Dance row: Never issued 'Fatwa', clarifies Puttur cleric

February 6, 2014

Puttur, Feb 6: After a few television channels and newspapers on Wednesday reported dubbed a local cleric's advice to Muslim students to refrain from dancing on stages as 'fatwa', the cleric clarified that he had merely advised the students studying in the madrasa not to indulge in Yakshagana and other dance forms.

Speaking in the presence of people in a public meeting held in the school on Wednesday evening, cleric of Kodippadi masjid Aboobaker Madani clarified that the advice was not made in the context of cultural programmes in schools, as misquoted in the media, and that it was not a 'fatwa'.

He said that it was true that he had given such an instruction to the children that it was wrong to participate in dance performances on stage. However, it is left to the students to follow the instructions or not. We have no authority to speak about the cultural programmes conducted in the school. It is left to the parents if their children should take part in the cultural activities or not, he said.

The block education officer who was also present at the meeting said that no person had the right to suppress the freedom of children. Only the parents have the right over this. Religion and caste should not be brought in matters of education in schools. This confusion should be eliminated, he said.

The reports in the media stating that the cleric had issued a fatwa prohibiting girls from participating in stage programmes in a particular school in Kodippadi had sparked confusion and controversy in the region.

Few locals who had gathered in the school questioned the reports in newspapers and local television channels that alleged the cleric issuing a fatwa. They expressed anger alleging that few elements were trying to spoil the peace and harmony in the town by spreading such false rumours.

A few others alleged that taluk panchayat member Zohra had a hand in attempting to spark a row by spreading the false rumour of a fatwa.

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

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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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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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