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
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: The long-standing demand for a separate Beary Development Corporation has hit a wall — the Karnataka government has officially stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration.

Beary-speaking people, mainly settled across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Kodagu, have been urging the government to set up a dedicated body for the welfare of their community and the promotion of their unique 1,200-year-old language. But during the recent legislative session, Minority Affairs Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan confirmed that his department has not received any proposal on this matter.

The clarification came in response to a question by MLC Ivan D’Souza, who highlighted the community’s cultural richness and a population of over 25 lakh. “The community has raised this demand several times to support education and social upliftment, but the government hasn’t taken any concrete steps,” he said.

In his reply, the minister pointed out that the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) already runs various welfare schemes for Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Parsi communities. Since Beary speakers are considered part of the Muslim community, they are eligible for benefits under these existing programs, he added.

Still, many in the Beary community feel that without a separate development body, their identity, language, and specific needs risk being overlooked.

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News Network
April 7,2025

nitin.jpg

Mangaluru, Apr 7: In a chilling and heart-wrenching turn of events from Nadugallu in Nalakuru village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a mother and son’s desperate act to end their lives has left a community in disbelief. The duo allegedly consumed rodent poison in a joint suicide attempt, resulting in the son’s death and leaving the mother in a critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Nithin, son of Kushalappa Gowda of Derappajjanamane, Nalakuru. His mother, Sulochana, is currently battling for her life in a hospital. According to sources, the incident took place three days ago, with both victims falling severely ill by the morning of April 6.

Nithin, an ITI diploma holder, had been managing his family's agricultural land. He had married Deeksha, a guest lecturer at a local college, about a year ago. At the time of the tragic incident, Deeksha was reportedly staying at her parental home. During her absence, Nithin and Sulochana allegedly consumed poison in what is believed to be a premeditated act.

Well-known in the village for his kind demeanor and strong social ties, Nithin’s untimely death has cast a shadow of grief and shock across the local community. His father, Kushalappa Gowda, is also said to be ailing.

The Subrahmanya police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to this devastating event.

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News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: A price storm is brewing in Mangaluru’s hotel and restaurant industry. Faced with skyrocketing raw material costs and mounting overheads, hoteliers are preparing to hike food prices by up to 10% within a month — a move that could hit the pockets of thousands of diners across Dakshina Kannada.

From milk and oil to LPG and staples like rice and toor dal, prices have surged, pushing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian establishments to the brink. Over 65% of hotels operate in rented spaces, and labour shortages are adding fuel to the fire.

Swarna Sunder of Dinki Dine says running a hotel without burdening customers is becoming near-impossible. “Costs are rising daily. We’re trying to strike a balance, but a hike is inevitable,” he said, calling Mangaluru a highly price-sensitive market.

Industry leaders, including the Dakshina Kannada Hotel Owners Association, are expected to meet soon to formalize the revision.

Meanwhile, hoteliers blame "unhealthy competition" for further disrupting the sector. “Some serve unlimited fish meals under ₹60 — it’s unsustainable and unfair,” said a hotelier, adding that such practices are forcing smaller eateries to shut shop.

Chandrahas Shetty, president of the district association, confirmed that rising input costs have left them with little choice but to revise menus.

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