Karnataka CM plants saplings to send a message to agriculturists

Agencies

August 11, 2018

Bengaluru, Aug 11: In a display of solidarity with farmers facing crisis in the state, Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy today sowed paddy saplings in a muddied agriculture field in a village in Mandya district.

Folding up his white dhoti in a traditional south Indian style, Kumaraswamy planted saplings at Aralukuppe village.

The objective of Kumaraswamy's programme was to urge the agriculturists not to take any drastic steps like suicide in the face of distress, a government release said.

It is also seen as a move to silence critics in the opposition that he was fully aware of the problems faced by farmers.

Before venturing into the field, Kumaraswamy paid his obeisance to Lord Hanuman at the local Anjaneya temple.

As soon as Kumaraswamy started sowing the saplings amid a steady drizzle, people thronged the venue to catch a glimpse of the chief minister.

Utter commotion prevailed as youth tried to take selfies with him.

Later, addressing the gathering, Kumaraswamy said he has concern for farmers as he himself has worked in the agriculture field.

"I know your sufferings. I myself sowed saplings, harvested crops and carried manure on my head..," he said.

Kumaraswamy said he has decided to visit one district a month and devote a full day working in the field.

He further said he has prepared a blue print to improve the agriculture sector and a policy was in the offing to increase their income.

However, details of the policy cannot be revealed until the cabinet clears it, he said.

The chief minister appealed to the farmers not to take any extreme step when they were facing distress as the state government has taken measures to redress their grievances.

Kumaraswamy also flayed the opposition parties for terming the event a 'drama.'

"I have not come here to stage any drama but to show my concern for farmers," said the chief minister.

Nirmalananda Nath Swamiji of Aadi Chunchanagiri Math, a prominent seer of Nath sect, started by Gorakhnath, too came to the venue to support the chief minister.

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Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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