2010: A Year of Shocks, Surprises, Scams, Smile and much more
Mangalore Today News Network
2010, the bygone year is now a history that has left behind a mixed bag of a joy, sorrow, controversies and tragedies. The year also saw some milestone achievements by individuals and organizations, while there were some issues and events which where equally shocking and alarming. As life goes on and the whole world is gearing up to welcome a new year with new hopes and aspirations for a better and peaceful life, mangaloretoday.com takes a glimpse of the important happenings that marked the year 2010., which has been distinct in several respects.
2010 is year that will go down history as year in which the district witnessed some unprecedented incidents beyond every ones imaginations. 22 May 2010 has been a black day for Mangaloreans as well as neighboring district as on that day Air India Express Flight 812, a Boeing 737-8HG from Dubai to Mangalore crashed at the Kenjar near Bajpe. It was India’s third major tragedy and Mangalore’s worst ever.
The year was also marred by controversies and scams right from the beginning which is still continuing with mercilessly.
Yet another controversial tragedy was the brutal murder of three year old girl child. She was killed in an apparent sacrifice as part of a black-magic ritual. The incident has reeled the Mangalore, which has never experienced the most diabolic incident before.
The moment of pride for twin districts came at the end of the year when Ashwini Akkunji and Mamatha Poojary, both hailing from Udupi District, bagged gold medals in Common wealth games as well as 16th Asian Games held at China.
Unique Bible Exhibition (January, 3, 2010)
Mangalore, January, 3, 2010: Rarely can one experience an Exhibition like the one experienced by people of Mangalore from December, 3, 2009 to January 3, 2010. The Mega Bible Exhibition at Milagres School Grounds was indeed an unique opportunity for the people of the city and surroundings, for the interested in general and Christians in particular. This expo provided a gift for Christmas, for- it enabled a deeper and clearer understanding and insight into this great Book – The Bible! Modernistic technology and tools were used to enlighten the visitors of the Biblical times, cultures, and history along with the lofty message of God which the Bible presents. The enthusiastic presentation attracted a cross section of people. Those with just curiosity, basic interest and the scholarly –all got a better look into the facets of scripture. The number of visitors too was phenomenal. From the introductory model of the topography of the Biblical lands to the enactment of the prominent episodes in the many books of the Bible - everything was captivating. The thematic stalls depicting Bible contents to disseminate the information required, was participated by nearly every religious institution and group of the Diocese of Mangalore. Listing the many attractive profiles will be a task impossible, just to name a few at random: ‘Live Biblical characters recreated and depicted in realistic settings. ‘Bible: 250 versions, in more than 50 languages. ‘Bible puppet shows, dances, bands, skits and songs with high levels. ‘Bible and thematic Films, documentaries, slides, clippings, power point marathon presentations and a jumbo LCD were popular with all.’Bible competitions, quizzes and so on with instant prizes were a hit with the young.’There was interest in displays and on-spot creation of Bible related art by well-known artists and children of different parishes. Not only did this singular event bring a vibrant atmosphere during the Season of Christmas, it also turned out to be a crown of the “Year of Convention of the Faithful” in the Diocese of Mangalore.
Road in city named after martyr (January 17, 2010)
Mangalore, January 17, 2010: The Kuchikad Road in Kulshekhar is now known as ‘Flight Lieutenant Ronald Kevin Serrao Road.’ The road was renamed after the Late Lieutenant with due respect to the martyr in recognition of his services to the nation.
Flight Lieutenant Ronald Kevin Serrao, son of Dr. Jessica Serrao and Retired Lieutenant Colonel John Noel Serrao died when he was practicing bombing sorties at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on Jan 18, 2007. The road leads to Kevin Serrao’s father’s residence. N Yogish Bhat, Legislator, inaugurated the road.
Shiroor Seer ascends Paryaya throne (Udupi, 18 January 2010)
Udupi, January 18, 2010: Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt ascended the Paryaya Peetha at the 245th Paryaya of the Udupi Krishna Mutt at the Udupi Krishna Mutt on January 18th 2010. The outgoing Swamiji Sri Sugunendra Theertha of Puttige Mutt, handed over the Akshaya Patra to the Shiroor Seer thereby marking the transition of power to offer worship to Lord Krishna for the next two year period. Prior to the historic ceremony, Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji arrived at the Jodukatte where he was accorded a grand welcome by dignitaries. From there the seer left for Carstreet in a palanquin along with the other seers in a colourful procession that highlighted the culture and ethos of the land. Later, the seer arrived at the Krishna Temple and had a Darshan of the Lord Krishna through the Kanakana Kindi. After offering due honours to the rest of the seers, the Paryaya Durbar was held at the Rajangana. The Durbar was attended by the rest of the Ashta Mutt seers. The dignitaries present on the occasion included Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.
Mangalore Police Commissionerate inaugurated (January 26, 2010)
Mangalore, January 26, 2010: A longstanding demand of the people of the region was fulfilled with the formal launching of the Mangalore Police Commissionerate at the District Police Headquarters on Republic Day by State Home Minister VS Acharya. This is the fourth Commissionerate in the state after Bangalore, Mysore and Hubli-Dharwar. Ajay Singh, DGP, handed over the Police Flag to Gopal Hosur, the First Police Commissioner of the Commissionerate. Now the Mangalore City is under the control of Police Commissioner. The existing Panambur and Mangalore subdivi-sions are headed by an ACP each. There are 15 police stations under the new commissionerate, each headed by a Circle Inspector. The Urwa, Barke, Kavoor and Konaje police stations, which are presently headed by Sub-Inspectors, will henceforth be headed by Circle Inspectors. According to a proposal sent to the State Government, the new Commissionerate would need 408 constables, 143 head constables, 25 assistant sub-inspectors, seven sub-inspectors and nine
Rajani Dugganna is Mangalore’s first woman mayor from BJP (Feb 26, 2010)
Mangalore, February 2010: When outgoing Deputy Mayor and Corporator of Hosabettu ward No 8 Rajani Dugganna was elected the first woman mayor from the BJP, there were much jubilation as well as high expectations. She is the fifth woman Mayor of MCC after Eunice Britto, Hilda Alva, Sundari S and Vijaya Arun respectively. In the elections to the mayoral post, Rajani Dugganna defeated Bharathi Dinesh of the Congress by 35-20 votes to become the first woman mayor from BJP. With a keen interest to involve in social welfare activities, Rajani made her foray into public life as an active Jana Sangh activist when she was just 23. Since then she has been serving the party in various capacities. She has effectively handled responsibilities as State BJP Mahila Morcha member and Suratkal Mahila Morcha President. She even served as councilor of Suratkal for two terms and worked in different standing committees. She became the mayor during her third tenure as corporator. Even in the Mangalore city corporation she has been the opposition leader, president of standing Committee on Finance, and was Deputy Mayor last year. In fact she is the first Deputy Mayor who rose to the post of the Mayor subsequent upon her term as Deputy Mayor expiring.
Konkani Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus demise shocks music lovers (March 9, 2010)
Mangalore, March 9, 2010: The golden voice of Konkani Music which cast its magical spell on millions of music lovers across the world is no more. When Konkani music legend Wilfy Rebimbus (67) breathed his last on March 9 after a battle with lung cancer, there was shock and disbelief everywhere. For many it was difficult to believe that their favouite singer, musician and lyricist was no more. The demise of Wilfy popularly known as Konkani Kogull has certainly created a void which is hard to fill. Wilfy was a name synonymous with Konkani music. It goes to the credit of this superb and immensely talented singer of taking Konkani music to greater heights around the globe through his dedicated efforts during the past five decades. He was a musician; lyricist and singer who cast a magical spell on the listeners through his unique compositions and distinct style that had won him millions of admirers. Popularly known as Konkani Kogull, the Nightingale of Konkani, a title which he had won from the then Bishop of Mangalore Rt Rev BS D’Souza in the year 1971, Wilfy’s musical career spanned over more than five decades.
Bible Day and Night - A First! (March 15, 2010)
Mangalore, March 15, 2010: ‘BIBLE day and night’ a 27 hour non-stop proclamation of the New Testament, an unusual first for Mangalore was organized at Holy Cross parish Cordel. It commenced at 5.30 pm March 15 and ended at 7.30 pm on Tuesday March 16. The first chapter was read by the Bishop of Mangalore Rev.Dr.Aloysius P.D’Souza and the last chapter was read by Vicar General Rev Msgr. Denis Prabhu. Such a non-stop event is not known earlier and Mangalore’s famous Parish of the Holy Cross at Cordel / Kulshekar is credit with this sacred exercise wholly in Konkani. The reading of the Bible was rendered by 56 priests,5 deacons.7 nuns and 192 laity. To mention just a few of the participants from the many former priests who served in the parish, Rev.Fr.Lawrence D’Souza, presently Director of St.John’s Medical College,Bangalore. Fr.Victor Machado preached a moving sermon. One of the last to read Fr.Ivan Madtha, an active Diocesan preacher who in spite of losing his right arm with other injuries in an accident is an asset to the community with his contributions. This parish is a historical monument created by Rev.Fr.Alexander Dubois, a French Monk, who died and is buried at the spot and honoured as it’s founder. The unusual interesting episode was that as the event came to an end, unusual heavy winds and some rain blew away the stage covering, yet there was no stop to the sacred readings. The Cordel Parish Priest Rev.Fr.Valerian Pinto, Parish Council Vice-President Mr.Victor Vaz and the parishioners totally supported the efforts. All hoped that soon the founder Fr.Alexander Dubois,(Frad Saib) known for his holiness would find a place among the church saints.
KSRTC Volvo buses turn out hot favourites (March 27, 2010)
Mangalore/Udupi, March 27, 2010: The Karnataka State Road Transport is now beaming with pride in Mangalore. The good response has been received from passengers after the introduction of Mangalore-Manipal and Manipal-Kasargod Volvo AC buses. If the Mangalore-Manipal Air Conditioned buses were flagged off in Mangalore by District Minister Krishna J Palemar it was flagged off in Manipal by Home Minister Dr V S Acharya on March 27, 2010. Indeed the introduction of the Mangalore-Manipal Volvo buses after a long time gap was a day to rejoice. The buses were eagerly awaited and curiously boarded by the delighted passengers who enjoyed a wonderful travel in a cool atmosphere in this hot weather. No doubt, the AC Volvo buses have become the darlings of the people. It’s these buses that are attracting attention on the roads wherever they are seen and receive royal patronage from the public. Latest reports say the KSRTC which is happy with the response received by the Volvo buses is now planning to introduce similar services even on the Mangalore-Puttur route which is one of the most profitable routes for the KSRTC in the district.
Mangalore-Delhi direct flights launched (March 28, 2010)
Mangalore, March 28, 2010: March 28 was a day of jubilation for air passengers in Mangalore when the longstanding demand for a direct flight between Mangalore and Delhi was fulfilled. In fact the direct flights has come in as a great relief for the frequent travelers on the route as otherwise they had to reach Delhi either via Mumbai or Bangalore. The direct flight to Delhi flies six days a week except Saturdays on alternate routes. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, it operates on the Delhi-Mangalore-Kozhikode Delhi route, while on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, it flies on the Delhi-Kozhikode-Mangalore-Delhi routes.
Udupi tops in sound pollution!
According to a report by the Udupi District Human Resources Development Department, Udupi has occupied the first place in sound pollution in Karnataka. The number of vehicles in Udupi has increased nearly five times in the last five years and the sound pollution was more than 115 decibels. The report warns that by the next 10 years, the residents of Udupi will lose 50 percent of their hearing capacity if the sound pollution continued to rise at this rate. Udupi town will also have to face serious problems owing to improper solid waste disposal and management. Most of this waste is produced in hospitals, houses, and industries and most of it comprises plastic and chemical waste, which does not get decomposed in soil. The report said that, owing to improper waste disposal, the city will have to face problems related to health, hygiene, and environment in the future. The rising use of insecticides and pesticides in the coastal area will have an adverse effect on health and environment, warned the report, stressing the need to preserve the bio-resources of the city.
City Centre Mall inaugurated (25th April, 2010)
Mangalore, April 25, 2010: City Centre Mall, the 10th largest in India and second largest in Karnataka, located at KS Rao Road in the city was inaugurated by Rajayogini Dadi Jankiji, Chief of Brahma Kumaris, World Headquarters, Mount Abu on April 25th 210. In her benedictory address Dadi Jankiji said the City Centre Mall will be a beacon of light for the people of Mangalore. It will radiate exuberance, consumerism and increase the prosperity of the people of this city. She said people seek happiness in their day to day life and this Mall will provide it and give them peace and happiness. But at the same time the people should show some degree of patience, love and tolerance towards others, which will improve the society. S M Arshad, Managing Director of Mohtisham, presented a brief account of the features of the new mall and said it had generated 2,700 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs. On this occasion, he also announced Mohtisham’s plans to establish a new 300-acre township called “Celebrations” in Mangalore. The mall sprawls over 5.4 sq ft and houses more than 170 national and international tenants. The major anchors of the Rs 115 crore projects are Spar Hypermarket, Westside, Lifestyle, Reliance Timeout, Reliance Trends, Reliance Digital, Mom and Me, Sports XS, Reliance Jewels, Gili, Planet Sports, Hidesign, Lush, and the Body Shop. A five-screen cinema operated by Cinepolis, the fourth largest multiplex based in Mexico, will be the main attraction of mall. The mall has seven levels of retail shopping space, five levels of parking space for 800 four wheelers and 1000 two wheelers. There are eight passenger lifts, two travelators, 27 escalators, and five freight lifts. Fully air-conditioned mall has absolute back-up power supply. Moreover, the project has state of the art fire and safety measures of international standard and it is as per the National Building Code stipulation.
New Terminal of Mangalore Airport inaugurated (May 15, 2010)
Mangalore, May 15, 2010: The wait was over and the new integrated terminal of the Mangalore Airport at Bajpe was finally inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel. Now the new terminal reduces the distance between the airport and Mangalore city by 8 km. The newly constructed airport terminal now facilitates the economic growth of the state. Mangalore has great potential for growth and development after Bangalore. August 2, 2010 was a great day in the history of the Mangalore Airport when the New Integrated Terminal Building of the Airport commenced operations, after a long wait. Air India Express flight from Bahrain/Kuwait was the first flight to land in the new terminal after the commencement of operation. The NITB, a Rs 158 crore project, boasts of high class world standard facilities. It can handle about 500 passengers at a time both arrival and departure. Provisions are made for handling domestic and international passengers separately. Facilities are also provided for parking more than 300 cars at the terminal. The new terminal building has come up on an area of 18,220 sq metres.The building has seven escalators and an equal number of elevators. It also has four security hold areas. The new apron has come up on an area of 43,000 sq meter and can accommodate five wide bodied aircrafts. Other amenities include aero bridge, CC Camera and centralized air conditioning, apart from modern security systems in place. The Terminal is also equipped with inline x-ray baggage facilities. MR Vasudeva, the Director of the Airport, who was recently reappointed Director after a short tenure at Coimbatore, was a proud man as he is considered the brain behind the airport expansion. The terminal has been provided security cover by 130 CISF jawans. A police outpost has also been set up at the airport. However, with more entrance and exit areas and more space to be guarded the job of the Central Industrial Security Force has become complex, emphasizing the need for more manpower. The old terminal is expected to be used for cargo operations and for flying club purposes. However, the minus point has been the exit road which is a PWD road and is in a bad state. The state government has already assured to provide Rs 9 crores to develop the new exit road.
Mangalore Air Crash: A night mare in the history of Mangalore (May 22, 2010)
Mangalore, May 22: It was India’s third major air tragedy and Mangalore’s worst ever tragedy. There was shock and grief everywhere when the news came in of the crashlanding of Air India Express Flight IX-812 from Dubai at the Bajpe airport in the early hours of May 22, Saturday that left 158 dead and eight survivors. The aircraft overshot the runway, crashed and burst into flames. The crash was the deadliest in India since the November 1996 midair collision between a Saudi airliner and a Kazakh cargo plane near New Delhi that killed 349 people and the January 1, 1978 Air India flight crash into Arabian Sea that left 213 dead. The state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800, which was inducted on January 15, 2008 and piloted by British national of Serbian origin Capt Zlatko Glusica , had 166 passengers and a six-member crew on board the budget carrier. The passengers included four infants. The crash came as India’s national carrier tries to weather serious financial difficulties. In February, the government had approved a $173 million cash infusion for the airline, which has suffered decades of mismanagement and underinvestment. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) saw the plane approaching normally and enter the runway but suddenly veered away after skidding and one side of it hit the Instrument Landing System (ILS) antenna on the ground. The body of the plane, that overshot the runway, broke and some passengers were thrown out of the aircraft, just before it crashed into the valley. Dense black smoke billowed from the wreckage of the flaming Boeing 737 flight in a hilly area with thick grass and trees. Airports Authority of India Chairman V P Agarwal said visibility was 6-7 kms, more than that required, when the ill-fated plane landed in Mangalore . Agarwal said, "No constructional deficiencies were noticed" and that authorities had conducted all necessary safety checks at the airport before the runway which has been operational since 2006. According to Union Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram the plane’s pilot, a British citizen, had more than 10,000 hours of flying experience, including 26 landings at Mangalore. The Indian co-pilot had more than 3,750 hours of experience and 66 landings at Mangalore, he said. Rescue workers pulled scores of burned bodies from the blackened tangle of aircraft cables, twisted metal, charred trees and mud at the crash site. Many of the dead were strapped into their seats, their bodies burned beyond recognition. About 150 CISF personnel, airport officials and fire service personnel along with civilians searched for survivors down the hillock from where the aircraft fell. The state government has appointed an IAS officer, Yogendra Tripathy, as the nodal officer to assist the district administration to provide rescue and relief operations at Mangalore airport. Meanwhile, the government has announced that it will bear the cost of treatment of the injured. Sources in the DGCA, privy to the final report on the invesfigation into the crash, said the pilot of the ill-fated flight, ZlatkoGlusica, had been groggy from his 90 minute on-flight slumber, when he attempted to land the Air India IX 812737-800 on that fateful day. The sources in Air India also confirmed that the final report has been indeed released but the DGCA had the first copy of it. Sources said the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) recorded intermittent snoring of the pilot who was in deep sleep. This recording was decoded by the American National Transport Board which stated that “this was the first instance of recording of snoring by a pilot on flight”. The pilot had woken up few minutes before the aircraft had entered Indian EEZ over Arabian Sea (200 kilometers from Bajpe airport). The aircraft overshot the runway and crashed into the ravines beyond its perimeter.
Passport office now in Mangalore (May 30, 2010)
Mangalore, May 30, 2010: New passport center has been started in Mangalore on May 30, 2010. Prior to this it was working near DC office and now it has shifted to new building near Prakash beedi compound at Kodialbail. Foreign affairs ministry has taken action to provide good level of service according to public response and technology. People can now obtain passports four days after applying for them, as long as police verification is not required. Tatkal passports can be obtained on the same day. So far, people had to wait for nearly 30 - 45 days to get a passport. These changes are because the Passport Collection Centre has been upgraded to a Passport Seva Kendra. People can fix appointments on online and complete the process of submitting documents, taking their photograph, and giving their thumb prints within quarter of an hour. A token system is used in the Kendra to help people submit their applications and verify their documents.
Mangalore Police Commissionerate office inaugurated (June 26, 2010)
Mangalore, June 26, 2010: The office of the Mangalore Police Commissionerate was recently inaugurated by Home Minister Dr VS Acharya. The office has been set up within a record five months after the announcement of the formation of the Commissionerate. Seventeen of the twenty-eight police stations in the district come under the jurisdiction of the Commissionerate. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Acharya urged the public to provide feedback in the form of suggestions and opinions for the further development of the police department. He also informed that the Commissionerate will have its own building within one year and added the 2000 square feet building would be constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crores. District-in-charge Minister Krishna J. Palemar, presided over the inaugural function. Commissioner of Police Seemanth Kumar Singh, first police commissioner of Mangalore, also spoke on the occasion. DGP Ajay Kumar Singh, R Ramesh, DCP, Western Range IGP B. Gopal Hosur, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Udupi MP Sadananda Gowda, Deputy Commissioner V. Ponnuraj, Legislators, Ramanath Rai, Abhayachandra Jain, Mayor of Mangalore Rajani Dugganna, Deputy Mayor Rajendra Kumar and Zilla Panchayat President Santosh Kumar Bhandari, were present on the dais.
Change of Guard (August 27, 2010)
Mangalore, August 27, 2010: Alok Mohan took charge as new Inspector General of Police (IGP – western range) in Mangalore on August 27, 2010. Hailing from Patna, Alok Mohan, an IPS officer of 1987 batch, has a very impressive track record in his career in the police department that spans 23 years. An MSc and MPhil degree holder, Alok Mohan has served as ASP of Puttur, Udupi and SP of Uttara Kannada district and Director General of Police, Forest Intelligence. Prior to taking charge as IGP Western Range, he was the IGP in Vigilance and Enforcement Cell of KPTCL. Other posts held by him are IGP of Central Industrial Security Force at New Delhi, Deputy Inspector General of Police, state CID, Bangalore; Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) at Bangalore city and IGP at Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF). Alok Mohan has also served as the commander of the International Police Task Force (IPTF), UN Peace Keeping Operation in Bosnia Herzegovina and has taken the command course with the British Police. He has also received the Director General’s Commendation Disc, the UN Peace Medal, and the Police Medal from the president in recognition of his meritorious services in the department. Speaking after assuming the office, he said that the police will be ruthless towards anti-social and criminal elements, whoever it may be.” ”The department is ready to face all the challenges ranging from communalism, to naxalism, and from under-world activities to terrorism,” he exudes confidence. He is also hopeful that his experiences in Scotland Yard, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and UN Peacekeeping Force will be of great use while discharging his duties and responsibilities as IGP of Western Range. He said he would lay emphasis on having a people-friendly police. Every case coming to the police station would be registered. A complainants’’ day would be held on every third Sunday, where complainants would be briefed about the status of each case, he said.
Queen’s Baton gets rousing reception in Mangalore, Udupi (Sep 5, 2010)
Mangalore, September 5, 2010: The Queen’s Baton Relay, as part of commonwealth game, that arrived into DK through Gundya in Nelyadi on September 5, 2010 was given a rousing reception on behalf of the District administration in the presence of additional Deputy Commissioner Prabhaker Sharma, NCC cadets, Scouts, Guides and sportspersons. Krishna J. Palemar, District-in-charge Minister; SP Dr. Subrahmanyeshwara Rao, Santosh Bhandary, President of the DK Zilla Panchayat; Shivashanker, CEO of Zilla Panchayat; Shankar Bhat, former mayor; Amith Singh, ASP of Puttur; Navin Shetty; Laxmishan, held the Baton before handing it over to Ganapathy Nayak, the silver medal winner in the Sri Lankan Sports Meet at Colombo in 1970. The Baton was handed over to Shobha Narayan Manjali Bhargavi, Vandana Rao, and Vandana Shanbhag at Kadri, after which the relay headed over to Town Hall. A series of cultural programmes, including a dance performance by Sanathan Natyalaya, Taleemu by Rudranjaneya team of Kaup, Kangeelu dance, Dudi Kunitha, and Hulivesha performance by Bajilakeri Kamalaksha, were presented.
In Udupi: The Queen’s Baton Relay team of the Commonwealth Games received an equally enthusiastic welcome in the temple town of Udupi. An elephant garlanded the baton at the welcome arch at Kinnimulki here on its arrival as the beats of the traditional ‘chende’ rent the air. Hundreds of students and NCC cadets cheered when the baton was handed over to Babu Shetty, a sportsperson from the district. A team of sportspersons, led by Babu Shetty, took the baton from Kinnimulki. Cultural programmes, including Yakshagana, Veera Gase and Huli Vesha were organised near the taluk office and the Board High School. Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Zilla Panchayat President Gladys Almeida, Deputy Commissioner P. Hemalatha and Superintendent of Police Pravin Pawar were present at Kinnimulki to welcome the baton.
Padayatra Politics
The padayatra politics triggered by the mining muddle is now history. But the Congressmen from the district who enthusiastically participated in the padayatra along with their cultural tribe kicked off controversies sufficiently. Witnesses say no other Cong team from the state, entertained the crowd and the padayatra participants as much as the team from DK with its bandwagon of cultural troupes. There was the all time favourite-the Huli Vesha troupe, which hitherto restricted merely to Dasara, has now become a regular feature during all festivities. There were the yakshagana veshadharis and not to forget the traditional bhoothakola veshadharis. In fact it was the last one that kicked off a row. The traditional Nalike community which usually dons the role of Bhootha Veshas began complaining that the Bhootha Vesha presented at the padayatra offended them and the religious sentiments of the people and such Veshas are not supposed to be exhibited anywhere else, but during the Kola. But Congress leaders claimed they had not offended anyone by presenting the Bhootha Vesha at the Padayatra and it was only an attempt at popularizing the tradition. Of course, apologies too poured in from Congress leader saying ‘sorry’ if the Bhootha Veshas presented during the Padayatra had hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. Now everything has passed into history after the Padayatra became a roaring success. But sources say the Congressmen have still not come out of the Padayatra hangover.
A tender that landed MSEZ in dock (September 17, 2010)
Mangalore, September 17, 2010: It was a great humiliation for the BJP party as well as the officials of Mangalore Special Economic Zone, after a deputy Manager, who had come here to Submit a tender documents pertaining to MSEZL river water pipeline Conveyance System (Contract package number SEZL/WS/MS/01) was abducted by the activists of Hindu right wing and ruling party. The incident came to light when Mangalore Today website exposed the story of abduction in its website www.mangaloretoday.com. IVRCL was one among the ten bidders, who had to submit their tender documents on August 16. Rajeswarachary, Deputy Manager of IVRCL, had reached Mangalore early morning of August 16 and checked in at Hotel Kavitha Residency, opposite to MUDA / MSEZ office, at Urwa Store, Mangalore. He walked in at the MSEZ office at 10.30 and registered for the Tender presentation. A MSEZ official and four others approached him and asked for his quote and cost details. They wanted him to join their ‘carter deal’ and go away without submitting the tender. When he refused to oblige their demand, they threatened him point blank and took him out of the MSEZ premises by force. They took him in a black Maruti Alto car and roamed around Surathkal, Kateel and reached Mangalore in the evening. He was made to sit in the car preventing him to make any calls. They roamed around Suratkal, Mulki and Kateel in a black Maruti Alto car bearing number KA 19 P8308. They brought him to the hotel near Alukkas Jewellery by around 3.00 pm. During the captivity, they abused him and were getting continues feedback from MSEZL office on what was happening. This means that there is a person from MSEZL, who is leaking the information to the abductors. Rajeswarachary heard one of the kidnaper addressing the person at MSEZ as Divakar or Sudhakar. On the way, there were lots of names being spoken by the abductors, who were speaking in Tulu and Kannada. Some of the names being spoken were: Srikar, Sharan, Sachin and Subbaraju and Nalin. They were even mentioning that the price bids will be opened before 24th August. All the persons, involved in the kidnapping can be identified by victim said Rajjeswarachary. At around 3.00pm on 16th August, the company got a call from Rajeswarachary’s own mobile bearing number 98862 48727. The person spoke to them was saying that they are holding him in captivity and will not allow him to submit the tender, come what may. Finally, Rajeswarachary was taken in a Honda Activa Scooter to the Sugama Bus office and one of the abductors collected his luggage and belongings from Kavita Residency along with checkout receipt. He was brought back to Bangalore by the abductors. His mobile was switched off till 17th morning. The tender had been cancelled after the officials of IVRCL conducted a press meet here to disclose all the matters.
3 cheers for Mangalore United (September 29, 2010)
Mangalore, September 29, 2010: They have finally proved themselves. Yes, Mangalore United, the team owned by Mangalore’s very own man BA Moidin Bava, has made everyone proud by emerging champions in the second edition of the Mantri KPL T-20 tournament on September 29, 2010. The great win after losing the first three matches in the tournament, was something to cheer about and deserved a celebration in the form of a victory march that brought in a sense of great jubilation. The team attributes its success to team effort and hard work. The vehicular rally led by the team’s proud owner BA Moidin Bava, was flagged off from the NIT - K grounds in Suratkal and passed through Kottara, Lady Hill, Ballalbagh, PVS, Jyothi Circle, Hampankatta, and culminated at Nehru Maidan in the city. It was an event that depicted communal amity in its true spirit when priests of three different religions inaugurated the rally. The colourful rally also featured cultural teams which accompanied the jubilant teams. The team was cheered by enthusiastic fans who had gathered on either side of the roads to greet the champions. Later, the players of the victorious team were felicitated at a function that was held at the TMA Pai Convention Centre.
Miscreants destroy air crash memorial (October 5, 2010)
Mangalore, October 5, 2010: The black granite plaque, bearing names of the 158 people killed in the May 22 an Air India Express plane crash, that was installed at the crash site at Kenjar as a memorial to the crash victims was destroyed by some unidentified miscreants. The plaque was found in pieces. Though Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh has said that investigations were on, so far no arrest has been made in this connection.
Bunts Hostel Circle fades into history (October 6, 2010)
Mangalore, October 6, 2010: The Bunts Hostel Circle, one of the prominent circles of Mangalore, has now become a thing of the past. The Circle constructed by the Buntara Alias Nadavara Mathra Sangha almost a century ago, has now faded into history after it was recently demolished by the corporation authorities to facilitate smooth movement of vehicles. No doubt, the Circle that was given a face-lift a couple of decades ago, had become an integral part of the city. But, the fact that could not be denied was that it proved an impediment in the smooth movement of vehicular traffic in this busy road. It has been learnt that the Buntara Sangha voluntarily agreed to concede to a request made by the local authorities to raze down the circle. The Sangha has also let a part of the land owned by it at the junction on the road towards Mallikatte to facilitate road widening. The Sangha meanwhile, has plans to construct a new circle a little away from where it was earlier.
Direct cruise service to Lakshadweep launched (November 6, 2010)
Mangalore, November 6, 2010: The luxury cruise liner M. V. Minicoy, which left the Old Port of Mangalore to Lakshadweep on its maiden journey with 128 passengers returned to Mangalore on the morning of November 8. Anand Rao, an official of the Lakshadweep Development Corporation, which operates cruise liner services from Mangalore to Lakshadweep, labeled the debut voyage as “successful” and said that the service will continue. The inaugural trip, which was meant to be a Diwali gift, carried 126 passengers from Mangalore old port for Kadmatt Island MV Aminidevi at around 10 am on November 6. Lakshadweep is located at a distance of about 144 nautical miles from Mangalore Old Port. The passenger ship has the capacity of 150 passengers. The Lakshadweep Islands Tourism Development Authority has introduced the luxurious tourist liner service between Lakshadweep and Mangalore. Kadmatt, which is close to Mangalore, is a paradise of water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, cruising, along with a wide variety of other tourist attractions. The trip, which lasts less than 14 hours, will cost Rs. 5000 per person. The only ship journeying between Kadmatt Island and Mangalore at present is a cargo vessel called Tippu Sultan.
Udupi sportswomen win gold for India (November 27, 2010)
Mangalore, November 27, 2010: The women athletes of Udupi won 2 gold medals in the 16th Asian Games held in Guangzhou City, China from November 12 to 27. A. C. Ashwini won her first gold medal in the 400m hurdles and another in 4x400m relay squad. Mamatha Poojary of Hermunde near Karkala won the gold medal for the Indian Women’s Kabbadi team. Tejaswini V. Bai, another member of this team, is also from Karnataka. Both Mamatha and Ashwini were raised in humble circumstances and reached the heights through sheer determination and hard work. Mamatha is also from Hermunde near Karkala. Ashwini Akkunji of Kundapur in Udupi district was part of the four-member team that beat the strong Nigerian team to clinch the gold medal for India in the 4 x 400 m race on common wealth Games held at Delhi on October 13. Ashwini, daughter of Akkunji Chidananadagowda of Kundapur, was selected for the Common Wealth Games because of her past performance. She was junior national champion in 400 m race and had won in Women’s Athletics Championships. According to Dakshina Kannada District Sports School Athletics Coach Vasanthakumar, who is officiating in Mysore Dasara sports, the girl underwent training in Tata Athletics Academy in Jamshedpur under a scholarship-based training programme. She was coached by Sathnam Singh there. She first trained herself in Sports School in Vidyanagar which is run by the Department of Youth Services and Sports near Devanahalli while completing her high school education. She was coached by B.G. Manjunath for the three years. Mamatha works at Central Railways in Secundarabad. She studied in Hermunde Primary School and then at Jyothi High School in Ajekar and finally at Government Junior College at Muniyal. She got her BA degree at Gokarnanatheshwara College in Mangalore. Mamatha was initially a volleyball player, who was later encouraged by her coach Ramesh Suvarna to practice Kabbadi when she was studying at Government Junior College in Muniyal. She also received the encouragement of Ramakrishna Hegde, the physical director at Government Junior College, Muniyal, and Purushottam, the physical director at Gokarnanatheshwara College. Ever since, she focused on Kabbadi and attended a number of sports camps. The humble village of Hermunde celebrated as soon as it got news that the Kabaddi team had won. People distributed sweets and burst crackers. In Jansale, Ashwin’s parents were honoured with a garland, a shawl, and fruits. The villagers want to celebrate Ashwin’s second gold medal by bursting crackers, but the shops had already sold out all the firecrackers they had.
Three Year old girl Child’s sacrifice incident shocks Mangalore (Dec 16, 2010)
Mangalore, December 16, 2010: A heinous death of three year old girl, hailing from Bihar, has reeled the Mangalore, which has never experienced this kind of incident. The incident occurred when the people of Mangalore was gearing up to celebrate the Christmas and New Year. The dreadful incident has taught a moral lesson to all parents to take care their children’s more. Mangalore is considered as one of the prominent educational hub of the world. But the recent past incident clearly indicates that the Mangalore is still under the shadow of superstition. But it is unbelievable that obnoxious medieval practice, which is much practiced in West Bengal and northern parts of India, is being practiced in Mangalore. A three-year-old girl child Priyanka, daughter of Bihar based Kiran Kumar Jha and Anjali Jha, was allegedly sacrificed by a tantrik in Yeyyadi on the outskirts of the city on December, Thursday 16. Kamalaksha, a tatntrik from the region believed that he would get a long life if he sacrifices a girl child. He offered drug laced vermillion to the girl to eat. After loosing her consciousness he strangulated her to death and dumped in a nearest plantation. Kadri Police who received a complaint from her parents discovered the dead body from the plantation. When Kadri police interrogated Chandralekha (28), a neighbour of Jha family, confessed that her alleged step father Kamalaksha Purusha (72), a tantrik, had strangulated the child in a ritual.