Nisar Ahmed flags off 'Nadabhinandana', literary giants heap praises on Na Damodar Shetty

February 11, 2012

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Mangalore, February 11: Encomiums were showered in good measure on writer and stage artiste Na. Damodar Shetty on Saturday at the 'Nadabhinandana', a felicitation programme held at Town Hall to mark the 60th birthday of the multifaceted genius, who recently retired as the professor of Kannada department of St. Aloysius College.

The programme got off in a unique way, with veteran Kannada poet, Nadoja K.S. Nisar Ahmed, playing Veena, which was decorated with flowers. In fact, the novelty left Mr. Ahmed and other guests flabbergasted as most of them appeared to be novices when it came to playing a musical instrument. Mr. Ahmed, who ambled towards the instrument, was seen asking fellow guests on the dais on how to play the instrument. After getting some quick tips from Mr. Shetty, he hesitatingly fiddled with the strings, but did not succeed in producing any musical sound.

The guests on the dais namely Girish Kasaravalli, celebrated film director, B.A Vivek Rai, visiting professor at the Wurzburg University of Germany, Fr. Francis Serrao, new Provincial of Karnataka Jesuits, B. Jyashri, Rajyasabha M.P., Pradhan Gurudatt, linguist, Dr. C.N. Ramachandran, retired professor of English, among others, also tried to play a tune or two. But, it was Na Damodar Shetty, popularly known as Nada, who was able to play the instrument properly, befitting of a man who is known to don several hats with aplomb, and won a big round of applause from the audience.

Even as the inauguration ceremony was underway on the stage, an artistic tribute to the writer was paid by Sunil Abraham, who painted a caricature of Nada on the canvas erected in front of the dais. By the time the inaugural ceremony was over, the artist, with the help of Praveen Poojary, an artist from Yenepoya University, had completed the painting.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Mr. Nisar Ahmed highlighted the importance of preparing Kannada to face the onslaught of globalization and liberalization. “We cannot remain immune to the influences of globalization. We have to brace ourselves to the challenges. We should make sure that Kannada retains its primacy even as our children learn English,” he said.

Lauding the efforts of Nada in promoting the language and culture, Mr. Ahmed said, the contribution of Nada as an organizer and a promoter of literature needs to be acknowledged because, only through sustained campaigning and publicity, literary books can reach the masses. “Nada has played a phenomenal role in popularizing Kannada literature and art in this part of the State through his tireless work as an organisor, a teacher, a writer and a dramatist. Today Kannada literature is starved of adequate readership. The number of readers is dwindling. The younger generation is attracted towards new media of communication like CDs and DVDs. We need to safeguard the book culture, which is increasingly confined to libraries now,” he said.

Heaping praises on Nada, he said: “Through his writings and personality, Nada has set an example for the younger generations. He is a man with a brain of a genius and a noble heart.”

Speaking after releasing “Nadaloka” a commemorative book on Nada, Mr Gurudatt, said by instituting an award in the name of S.V. Parameshwar Bhat, Mr. Nada along with his friends has tried to immortalize the genius, who served Dakshina Kannada district with rare distinction. “Even people in Mysore could not make any effort to immortalize the name of Parameshwar Bhat who had spent several years in the erstwhile capital of Mysore Kings. By instituting an award in the name of Parameshwar, Nada and his friends have done a commendable job,” Mr. Gurudatt said.

He also lauded the translation skills of Nada and said, the books he translated appeared as if they were original Kannada titles. “He has played the role of a bridge between Kannada and Malayalam languages. The young writers have lot to learn from his translation skills. The book on K.V. Subbanna, he had edited for the Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi left us with hardly any scope for revision. He is a perfectionist,” Mr. Gurudatt said.

Speaking on the occasion, P. Jayaram Bhat, Karnataka Bank managing director, said, Nada was a rare jewel, that all the people of Dakshina Kannada can be proud of. Dr. Sabiha, Kannada Department, Mangalore University, spoke on behalf of the editorial board of Nadaloka.

Jayashri, released a CD titled 'Nada Bhava' a musical tribute to the writer consisting eight songs.

Francis Serrao, in his presidential address, hailed his contribution as a teacher at the St. Aloysius College. “He always tried to infuse life into textbooks. He introduced novel approaches to teaching by interacting with the students and exposing them to the world beyond the textbooks. He was a generous man who helped poor students by paying their fee. He brought laurels to the institution with his multiple talents. Even when he had a difference of opinion, he used to express his dissent with lot of patience,” Mr. Serrao said.

Professor A.M. Narahari welcomed the gathering. Srinivas Deshpande, delivered a vote of thanks. Dr. Mohan Alva, the chairman of the felicitation committee, was present on the occasion.

The inaugural programme was followed by literary sessions and Sugama Sangeetha.


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coastaldigest.com news network
April 8,2025

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Mangaluru: Meet Deepashree S, the state topper in the Commerce stream of the PU 2 exams, scoring an astonishing 599 out of 600. A student of Canara PU College, Deepashree had an inkling of success but admits the first rank was beyond her wildest dreams.

“All our doubts were cleared in the classroom itself,” she said, praising her lecturers. “Their concept-based teaching helped me understand everything thoroughly. I also made it a habit to revise daily.”

Planning her future early, Deepashree is already taking CA coaching and is all set to appear for the CA Foundation exam in May. Her next step? An integrated BCom with CA.

Daughter of Ashok S and Suma P, Deepashree is also a Carnatic classical singer, and attributes her sharp concentration to her love for music.

“Hard work matters, but yes, luck plays a part too,” she added with a wise smile — proving that success is a fine mix of talent, effort, and grace.

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Avantika Bhat | coastaldigest.com
April 8,2025

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Mangaluru: The academic excellence of Dakshina Kannada continues to shine as the district secured a commendable 93.57% pass percentage in the II PU examinations, placing it second among all districts in Karnataka. Although it stood first last year with 97.37%, the district has maintained a consistent record of high performance.

Over the past years, Dakshina Kannada's performance has been as follows: 95.33% in 2022-23, 88.02% in 2021-22 (a year in which all students were declared pass due to the COVID-19 pandemic), 90.91% in 2018-19, 91.41% in 2017-18, 89.92% in 2016-17, 90.48% in 2015-16, 93.09% in 2014-15, 86.04% in 2013-14, and 85.88% in 2012-13.

Behind the Performance

In-charge Deputy Director of the PU Department, Sridhar H G, attributed the results to collective efforts.

“The department constituted taluk-level Shaikshanika Samithis, which analyzed results college-wise and helped identify areas needing improvement. Remedial classes were held for weaker students. Both government and private PU colleges worked hard, aiming for better outcomes. The district has also produced state toppers in both science and commerce streams,” he said.

Science Stream Brilliance from DK

Among the brightest stars is Bindu Navale from Alva’s PU College, who topped the Science stream with 598 marks, sharing the top spot with two others. A dedicated and sincere student, Bindu said she remained calm and consistent throughout the academic year. Her teachers praised her meticulous approach and in-depth understanding of core subjects. She now plans to appear for national-level entrance exams to pursue a career in the medical field.

Commerce Achievers Who Made DK Proud

In the Commerce stream, Pranay Balasaheb Alagouda and Vaishnavi Prasad Bhat, both from Alva’s PU College, secured 597 marks, earning their place among the state toppers. Pranay, who hails from Vijayapura, expressed deep gratitude for the academic environment at his college. He plans to pursue BCom with aspirations of cracking competitive exams. Vaishnavi, known for her consistent performance and disciplined study habits, aspires to explore the field of finance and management in the future.

Top Performers Speak

Shreevidya, a student of Government PU College, Kaniyoor, scored 595 in the Science stream. She said she had expected 598 marks and plans to apply for revaluation.

“I used to study three to four hours daily. Our lecturers supported us with study materials, which really helped. I aspire to clear the UPSC exam and will pursue BSc followed by MSc in Mathematics. I also write poems,” she said.

She is the daughter of Narayana A K and Shailashree.

Shreya S, a student of Expert PU College who hails from Hassan, scored 597 marks in Science. She plans to appear for NEET to pursue a career in medical sciences.

Her parents, Suresh and Savitha, are doctors.

P Yuktha Sree, a student of Vivekananda PU College, secured 593 marks in the Arts stream and expressed her delight at being one of the state toppers.

Hailing from Bengaluru, she said, “I was attentive in class and studied intensively during the final month. I plan to become an IAS officer and will pursue graduation along with UPSC coaching.”

Her principal, Mahesh, noted that Yuktha was diligent and often clarified her doubts with teachers.

Pramukh Tulupule, from Excellent PU College, Moodbidri, scored 596 in Science.

“There was no pressure. I studied regularly, and mock tests conducted by our teachers helped a lot. I aim to become an engineer,” he shared.

Anoop Shawn Gomes, also from Excellent PU College, Moodbidri, secured 596 marks in the Commerce stream.

Originally from Balehonnur in Chikkamagaluru, he said, “The environment in the college and hostel was supportive. I plan to pursue BCom along with Chartered Accountancy.”

Other Toppers

Arts Stream:

Prakruthi N, Alva’s PU College – 591

G Lavanya, St Aloysius PU College – 590

Niriksha Ria Noronha, St Agnes College – 590

Thafhima Fathima, St Aloysius PU College – 590

Banavath Mayukha, Alva’s PU College – 589

Commerce Stream:

Pranay Balasaheb Alagouda, Alva’s PU College – 597

Vaishnavi Prasad Bhat, Alva’s PU College – 597

Anoop Shawn Gomes, Excellent PU College, Moodbidri – 596

Hanshitha Shetty, St Aloysius PU College – 595

N Bindu Bhat, Canara PU College – 595

Priyamvrath Bhat, Vijaya PU College, Mulki – 595

Richa Ganesh Dalvi, Shakthi PU College – 595

Sannidhi Mangesh Shanbagh, Alva’s PU College – 595

Sharel Lavita Rodrigues, Alva’s PU College – 595

Vismaya Bhat, Alva’s PU College – 595

Adithi K, Excellent PU College – 594

Chaitanya N, Vivekananda PU College – 594

K S Siri Gowri, Vikas PU College – 594

Minnal Binu, Govinda Dasa PU College – 594

Pradyumna R Urala, St Aloysius PU College – 594

Shreyas M, Mangalore Independent PU College – 594

Vaishnavi Shetty, Alva’s PU College – 594

Science Stream:

Bindu Navale, Alva’s PU College – 598

Raja Yadu Vamshi Yadav, Alva’s PU College – 598

Vijet G Gowda, Alva’s PU College – 598

Akshay M Hegde, Alva’s PU College – 597

Preksha M S, Alva’s PU College – 597

Padmavati Malleshappa Badagi, Alva’s PU College – 596

Shadjay A P, Expert PU College – 596

Abhiraam Bhat, Satya Sai Lokaseva PU College – 595

Chinmanyi R, Expert PU College – 595

Darshan Shetty, Alva’s PU College – 595

Dhanyatha Gowda, Expert PU College – 595

Shri Vatsa, Satya Sai Loka Seva College – 595

Tushara B S, SDM College – 595

Rohan H Shenoy, Expert PU College – 595

Vachana Bagodi, Expert PU College – 595

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coastaldigest.com news network
April 8,2025

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Mangaluru: Scoring an almost perfect 599 out of 600, Amoolya Kamath, a brilliant student of Expert PU College, has topped the Science stream in the PU 2 exams. Calm, composed, and quietly confident, Amoolya says the mock tests at her college were the game changer in overcoming her exam fear.

Coming from a family of doctors — Dr Dinesh Kamath and Dr Anuradha Kamath — Amoolya is charting her own path: “I want to become an engineer,” she said with determination.

Her success mantra? “I revised every day whatever was taught in class. I would reach home by 7 pm and then study till 10:30 pm. But honestly, I never expected the first rank!”

Apart from academics, Amoolya is a trained artist — having cleared the Bharatanatyam senior exam and Carnatic music junior exam. “Music kept my mind calm,” she smiled.

A graceful blend of intellect and art, Amoolya Kamath is an inspiration for students aiming to balance ambition with serenity.

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