Mangaluru: Activist Vidya Dinker bags Lawrence Pinto Human Rights Award

January 6, 2016

Mangaluru, Jan 6: Social activist Vidya Dinker, who spearheaded many struggles in coastal Karnataka, has been chosen for Lawrence Pinto Human Rights Award 2016.

The awards selection committee has unanimously selected 'firebrand human rights activist' Vidya Dinker to receive the award, noted Eric Ozario, secretary of the organization in an official statement on Wednesday.

The organization has considered Vidya's selfless fight for people's rights for the past many years, for taking on the might of the state against the displacement of locals, especially the poor in the SEZ project, her fight for ecology and in defense of hapless trees being felled in the name of development and progress, for standing up bravely against 'the terrorism of the saffron brigade', and doing all this, almost single handedly, in selecting her for the award, Eric said.

Lawrence Pinto, in whose name the award is instituted, lived all his life in the service of the working class and the downtrodden, and 'Friends of Lawry' instituted the award to perpetuate his memory.

Vidya will receive the award at a function to be held at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar here on January 24 and M I Savadatti, former vice-chancellor, Mangalore University will present the award.

The award announcement comes a few days after she was threatened with rape and murder by dozens of online abusers after she took on saffron fringe groups that tried to prevent screening of Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dilwale in Mangaluru.

Mangaluru-based rationalist Narendra Nayak, who travels across the country and abroad exposing 'miracles' and bringing awareness of the need to develop a scientific temper, was the first recipient of the award last year.

Comments

This lady dearly wanted some Award.. you know why? she wanted to RETURN it for next intolerance incident..lol

welcome back naren after serving jail sentence in thailand jail... hope your bones are in good condition ,,,, kuch toota tho nahi hai na??????

First of all, Congrats to this courageous lady , my brother Mr.Kotian still not able to digest her great work, Mr.Kotian poisons words and thinking clearly proves his mentality,

Vidya....you deserve this award. We are with you....

Naren, don't criticise women...if you have guts stand for good deed...tell your bajrangy chelas shut-up...mind their own business...

Congrats Vidya Akka

Congratulations!

Well deserved and nice timing too!

Raise your voice against all wrong things. Congrats vidya

Brave lady.. Congrats

Congrats.. Keep on doing good things

Do you know any single good word naren.. You knew only one thing, ie blaming others.

Happy to hear that. Congrats vidya mam

She desrves. Congrats

Naren returns.. with his cheddi comments

Great.. congrats vidya

This woman reinvented herself by making cheap allegations against nationalist groups who protested against anti-national actor Shah Rukh Khan's film.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

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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Mangaluru NRI returning from Saudi Arabia arrested over Instagram post

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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