Pedalling awareness from Gurgaon to Kanyakumari

August 17, 2011

Mangalore, August 17: A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one, so goes a quote. This goes true with the energy of Daljeet Singh, a resident of Gurgaon, Haryana who is cycling across the nation to spread awareness about man's responsibility towards his planet and environment. He is trying to inform people about the problem of global warming all across the nation.

Mr Singh, who started his journey in Gurgaon, Haryana on 10th June of this year with a clear aim and not enough money to finance his expedition, arrived in Mangalore last week. After spending two days in this coastal city, he continued his journey southwards towards Kanyakumari.

What drives him to indulge in such a physically excruciating expedition across the nation? He feels that it will result in a change at least in himself. “There is great satisfaction in doing things for a cause”, he says.

Speaking about how unique our planet is, as it is believed to be the only planet to sustain and support life, he feels we have great responsibility towards the planet. “We are the caretakers of our planet. But we are slowly destroying it day by day”, he observes. He feels that minimising the use of motor vehicles and plastics will result in a greener and cleaner environment.

He had gone through a lot of roadblocks during the course of the journey. “Accommodation was a big problem”, he says. “I had started with Rs 20,000 which was not enough to feed. I had to buy a new bicycle for Rs 3,500 as my bicycle broke down in Bhopal”, he recalls. He sleeps in temples as affording hotels to stay is “costly” for him.

Recalling the various kind of cuisine all across the state he says it was hard to adjust to South Indian food.

Challenges were numerous, especially in the ghats he says. Pedalling in the ghats is tiresome for him and says that he pushes his bicycles if there is a steep climb. He feels that he had got great opportunities to enjoy nature as he is not in any rush.

He will visit several cities of South India before culminating his expedition in Kanyakumari. “I'll take a train back”, he says.

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News Network
September 16,2024

Shaun.jpg

In a heart-breaking incident, 19-year-old Shaun D'Souza, a native of Vittalwadi in Udupi's Kundapur taluk, tragically lost his life in the UAE due to heat stroke.

Shaun, the beloved son of Elias Cyril D'Souza and Pramila D'Souza, originally from Hosabettu, Moodbidri, had been pursuing his college education in the UAE.

He was admitted to a hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, approximately 115 km from Dubai, after collapsing from heatstroke. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Shaun breathed his last on Sunday, September 15. 

He is deeply mourned by his parents and two siblings. The family, who had been residing near St. Mary's Church in the UAE, are grappling with the profound loss. Shaun’s father, Elias, works as a manager for a private company, while his mother, Pramila, is an accountant.

The local community has come together to offer their support and condolences in this time of sorrow.

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News Network
September 9,2024

Mangaluru, Sept 9: An action committee has voiced concerns about the construction of a new toll plaza near Sooralpady Masjid on the Mangaluru-Moodbidri-Karkala National Highway 169, 17 km from Nanthoor. Amidst ongoing construction, the Action Committee Against Surathkal Toll Gate claims irregularities and poor site selection.

Committee convener Muneer Katipalla noted that only 50% of the Nanthoor-Moodbidri-Karkala highway upgrade is complete after seven to eight years. The Nanthoor-Vamanjoor stretch remains unfinished, causing traffic issues, while dangerous hillside cutting near Kettikal has forced residents to relocate. Additionally, a flyover near Kaikamba threatens a local market.

Katipalla also criticized the construction of a bypass road, alleging it benefits real estate investors and inflates the project cost, which could increase toll fees. The proposed toll plaza, situated 36 km from Talapady toll gate and 35 km from Brahmarakotlu toll gate, violates distance regulations and is too close to local amenities, raising public objections.

There is growing concern that toll collection might begin before the project's completion, with locals frustrated by unaddressed grievances. Social activist Bava Padarangi, DYFI leader Srinath Kulal, and other community leaders attended the site visit.

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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.

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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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