Mangalore gears up to 'celebrate Diversity in Unity'

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)
January 10, 2012

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Mangalore, January 10: The coastal city is wearing a bridal look to host the 17th National Youth Festival from January 12 to January 16, being organised jointly by the Union government, Karnataka government, Nehru Yuva Kendra and National Service Scheme, under the theme, 'Celebrating Diversity in Unity'

City roads, medians and boundary walls are being given fresh coats of colours while major landmarks have been made spotless.

“Thousands of talented youths from all over the country and abroad would assemble in the city for major national festival. When they would return to their respective places, they should carry the impression that Mangalore is one of the beautiful cities of India,” said Mangalore Mayor Praveen Anchan.

Civic body employees and police have been given orientation as to how they should conduct themselves while huge gatherings were expected in the city.

With just one day to go, the final preparations for the historical event are on as each and every department and the district administration are giving its best to host the event successfully.

The Mangala Stadium, where the Chief Minister D V Sadanada Gowda would inaugurate the Youth Festival, is awaiting delegates from across the country. Workers are giving finishing touches to the main dais erected on a five-foot tall platform that is 160 feet long and 65 feet across.

The spacious dais, erected by Raja Enterprises, Bangalore, gives audience unrestricted view of the proceedings on the dais, says M Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva's Education Foundation, who has been vested with the responsibility of the stage, the opening and valedictory functions and the cultural procession prior to the inaugural.

Yakshagana and local folk traditions will provide the backdrop for the stage that is being constructed on the chavadi concept, Mohan Alva said. "Around 25,000 people including the delegates, officials and VVIPs can view the onstage events from seating arrangements in front of the dais as well as the neatly spruced up galleries," Mohan said adding that spacious green rooms and VVIP rooms too have been incorporated on either flanks of the stage.

Over 5,000 participants from 35 States and Union Territories and five SAARC nations are expected to take part in the 18 events during the five-day fest. Teams from different states have already begun to arrive in the city.

All the cultural events will begin from January 13. Cultural dance events of Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Oddissi will be held at Sri Gokarnatheshwara temple hall. Town Hall will host mono act, musical events will be held at SDM Law college hall and folk music events will be held at Koragappa Kalyana mantap in Sri Gokarnanatheshwara temple.

The participants will have to assemble at T M A Pai Convention Centre from their places of accommodation. Here a total of 80 buses including 32 KSRTC buses and 48 buses from reputed educational institutions have been arranged.

Apart from this, 35 mini buses have been arranged for commuting. Both South Indian and North Indian food will be served to the participants. Accommodations have been arranged for the participants at 22 educational institutions.

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News Network
November 28,2024

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Mangaluru: The iconic Old DC office, a building steeped in 400 years of history, will be the centerpiece of the Heritage Week celebrations in the city. Once the administrative hub of the erstwhile Canara district during the British era, the building now serves as a symbol of Mangaluru’s rich heritage and cultural significance.

Historic Significance

Initially built during the rule of the Bangas under the Vijayanagara Empire, the structure was later converted into the collector’s office. Following an agreement between Tipu Sultan and the British in 1784, the building came under Tipu’s possession until his death. Subsequently, Major Sir Thomas Munro used it as the office for the first district collector.

The building has also seen historical milestones, including the participation of 88 individuals from the district in World War I (1914–1919), as recorded on a commemorative plaque on its exterior.

Heritage Festival: Echoes

To celebrate the city’s history and tourism potential, the Dakshina Kannada district administration is organizing "Echoes," a heritage festival on November 30 and December 1 at the Old DC office premises. The event will feature:

  • A heritage exhibition (open from 10 AM to 6 PM).
  • An art contest for school students.
  • Guided mini heritage walks open to all.
  • An urban sketching contest for college students.
  • A panel discussion on sustainability, followed by a prize distribution ceremony.
  • A musical evening featuring Sur Safar, a fusion band.

A Gateway to Tourism

The festival aims to draw attention to Mangaluru’s untapped tourism potential by blending art, history, and culture. It invites residents and visitors to rediscover the region’s legacy while fostering a sense of pride in its historical landmarks.

This initiative not only commemorates the past but also looks to inspire future efforts in heritage preservation and sustainable tourism.

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News Network
November 26,2024

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Mangaluru: The coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are witnessing a fascinating weather pattern, with chilly early mornings giving way to dry, sweltering afternoons. Over the past two days, dense fog blanketed the rural landscapes, while urban centers like Mangaluru felt the stark contrast of brisk mornings and peak afternoon heat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that in rural areas, the morning chill caused temperatures to dip by one to two degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm, intensifying the fog. Monday saw Mangaluru recording a maximum temperature of 33.3°C and a minimum of 22.6°C, reflective of the sharp day-night variation.

While mornings painted a serene picture with mist-covered trees and a cool ambiance, the afternoons proved relentless, with temperatures soaring between 11 am and 3 pm, offering little respite. Currently, there are no signs of rainfall, with forecasts predicting the continuation of this dual weather pattern for the coming days.

Local residents have mixed feelings about this weather trend. Farmers in rural areas appreciate the cool mornings that ease early chores but express concerns over the dry afternoons, which may affect crop irrigation if the dry spell prolongs. In contrast, urban dwellers are enjoying the foggy mornings but brace for the scorching afternoons.

Meteorologists attribute the sudden chill to shifts in atmospheric pressure along the coast, a precursor to possible weather transitions in December. Whether this pattern persists or leads to unexpected changes remains to be seen, but the twin districts are clearly caught in nature's dramatic play of contrasts.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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