#MeToo | Sangeetha Bhat unmasks ugly face of Sandalwood; explains why she quit industry

coastaldigest.com web desk

October 15, 2018

Newsroom, Oct 15: Taking cue from Bollywood celebrities, Kannada actress Sangeetha Bhat has broken the silence over the #MeToo movement and unmasked the ugly face of Sandalwood.

In a long post in her social media accounts, the actress has mentioned several incidents of sexual harassment she has faced in the last ten years at the hands of famous actors, directors, producers and other film personalities including a hair dresser.

Sangeetha, who acted in movies such as Preethi Geethi Ityadi, Eradane Sala and Dayavittu Gamanisi, said that they are neither wild allegations, nor made to gain sympathy. The actor said she only wanted everyone to know why she decided to quit the film industry.

She said that she had to hide her marriage to save her career and now that she has decided to quit the industry 'for good', she would continue to act in theatre and short-films.

In a three-page letter, she has shared several incidents of sexual misconduct, abuse and harassment, including the one when she was just 15.

Sangeetha said that she has mentioned just a few of several incidents that have haunted her for years and she finally gathered courage to share them. She said that she was suffering from depression and is still being treated for it.

On the timing of the disclosures, the actress has said, “I have finally decided to unmask myself and live free. Quitting the industry has brought some peace.” She requested the media, family and friends to respect her privacy and not to discuss the issue with her further.

Comments

Yahh!!! very good decision of quitting this film industry. all film industry like hollywood, bollywood, sandalwood etc are all friends with benefits.... u must be ready for everything which comes to you rather u select other good field.,,,...??//

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RuTAGe smart village centres in DK, Udupi to being technology closer to rural communities

News Network

January 20,2026

Mangaluru: In a major step towards strengthening rural innovation, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India is supporting the establishment of RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) across the country through collaborations with academic institutions, civil society organisations and philanthropic partners.

As part of this national initiative, Nitte (Deemed to be University) will set up the first RSVCs in the region at Nitte GP in Udupi district and at the Nitte Health Centre, Sevanjali Trust, Farangipete, in Dakshina Kannada district. The centres will be inaugurated on January 21. In South India, the programme is being implemented by the Section Infin-8 Foundation (SI-8).

Speaking to reporters on Monday, SI-8 founder-director Vishwas US said experts from Nitte University and SI-8 would work closely with farmers, students, youth and local entrepreneurs to adapt and deploy technologies tailored to local needs.

Project head Prof Iddya Karunasagar, representing Nitte DU, said the RSVCs at Nitte and Farangipete would serve as demonstration hubs for a wide range of agriculture, energy, skill-development and assistive technologies. These include solar dryers for fruits, vegetables and crops; soil-testing solutions; power weeders and women-friendly farm tools; wind-powered devices for rural artisans; grain storage systems; grass-cutting and tree-climbing equipment; and liquid fertiliser production using cowshed waste.

SI-8 CEO Aravind C Kumar said the centres would also provide access to digital and knowledge-based platforms such as ISRO applications, government scheme portals, market linkage tools and gamified learning resources, along with assistive technologies for persons with visual impairments.

Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof Ajay Kumar Sood said it demonstrated how applied research could bridge the rural–urban divide and help create self-reliant, technology-enabled villages.

The initiative has been made possible through philanthropic support from Dr NC Murthy of ACM Business Solutions, LLC, USA. Dr Sapna Poti, Director (Strategic Alliances) at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, said the long-term objective is to build self-sufficient, technology-driven communities capable of generating sustainable livelihoods on their own.

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