The first ever Indian Open of Surfing kicks off in Mangaluru

[email protected] (CD Network | Suresh)
May 27, 2016

Mangaluru, May 27: Tourism Minister R.V. Deshpande on Friday inaugurated the three-day Indian Open of Surfing on Sasihitlu Beach on the outskirts of the city.

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Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Deshpande said that the district has so far not submitted proposals for the development of Someshwara, Ullal, Surathkal, Talapady and Sultan Battery beaches for which Rs. 13.72 crore has been earmarked. There is a plan to develop 23 beaches in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, using funds granted by the Union Government.

“Work has already begun in Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts. Dakshina Kannada has so far not placed any such proposal,” he said.

Mr. Deshpande asked district in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai to send the proposals at the earliest. When Mr. Ibrahim told Mr. Deshpande that the proposals were sent in January, Mr. Deshpande said, “I reviewed the progress made yesterday. I did not find anything related to Dakshina Kannada.”

Mr. Deshpande asked Mr. Ibrahim to ensure that the proposals are filed before the Tourism Department at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Mr. Deshpande told reporters that he has been pursing with the Ministry of Environment of Forests the long-pending demand of relaxing Coastal Regulatory Zone in the State that will help in tourism development. “Recently, I met (Union Minister) Prakash Javadekar. He told me that the draft for relaxing CRZ is pending approval of the Prime Minister,” he said.

Mr. Deshpande said that the Tourism Department was working on having an annual calendar of events happening in the State. Events such as Beach Utsav, Karavali Utsav, surfing festival and scuba diving competition should be announced a year early. This will help people in planning their tours and attend those events.

Three day event

The three day tournament will feature the cream of Indian as well as International Surfers with prizemoney of Rs. 6 lakh on offer, and is expected to attract over 80 surfers. The categories for the event are U16, junior boys (17-22 year olds), senior men (22-28 year olds), masters men (28 years old and above). There is also a women's category at the event.

The Indian Open of Surfing, inspired by the US Open of Surfing and the Australian Open of Surfing is the first of its kind in Karnataka. The Surfing Federation of India, with a view to popularise the sport of surfing in India has also tied up with the Mantra Surf Club and the newly formed Kanara Surfing & Water Sports Promotion Council. In doing so, they hope to open up an additional revenue stream for the sport. Along with the National Surfing Competition, the tournament will also witness a Bodyboarding Competition and a Stand Up Paddle Race. A kitesurfing demo is also on the cards, weather permitting. With Jonty Rhodes as the event ambassador, live music shows, and a food festival as well, a number of celebrities such as Bollywood Superstar Sunil Shetty, Cricketers Paddy Upton and Sanju Samson are expected to descend on the coastal city during the event.

Speaking about the event, the event ambassador and South African former cricketer Jonty Rhodes highlighted the importance of such events in India, “This event is a major development of surfing as a sport in India. I am thrilled to be promoting an event that might be a game changer for Surfing scenario in the country.”

The President of the Surfing Federation of India, Mr Kishore Kumar also believes in the potential of surfing as a major spectator sport in India, “Surfing has a tremendous potential to reach to its mass audience and make an impact. It is indeed a great opportunity for budding Surfers to showcase their prowess.”

In an endeavour to make the event spectator friendly, Karnataka Tourism has also embarked on a major cleanup of the beach area with the motto, Helping Hand for Surf and Sand'. This cleanup operation has attracted over 300 volunteers. They hope to encourage the sport, and see it as an additional arena where tourism based activities can be increased. The event will be judged by a panel of ISA certified judges from Australia, France and India headed by Made Sachang from Bali.

The schedule for the three day events is as below:

May 27th
7:30 AM - Surfing Championships
10:00 AM- Inauguration Ceremony
11:00 AM - Surfing Championships Continue
2:00 PM- Stand Up Paddle Race
3:00 PM - Kitesurfing Demo
5:30 - Entertainment
May 28th
7:30 AM - 1:00 AM - Surfing Championships
2:00 PM - Stand Up Paddle Race
3:00 PM - Kite Surfing Demo
5:30 PM - Entertainment
May 29th
7:30 AM - 1:00 AM - Surfing Championships
2:00 PM - Stand Up Paddle Race
3:00 PM - Kite Surfing Demo
4:00 PM - Closing Ceremony, Prize Distribution
5:30 PM - Entertainment

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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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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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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