Muthalik's diktat against "Valentine's Day" sparks heated debate

February 12, 2011

Mangalore, February 12: Pramod Muthalik on Saturday urged the youth to spurn 'Valentine Day” celebration on February 14, describing it as an immoral practice of a commercialised West.

The founder President of the Sr Ram Sene has once again vented his ire against the "Lovers Day" after a hibernation of a couple of years. Muthalik had hit the headlines then by asking his supporters to stop Valentine's Day celebrations, sparking wide-spread protests across the country, including the pink cheddi campaign, through which thousands of people had sent pink underwears to him to express their outrage.

In a programme organised by Journalists' Study Centre on “Valentine's Day and Human Rights” here on Saturday, the moral brigade leader reiterated his intention of “protecting the women and the country from the conspiracy of capitalist market of western culture” adding that consumeristic culture and multi-national companies were misguiding the Indian youth.

“I am not against 'pure' love. But I am against fixing the date and day for love,” he said.

He said his activists would distribute 10 lakh pamphlets urging people not to support the V-Day at hotels, hostels and colleges where celebrations are held.

KL Ashok, General Secretary of Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike said it's better to concentrate on the problems faced by Indian women such as dowry, sexual harassment, domestic atrocities etc rather than the celebration of Valentine's Day.

Muhammad Kunhi, District Convener of Jamath-e-Islami-Hind said the morality can be established only through constructive activities and people's movement, not by violence. “The V-Day will get more publicity when you beat up the people and tell them not to celebrate,” he opined.

Muneer Katipalla, District President of DYFI alleged that it was Sri Rama Sene which popularized the Valentine's Day through its violent activities.

Pushaparaj BN, Bureau Chief of Vartha Bharathi Kannada Daily was the moderator.

Journalist Sathya K welcomed while Sukesh Kumar of Suvarna 24X7 proposed vote of thanks.

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Udupi: Student slips down while boarding moving train, rescued by woman constable

News Network

September 20,2024

Udupi: A vigilant Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable, Aparna K T, demonstrated remarkable presence of mind when she rescued a student who slipped while trying to board a moving train at Udupi Railway Station on Friday morning.

The incident occurred as passenger train number 06602 arrived at the station around 7:30 AM. The student, traveling from Mangaluru to Gokarna, had briefly alighted to purchase snacks. However, as the train began moving, she hurried back towards the carriage with the snacks in hand. In her rush, she lost her footing, slipping dangerously between the platform and the moving train.

Woman constable Aparna K T was given a cash reward of Rs 5000.

Constable Aparna, who had been closely monitoring the passengers, immediately sprang into action. “I saw her running towards the train and alerted everyone by blowing my whistle. She slipped, and her legs were caught between the platform and the train. Without hesitation, I pulled her out with the help of others nearby,” she recalled.

Thanks to Aparna’s quick thinking and the swift response of the railway staff, the train was stopped in time. Railway personnel, including the guard and loco pilot, were immediately informed, and they acted promptly to halt the train using both flag signals and a walkie-talkie.

RPF Inspector Madhusoodhanan PV arrived at the scene shortly after to check on the passenger's condition. The shaken but uninjured student was given water and helped back onto the train to safely continue her journey.

In an added measure of care, the RPF post at Bhatkal was notified to follow up on the passenger’s well-being during her journey. The student, fortunately, reached her destination without further incident.

The heroic rescue was captured on CCTV and has since gone viral on social media, earning widespread praise. In recognition of her bravery, Regional Railway Manager (RRM) Karwar awarded Constable Aparna a cash reward of ₹5,000, commending her quick action that averted a potentially tragic accident.

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