Nehru Studies Centre inaugurated at Mangalore University

August 18, 2011

Mangalore, August 18: There is no critical and analytical work on Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, said V K Nataraj, the former Director of Chennai Institute of Development Studies.

He was speaking after inaugurating Nehru Studies Centre at Old Senate Hall, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri near here on Thursday.

He said studying Indian development policies without Nehru's contribution is like studying 'sathyagrah for freedom' without Mahatma Gandhi.

He described Nehru as 'victim of historical circumstances'. “With the tremendous poverty, less than 35 year's life expectancy, problem of refugees, what the person leading the country could do?” he questioned.

Listing out several contributions of Nehru to the country, Prof Nataraj said secularism, mixed economy, outlawing untouchability, voting rights to the women, setting up of planning commission, independent foreign policy and codifying Hindu laws were among the major contributions of Nehru. “Inculcation of scientific temper and building several science institutions was one of the best contributions of Nehru,” he said.

He said this could be done only because of Nehru's political sensibility and courage, though he was not alone responsible for it.

However, Prof Nataraj complained that Nehru spent a meager amount of money on elementary education, even though he was very fond of children. Moreover, his contribution to 'dynasty rule' in the country was subjected to criticism; he pointed out and added that the corruption started to flourish during his regime, though he was not corrupt.

He said, “Irony of history is that when we had an international reputed leader, we did not have a strong economy and when we have a strong economy, we do not have leaders.”

In his presidential address, Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University, said that all the study centres and chairs functional at the University would be housed under one roof in an integrated block that would be ready by December.

He said Mangalore University has maximum number i.e. 19 study centres and chairs among universities in Karnataka including the Nehru Studies.

Prof K Chinnappa Gowda, Registrar (Evaluation), Dr R Shashidhar, Director of Nehru Studies and others were present.

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From Dubai boom to Bengaluru backlash: Inside CJ Roy’s journey

News Network

January 31,2026

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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