News headlines


by Anisa Fathima, Daijiworld.com, Mangalore

March 4, 2007

Suicides, Thefts, attempted suicides, acid attacks, name it and we had it all this week.

While the case of the gold trader who had gone missing last May was finally solved with the arrest of one of his alleged murderers and the finding of his skeleton, Kudmul Ranga Rao hostel was in the news again when two if its inmates attempted suicide following harassment at the hands of the warden, which created chaos at the ZP meeting and unearthed the poor conditions of the government hostels.

The only news that gave us something to cheer about was the administration’s decision to honour its martyr Ft Lt Ronald Kevin Serrao by naming the Kucchikadu road in Kulshekar here after him.

A theft of value Rs 2.60 lac in a temple in the city grabbed headlines too.

Udupi: Body of Missing Gold Trader Traced, Ganesh Bhakta Arrested

Mangalore: Two Inmates of Kudmul Ranga Rao Hostel Attempt Suicide

Mangalore: Kucchikadu Road to be Renamed after Ft Lt Ronald Serrao

Mangalore: Theft in Temple – Ornaments worth Rs 2.60 lac Stolen


LPG – Let Petrol Go?

Commuting by autos many a time also means a brief stopover at the petrol bunk. This may well come to a full stop very soon, with the LPG facility to be made available for autos in the city very soon.

This is an interesting development, for it might bring about changes in the auto fares. It will be an irony if all autos in the city go for LPG (most of them already use it) and yet demand for a hike in fares when the petrol prices hike. On the other hand, not all auto drivers may opt for LPG, and in the event that RTA brings down the fare (which in itself is highly unlikely) these auto drivers may be left stranded with the burden of high prices. The auto fares should be changed such that they are in proportion to the cost of LPG, thus benefiting the frequent commuters.

Mangalore: Auto LPG Facility now coming to City


Much More than Just Talent!

Indeed, ability in disability is a virtue all special children of God possess. This was proved once again when the visually impaired musicians who are part of Prof Mallikarjuna Saamshi’s troupe mesmerised one and all with soulful music.

The band of musicians not just entertained, but also underlined the fact that being not as lucky as the rest doesn’t necessarily mean being left behind in the race. In fact, often we find that people with disabilities are more capable than most others. Such stories of fighting one’s life to defeat all odds become a source of inspiration to all. The visually impaired are blessed with talents, what they require is support and encouragement in the right direction. Most often, we have seen that they have a special sense for music - they play and sing from the heart, making even the best music appear pale. Not only did the extraordinarily talented musicians showcase their talent, they also revealed their kind hearts by this gesture towards the prisoners.

Mangalore: Visually Impaired Take Music to Prisoners


Fight against Corruption Starts from You

It was an intellectual treat listening to the man himself. Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde was in the city to deliver lectures on corruption at Mangalore University and St Aloysius College. The result was revelation of some of the things about corruption we would never think of otherwise.

Corruption has always been prevalent in our society, and has only grown with time. As Justice Hegde said, the evil cannot be completely abolished, but with the involvement of an alert and responsible public, it can definitely be controlled. The responsibility of doing so extends to parents also to instil the values of honesty and integrity in the minds of their children. Many of the time, it is the common people who fall prey to corrupt individuals. The lokayukta should reach out to more common people through awareness programmes in order to make them known their responsibility and how they can help in fighting the menace.

Mangalore: Lokayukta Speaks to Young Minds in Varsity

Mangalore: Lokayukta Talks on People’s Role in Good Governance


From Hostile to Hostel

After years of oppression and seclusion from the mainstream society, the dalits will be provided with a hostel from the Pejavar Math. Though the hostel will be open for all Hindu students, priority will be given to dalits and students from backward classes.

This is a praiseworthy move by the Math. Dalits who are otherwise segregated in the name of caste will not only be able to move in step with those of the upper castes, but also have an equal opportunity to enjoy the same facilities as their counterparts. A step in the right direction, the hostel should inspire other temples and Maths to do the same. The question will be how the students will be treated by their upper caste hostel mates and wardens. Though caste system is an ancient and out-dated practice, it is still practiced in many pockets of the country, including our own district. Will this also translate in to dalits being allowed in to the temples?

Udupi: Pejavar Math to Start Hostel for Dalit Students


Acid Attack Underlines Threat to Lawyers

The news that had everyone gasping was the acid attack on a lawyer couple at Sullia. The incident not only sent shockwaves across the city, but also evoked anger from the lawyer community.

That it was a well-planned attack is pretty much evident from the circumstances that led to the attack. Phone calls for appointment, repeated calls after being denied, and then barging in to the house, all lead one to believe that this was no small time attack. Lawyers, especially those who deal with criminal cases, are always on the target list, and hence require security at least outside their houses and offices. Two people have been arrested in this regard, but nothing has been brought to light so far. One cannot rule out revenge from a disillusioned criminal. While victims M Venkappa Gowda and his wife Champa are recuperating, the sketches of the culprits based on information will hopefully help in bringing them to book.

Mangalore: Acid Attack on Lawyer Couple


Unholy Occurrence at Holy Dharmasthala

Employees at hotels in Dharmasthala must be finding life a harrowing experience. For the third time in just one month, an employee at a hotel here has ended his life.

This calls for a thorough investigation from the authorities. It is very unusual for such incidents occur on a trot; it also raises questions as to what led to these suicides. All the three were outstation employees, this angle I worth looking in to. Is it that somebody is targeting the outsiders and making it look like suicide? Is there a deep-rooted reason behind the incidents? Why would people come from other places, one of them all the way from Maharashtra, only to end their lives? Not only were there suicides, but even murders of hotel employees in the last few months. That so far only the hotel employees are being targeted also gives some food for thought. The police should take quick action to find the reasons behind the incidents, before another employee plunges in to the dark alleys of death.

Beltangady: Another Hotel Employee Ends Life at Dharmasthala


People ‘Power’ Worries Nagarjuna Again

How can the week pass by without any report of Nagarjuna Power Project? This time the never-ending protest against the plant went a step further with locals destroying important documents relating to the project survey work and damaging a vehicle.

So far we had seen a number of protests from various organisations who had managed to gather support from the locals. Now it seems that the locals themselves want to take charge of the situation and do what they can to oppose the project.

Sometime back, the Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti had visited the project site and even claimed to have signed an MoU with Nagarjuna Power Company Ltd. It would be well if they would also calm the locals down and draw them in favour of the plant. That said, the allegations against NPCL that it is not sticking to its promises of safeguarding the environment are flying fast from all directions.

The locals should be made to understand that survey work is important to know the feasibility of the project and to ensure that the company delivers what it promised – power, without much harming the environment.

Udupi: Locals Assault Nagarjuna Officials - Destroy Valuable Files


After an eventful week, it’s time to enjoy the weekend and look forward to another happening week. It promises to be an exciting one, so be sure to catch up with all the action next week.



Anisa Fathima

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