Curtains down on Aloysian Fest 2013

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

February 2, 2013

Mangalore, Feb 2: The elaborate activities of the three-day gala that was 'Aloysian Fest – 2013' drew to a close on Saturday with the valedictory and prize distribution ceremony at St Aloysius College, Mangalore.

Since a total of six distinct fests were held together over a period of three days, six colleges emerged victorious, winning in individual fests such as 'Acme', 'Art-Beat', 'Spin-Out', 'Imprints', 'Astitva' and Aloysiad'.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, Deputy General Manager of Central Bank of India N K Balakrishnan said that with regard to the development of personality, the perception of education had changed over a period of time. The focus is entirely on intellectual development and we forget to develop other skills, he said, adding that the college fest provided a platform for students to improve their personality and cultural development.

“As youngsters, this age is the right time for you to mould your personality, develop your character and thought-process and build a strong foundation which will be building blocks for you tomorrow. To be future leaders, you have to continue your learning process till your last breath. Take your work as your passion and love what you do to be more productive,” he advised youngsters.

Rector of St Aloysius College institutions Fr Joseph Ignatius Rodrigues said that constant upgradation and renewal of a person's knowledge and skills was essential in all human endeavours. The experience a person gains turns knowledge into wisdom and skills into expertise. Education will continue to evolve and change; however, if we decline to collaborate and evolve with it, we will be unable to move towards advancement, he said.

Sharing their opinion and experiences during the fest, students from participating colleges said that they found the mega-event innovative and well-organised. The tasks were unique and challenging, which facilitated a lot of learning, said one of the students. A participant of Astitva, Junaid said that the fest was 'a cut above the rest.'

The sports fest Aloysiad saw the participation of 30 teams from various colleges. St Ann's College, Virajpet, emerged as winners in the women's category in the Basketball tournament, while St Aloysius College 'A' bagged the first place in the men's category. Rosario College, Mangalore, emerged first in the Football tournament (Men) and Alva's College, Moodbidri, stood first in the Throw-ball tournament (Women).

Mahesh Degree College, Mangalore, bagged the first place (overall) in the variety entertainment competition of 'Astitva'. Jain University (Bangalore) emerged victorious in the commerce fest 'Acme' for the third consecutive year, while School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya (Mangalore) won overall first in 'Art-Beat'. MGM College, Udupi, came first in the science fest 'Imprints' and Christ University, Bangalore, emerged winners in the management fest 'Spin-Out'.

Principal of the college Swebert D'Silva welcomed the gathering.

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‘Have letter, next step is...’: MUDA on Siddaramaiah’s wife’s offer to return plots

News Network

October 1,2024

Mysuru: The Mysuru land authority at the centre of a financial and political storm - involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and alleged losses of ₹ 45 crore to the state - has received an offer of restitution from his wife, the urban development body's Commissioner, AN Raghunandan said.

"I am in possession of a letter written by Siddaramaiah's wife regarding her intention to return 14 plots (of land). The Chief Minister's son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, came to our office and delivered the letter. We will take legal advice for the next step..." he told reporters in Mysuru.

Mr Raghunandan also confirmed anti-corruption officials from the city's Lokayukta branch had written seeking cooperation in its inquiry into the charges against the Chief Minister.

He said the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, or MUDA, "will cooperate with the investigation".

The Enforcement Directorate, however, have not reached out as yet, Mr Raghunandan said. The ED, a federal agency, has filed a money laundering case against Siddaramaiah.

There have also been calls for the CBI, another federal agency, to investigate charges against the Chief Minister, but that appears unlikely now given the Karnataka government has withdrawn general consent for its operations in the state. Law Minister HK Patil made the announcement last week.

He ruled out any link with demands for the Chief Minister to be investigated by the CBI, which reports to the BJP-led central government and the ruling Congress and other opposition parties have claimed is being used by that party to target rival leaders, particularly before elections.

On Monday - three days after the Lokayukta filed a case against the Chief Minister, and hours after the ED launched its probe- Siddaramaiah's wife said she had planned to give up the land earlier but was advised against it the allegations against her husband are "politically motivated".

But now, she said, she had made up her mind as "no house, plot, or wealth is more important than my husband's honor, dignity, and peace of mind". She also said the decision was hers alone; "... I am not aware of my husband's opinion on this matter, nor do I concern myself with what my son thinks".

And, in a comment seen as a calculated swipe at the opposition BJP, which is leading calls for the Chief Minister's resignation, his wife also made an emotional appeal to "all political parties and the media" to "please not drag women of political families into the controversy to settle political scores".

Investigative action against the Chief Minister follows the Karnataka High Court quashing a challenge to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's order sanctioning Siddaramaiah's prosecution.

Subsequently a trial court ordered framing of charges and directed the Lokayukta to complete the investigation within three months. The ED case was filed based on the Lokayukta FIR.

Siddaramaiah faces an inquiry into claims Parvathi was allotted 14 plots of land in an upmarket Mysuru area as compensation for land elsewhere - holding a far lower value - taken for infrastructure projects.

The Chief Minister has denied all charges and refused calls to resign.

He has been backed by the Congress and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, who is also the state unit boss, and also by members of his cabinet, including IT Minister Priyank Kharge. However, some within the Congress also want him to quit, such as former Assembly Speaker KB Koliwad.

"I will fight. I am not afraid of anything. We are ready to face the investigation. I will fight this legally," he said last week after the High Court had quashed his challenge to the Governor's sanction.

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