Love triumphs as Ashita-Shakeel Ahmed wedding unites Hindu-Muslim families

coastaldigest.com news network
April 18, 2016

Mysuru, Apr 18: The Nikah and other wedding rituals of the Hindu-Muslim couple from Mandya, whose alliance was opposed by the Hindutva extremists, were held peacefully amidst tight security in spite of threats from the anti-social elements on Sunday.

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The wedding reception was held in a grand manner at a convention hall in Mysuru on Sunday evening amid tight police security. There was no untoward incident during the ceremony. Hundreds of relatives and well-wishers prayed for the eternal bond between Shakeel Ahmed and Ashita alias Shaista Sultana, whose 12 years of love culminated in wedding.

The couple, both MBA graduates, took part in bale shastra', the pre-wedding bangle ritual, at the bride's house in Mandya on Saturday. The same day, the couple and their families left for Mysuru. Ashitha and her family stayed with a relative in the City of Palaces.

It's unclear when and where the Nikah (the Muslim ceremony which entails the groom making an offer and the bride accepting it) was held.

The police escorted members of both the families to the venue of the reception, Taj Convention Hall in Bannimantap locality. The newly-married couple reached the venue at 7.20 pm in separate vehicles and the reception began 10 minutes later.

The reception was attended by dignitaries like writer K S Bhagwan, journalist Gowri Lankesh, former minister M S Athmananda, women's rights activist K S Vimala and former MLA G B Shivakumar. JD(S) MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan is said to have visited the couple in Mandya and wished them.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar described the marriage as special. “Generational and cultural progress and education have brought about this change. The parents consented to the marriage. I have come here to wish the couple,” he said.

Though no protests were held against the marriage, entry into the marriage hall was restricted due to security reasons.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) HT Shekar said that the marriage was held peacefully. “We provided adequate security,” he said, adding that the marriage ceremony was conducted without any disruption.

Also Read:

Hindu-Muslim wedding: Radicals try to impose bandh despite nod denial

Hindu-Muslim wedding: Communal groups call for bandh; several booked

Hindu-Muslim wedding; families agree but Hindutva extremists stage protest

I will marry my Muslim friend; it's my wish: Hindu girl shames saffron groups

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Comments

Anubhav
 - 
Wednesday, 4 May 2016

It is stupidity to call it hindu-muslim marriage as the girl converted to Islam a few days back from the marriage. She has the right to do whatever she wants but conversions as condition for marriage does not account for true love. Only hypocrites can justify conversion and can call it love triumph. It is a shame that a person has to change religion for marriage and lovers in interreligious religions (be it of any religion) should be able to defend faith of each others that for me is true love. Fanatics use Indian laws to marry girls of other religions and show their religious hypocricy by making the girl to convert for marriage which for me is a cheap ideology. Progressive laws are being used by bigots to show their true color. Which is a shame, in any religions if a partner is made to change religion the party who forces other to change religion is cheap and fanatic. Not a secular trend..

DR SUNIL J RAO
 - 
Sunday, 24 Apr 2016

Wishing the couple a happy married life...I have only one query..In an inter-religious marriage such as this one...the woman has to compulsorily convert to Isalm is it ?? What is the Isalmic law inthis regards...Wat if te booy ocnverts to Hinduism through arya Samaj ?
I have heard of several inter-religious marriages where there is no conversion---husband hindu/mother catholic etc...Why conversion here ?

shaji
 - 
Thursday, 21 Apr 2016

Dear Prakash, you are like a frog in the well and have no knowledge about islam and muslims. dont read books written by prabhakar b hat / Mutalik / Karnik etc. Read books written by authenticated people. Half knowledge is not good for health. Talk to Mr. Jain, a shiv sena activist who was against Muslims / Islams till recently and have reverted to Islam for the reason he changed his belief. May be you will get correct answer to your question. dont judge on yourself. dont trust the hate mongers. May God bless you with right way of thinking and keep you on right path.

musaib baig
 - 
Thursday, 21 Apr 2016

Happy married life may Allah fullfil all your dream and I pray all your dream come true .. I pray Allah to give you more strength to fight this saffron menace...!!!!

Irfan
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Wish you Happy married life and wish you happy and prosperous married life.

Rikaz
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Prakash...in your religion why lower cast girl or boy cant marry upper cast girl or boy...as per Islam if a boy wants to marry a Hindu girl, he can but she has to convert to Islam religion....because in Hinduism, Hindus pray 100's of gods which is forbidden in Islam....and children born out of that marriage will follow mother's tradition or religion...to avoid that she should convert to Islam...one thing is nobody can force anyone to marry to someone...here girl and boy loved each other and married...she willingly converted to Islam.

hIjab, burka will give security and safety to girls while they are venturing outside of their home....you know most of rapes and molestation of girls happening around India....reason behind it is girls dont cover their body parts properly, whereas burkha and hijab will protect them from it....

Muslims can marry up to 4 girls....it is not compulsory but it is a provision...if you can't make justification and satisfy their requirements then you are not eligible for it at all....

KhasaiKhaane
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

@Prakash

Coz Muslim Girls are not allowed to marry the disbelievers or the polytheists as per Shariah law. Neither is a Muslim man allowed to marry a Disbeliever/Polytheist. The only option here is the man or the woman must revert to Islam for

SK
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

It is surprising to note the greetings from the readers to the so called Muslim boy.... Do not forget this boy was in love with the non muslim girl since 12 years, just imagine the amount of SIN he has earned by having contacts with the girl without marriage..... we are nothing but hypocrites to greet the so called muslim boy....

THINKERS
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Dear Prakash R...

One reason is U guys are worshiping the Man made gods. U make saints as gods, u make idols as gods, u make animals as gods, u make MONKEYs as God, U make URINE as God's blessing...

SICK... When Ur own VEDA says NA TASYA PRATIMA ASTI... Y dont U use your intellect and find out WHO is GOD and who is WORTHY of WORSHIP...
U will get all the answers if U start using your intellect honestly on recognising our CREATOR who created U & ME and all that exists.

sadiq
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Dear Prakash Answer :bcz Muslim Girl believe in Allah & they want to die as Muslim .they dont want to go to hell forever Mr prakash i invite you to
Islam Believe in One god and Prophet muhmmed(saw) is the Messenger of Allah so Accept islam it will benefit in both world. you will have no fear in hearafter May allah guide us all Ameen

Prakash R
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Question: Why not Muslim girls marry other religion boys?

Prakash R
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

The religion should not poke its nose in any way. If the boy was really brave, he should have suggested for a non-religious marriage. In the boy's religion, there is no freedom for women, men can marry 4 wives, pray 5 times a day. In each and everything, religion comes first, burkha, hijab are symbols of slavery. She does not know that she is getting into an unknown jail...
People of religion bring the name of non-existing god unnecessarily.. that's the problem, otherwise, it is ok..

Abraham
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Shaistha weds Shakeel.....how the hell is this a Hindu- Muslim wedding ??
The heading should read
\Girl discards Hinduism and embraces Islam to get married to the love of her life \""

Abraham
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Shaistha WEDS Shakeel.....how the hell is this a Hindu- Muslim wedding ??
The headlines should read \Girls discards Hinduism and embraces Islam to get married to the love of her life \""

SYED
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

ONLY LOVE NO JIHAD.....

WISH YOU VERY HAPPY MARRIED LIFE...

MAY ALLAH SWT BLESS YOU BOTH ..AMEEN.

Mohammed SS
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

I really congratulate the noble parents and the brave couples, may almighty Allah bless you with all the happiness, you proved your true love you will be the roll model for others

KhasaiKhaane
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

She is a well educated girl. The Boy seems promising too. They will take very good care of eachother and lead a happy life , InShaAllah!
Allah gives her hidayah, Alhamdulillah. We pray to Allah to give her knowledge and keep her steadfast upon Islam.

#Burnol_Moment_For Sanghis

Jamal Kazi
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Qareeb itna raho ke rishtey mei pyar rahe,
Door bhi itna raho ke aane ka intezar rahe,
rakho ummed rishtaon ke darmiyan itni,
Ke toot jaaye ummeed magar rishtey BARQARAAR rahen.

Wish you a very very very happy married and contended life.

sadiq
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

The Prophet (SAW) said A Women May be married for four Reason for her property, her status, her Beauty and her Religion ;so try to get Religious, May you Blessed But Nowadays some Men they choose one who has no Imaan .Thats why it will become a big Fitnah for this ummah May Allah guide us

Prem Prasad
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

India requires bold women like Rifqa Bary, Wafa Sultan, Nonie Darwish. Malaika Arrora is no more Khan now. Hrithik Roshan is free from the bondage of her wife's religion. Non-Muslim Girls are unaware of divorces in Islam. Innocent girls are deceived.

mohdalthaf
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Tight Slap to chaddis..

Humans Ponder
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

When People read the QURAN...
They will realize the TRUTH & DIVINE CONNECTION.
The TRUTH about who is worthy of WORSHIP.
When U know that then
U will depend on the one who CREATED us all.
When U depend, U are in the safe hands of the CREATOR, unless it is decreed by the CREATOR.
U will come to know who is behind EVIL
U will come to know what is cheddi agenda.
U will come to know previous nations who ruled with Evil agenda are PERISHED.
U will come to know the ARROGANT leaders who made themselves GOD and when the time of death came, they realised they are not GODs .
U will come to know the ARROGANT who will never be satisfied even if they have mountains of Gold in their possession.... They are still GREEDY. (We see many of them today)
U will come to know the oppressor like Pharoah, Haman, Abu jahl.. how their life came to end. (Read QURAN).
U will come to know How the CREATOR will assist those who have FAITH in HIM..

DEAR all.... Read QURAN, U will understand What is LIFE, What is the PURPOSE of LIFE. NO need any babas in between.. U & Ur maker...
LOOK for this, U will be successful.

Rikaz
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish you happy married life!

Mohandas
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

All the best for the new couple. live your life happily

Srikanth
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Haati Chale Bazar kutte Bokhe Hazaar...!

Sonakshi
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Both families are really great. Triumph of humanity

Nijaguna
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Am really proud of you Ashita. Finally love defeated hatred. This wedding was a blend of Hindu Muslim culture. This wedding not only united couples from two different families but also united families from two different religions and crushed communalism.

Human
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

What was the need of conversion and change of name if the love was genuine?

Srikanth
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish You a Happy Wedding Gud Luck For Your Future..Really This is an Achievement..Well Done..

Curious
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

baarakallahu lakum wa baraka alaikum wa jamaha bainakumaa fil kair

Rinku
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

All the best and go ahead....its your life....enjoy....

Zaheer
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

very good news for all the hate mongers...
nice answer by the girl right on hate mongers face...May Allah protect the couple and destroy those who come on their way......

Muzamil
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Very good sister. I pray allah to give you more strength to fight this saffron menace

Khader Mohammed
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

good luck dont bother about threat call ,threat call treat as miss call.

zakir khan
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish u happy married life. you won. Need not to be afraid of rss chaddi goons. they cant do anything. they only know to bark like dogs.

Prem Rathan
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Hearty congratulation to parents of this boy and girl who supported this union.

Priyanka
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

happy married life. all the best for your future life

Sima Sinha
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Happy married life to the new couple. dont worry about anything. enjoy your life and be happy always

Ramya
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Happy married life, all the best.

Aslam Sheikh
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish you both a very happy married life!!

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News Network
January 23,2026

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Government Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru, has achieved autonomous status from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), becoming the first government polytechnic in the country to receive such recognition in its 78-year history. The status was granted by AICTE, New Delhi, and subsequently approved by the Karnataka Board of Technical Education in October last year.

Officials said the autonomy was conferred a few months ago. Until recently, AICTE extended autonomous status only to engineering colleges, excluding diploma institutions. However, with a renewed national focus on skill development, several government polytechnics across India have now been granted autonomy.

KPT, the second-largest polytechnic in Karnataka, was established in 1946 with four branches and has since expanded to offer eight diploma programmes, including computer science and polymer technology. The institution is spread across a 19-acre campus.

Ravindra M Keni, the first dean of the institution, told The Times of India that AICTE had proposed autonomous status for polytechnic institutions that are over 25 years old. “Many colleges applied. In the first round, 100 institutions were shortlisted, which was further narrowed down to 15 in the second round. We have already completed one semester after becoming an autonomous institution,” he said. He added that nearly 500 students are admitted annually across eight three-year diploma courses.

Explaining the factors that helped KPT secure autonomy, Keni said the institution has consistently recorded 100 per cent admissions and placements for its graduates. He also noted its strong performance in sports, with the college emerging champions for 12 consecutive years, along with active student participation in NCC and NSS activities.

Autonomous status allows KPT to design industry-oriented curricula, conduct examinations, prepare question papers, and manage academic documentation independently. The institution can also directly collaborate with industries and receive priority funding from AICTE or the Ministry of Education. While academic autonomy has been granted, financial control will continue to rest with the state government.

“There will be separate committees for examinations, question paper setting, boards of studies, and boards of examiners. The institution will now have the freedom to conduct admissions without government notifications and issue its own marks cards,” Keni said, adding that new academic initiatives would be planned after a year of functioning under the autonomous framework.

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News Network
January 31,2026

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Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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News Network
February 3,2026

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Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged the Centre to give high priority to offshore wind energy generation along the Mangaluru coast, citing its strategic importance to India’s green energy and port-led development goals.

Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377, Chowta said studies by the National Institute of Oceanography have identified the Mangaluru coastline as part of India’s promising offshore wind ‘Zone-2’, covering nearly 6,490 sq km. He noted that the region’s relatively low exposure to cyclones and earthquakes makes it suitable for long-term offshore wind projects and called for its development as a dedicated offshore wind energy zone.

Highlighting the role of New Mangalore Port, Chowta said its modern infrastructure, multiple berths and heavy cargo-handling capacity position it well as a logistics hub for transporting and assembling large wind energy equipment.

He also pointed to the presence of major industrial units such as MRPL, OMPL, UPCL and the Mangaluru SEZ, which could serve as direct buyers of green power through power purchase agreements, improving project viability and speeding up execution.

With Karnataka’s peak power demand crossing 18,000 MW in early 2025, Chowta stressed the need to diversify renewable energy sources. He added that offshore wind projects in the Arabian Sea are strategically safer compared to the cyclone-prone Bay of Bengal.

Calling the project vital to India’s target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, Chowta urged the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to initiate resource assessments, pilot projects and stakeholder consultations at the earliest.

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