'Bystanders more prone to eye injuries as crackers are burst'

November 9, 2015

Bengaluru: Nov 9: Bystanders and passersby should be more careful than those burning crackers during Deepavali. Seven out of ten cases doctors in Bengaluru attended to in the outpatient department last year involved onlookers.

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Dr Arun Samprathi, pediatric opthalmologist at Samprathi Eye Hospital, said that last year he attended to 11 children with moderate injuries. His word of precaution: parents must monitor children when they go out to burst crackers. Bystanders, too, should take due precautions. “Most injuries occur when children try to reignite the crackers. This must be completely avoided. Besides, waring eye gear while bursting crackers is advised,” he added.

If eyes injuries are caused by burns, one can wash eyes with cold water and reach the nearest eye care centre. But open wounds must not be treated at home, he said.

Dr N Veerabhadra Rao, Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon at Bangalore Nethralaya Super Speciality Eye Hospital, agreed that most people who were treated for eye injuries as outpatients last year were onlookers. “If there is an open eye injury or if the wound is bleeding, it is important to bear in mind to rush to the hospital immediately and not even splash water on the wound as it ups the chances of an infection,” he said. “One must wear well-fitting thick cotton clothes during the season and burst crackers in an open area.”

Many eye care centres remain open on festive days to attend to emergencies. “Our hospital will function and those who suffer eye injuries while bursting crackers will be treated free of charge,” Dr Rao added.

Narayana Nethralaya, too, will remain open round the clock and additional staff will be on duty to cater to patients, said K Bhujang Shetty, chairman of the hospital chain. “The longer the chemicals stay in the eye the more harmful it will be. Patients might fear they will have to foot a large bill if they visit private hospitals and hence avoid getting it treated. To avoid this, consultation and primary care would be given free of charge for cracker-related injuries,” he added.

State-run Minto Eye Hospitals in Chamarajpet has issued a circular, instructing its staff to be on duty on Deepavali to attend to emergency cases, if any.

Besides eye injuries, respiratory ailments could also spoil the festival spirit, according to pulmonologists. People need be prepare in advance. Sulphur dioxide goes up at least 200 times the usual during the season, causing such diseases as pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis, said Dr H Paramesh, director, Lake View Hospital. “Those with asthma can take inhalers 15 minutes before bursting crackers and take extra medication, if need be. In case of an attack, one must immediately take two puffs,” he added.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 5,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant step to curb online hate and intimidation, Mangaluru City Police have registered a suo motu case against multiple Instagram accounts accused of circulating alleged provocative and threatening content.

While monitoring social media activity on Tuesday, Kankanady Town PSI Anitha Nikkam identified the Instagram handle ‘team_targetttt_900’ for posting a hate message alongside images of lethal weapons. Another account, ‘team_nagara_900’, allegedly shared a threatening post targeting activist Bharath Kumdelu, tagging additional pages such as KARAVALI-OFFICIAL.

Several other accounts — including ‘immu_bhai.fan’, ‘target_boy_900’, ‘kings_of_manglore’, ‘team_target_boys.900’, ‘arshad_mangalore’, ‘target_ka19_ullal’, ‘team_target__’, ‘troll_tigersz_900’, ‘tr_group_900’, and ‘team_target_900’ — are also under scrutiny for spreading similar inflammatory material, police said.

Authorities have urged citizens, especially young social media users, to report suspicious pages and avoid engaging with groups that glorify violence or threaten individuals. Online hate can quickly escalate into real-world harm, and police stress that sharing or promoting such content can attract legal consequences.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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