VHP, Bajrang Dal take out 'awareness' march as city gears up for Valentine's Day

naeem@coastaldigest.com (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar, kpn )
February 13, 2012

Mangalore, February 13: The members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Monday took out an awareness march in the city against Valentine's Day celebration.

Though the activists had planned to take out motorbike rally as part of their awareness campaign, the police stopped them for not obtaining permission. However, they marched from Urwa Market to PVS circle raising slogans against the western culture and public display of obscenity.

The protesters also submitted a memorandum to the district administration urging it to close all parties by 11:00 p.m. and cancel permits to pubs and DJ's on February 14.

"We oppose Valentine's Day because the concept has come from the West, and through it, an attempt is being made to spoil the Indian culture," said Bajrang Dal Convener Sharan Pumpwell, while talking to Coastaldigest.com

"We have communicated our demand well in advance to the district administration and police department and now it is for them to ensure that there is no obscenity and immorality on Valentine's Day. But if there will be any immoral activities, we will be forced to stop the youths ourselves from doing so," he said adding that “We will hand over them to police”.

He also said that Bajrang Dal activists, apart from meeting owners of restaurants, pub and bar etc in the city to urge them not to give opportunity for youngsters to spoil the Indian culture, distributed pamphlets against Valentine's Day among college students.

Another Bajrang Dal activist said, "Our teams will visit parks frequented by boys and girls. If we found anyone violating the norms of Indian culture, we will stop them and handover them to the police immediately”.

However, the owners of flower shops and gift stores are hopeful of a good turnout of youngsters on Valentine's Day.

Florists are making heart-shaped bouquets in bulk, while gift stores are stocking V-Day special cards and chocolates to woo youngsters.

Some enthusiastic youngsters, in order to avoid problems due to VHP and Bajrang Dal protesters, are planning to celebrate Valentine's Day secretly.

Irked over the protest-threats by the Bajrang Dal and VHP activists, Jasmine D'Souza, a 20-year-old college student said: "It is an irony of sorts that when the day calls for a universal celebration of love on February 14, in India - the country that boasts of the largest symbol of love - the Taj Mahal, the day would witness protests and demonstrations."

Reshma Pereira (25), an employee at a call centre said: “We lovers don't bother about their threats. We are matured enough and we know how to celebrate our day.” She added that instead of staging protest against innocent lovers, the VHP and Bajrang Dal could have staged protest against the Assembly porngate, and BJP government sponsored St Mary's Island Rave Party.

Abhinav Rao, an ABVP activist said that he has always been a devotee of the true love. “Instead of celebrating the love just for one day we should worship it throughout the year. This is our culture. If youth select one day to express your love we don't have any issues with it. But, it should not cross the boundaries of the social norms and morality”, he said.

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News Network
March 21,2025

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly on Friday passed Bills doubling the salaries of the chief minister, ministers, and legislators, adding an annual burden of ₹62 crore on the exchequer.

The CM's monthly salary will increase from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, while ministers will see a 108% hike, from ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh. MLAs and MLCs will get ₹80,000 per month, up from ₹40,000, and their pension will rise from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.

The Karnataka Ministers Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill and the Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances (Amendment) Bill were passed without debate, as the Opposition BJP protested in the well of the House.

The Bills cited the rising cost of living as justification for the hike. The Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council chairperson will now receive ₹1.25 lakh per month, up from ₹75,000.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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News Network
March 27,2025

nandini.jpg

The Karnataka government has announced that Nandini milk will become ₹4 costlier per litre starting April 1, 2025. This is the second price hike this year.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna and Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh said the increase is meant to support dairy farmers by covering the rising costs of producing and processing milk.

Officials also said that:

>> The extra money from the price hike will go directly to the milk producers.

>> The earlier ₹2 price hike (announced on June 26, 2024) will be withdrawn.

>> The new price hike of ₹4 will apply to both 500 ml and 1-litre packets.

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