Artist questions claim on unicorn idol

[email protected] (News Network)
June 16, 2011

idol

Udupi, June 16: Artist Purushotham Adve has questioned the statement of T. Murgeshi, Lecturer in the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at MSRS College, Shirva, and folklore expert S.A. Krishnayya about an idol of mythical unicorn found at Kalya near Nitte in Karkala taluk of Udupi district.

The story about the idol had appeared in the media a couple of days ago.

Mr. Adve told presspersons here on Wednesday that the sweeping statement that the idol “is the only one of its kind found in the country so far” was misleading.

He wanted to know on what basis Mr. Murgeshi and Mr. Krishnayya had made such a statement. They had not given any archaeological proof to substantiate their claim, he added.

Another contention made by them was that the idol was a combination of elephant, bull, and horse (“Hayagajanandi” in Kannada). Both had said that the right forelimb of the idol was designed like an elephant leg.

The right hind limb looked like a bull's leg. The idol had a horse face and that it looked like a horse on a first glance, but on closer examination it was a composition of different animals, they had said.

This contention was wrong. The idol was a horse and not a composition of different animals. The idol was sculpted in the folk style. Mr. Murgeshi and Mr. Krishnayya had said that the horse had a broken horn. But this was wrong.

“It is not a horn but a decorative element (used while sculpting)”, he said.

Mr. Adve produced a brass sculpture of a horse with a horn and photographs of other horses with a horn to substantiate his argument.

He said although he was not an archaeologist, he had enough knowledge about sculptures. He would not challenge the period when the idol was sculpted.

“But it is definitely not the only one of its kind in the country. It is simply an idol of a horse belonging to an ancient period found at a 'Brahma Sthana' at Kalya,” Mr. Adve said.

“Such sculptures of horses can be seen at the Heritage Village in Manipal and are there in my personal collection as well,” Mr. Adve added.

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News Network
January 7,2025

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Mangaluru: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a young medical store owner on Monday, January 6, near Tiblapadavu, Natekallu, located on the outskirts of the city.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Ausaf, was the proprietor of Hajira Medicals and the son of Jaleel, a resident of Derlakatte. 

The unfortunate incident unfolded as Ausaf was riding his bike from Derlakatte toward Tiblapadavu. Upon approaching a divider near Tiblapadavu, a lorry made a sudden turn, resulting in a collision between the motorbike and the rear of the lorry. Ausaf succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Having completed his education a few years ago, Ausaf had taken up the responsibility of managing Hajira Medicals at Derlakatte Junction. He was well-known in his community for his dedication and service.

Authorities at the Mangaluru South Traffic Police Station have registered a case, and CCTV footage capturing the incident is under review. The tragic loss has left the local community in shock, mourning the untimely demise of a promising young entrepreneur. 

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News Network
January 9,2025

Mangaluru: Establishing a Beary Development Corporation is a valid demand, but its implications must be carefully studied, remarked Speaker UT Khader. He proposed forming an expert committee to evaluate the corporation’s potential impact on the Beary community during a district-level conference of the Beary-speaking community, organized by the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall on Wednesday.

Khader expressed concerns over inefficiencies in existing government-established corporations, such as unfilled leadership positions, lack of appointed members, and insufficient funding. “The Beary Development Corporation must avoid similar pitfalls,” he emphasized. He noted that the Minorities Development Corporation already provides various schemes for Beary Muslims, urging a detailed assessment to ensure the new corporation’s funding does not fall short of current provisions, which could disadvantage the community.

Praising the industrious and self-respecting nature of the Beary community, Khader highlighted the respect Beary elders once commanded in villages. He encouraged the youth to uphold this legacy and actively contribute to the community’s progress. Additionally, he commended the Beary youth for their swift and dedicated responses during emergencies, which have garnered widespread recognition.

Khader underscored the importance of unity, cautioning against fostering divisions within the community. He also stressed the critical role of education in development, urging the maintenance of detailed records for SSLC and PUC students to track progress.

The event was presided over by Azeez Baikampadi, president of the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha. Among the dignitaries present were former MLA Mohiudeen Bava and retired police officer GA Bawa. Dr. UT Ifikhar Ali Farid, honorary president of the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha and chairman of the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council, was felicitated during the program.

In notable initiatives, Kanachuru Monu, chairman of Kanachuru Medical College, unveiled the Mahasabha’s new website, while Sheikhabba Karnire of Expertise Company, Jubail, launched an IAS-IPS program aimed at empowering the Beary community.

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News Network
January 3,2025

Mangaluru: The long-awaited DC office complex in Padil is nearing completion, with plans underway to inaugurate the facility during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Mangaluru for the State Olympics meet on January 17. Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader inspected the site and emphasized the urgency of completing the ₹75 crore project within the set deadline.

“We aim to finish the work by January 10 so that the inauguration can align with the Chief Minister’s visit. However, the final decision will depend on the project’s readiness by then,” Khader stated during his site inspection.

The ambitious project, reflecting the rich Tulu Nadu heritage in its design, received administrative approval on April 28, 2015. Following delays, the work order was issued on February 3, 2018, and construction began on March 17, 2018. Khader assured that the building's traditional architecture will extend to its surroundings, including an aesthetically designed entrance gate.

Spread across 5.89 acres, the complex boasts a total plinth area of 21,054.88 sq m, encompassing multiple levels:

Basement: 4043.88 sq m
Ground Floor: 7553.36 sq m
First Floor: 4158.94 sq m
Second and Third Floors: 2561.28 sq m each
Roof 1 and 2: 88.07 sq m each

The facility aims to centralize government services by housing most departments—except Revenue and RDPR—under one roof. This initiative, Khader highlighted, will streamline operations, save time, and enhance convenience for both officials and the public.

"Officials have been directed to expedite the remaining work, ensuring its timely completion," he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating a functional and visually iconic administrative hub for the region.

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