I have no political ambitions; won’t follow Yogi Adityanath’s path: Vokkaliga pontiff

coastaldigest.com news network

August 14, 2017

Mandya, Aug 14: Sri Nirmalanandanath Swami, the pontiff of Sri Adichunchungiri mutt, has sent out a clear message to the political parties, saying that he did not nurse any political ambitions unlike Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adithyanath.

(Sri Nirmalanandanath Swami greets BJP National President Amit Shah at Adichunchungiri mutt in Mndya District on Sunday)

“This mutt is known for producing political leaders, including former PM H D Deve Gowda, chief ministers and ministers. We will not, at any cost, take Yogi Adityanath's path,” the pontiff, who presided over a function to release the biography on Sri Balagangadharnath Swami said. The biography was released by BJP national president Amit Shah.

With the BJP leadership setting a precedent by making pontiff Yogi Adityanath chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Shah choosing to visit Sri Adichunchangiri mutt, speculation was rife that the party is looking to try the same experiment in Karnataka, though the leadership has officially de clared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate.

Nirmalanandanath Swami tried to downplay Shah's visit to the mutt. "I had planned to invite Shah to the mutt and release the biography of Sri Balagangadharnath some two years ago. I decided to invite Shah since I wanted a politician who supports and respects spiritual institutions to release the book on my guru. To relate his visit to politics now is totally uncalled for," he said.

The seer said there is a vast difference between Sri Adichunchangiri mutt and the Gorakhnath Peeth of Yogi Adityanath, of which he is heir."Our mutt and Gorakhnath Peeth have a common history and follow the same philosophy but the only difference is they get involved in politics and nurse political ambitions, and we don't," he added.

The swami said the Gorakhnath temple and Balagangadharnath Swami's temple also practices and professes the Nath traditions. The founder of the BGS (Balagangadharnath Swami) temple, Balagangadharnath Swami's mentor Bhairavaikya Balagangadharnath and Yogi Adityanath's mentor Avaidyanath were close to each other. "Whenever we go to North India, we visit the Gorakhpur temple, and whenever Yogi Adityanath visits Karnataka, he comes to our temple. But we don't have anything to do with politics," he said.

Amit Shah took not more than 10 minutes to interact with select students from Balagangadharnath Swami Medical College. Shah, who was in a hurry after his public function at Sri Adichunchangiri mutt, told the students they are lucky to be studying in such an institution and asked them to make the best use of it."He did not take any questions from the students, who had prepared and were waiting since morning to interact with him. It was all over in 10 minutes," mutt sources said.

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Fusion-2K25: Melkar Women’s College Celebrates 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony

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December 17,2025

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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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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