially, the was established in June 2008 with A B allocated for this purpose. Trust started a primary school in Nitte; Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental followed by a high school, a polytechnic Sciences as its first constituent college. You have also established a charity and later on a pre-university college in Nitte. From April 2009, four more Institutions organization: Justice K. S. Hegde The Trust also established a primary health of Nitte Education Trust came under the Foundation. Which are the areas this centre extending free medical aids. It was ambit of the University. A B Shetty organization contributes? Who are the in 1985 that NET’s first professional college beneficiaries? - AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Justice K.S.Hegde Foundation is Science started in Mangalore. This was involved in promotion sports and followed by an engineering college - sportsmen, recognising and honouring NMAM Institute of Technology at Nitte in eminent personalities, philanthropists and the very next year. Both the institutions NGOs. The Foundation contributes contributed significantly to the village substantially to natural calamity and development and healthcare as well as disaster relief works, public utility employment. projects, research and development Today the trust has under its umbrella projects. It also identifies and sponsor a string of thirty five institutions covering discerning students for higher studies, the entire educational spectrum - from extending financial support to geriatric schools to pre-university and first grade centres, Community welfare projects, colleges to polytechnic to professional prevention and control of pandemic and colleges like engineering, medical, dental, endemic diseases projects etc. pharmaceutical, nursing, business admini- stration and hotel management spread over What are your future plans? three campuses: Nitte, Mangalore and We are developing an Exclusive Bangalore. For me, building these University Centre in a 100 acres land close Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, KS institutions is largely an opportunity to help to Mangalore campus. We will be Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte Gulabi rural children to have access to education. introducing courses in various disciplines Shetty Memorial Institute of Looking back I feel proud that I could help of studies in the times to come. We have Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nitte Usha so many boys and girls coming from plans to develop a campus for global research Institute of Nursing Sciences and Nitte economically and socially weaker sections and development centre with the Institute of Physiotherapy came under the in shaping their lives and them in turn taking collaboration of industry, scientists and University. Nitte Institute of Architecture, care of their families. research associates from internationally Nitte Institute of Communication, reputed Universities. This campus would be NUCSER - Institute of Biomedical Science Was ‘Nitte (Deemed to be) University’ a futuristic and tech-savvy with most modern added later. natural transition? Which are the amenities developed in a sustainable institutions came under the University. In 3 Campuses we have today 43 ecosystem. This will be a major milestone How is the University involved in institutions offering 130 courses with over in the journey of the Nitte Group as it philanthropic activities? 4500 faculty and 20,000 plus students. All approaches its Golden Jubilee year in 2029.n

24 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 25 CCCOMMUNITY

A HISTORIC EVENT Fr. Alfred Roche declared SERVANT OF GOD

N AUGUST 15, 2021 when India Ocelebrated the Platinum Jubilee or the Amrit Mahotsav of its Independence, a historic occasion also unfolded at the Holy Family Church at Brahmavar. Rev. Fr Alfred Roche, the former Capuchin priest of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar was declared as a Servant of God, the first step towards Sainthood at a ceremony held at the Church by Udupi Diocese Bishop Most Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo. Fr Alwyn Dias, Provincial, Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka, Fr Victor Fernandes, parish priest, Holy Family Church, Fr Roshan Menezes, Episcopal Vicar, Religious, Diocese of Udupi, Fr Vincent Furtado, ex-provincial, Fr Santan Lopes, Vice-Postulator of the cause of Fr Alfred Roche and many others were part of this historic occasion. Peter John Roche. He was born on April Priest. He later served as Parish Priest in The Udupi Bishop who performed the 3, 1924 at Moodahadu Kudru, a small St. Ann’s Church Binaga and at St. rituals read out the official communication island near Barkur as the son of Isaac Joseph’s Parish at Lower Kasarkod, in the from the Congregation for the Cause of Saints, Roche and Carmine Monteiro. He pursued diocese of Belgaum ( presently Diocese of Rome, to this effect. Later, a special prayer his primary and high school education at Karwar). meeting was also conducted at the place his home town and at Sastan and Kalianpur In June 1981 he was transferred to the where Fr Roche who had served as the first and later joined the Capuchins in 1944 and novitiate fraternity at Monte Mariano, Capuchin Parish Priest, was laid to rest. was named as Alfred. He was ordained Farangipet as the superior (guardian) where Fr. Roche is the first from Udupi priest on April 11, 1951 at Kotagiri. he rendered his service for six years and Diocese and the second person of Fr Alfred Roche was appointed the returned to Brahmavar after his retirement. Karnataka origin, to be declared as Servant first Capuchin parish priest of the Holy Fr Alfred Roche passed away on December of God. Mgr. RFC Mascarenhas, former Family Church of Brahmavar in 1956. He 31, 1996 and was buried in the Parish vicar general of the Diocese of Mangalore was instrumental in ushering a new Cemetery of Holy Family Church, and Founder of Congregation of the Sisters spiritual, economic, academic, social and Brahmavar where he had served for 18 of the Little Flower of Bethany was the inter-faith era in Brahmavar region at a time years. Hundreds of faithful have been first person to be declared Servant of God when the area was in the grips of poverty paying respects to him by visiting his tomb in Karnataka in 2008. and illiteracy. He preached the word of in remembrance of the great services he Fr Alfred Roche's original name was God and lived a humble and pious life as a had rendered to the Church and humanity.n

26 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 PPPROFILE A truly multi-faceted personality Mind Management, Life Coaching, Management, Motivational Speaking, Yoga, writing, singing and much more, Viveck Shetty does everything with equal ease and elan.

IVECK SHETTY is a truly multi- 2021 for excellence in mental health faceted personality. He has been management. He was conferred with The Va Mental Health Management Mid Day Award for Excellence in Expert, Motivational Speaker and a life Motivational Speaking in 2019, coach with a strong focus on Yoga,Life 'Navshakti' award in 2016 for excellence Sciences and Mystic knowledge, for more in communications and branding leading than 15 years now with over 1000 lectures to social impact and Puncham Award for and sessions to his credit. He has 'Melodious Voice of the Year ' in 2012. conducted programmes for leading He has nearly 1.5 lakh followers on corporate groups ,management Instagram and the number is constantly institutions, NGOs, medical and on the rise. He heads Indus engineering colleges, international schools Communications, a 360-degree and various management forums. He also communication services offering state-of- conducts one to one classes on a regular the art services in advertising, public basis for ' Mind Management ' and ' Voice relations, event management and celebrity Training '. Over 3000 students and various management to leading corporates, professionals and celebrities are now business houses and celebrities. He has training directly under him for Mind a profound interest in music and also is Management, Public Speaking and Voice the lead vocalist of his six-member band Training . His clients include CEOs from that has performed in the leading festivals USA, UK, Europe and also many from across the country like Kalaghoda. His India. popular radio show "Celebrating Life with Viveck Shetty was recently conferred FM Rainbow" is part of the reputed and with the Navbharat Healthcare Award largest Akashwani radio network. His television show "CEO Talk with Viveck Shetty" was one of the most popular television shows for corporate India . His one of its kind television show on the human mind titled ' Mann - Ek Kalpavruksh' that translates to ' The Mind - A Wishing Tree' on DD Sahyadri has been well received and appreciated. He strongly believes in Yoga and religiously devotes himself practicing it every single day. He has contributed as a freelance writer to leading publications like DNA, Mid-Day, Dainik Jagran, Free Press Journal, Afternoon, Savvy and many more. The truly multi-faceted Viveck Shetty dabbles in Mind Management, Life Coaching, Management, Motivational Speaking, Yoga, writing and singing with Receiving Navbharat Healthcare Award 2021 equal ease and elan.n

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 27 PPPICTURESQUE Promising SWEEZAL This teenager is as sweet as her name-Sweezal Furtado. An aspiring talent in the fashion field, she was recently crowned Miss Teen South India in the beauty pageant organised by Star Entertainment Production in Delhi. Having her roots in Barkur in Kundapur of Udupi district Sweezal is a resident of Bengaluru where she is studying at Mount Carmel PU College while also undergoing training in fashion. She is also one of the winners of Ignite India Meraki Fashion Competition held this year and was adjudged the "Fresh Face of Ignite India 2021". It is not just fashion that Sweezal is interested in, she is a multi-faceted personality and also a talented dancer. She aspires to make it big in the fashion and modelling industry and is honing her talents and skills towards perfection. Ice-cream BANANAS are here

Blue Java Bananas, popularly called as ice-cream bananas are irresistably delicious. Unlike the normal bananas with yellow skin, the Blue Java Banana has a blue skin and is a lot more creamier. In fact this Blue Java Banana had become an internet sensation when a person said it tasted like vanilla ice bananas are grown in bags to prevent cream, some time back. infections and he has ten plants of this We have a farmer from Balanja near variety. Anil also grows over 700 variety Guruvayanakere in Belthangady who of tropical fruits on his 25 acres of land. grows this variety of bananas. This 37 He is also in the process of year old progressive farmer Anil developing a fruit park on a six acre land brought the tissue cultured plant from where he intends to grow Southeast Thailand during his visit to the nation Asian fruits and many more fruits best for an exhibition two years ago. The suited for the climate of the region.

28 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 PPPICTURESQUE

He puts his heart and soul into singing and his persistent efforts have Nihal Tauro always helped him excel in his area of interest. For Nihal Tauro, an extremely talented singer from Moodbidri, entering the finals of the Indian Idol Reality singing competition of Sony TV was itself an ecstatic moment, a fruit of the zealous efforts put in by him all the way. Son of Herald Tauro, a banker, and Precilla Tauro, a teacher from Alangar in Moodbidri, it has been an extremely satisfying experience for Nihal to perform before greats like Asha Bhosle and A R Rehman. Passionate Singer

Nihal says he loves to sing all types will be his debut and Nihal is eagerly and genres of songs and feels bagging a waiting for the same. song from Himesh Reshammiya was one Nihal aspires to song for Bollywood of his finest moments. It was a great bigwig stars in the future. experience for this youngster to record A keen singer since the age of four, a song for Himesh. Nihal was earlier the winner of The song set to be released soon Grand welcome in Mangaluru Daijiworld Studio Voice competition. Shining actress Kajal Kunder, a Mangalurean talent born and brought up in Mumbai, has proved her acting skills in TV serials and movies including movies in her mother tongue Tulu. Kajal who loves modelling and stage shows initially bagged an offer in a Marathi movie and later also acted in Kannada serial "Hara Hara Mahadeva." She also got chance in Hindi and Marathi serials. Kajal who speaks Tulu fluently even acted in Tulu movies "Pattanaje" and "Deyi Baidyethi" and proved she is a good actress. A Kannada movie " Maya Kannadi" featuring Kajal is also expected to be released shortly.

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 29 30 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 PPPOETIC LICENSE I Long For.... That is the In the vast, dreary desert of robots I long for a spark of love World In the mammoth mount of tigers Like a fall if you fall I long for an innocent dove. dazed eyes, they would admire your beauty and strength, awe and wonder In the incredibly long drought you would be blessed, one and all… I long for a few drops of dew In the ever-increasing concrete jungle Like a river if you flow I long for a few shoots of green hue. raised hands, they would adore your melodious ripples, bathe and wash In the ever-lengthening line of prickly sympathizers you would be blessed, high and low… I long for a sincere feeler In the calamitous writers of prescriptions Like a tree if you give I long for a true healer. hoarse voice, they would chant your name in refrain, true and false In the insatiable hunger for beastly beauties you would be blessed, nasty and naive… I long for a soothing natural smile In the crafty crowd of sycophants Like a man if you conduct I long for one who should walk a mile. ire and fire, they would slam your honest, humane deeds, fear and threat In the mania of religious fervor you would be damned, the hollow duct… I long for a simple divine spark In the pack of pretentious dolphins Poems by Dr. O.P. ARORA I long for an honest shark. MANGALORE TODAY CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 ACROSS DOWN 2. Mutinous (10) 1. Celebrated (6) 7 7. Former Indian coin (4) 2. Run into (3) 8. Harass (6) 3. Cloth cap (5) 8 9 10. Night bird (3) 4. Booty (4) 10 11 12 13 11. Deserve (5) 5. Complaint (8) 13. Outstanding (3) 6. Glossy fabric (6) 14 15 16 15. Tariff (3) 8. Blend (3) 16. Male ancestor (4) 9. Positive (4) 17 18 19 20 21 17. Part of flower (5) 12. Almond liqueur (7) 20. Lustre (5) 14. German beer (5) 21. Commotion (9) 16. Vibrated (5) 22. Snippet (5) 18. Heaven (8) 22 23 24 25 24. Part of helicopter (5) 19. Movable cover (3) 26. Lacerate (4) 20. Title of respect (3) 26 27 28 27. Fasten (3) 22. Narrow arm of water (6) 29 30 31 29. Crimson (3) 23. Back of foot (4) 30. Charabanc (5) 25. Deplore (6) 32 33 31. Germ (3) 27. Infant (3) 32. Dismount (6) 28. Applause (5) 34 34. Hint (4) 30. Friend (4) 35. Controls temperature (10) 33. Perform (3) 35 Solutions on page No. 46

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 31 AAARRRTTT BEATTT

Artist Ramdas Shevgoor with art patron Prashanth Shet

ArtArt SafariSafari

S Cube Art Gallery’s ‘Art of the Week’ Series hosted at Kodialguthu Heritage House is a unique visual parade of coastal talents

N AN ATTEMPT TO SHOWCASE Jyothi Alva appreciated the different art painting titled ‘Pollination’ by Jeevan the best works of the artists of the activities hosted by Art Kanara Trust at her Salian, member of Intach Mangalore Icoastal region, the city based S Cube heritage house and said that it has added to chapter and ‘Ninaada’, an oil on canvas Art Gallery in association with Art Kanara the glory of the venue. work by K. Manoranjini Rao, Director of Trust and Mindcraft Studios has launched Watercolor painting by Permude Kala Bharathi School of Art in the city. its ‘Art of the Week’ series. Over the Mohan Kumar, member of Lalitkala A special highlight was an exhibition coming six months, the gallery will Academy was unveiled as the second of portraits by veteran artist Ramdas L. K. highlight an exemplary work of one artist display in the series. The painting was a Shevgoor during the fourth episode of the every week at its Kodialguthu Center for part of his ‘Boat Series’. Subsequent series. The exhibits were unveiled by the Art & Culture situated in Kodialguthu displays have included an acrylic on canvas artist in the presence of art patron M. House on G.G. Road, Ballalbagh, Mangalore. The works of the featured artist will be on display during the respective week. Art lovers may visit the gallery from 11am to 1.30pm or 4pm to 7pm on all week days except Sundays. The organisers hope that this series will help in building a culture of art appreciation in society. ‘Art of the Week’ series was formally launched on 31 July 2021 by Jyothi Alva, the owner and hostess of Kodialguthu House, one of the oldest heritage houses of the city. She unveiled ‘Mahishasura Pravesha’, an 36x30in acrylic on canvas work by veteran artist Ganesha Somayaji. Expressed her own keen interest in art, Ganesh Somayaji

32 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 AAARRRTTT BEATTT

Prashanth Shet of SL Shet Jewellers & Chief guest Jyothi Alva with artist Jeevan Salian and the organisers Diamond House and Ramdas Shevgoor’s younger brother and fellow artist Vishnudas Kamath Shevgoor. The displays included impressive lifesize portraits of Prashanth Shet’s own parents and also many of Shevgoor’s works from the Shet family collection. His father, the late Raghunath Shet was a well known connoisseur who had cultivated a private museum at his house with his personal collection of art, artifacts and antiquities. A well known philatelist and numismatist himself, Prashanth Shet too has built an impressive collection of rare postage stamps and old coins. Ramdas L. K. Shevgoor hails from a family of reputed artists. He was inspired wedding halls, temples, churches and to take up art as a profession by his artist universities in and around the region. His father Late L. K. Shevgoor, who was a extraordinary range of artistic talent stalwart in the field and is recognized as enthralled the visitors. His younger brother the first commercial artist of Mangalore. Vishnudas Shevgoor was a earlier reputed Ramdas had enrolled into Sir J. J. School commercial graphic designer and after of Art in 1960 and acquired a diploma in retiring from the field, is presently Applied Arts from Madhav Satwalekar’s grooming young talents at his LK Shevgoor Bombay Art Institute. He studied fine arts School of art in the city. under a well known artist, teacher and Artists Rajendra Kedige, Nemiraj founder of Mumbai’s Nutan Kala Mandir, Shetty, Harish Kodialbail, Santosh Andrade G. S. Dandavatimath. and others of Art Kanara Trust are His multifaceted talent spans across coordinating the series, which is presented wide spectrum like lifelike portraiture, by Subhas Chandra Basu, convener, acrylic and water colour, commercial INTACH Mangalore Chapter. Established graphic design and architectural line in 2014, S Cube Art Gallery has made a drawings. Being an expert in portraiture, name for itself with its excellent collection he has done thousands of portraits of of paintings, drawings, graphics and eminent personalities and affluent families. sculptures by the professional artists of the His works can be seen in schools, colleges, region.n MAHESH NAYAK

Permude Mohan Kumar Manoranjini Rao

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 33 WWWHIZZ---KIDS WINNING THE WORLD WITH WORDS Mangalore origin boy Madhav Kamath scores second in Scrabble World Youth Cup

EN-YEAR-OLD MADHAV Gopal Kamath, a Mangalore Torigin boy, has made India proud by securing the second place in the 2021 Scrabble World Youth Cup on August 22, 2021. The event, which is normally held in different parts of the world, was this time held online due to the pandemic. Madhav’s second-place finish in the main Under-18 event is the best performance by an Indian scrabble player in the history of the World Youth Cup. The prize Suyash Manchali comprises of trophy and cash award. Equally impressive was 12-year-old son of Sudhir Kamath and Malavika P. Suyash Manchali from Bangalore, a class His father Mangalore born Sudhir Kamath VII student at MESKKPS, is the CEO and Co-founder of 9stacks, Vidyaranyapura, who finished eighth and India’s fastest growing online poker was named as the best Under-14 player. Madhav Kamath platform. His grandmother, Surathkal This was the first time India had two Gowri Kamath was earlier a resident of players in the top ten. The Indian team opponent’s scores). The annual global Pound Garden, Kadri, Mangalore. also received the ‘Spirit of Scrabble’ award event is organised by World English- Madhav started playing scrabble when for being the team that best played in the Language Scrabble Players Association he was six. He has previously won the true spirit of the game. (WESPA) and was hosted this year by Under-8, Under-10, and Under-12 works Madhav narrowly lost out on the top Pakistan Scrabble Association. India's titles held in Malaysia 2017, Dubai 2018 spot to defending champion 15-year-old participation in the tournament was and Kaula Lampur 2019 respectively. This Syed Imaad Ali of Pakistan. Madhav and coordinated by the Scrabble Association year, apart from runner up (2nd rank) in Imaad both had nine wins from 13 games, of India. the main Under-18 event, he has won the but Imaad won the title due to a better Madhav, who is a class VI student at Under-12 too. He has participated and won spread (difference between his scores and Sanskriti School, New Delhi, is the second prizes in adults tournaments too, including top five finishes in two national level tournaments for adults. 2021 Scrabble World Youth Cup tournament featured the top 72 Scrabble players aged under 18 from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Nigeria, UK and the USA. Each of the players first played 36 games in a hard- fought preliminary round held over two weekends from 7th to 15th August. The top ten players from the group stage proceeded to the final round on 21st and 22nd August and played a further 13 games each. The tournament was played Madhav with his online, with strict monitoring protocols in extended family. place to prevent unfair play, with the players being observed constantly. n

34 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 35 OOOPINION

Time seems to be moving quickly, with uncertainty and anxiety for all in these pandemic times, writes I J Saldanha Shet Evening of life- the setting sun

ORONA is taking a serious glimpses of how it was back then and of show and are now those older folks that toll of young and old, all hopes and dreams flash by. Now, here, used to wonder at and never thought could Cassociated ills create unknown surprisingly in the evening of life it is a be like. Time to understand more now. panic all over the world causing fearful shock. How did we get here unaware so For the last half a century or more we trends. All around us it is seen and felt quickly. Where did the years go and where earned, saved, lived and never thought more everyday in various aspects of life. did a strong body go? Remember seeing life's evening would come soon. Suddenly Time seems to be moving quickly, with older people through the years and new situations and circumstances have uncertainty and anxiety for all. The older thinking that those "old people" were years made all our preparations for remote use. citizens feel like yesterday they were away and never expected to be the same When the need is felt none is around, all young, just married, and embarking on a just yet, never fathomed it would engulf are caught in their own centrifugal spin. new life. Yet in a way, it seems like eons sooner. No one can spare time. No one is ago, wondering how and where all those But, many of us are there now committed to other requirements, it's so times and folks have gone, yet struggling unplanned...... many friends retired and at home and old age homes. Those who to hold on and be positive. grey, all movement is unsure, slow and moved to old age institutions feel they pay One recalls all the past, the good and shaky, some bad others worse, but, see the adequately but, no one cares or takes their even the bad times and loves them all. sad change. They were young and vibrant call. The homes are run for the Mind's screen is like a TV picture, but, like most, their age is beginning to management's own needs and aims. Each

"Life" is a 'present', the way you live your life is your gift to those around you. It is Health that is real Wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

36 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 OOOPINION one for himself and God for all. Money makes a difference, if you play your cards RELEARNING right you may have a little temporary care and attention. Acceptance and adjustment How to Walk is best, regrets are always there. There are things you wish were not done... things should have been done, but indeed, there are also many happy things that are done. All in a lifetime has its own place of value. at 91 Now, arriving at this new season of life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go By NALINAKSHA MUTSUDDI and do things you wish, had done but never did!! But, at least sure the evening is in o you feel amused by the title? sight, uncertain how long it will last, when It’s funny you will say, no? All it's over on this earth... it's over. A new Dmy life I was very conscious to adventure will begin! keep fit without any bulge or love handles. Now if you're not in that evening yet, It’s after the demise of my wife in 2015 I be sure that it will be here faster than you became self-quarantined. I think. So, whatever you would like to remained confined in a room up without aid from a chair accomplish in your life, do it quickly. with my laptop throughout the People or bed anymore, not to talk Don't delay it all too long!! Life passes day minus the time taken for called me of walking at all. I was on quickly, unawares. So, do what you washing, eating and sleeping. I crazy. I too dismayed; worried what to can today, as you can never be sure if you never peeped out of my room. was do now. People called it age have time left or not! You have no promise The day the maid or food giver skeptical effect. I was ambivalent that you will see all the seasons of your doesn’t come I don’t see any about swallowing the life, so live now, say all the things that human face. I remained busy in to believe inevitable truth. I took it as you want your loved ones to remember, writing blogs on different topics it can be a challenge. My ambition is and hope that they appreciate and love you or researching for relevant done at humble: to be able to get up for all the things in all the years past. information I needed. It this age. independently, and walk "Life" is a 'present', the way you live continued for over three years from one room to another your life is your gift to those around you. at a stretch. I never felt lonely. without any aid. It is Health that is real Wealth and not But sadly I was unaware of its harmful People called me crazy. I too was pieces of gold and silver. Children are effect on my physical activity. I lost the skeptical to believe it can be done at this taking your role, grandchildren are in their power of walking. Going out on some age. But what is the harm if I try it? It’s own world. Going out is good, coming urgent piece of work became very after all fun, I don’t lose anything. I bought home is better. Forget names and things? difficult. Still I used to manage somehow. a wheelchair and a walker with front It's OK, because other people forgot they In January 2020 I had a severe fall wheels. It was not easy to walk with the even knew you. The things you used to due to slipping on the marble floor while walker too. Undaunted, I started practicing care to do, you no longer care about, really coming out of the bathroom with wet feet. getting up on two feet from the wheelchair feel that you don't want them anymore. That inflicted a fracture on my right wrist. and walking a few steps with the walker. You miss the days when everything My right hand became useless. Hardly had You will be glad to learn that it’s worked and was so simple. I recovered from the damage, I had a progressing at an amazing speed of a snail. But "Old" the "past" is good too... in second fall by repeating the same mistake Yet it’s improving without any doubt. I some things, Old memories, Old Songs, in April 2020. This time it was the left can now stand up without any help and Old movies, Old places, Old books ... and wrist, which got twisted very badly. It’s walk freely with the walker. I’m hopeful best of all, ...OLD FRIENDS. So, friend, more than a year now; I’m yet to get fully my ambition will be fulfilled sooner or stay well as you can and fear not, God well from the injury. later. your creator cares for you - you came Stealthy deterioration continued Don’t you think I’m a funny guy? I alone and you will go alone, so whatever, unabated, still I didn’t care about it. One take it as pure fun, unmindful about hail the Almighty.n day suddenly I discovered, I cannot stand looming death at any instant. n

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 37 HHHAPPENINGS SSLC results: 100% Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai marks for 20 students inaugurates New ICU at Wenlock Nine students from Dakshina Kannada district and 11 students from Udupi district have secured 100% marks in the SSLC exams of this year. All 12,862 students in Udupi district and 32,657 students from Dakshina Kannada have passed the examination. Considering the Covid pandemic, the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board had changed the format of the SSLC exams this year and the students had to answer 40 multiple choice questions in each of the six subjects. UP gang behind thefts from parked cars? Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai inaugurated the new ICU of the Department of A gang of thieves from Uttar Pradesh Medicines at District Wenlock Hospital during his visit to the city recently. which is said to be active in the city is The 32 bed ICU set up at a cost of Rs 124.5 lakh under SDRF grant is in addition suspected to be behind the cases of thefts to the 35 bed ICU that is already set up under Smart City Project. The new ICU has from parked cars by breaking their window an advanced central monitoring unit helping medical personnel monitor the ventilator glasses. Police are on the lookout for the parameters from one place. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the new building of accused. Ambedkar Bhavan in the city. Already thefts from parked cars have Deputy Commissioner Dr K V Rajendra, State Ministers Kota Srinivas Poojary, been reported in Bunder and Urwastore Angara, Sudhaker, Mayor Premananda Shetty and other elected representatives and areas. In the latest incident reported near officials were present. the MUDA office, thieves have stolen laptop, iPhone and bank cheque leaves from a parked car. In Balmatta a cash of Rs Plans to provide internet 40,000 has been stolen from a car. At least connectivity to all villages four such incidents have been reported. in Karnataka: Union Minister Violators of mask rules to Rajeev Chandrashekhar face mandatory Covid test Union Minister of State for Skill Udupi DC G Jagadeesha who has taken Development, Entrepreneurship, serious cognizance of the violation of the Electronics and Information Technology Covid guidelines like wearing masks, has Rajeev Chandrashekhar is in Mangaluru said that those found without masks will recently as part of the Janasheervada Yatra be subjected to Covid test compulsorily. of the newly inducted ministers. Participating in an official meeting, the Speaking to media persons on the DC expressed concern over the rising occasion, he said he intends to create more cases of Covid infections in the district. job opportunities for youth and assured all He said it is a matter of concern that rules possible assistance for a proposed IT Park of wearing mask and maintaining social in Mangaluru.He said the Union Government has an objective of providing internet distancing were violated. connectivity to every village in Karnataka as part of Digital Village Project. He said Violators of the rule will be taken to as part of the project, presently one village has been selected in each district. the nearest Covid test centres to get tested State BJP Chief and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, DK District in-charge Minister S and those who resist this measure will face Angara, Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Mayor Premananda criminal action, the DC warned. Shetty, Deputy Mayor Sumangala Rao and others were present.

38 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 HHHAPPENINGS Karnataka Bank Bharath Beedi Works celebrates empanelled as ‘Agency Bank’ for Govt business 91st Foundation Day Karnataka Bank is empanelled by the Reserve Bank of India to act as an “Agency Bank” to facilitate transactions related to Government businesses. As an empanelled “Agency Bank”, Karnataka Bank is now authorised to undertake the Government businesses such as Revenue receipts and payments on behalf of the Central/State Governments, Pension payments in respect of Central / State Governments, Collection of stamp duty charges and also any other item of work specifically advised by Reserve Bank of India. The 91st Foundation Day of Bharath Beedi Works Pvt Ltd, manufacturers of the famous 30 Mark Beedi, was celebrated at the firm’s administrative office at Kadri recently. Subraya M Pai, Executive Director of Bharath Beedi Works spoke on the growth of Sonu Sood the company over the years. Shivanand Pai, Chartered Accountant of the firm, analysed the contributions of Bharath Beedi Works to the employment, economic and social Foundation to sectors. Executive Directors Anand G Pai, Nagendra D Pai, Sudhir M Pai, Venkatesh set up oxygen M Pai, Secretary Vasudev S Pai and others were present. plant in Ullal Konkani Academy Honorary Awards conferred Mangaluru Bollywood actor Sonu Sood who has been of great help to many during the Covid pandemic has come forward to set up an oxygen plant at the Ullal Community Health Centre premises. The machinery for this plant recently arrived in Ullal and was received by Deputy Commissioner Dr K V Rajendra and others. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said the plant will be able to generate 30 to 40 cylinders of oxygen per day. He said the Foundation had spent Rs 46 lakhs for the project while the The Konkani Sahitya Academy Honorary Awards-2020 presentation ceremony district administration contribution was Rs was held at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall recently. 12.88 lakhs. The Honorary Awards were presented to Lakshmi Krishna Siddi (folk), Puttur Dr Vidyasagar, Medical Officer of Panduranga Nayak (Art) and Arun Subrav Ubhayakar (literature). The book prizes Ullal Community Health Centre, Sriprasad were presented to Steevan Quadras for his article entitled "Sugandu Swas,’ Monica of Sonu Sood Foundation and others were D’Sa for her short story "Navidiha" and Prem Moraes for his work "Ekmoot Pavlyo." present. Speaking as a chief guest, Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath said Rs 3 A Rapid Oxygen Centre provided by crore has been sanctioned for construction of a Konkani Bhavan for which land has the Sonu Sood Charitable Foundation has been identified near Urwa. already set up at the Mangaluru Central Jagadish Pai, Konkani Sahitya Academy President, Dayanand Kattalsar, Tulu Railway Station in the month of June. Academy President, Rahim Uchhil, Beary Academy President, Pratap Simha Nayak, MLC, Mayor Premanand Shetty and others were present.

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 39 HHHAPPENINGS Brahmashree A novel initiative Narayana Guru Jayanthi celebrated

The 165th Brahmashree Narayana Guru Jayanthi was celebrated at a simple Nearly 400 aspirants for the PSI and Constable posts in the Police Department had ceremony at the DC office premises converged at the Police parade grounds in Mangaluru on August 9, Monday to register recently. for a month long workshop to train them in the necessary skills to make them eligible MP Nalin Kumar Kateel who to apply for the posts. inaugurated the programme, said the This unique event was an initiative of City Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar principles advocated by Shree Narayana who found that among the police personnel posted in the City Police Commissionerate Guru are relevant at all times. in the past 10 years, not even 10% are from the district. Deputy Commissioner Dr K V In this backdrop the Commissioner had given a video message informing about the Rajendra, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, workshop intended to train 100 aspirants in the initial phase. MUDA Chairman Ravishanker Mijar, But much beyond the expectations nearly 400 aspirants had gathered and many of Additional DC Prajna Ammembala and them have high educational qualifications including engineering and post graduate others were present. degrees. Some who are already occupying high posts had also arrived. Kateel seeks modern building for Mangaluru Central Railway Station

Dakshina Kannada MP and State He also demanded construction of BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel a new four-lane railway overbridge on urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vivekananda College Road, Nehru Vaishnav to construct a new spacious Nagar in Puttur, and a foot overbridge building of international standards for at Meenakaliya, Baikampady, on the Mangaluru Central Railway Station. railway line to New Mangalore Port. At a meeting with the Minister in He sought re-introduction of New Delhi on August 2, Mr. Kateel Mahalaxmi Express between Mangaluru said the century-old building is and Miraj via Hassan, and introduction inadequate to handle the increased of new trains from Mangaluru to numbers of trains as well as passengers. Tirupati and Chennai, both via Hassan. The building lacks passenger amenities The MP sought merger of Hassan- and has become inadequate, he said. Mangalore Rail Development There was also a need to speed up Corporation Ltd., that was founded for construction of new platforms, and a too lacks facilities, he told the Minister construction of a broad gauge line between pitline to facilitate handling of more trains, and requested to upgrade the station with Hassan and Mangaluru, with South he told Mr. Vaishnav. Though funds were modern amenities for passengers. Both Western Railway. He pointed out that the made available, the work has not gained stations attract heavy footfall and generate entity, a joint venture of Indian Railways momentum, he said. considerable revenue for the Railways, he and the Karnataka government, has served Mangaluru Junction Railway Station pointed out. its purpose.

40 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 HHHAPPENINGS Ryshivana annual Karnataka Bank posts Q1 Net course in spirituality Profit of Rs 106.08 Crores Karnataka Bank has posted a net profit of Rs 106.08 crores, during Q1 of the current financial year. In the virtual Meeting of the Board of Directors held recently at the Bank's Head Quarters in the city, the Board has approved the financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Ryshivana Institute of spirituality at The operating profit of the Bank was at Rs Ranipura inaugurated its annual course in 414.22 crore as on 30-06-2021 as against Rs spirituality on early in in the month of 383.69 crore of Q4 of FY 21 and the Net Interest August 2021. Twenty four participants Income was at Rs 574.79 crore for the quarter were inducted for the current year. ended 30-06-2021 as against Rs 459.14 crore The course was inaugurated by Very for Q4 FY 21. Rev Fr Pius James D'Souza the Provincial. Further, as on 30-06-2021 the business Msgr Maxim Noronha the Vicar General turnover of the Bank has touched Rs 1,28,005.99 crore, with deposits of Rs 76,214.78 blessed the newly erected statue as well as crore and advances of Rs 51,791.21 crore. The Capital Adequacy Ratio of the Bank the lift facility. The event was solemnised has further improved to 14.58% as compared to 13.44 % as on 30-06-2020. by the celebration of the golden jubilee of Commenting on the Q1 results of the Bank, Shri Mahabaleshwara M. S., Managing profession of Fr Joe Tauro and Shashti Director & CEO of the Bank, said that “Inspite of the hardships posed by the second Poorti celebration of Fr Archibald wave of Covid- 19 pandemic, the Bank has been able to continue its satisfactory Gonsalves, the Director and Fr John Lobo. performance during the first quarter of the current year also. Ryshivana conducts long and short- term residential and non-residential programmes it is possible to indulge in Boscoss PU College students excel in II PUC exams silent inner reflection while enjoying the The Boscoss Pre- peace and quiet of the institution in inspiring University College in solitude and reflection; it could promote Mangaluru has scored peace, holistic health, inner understanding 100% pass percentage and such needs can be fulfilled in different in the Second PUC ways and measures needed individually. results with all the 190 Ryshivana is now open to bonafide students emerging seekers of silence and Prayer. For successful. information call: +919449083880. Eight students of the Science stream, Karnataka Bank namely Ashriya Edel launches KBL FASTag Rego, B S Sanjana, Chethana P L, Krishna S Ghetia, Maneesh S, Numa Kairunnisa, Karnataka Bank launched KBL Shreenidhi Devadiga and Simone Angela Monteiro have scored 100% by securing 600 FASTag for seamless movement of out of total 600 marks. vehicles at toll plazas by facilitating Six other students namely Krishaben B Bhalani, Meghna P Mody, Neha Bhakta, automatic deduction of the toll amount. Ramik Ramesh Kumar, Sandra Sukumar and Vidisha Nanjappa B scored 599 out of Karnataka Bank launched its KBL 600 marks. FASTag, a pre-loaded payment instrument Boscoss Pre-University College had made a mark for itself with its very first batch to facilitate seamless movement of vehicles of students showing 100% results in the PU Board exams of 2018, thereby becoming at the toll plazas across India, in the first college in Mangalore to deliver 100% passes in its very first year itself. association with NPCI and Worldline, the Boscoss Pre-University College is a brainchild of Prof. S. S. Bosco, a renowned FASTag processor, the bank said in a mathematics professor having more than four decades of teaching experience. He is release. the author of numerous text books too.

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 41 EEEDUCATION

Role of Indian Universities in attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

By Dr. G. SHREEKUMAR MENON 17 Sustainable Development Goals work together and coordinate efforts to established by the United Nations in ensure the achievement of the SDGs. HE UNITED NATIONS HAS September 2015. The full title of SDG 4 is Universities have a unique role in the identified 17 sustainable "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality SDGs, as a driver for the achievement of Tdevelopment goals (SDGs) to education and promote lifelong learning the full set of goals, through their role in transform our world: 1: No Poverty; 2: opportunities for all."Universities and human formation, knowledge production Zero Hunger; 3: Good Health and Well- knowledge institutions have a vital role to and innovation. being; 4: Quality Education; 5: Gender play in the achievement of the SDGs. In the coming decade higher education Equality; 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; Education, research, innovation and institutions will be required to vigorously 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; 8: Decent leadership will enable society to effectively adopt attainment of sustainable goals in Work and Economic Growth; 9: Industry, promote sustainable development”. their Mission & Vision Statement. Higher Innovation and Infrastructure; 10: Reduced The adoption of the United Nations’ education institutions will have to transcend Inequality; 11: Sustainable Cities and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), boundaries of geography, institutional Communities; 12: Responsible which came into effect in 2016, represents typology, affiliation and status, to partner Consumption and Production; 13: Climate a significant challenge for higher education with other institutions to ensure the Action; 14: Life Below Water; 15: Life institutions globally. The aim of the SDGs achievement of the SDGs. This is because on Land; 16: Peace and Justice Strong is to mobilise efforts to end all forms of globalisation has facilitated, enabled and Institutions; 17: Partnerships to achieve poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate made borderless engagement, a reality. The the Goal. change. This means that higher education 17 SDGs adopted by all United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 is institutions across the world, along with member states in 2015 cover a broad range about quality education and is among the every other partner or stakeholder, need to of issues related to socio-economic,

42 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 EEEDUCATION environmental and technological development, and apply to all of the world’s countries. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is an important element in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as this is reckoned as a driver for the achievements of all the 17 SDG’s. ESD empowers everyone to make informed decisions in favour of environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society for present and future generations. It aims to provide the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to address sustainable development challenges. Education is a human right and a force for sustainable development and peace. Every goal in the 2030 Agenda requires education to empower people with the knowledge, skills and values to live in dignity, build their lives and contribute to their societies. While governments have the fundamental India needs to (engagement). In earlier times, entry into responsibility for ensuring the right to universities were restricted to the elites, quality education, the 2030 Agenda is a identify select and for educating them for religious, universal and collective commitment. It universities that professional or administrative occupations. requires political will, global and regional Modern universities have thrown open their collaboration and the engagement of all could be designated portals for everybody to ensure uniform governments, civil society, the private and developed as societal development. Teachers, doctors, sector, youth, UN and other multilateral SDG Hubs for engineers, among other professionals, agencies to tackle educational challenges obtain academic education at a higher level and build systems that are inclusive, educating future to practice their professions and support equitable and relevant to all learners. generations about societies. Furthermore, universities India’s future depends on the undertake fundamental and applied research achievement of a holistic, integrated and the biggest global in sciences and humanities to improve participatory implementation of social, challenges. quality of living standards. economic and environmental dimensions of India needs to identify select sustainable development. Whereas the 2030 social protection programmes across the universities that could be designated and Agenda for Sustainable Development country. The aim of these programmes is developed as SDG Hubs for educating represents a global response to global to ensure that all Indians live in dignity and future generations about the biggest global challenges, India needs to consider it exploit their human capabilities for social challenges. The creation of the SDG Hubs nationally relevant and capable of having a and economic development. Policies and within higher education institutions is an transformative impact on the quality of life strategies focusing on education, health, indication of how universal goals can be of all its citizens. Some of the areas where employment, social protection, financial achieved through higher education. In a India has made remarkable progress include inclusion, gender, agricultural productivity, recent attempt to measure universities’ poverty reduction, health, education, special funds for youth, women, minorities success in delivering the UN Sustainable gender equality, provision of clean water and physically handicapped are in place. Development Goals, The Times Higher and sanitation, electricity, combating University as an institution has a long Education (THE) University Impact climate change and ensuring sustainable history, starting as an educational Rankings, introduced in 2019, measures cities (Smart Cities Project) and human establishment, later assuming the the institutions’ social and economic settlements. The Government has knowledge creating (research) function and impact, and has recognised more than 700 vigorously implemented a wide variety of more recently the so-called third mission universities across the world for their work

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 43 EEEDUCATION on tackling the biggest global challenges. The visualization reporting on the societal impact of the Some of the universities are the University pandemic, and advising governments on of Auckland (New Zealand) for their of higher education the ways of recovering from the crisis. At research on the sustainable use of terrestrial as contributing to the same time, universities have continued ecosystems, the Tongji University (China) common good performing their educational mission, for their work on affordable and clean despite the significant challenges of rapidly energy, and the University of São Paulo confirms the moving their courses online. Yet, the (Brazil) for their work on ending poverty, humanistic vision of pandemic is imperilling the progress amongst other institutions (THE 2020). towards the 2030 agenda (United Nations Gone are the days when higher higher education as 2020) and may place significant constraints education was regarded just as a pathway a major contributor on the activities of higher education to acquire skills, knowledge, and to creation of a institutions, not only due to their forced credentials. Today’s Universities allow closure, but also because of the looming individuals to pursue freedoms that they society committed financial risks and cuts to their resources. value and that they have rights to pursue, to sustainable While the pandemic has been and to develop their agency freedom, exacerbating these constraints, it also irrespective of social class, ethnicity and development. offers a unique opportunity to gender, leading ultimately to holistic human reconceptualize higher education as development. Strong links between universities and their local communities can be transformative for societal development. Adopting this expansive view shows higher education in a different light—as a powerful space that can help individuals realise their human rights and capabilities to pursue the freedoms that they value, to liberate their minds and bodies, leading to the liberation of entire societies. Higher education institutions are now expected to respond to the global challenges related to gender equality and empowerment of women; promotion of peaceful, inclusive societies and access to justice and building effective, accountable building in Indian universities. The striving for a common good. The and inclusive institutions; eliminating Atmanirbhar concept and policy should be visualization of higher education as extreme poverty; ending hunger; extended to encompass the educational contributing to common good confirms the supporting inclusive and sustainable sector as well, so that world-class humanistic vision of higher education as economic growth, full and productive education is available within the country a major contributor to creation of a society employment and decent work. itself. committed to sustainable development.n This writer suggests that resources The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Dr. G. Shreekumar Menon, IRS currently channelled into scholarships for that has led to a global human and (Rtd) Ph.D: Former Director Indian students to study abroad can be socioeconomic crisis makes the General of National Academy of redirected to the (re)building of developmental role of universities more Customs Indirect Taxes and universities and other institutions of higher visible. While the United Nations’ latest Narcotics & Multi-Disciplinary School Of Economic Intelligence education. The current pattern of public Sustainable Development Goals Report India; Fellow, James Martin sector banks financing educational loans does not mention higher education (United Centre For Non Proliferation to study even in countries where the Nations 2020), in the course of 2020, some Studies, USA; Fellow, Centre for standards of education are visibly lower of the world’s leading universities have International Trade & Security, University of Georgia, USA; Public Administration, than India, needs to be discouraged. been at the forefront of developing drugs Maxwell School of Public Administration, Syracuse Instead, the educational loan amounts need against the virus and vaccine to protect University, U.S.A.; AOTS Scholar, Japan. He can be to be spent on higher education capacity- humanity from the virus, researching and contacted at [email protected]

44 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 TTTRIBUTE Joe Gonsalves Truly Inspirational His services to the city as its Chief Traffic Warden will be remembered for long and would continue to inspire Mangalureans.

Many knew him as the city’s Chief Traffic Warden and had seen him at the busy areas of Hampankatta and other parts of the city and in his smart star spangled uniform - he always had a smile and a wave for those who followed traffic rules adequately, and for those who did not, he had stern but kind suggestions for their own good. No amount of words could admire, appreciate and felicitate this ’HERO’ of Mangaluru who was well loved by those of all ages. Today, this senior citizen of Mangaluru, Joe Gonsalves as he was fondly called is just a memory. Joseph Gonsalves was born on January 1, 1922. He was just a few months away from his 100th birthday, but passed away on August 29 at the age of 99 leaving behind a pall of gloom among his served as executive director of an he was on the board of directors of admirers. incorporated company. His tenure with educational institutions and charitable Joe Gonsalves who hailed from Falnir the companies took him to the four major organizations, and was one of the founder- in Mangaluru, after completing his cities of India and to the UK, where he directors of the St Aloysius Alumni education had joined the British firm J.L honed his marketing skills at the Institute Association of North America – a Morison, rising from a management of Marketing, London, of which he was continent which he continued to visit every trainee to General Sales Manager. He then an elected member. Following retirement, year till the onset of the pandemic. And as a nonagenarian he ventured on a new profession – that of head traffic warden, Mangalore in 2015. As a Traffic warden he was a role model for everyone who think about social responsibility Deeply interested in solving the traffic issues of Mangaluru, he was a source of inspiration to many. Yoga had been a big part of his life and enhanced life quality for him. Joe was married to Irene who passed away in 2017. His services to the city as its Chief Traffic Warden will be remembered for long and his works would continue to inspire Mangalureans.n

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 45 RRRANDOM THOUGHTS

BY KAMAL JOSHI Based on my this simple analysis, this scare of death due to this virus, I think has a sinister political motive, to damage the economy, lock down people, sell masks, phony vaccines , My Life during These scare the people to dislodge the governments by creating mass hysteria. And not only that most people who are dying Days of COVID-19 are old with severe health conditions, and who knows what killed then, the virus or lung cancer or failed kidney. This skepticism on my part is genuine, no one knows what the truth is and so we have locked ourselves up in our homes, thinking by doing so we will never die. And in the last three months people are dying because they van not see their doctors and are scared to go to hospitals, who would go to a hospital with this much scare. Many of us are not every going out of our homes, to get sunlight. And then there throngs of millions of people in America looting and burning the country totally unfazed by Corona Virus, we see all this on our TV every day, and I wonder what good my wearing the mask and locking my self in my room will do, except depriving me of chole bhature in my favorite Indian restaurant and coffee in star buck all closed or I think that you my readers might be curious how I am burned down by moobs who care two hoots for me my country coping with the lock downs face masks and social distancing or Covid 19. regime forced upon me by my government. You can assess I thought you would like my observation. The truth has an my feelings from the opening line. ugly way of showing up. No; no one can avoid death no one But although I know I am a whole lot more concerned never ever.n about my own health, the government is forcing me to be locked down, telling me that they are concerned about MANGALORE TODAY others. What about me my life my happiness my joy, they Solution to Crossword (From page No.31) give two hoots. Mostly these government guys are interested in their propaganda scaring everyone to comply and then F DR EBE LL I O U S suddenly one day declare that of all is fine now. That is A NN AEOBA how I feel. I am concerned about me, my family, my neighbors, MMRM O L ES T my community and country and the World, their health and happiness, and that is why I am writing this piece. O W L M E R I T DU E At the outset I must inform you that I, you and every U LT A X S I R E one of the seven Billion of us will die, and no government can do diddly do about it. We started to die as soon as we SEPA LT S H EE N came out crying in this world, perhaps that was the day we knew that we will die one day. AG I T A T I O N And if you believe in the statistics of your government S HR E D F R O T O R here it is about 8,000,000, who have contacted this virus. And about 461,000 have died because of this, as they say, T EA R T I EKE disease. So out of 7,000,000,000 about 8,000,000 contact R E DC OA CH B U G this disease which is 0.5 out of 1000 people. And compared to that every year millions die of heart attacks cancer A L I G H TL A R tuberculosis, malaria, malnutrition, and many other health problems, as a matter of repetition all of us will die all 100 I S U A C L U E % one day. T H E RM OS T A TT

46 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 TTTHINK TTTANK ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s - and our life in between Are great lives made by chance or built by choice? Srinivas Kamath explores.

Y TOPIC OF DISCUSSION is two more millions of years for adoption of by our parents. Our parents are our first Msmall words: ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s. agriculture as occupation by our teachers who instill in us basic the principles Strange but true, these two words are the forefathers. From agriculture, our of living. Our parents shape our attitude crucial factors influencing the destiny of the advancement was rapid. Human and vision. We grow to be good citizens if universe and all living beings. In common intelligence grew very fast. Human beings we have good parents. Thirdly, the most parlance these two words are used as an used more and more intelligence to make important factor is our surroundings. Here excuse for our failure in our assigned work. their lives very civilized and with as many ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s have a very important For example, we say, “If these factors were comforts as possible. So we have many role. If we have good neighborhood, if we there, I would have accomplished the work.” ancient civilizations - Indus Valley, have good friends, if we have good Or the company boss warns his employees: Egyptian, Chinese, Mesopotamian, the educational facilities and good books to “You have to complete the assignment, read, we would have been great no ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s.” But today let us scientists, lawyers, CAs, administrators take these two words to a higher level of - we can definitely say. discussion. So, it may occur to our mind - are Astrophysicists have given us the we really bound by these ‘IF’s and big bang theory of origin of universe. ‘BUT’s? The answer is a big ‘NO’. We have billions of galaxies having still One of the great advantages that humans more billions of stars, planets, satellites have gained during the process of and other heavenly bodies. But life as evolution is the ability to think. We are we know it evolved only in planets all born with great cerebral capacities having favourable conditions like to think rationally and make informed reasonable distance between star and choices. So ultimately, it is the choices planets, favourable tilt of the planet to that we make and the goals that we set its axis of revolution (like earth having 23.5 Incas, Greek and Roman civilizations to for our lives that shape our destiny. William degree), gravitational power of planets to name a few. Thus we have a wonderful Shakespeare sums up the solution to the hold an atmosphere to sustain life. civilization on this beautiful earth. dilemma of free will and fate of human Fortunately our earth has all these How was it possible to have this beings in his play Julius Caesar: “There is preconditions and so life evolved on earth. phenomenal advancement? Scientists are a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken ‘IF’ these conditions occurred in other of the opinion that the below mentioned at the flood, leads on to fortune.” He means planets, life as we know it must have factors are crucial: (1) Genes, (2) Parents to say that even in the chaos of existence developed in those planets also. So scientists and (3) Our surroundings (relatives, there is still ample scope for choice to free are hopeful of discovering life elsewhere. friends, schools and colleges, books etc). ourselves from fate. We can see the truth ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s play an important role in Here ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s have an important of this idea in the lives of thousands of the origin of life. Charles Darwin in his role to play. We all know that we inherit examples of people who in spite of their theory of evolution beautifully explained genes from our parents, but all children of shortcomings have struggled hard to the evolution of life from single cell life to one set of parents are not the same. They achieve excellence in life. Let us all the crown of creation – we, human beings. differ in sex, colour, complexion, health, overcome these ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s by our Nature with lot of trial and error evolved IQ etc. This is due to the different immense will power and strong attitude. billions of living beings, both plant and combinations of genes of father and mother. Where the mind is full of vision and higher animal life. This is the most important factor goals for life, to that Now let us come to the evolution of responsible for our personality. If we had heavenly life let us awake.n human beings from primitive stone age to some favourable combination of genes, we the present day most advanced man and would have been a very successful Surathkal Srinivas Kamath, how ‘IF’s and ‘BUT’s have shaped our personality, is an easy excuse for us. Mangalore history. It took billions of years for homo Our genes carry all human instincts by is a regular contributor to sapiens to appear on this earth. And still birth, but are to a great extent influenced Mangalore Today

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 47 HHHUMOUR

mug shot with blood smeared on his snout, his tongue poking out as if licking what’s From the Battered left of his last meal. His tail is curled as if to indicate the noose soon to go around his Shoe Box neck. In a strange way this image seems to make a mockery of the simplistic way in By Mahesh Nayak which we imagine to ‘eradicate’ crime by executing criminals. While the mob delights Tower of Silence Maneater of Mohun over ‘encounter killings’ of terrorists, rapists and what not, I believe that such magic pills rarely provide the cure for the disease. The real solutions lie in a combination of scientific study of the phenomenon of crime and social reform based on well reasoned interventions. A legendary hunter turned naturalist, Jim Corbett to me is an inspiring figure. Notwithstanding his reputation as a hunter, he actually loved animals and only killed man eaters. He had famously described the tiger as ‘a large hearted gentleman’. In his younger days he was said to be a trigger happy game hunter. But in later years, after gaining a sympathetic understanding of wildlife, he devoted himself to conservation. He was able to see the beauty of nature and understand the true nature of animals. He was one of the first to argue United Colours of Life that tigers do not view humans as natural prey and they killed humans only out of As an amateur artist, I often dabbled an abandoned 16-bedroom bungalow and necessity, like when cornered or when with the paint brush. This was more so dense jungle all around. It provided refuge injured and hungry. Wild animals are during my younger days. Here are two of to innumerable animals and birds. I would basically shy of humans and avoid any my paintings made long ago. Both are often get to see squirrels, snakes, encounters. In fact, for every sighting of a watercolors on handmade paper. The first mongooses and foxes. Occasionally tiger by a human there would be ten is ‘The Tower of Silence’. One afternoon monkeys too. But now, all that is gone - sightings of humans by the tiger; the tiger after we had moved to a flat in 1988, I driven away by the onslaught of concrete. let you off instead of attacking because he noticed this huge tower standing tall on the ‘The Tower of Silence’ is the name for the was not interested. hill behind my house. Acting on a bout of funeral house of the Zoroastrian I always like to quote wildlife inspiration, I quickly assembled paint and community. To me this tower is a mute conservation as a shining example of how paper and got working. In a sense this is witness to the extinction of beautiful nature man’s savage nature can be tamed and made the only document of the spectacular scene. in my neighbourhood. into a force for good. Indeed much of our The tower once used to dominate the My second painting ‘The Man Eater of destructive tendencies come from landscape. It no longer does. The string of Mohun’ was made during my pre-university superstition, which in turn arises from fear, apartments which have come up in my period 1983-85. This too was done on a ignorance, indoctrination and the like. locality have swallowed space and pushed whim. The Mohan man eater, made famous Unless we are prepared to confront these the tower into obscurity. in Jim Corbett’s classic book ‘Man-Eaters villains in our mind – namely fear and The hill in the backdrop of my flat is of Kumaon’, was shot after a thrilling chase. ignorance – no progress can be done. Our known as 'Hat Hill' as the contours of the You can see my man eater as a naughty passions can be converted into a force for land give it the illusion of being a hill on rogue element. He looks like a terrorist good through a conscious effort to learn, top of a hill. Right behind my house was caught in the act and posing for a police interact, educate and understand.n

48 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 HHHUMOUR

ARIES SAGITTARIUS Septmber finds you with You're spirited and self- especially creative ideas, dear expressive this month, dear Aries, and a motivated and STAR STUCK Sagittarius. Romantic prospects confident disposition. It's an are good, although, in the excellent time to thrive in competition, LEO coming months, you might be refining your overcome challenges, or enjoy more You are likely to feel braver and approach to getting what you want in love. intense, satisfying activities. Note this more outgoing this month with For the time being, a direct approach is in month, Mars will retrograde in your sign, the enter of Sun in your sign in favor. It’s a time for taking care of business, and you may be reevaluating some of your last month and support from and the motivation to do so is building. desires, projects, and pursuits. assertive Mars, dear Leo. Your vision and Being productive can satisfy a need. intelligence empower you, and you seem to TAURUS instinctively know that change is necessary CAPRICORN In September, great energy is so that you can improve, develop, and grow. You're in an unusually strong with you for dealing with Your good organizational capacities help you position for managing your emotional or tricky areas, dear get things done with minimal interference. emotions and personal life in Taurus, and putting problems September, dear Capricorn. behind you. You can make some handy VIRGO Supportive transits connect your home and adjustments to your domestic world, or September energies tend to boost family sector with your intimacy sector this you're particularly enthusiastic about your ability to observe and month. They help boost your stamina, improving your personal life. If it takes a strategize, dear Virgo. motivation, and confidence levels with bit of extra energy to help you reduce stress Examining your past or private emotions and your inner or domestic world. all around, you're ready to put in the effort. matters can figure strongly, but you're also Motivation is strong. finding more moments to socialize or enjoy GEMINI yourself, particularly as the month advances. AQUARIUS The month ahead is particularly You're in great shape for cutting through September can find you in a strong for your communications appearances and uncovering something generally upbeat, positive mood. and outlook. Reaching out and previously unknown or hidden. You're quick to tackle problems, connecting can bring but you're also quite focused on unexpected opportunities to you. Learning LIBRA your relationships, enjoying brainstorming and projects or personal interests are in good September is a fantastic month and collaborating. It's a dynamic and favor. Motivation returns or builds in for getting things accomplished, energetic time for mental pursuits, interests, August. You are bright and alert, ready to dear Libra, and feeling more and projects. You especially enjoy sharing embrace change. You're in a primarily spirited and confident. Healthy ideas. It's also a fine time for significant positive, action-oriented frame of mind, and competition can fuel the desire to do your lifestyle or financial changes, particularly you can be feeling refreshed and a little very best. Obstacles seem to fall out of the in beginning of the month. braver or more interested in seeing results. way as you approach life with increased confidence. PISCES CANCER You can experience a strong You might often find yourself SCORPIO desire or drive to be efficient this in the position to lead, manage, September brings increased month, dear Pisces. You seem or take charge this month, and motivation and good energy for to zip through challenges quickly it goes rather smoothly. Even work-related matters, dear so, there is a stronger focus on settling in and orderly, and your innovations are Scorpio. You apply yourself with and getting comfortable. Creative problem grounded in practical realities. Applying purpose, confidence, and intent. It's a good solving comes easily, particularly when you yourself to something constructive is month to make solid progress on practical apply your thinking to practical and satisfying. Putting in the effort to improve matters. You might take particular pleasure professional matters. You're more decisive your daily routines is satisfying. You're less in coming up with strategies, plans, and and confident in September, although as inclined to overthink and tend instead to the month progresses, your curiosity can workable solutions to problems. throw yourself into your activities. diffuse your focus somewhat. Belive it or not, we are definitely not responsible for your fate!

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 49 KKKIDS

KID OF THE MONTH Ashvi

Amazing talent Rishab Shetty hailing from Donderangady in Udupi district, is a promising talent who has as many as 56 medals in Martial Arts in his kitty at the age of just 16. Son of Vimala and Arun Shetty who are presently AK residing in Mumbai, Rishab Y through his Karate skills has also earned a place in the Asia Book of Records 2021 for his amazing feat of earning 60 certificates and 56 medals at the age of 13. PIC: PRASHANTH NA

MUSIC CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Grasshoppers have always fascinated kids and their amazing colour and shape is just wonderful. Do you know that there are over 11,000 species of grasshoppers worldwide? These little creatures can survive in different climates and habitats. Here are some interesting facts about Grasshoppers: ·The smallest grasshoppers are only 0.5 inches long. Larger species can grow to 5 inches in length. Females are longer than males. ·Color of the body provides GK QUESTIONS camouflage and it depends on the habitat. 1. What do you call a type of shape Grasshopper can be green, brown, grayish single jump. that has five sides? and ochre in color. ·Front legs of grasshopper are much 2.Which is the hardest substance ·Grasshoppers have a pair of antennas shorter than hind legs. They are used for available on earth? on the head. They serve as sensory organ walking and feeding. 3. Which African nation is famous which detects various stimuli from the ·Grasshoppers are active during the for chocolate? environment. day. They need to increase their body 4. Which country gifted The Statue ·Grasshoppers have long hind legs that temperature with the help of sun, before of Liberty to the United States? are designed for jumping. String-like they become ready to start a day. 5. What does the “SIM” in the SIM structure (located in knee) acts like a ·Main predators of grasshoppers are card stand for? catapult which sends grasshopper 10 monkeys, birds, lizards, snakes, rodents Answer: 1. Pentagon; 2. Diamond; inches high in the air. and large insects. Grasshoppers are 3. Ghana; 4. France; 5. Subscriber *Grasshoppers can travel a distance consumed as delicacy in various parts of Identity Module that is 200 times longer than the body in a the world.n

50 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 KKKIDS

SHORT STORY some money, I will buy stuff to perform a pooja that will kill the demon and bring happiness to the village once The mysterious bell again.” The king gladly granted the request of the woman. Once upon a time a robber stole a The woman bought some temple bell from a village and ran peas, groundnuts and fruits towards the forest. A tiger heard the with the money that she had jingle of the bell and became curious received. In the night, she to locate the sound. As soon as he saw went to the forest and kept the robber, he pounced on him and all the eatables under the killed him at once. The bell fell on the trees where the monkeys ground. After a few days, a group of played. She then hid herself monkeys that was passing by, spotted in a nearby bush and watched the the bell and picked it up. even informed the king that their monkeys from a distance. Every night they used to sit on the village was being haunted by some evil As the woman had rightly top of the hill in the forest and enjoy spirit. There was an intelligent and bold anticipated, when the monkeys saw the the melodious sound of the bell. The woman in that village. She thought to eatables, they dropped the bell and ran villagers were curious to know who rang herself, “I don’t think there is any evil to pick the eatables. The woman picked the bell every night in the forest. When spirit haunting the forest. I will find up the bell quickly and ran towards the they went into the forest to find the out who is ringing the bell.” One night, village. She presented the bell in the source of the sound, they found the she went into the forest bravely and court of the king. The king rewarded remains of the dead body of the found out that it were only some playful the woman for her bravery. Since that robber. They were scared and thought monkeys that were ringing the bell. day, no noise ever came from the that some evil spirits in the forests Now as the woman knew the secret forest and the villagers lived killed human beings and then rang the about the bell, she went to the king peacefully.n bell to celebrate. and said, “Your Majesty! I am sure this They started fleeing from the evil spirit can be conquered by Moral: Every fear can be conquered with intelligence and courage. village in order to save their lives. They worshipping the gods. If you give me HOCUS - FOCUS Check out how sharp your eyes are. Find out at least 6 differences between the pictures below. TINOFF BOL Y : HENR TESY COUR

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 51 NNNEWS BRIEFS

Appointed Traveller vehicle to the Udupi District Administration for its Malaria Control Inaugurated Businessman Udayachandra Programme. The vehicle was sponsored A month-long Tulu language learning D. Suvarna has been under the CSR initiative of the Bank at a workshop for police personnel of appointed as a member of cost of Rs 13,31,451/-. Mahabaleshwara Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate the Indian Productivity M S, Managing Director and CEO of the limits was inaugurated at a function held Council by the Union Minister for Bank handed over the vehicle to Udupi at the auditorium of the City Police Commerce and Industry and National Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha Commissioner’s Office. City Police President of the Council Piyush Goyal. recently. Commissioner N Shashi Kumar and Udayachandra is the son of renowned Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Billawa leader late Damodar Suvarna and President Dayananda Kattalsar is also the President of Federation of Small Elected inaugurated the programme. The classes Industries of India. lDr Sachidananda Rai are attended by nearly 50 police personnel has been elected as the hailing from 16 districts of the state. Awarded President of the Association of Medical Consultants of lPrashanth Rao, Head of Mangaluru for the year Nominated the Department of 2021-22. Dr Siddartha M Dr Sushil Jathanna, the Mathematics at Sahyadri Shetty and Dr Prakash Harishchandra Director of Lombard Engineering College in were elected as Secretary and Treasurer Memorial Hospital, Udupi Mangaluru has been respectively. has been nominated as the awarded PhD by the President of the Karnataka Visvesvaraiah Technological University lRajendra Kalbavi, Chapter of the Association for his thesis titled "A Study on Director of Dakshina of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI). Generalized Lattices." He prepared his Kannada Nirmithi Kendra Dr Jathanna who has postgraduate thesis under the guidance of Shashirekha has been elected the qualifications in three disciplines - General Rai, Professor in the Department of President of Kanara Builders' Association Medicine, Public Health Medicine and Mathematics at NMAMIT Nitte. for the period 2021-23. Management, currently serves on the lRadhakrishna, Assistant Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department of NMAMIT Nitte has been awarded PhD by the Visvesvaraiah Institute of Technology for his thesis entitled " Minimization of Time Complexity and Increasing the Resistivity for the attacks of cipher systems." lSenior photographer Astro Mohan has been chosen for Honorary Fellow SWAN of the Image Colleague Society International, USA, a prestigious honour in the field of photography. Astro Mohan is a senior photographer associated with Udayavani. The name board of Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty Road was unveiled near the Catholic House in Mangaluru recently by MLA Vedavyas Kamath. It may be recalled here that the erstwhile Donated Light House Hill Road was renamed as the Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty Road by the MCC in Karnataka Bank has donated a Force honour of Shetty, an illustrious banker and former chairman of Vijaya Bank.

52 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 NNNEWS BRIEFS

Council and Executive Committee of Christian Medical College (CMC), OBITUARY Vellore and is a member of Rotary Club VSM Commodore K.P. Gopal Rao Veteran Billawa leader of Mangalore. passed away in Chennai and well-known on August 9. He was 94 businessman M. Selected years of age. He was a Seetaram passed away Dr G M Hegde of Dharwad has been recipient of Maha Veera on July 28. He was the selected for the Vardhamana Literary Chakra gallantry Founder of Mangaluru’s Award for the year 2020 while Dr Jyothi Award. Rao is survived well-known firm, J.V.Son & Co. M. Shanker from Mysuru has been chosen for by his wife, a son and two daughters. Seetaram is survived by his son Dheeraj the Vardhamana Upcoming Writer P. Gopal Rao was commissioned into Amin who is the Managing Director of Award. the Indian Navy in 1950 and was the Northern Sky Properties and daughter. Commanding Officer of INS Kiltan in Staged the Eastern Naval Command. He had Bhavani Achar, mother of later joined the Western Naval Ramakrishna Achar, lThe DYFI Mangaluru city committee Command to command ‘Operation owner of S.K.F. Elixir, staged a protest near the Clock Tower Trident’ against Pakistan. Moodbidri, passed away recently demanding employment on August 11. She was opportunities for locals and Karkala Govinda Shenoy (86), former 92 years old and is implementation of Sarojini Mahishi Chief Manager of survived by three Report. DYFI leaders Sunil Kumar Bajal, Syndicate Bank, passed daughters and four sons. Santosh Bajal and others participated in away on August 3 at his the protest. residence in Mangaluru. Renowned folklore artiste Guruva He is survived by his Koraga who introduced lFederation of Secular Parties and Like wife, two daughters and the uniqueness of Minded Organisations staged a protest a son. Popularly known as K.G. Shenoy, Kaddayi or Dolu of near the Clock Tower in the city recently he had joined Syndicate Bank in July Koraga tradition, passed to condemn the hike in private bus fares. 1959 and retired from the bank in March away at his residence at The protestors alleged that the district 1990 at Manipal as Chief Manager. Guddeyangady on administration had taken a unilateral During his banking career, he had August 22 at the age of 106. He was decision to increase the fares. headed the Industrial Finance the recipient of Karnataka Rajyotsava Department of the bank at Mumbai and Award, Janapada Shree Award and Won was the Secretary of the bank’s Local Tulu Sahitya Academy Award. lUsha S R, a final year BA Loans Committee at Mumbai. After student of Alva's College, retiring from Syndicate Bank, he joined Sharath Kumar (61), resident of Moodbidri has won gold in Arvind Motors, Mangalore in 1992 as Bolar, Mangalore passed the 87 kg category in the Sales Manager. From 1999, he was away on 22nd August, Junior category at National Weightlifting associated with Maroor Agencies as 2021 at his house in Championship held at Patiala. She lifted a their Honorary Advisor. Since 1992, he Mangala Nagara in the total of 185 kg including 82 kg in snatch has been actively associated with city following illness. He and 103 kg in jerk. Dakshina Kannada Automobile & Tyre worked for over 20 years Dealers Association for nearly three in the Gulf and Mumbai before settling lHemachandra decades, serving first the association’s down in Mangaluru to start a transport Babbukatte has won the Vice President and later as its Patron. business. He was the eleventh son of gold medal in the 74 kg He was actively involved in the Vishwanath and Leelavathi, who were category in the state level formation of Federation of Karnataka well known as the Vishwaleela family. Powerlifting event 2021 Automobile and Allied Industries He is survived by his wife Smt. held at Davanagere. He is a Associations in Bangalore in 1999 and Mangala, who's a social worker and member of Sri Shakti Bharath Vyayama was unanimously chosen as its President counselor, daughter Greeshma and son- Shale, Thokkottu and an employee of for two years from 2003 to 2005. in-law Rishabh. Social Welfare Department.

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 53 PPPEOPLE

Dr Anil Rana is a distinguished academician INSPIRING who also had the honour of rendering outstanding service to the Indian Navy as a Commander in ACHIEVEMENT the engineering branch. Backed by his rich experience in both the fields spanning nearly three decades, today he holds the coveted post of Director of the premier educational institution of the region, the Manipal Institute of Technology. Dr Anil Rana graduated from Naval College of Engineering, Lonavala in 1992 and then pursued his Masters in IIT Delhi. He also has a PhD from IIT Delhi in Reliability Engineering. Post his naval service, Dr. Rana served as DISTINGUISHED ACADEMICIAN

Professor (Mechanical Engineering) JECRC University, Jaipur, as Associate Dean Mumtaz hailing from Mulki is an and Professor in the prestigious Fiji National University, Fiji Islands. He has also inspiration to every woman through her served as Dean (Academics) and Professor in Symbiosis Skills and Professional achievements. Having the credit of University, Pune and as Dean and Professor at Bhartiya Skill Development University, being the first Muslim woman of Jaipur. Karnataka to become a District Judge, Dr Rana is deeply interested in the fields of Reliability engineering, maintenance it is sheer determination and hard work engineering management, stochastic petrinets, machine learning, fuzzy and neuro- that has helped her rise to the echelons fuzzy applications in the field of maintenance engineering. Several of his research of success. She was the topper in the papers have appeared in International and National Journals. judicial exams held this year and is one among the 12 selected to become District Judges. Dedicated Journalist Hailing from Mulki, Mumtaz had her earlier education at Bharath Matha Journalism in the mosada jaala" that was High School, Punaroor and Pompei present times is a more published in Vartha College Aikala. She completed her challenging profession than Bharathi digital edition. LLB from SDM Law College, ever. Doing justice to this The award is given in Mangaluru and pursued her masters in challenging profession as a memory of B G Mohandas, Mysuru. reporter of a popular the founder of Mumtaz began her career as a junior Kannada daily Vartha Gulfkannadiga.com and is lawyer under former MLC Ivan Bharathi, is Imtiyaz Shah conferred by Niratha D'Souza. She was appointed Assistant Thumbay. Sahitya Sampada and Gulf Public Prosecutor at Bhatkal JMFC Court Hailing from Kannadiga organisation. in 2010 and was subsequently transferred Amblamogaru in Imtiyaz pursued law in to Udupi. She was later promoted as Mangaluru taluk, he is an SDM Law College in Assistant Director of Prosecution at the extremely talented journalist Mangaluru. Presently office of the Udupi SP. for whom journalism is a working as a Bantwal Now, the post of District Judge has passion. Several of his reports have struck correspondent of Vartha Bharathi, he had been a crowning glory to her a chord with the readers through their earlier won the PaGo Award given by the achievements, making her parents, humanitarian touch. DK District Working Journalists' Union Abdul Rahiman and Atijamma, her Recently, he has been selected for the for his report "Koduva Kaigaligaagi home town as well as her district prestigious B G Mohandas Award, the Kaayuthide Kodagu" on the travails of the extremely proud. first Digital Media Award of Kannada for people of Kodagu district who reeled under his write-up "Network Business emba floods in 2018.

54 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 55 Reg. No.MNG/1022/2021-2023 Licensed to post without prepayment license No.: SK/WPP/MNG/128/2021-23 RNI. No. KARENG/2009/40529 Date of Posting: 10th of every Month at Balmatta PO

MANGALORE TODAY - SEPTEMBER 2021 56Edited and published by V.U.George, 26, Venkatramana Bldg, Car Street, Mangaluru 575 001. Printed by V U George at Prakash Offset Printers, Baikampadi, Mangaluru 575011