Poojary turns 'social reformer'; offers kumkum, jasmine flowers to widows

September 20, 2011

Mangalore, September 20: In what could be termed as a new initiative in Hinduism, former Union Minister and the patron of Shri Gokarnatheshwara Temple, Kudroli, has not only welcomed widows for impending Mangalore Dasara celebrations, but also proposed a special gift for them.

Mr Poojary told media persons here on Tuesday that the management committee of the Temple would distribute special gifts to 1500 widows as part of the Mangalore Dasara celebrations this year.

“Each widow will receive a saree worth Rs 300, a small-kumkum box, bangles, and jasmine flower - materials normally not part of her repertoire as per ancient religious traditions,” he said.

Stating that he is moved by the plight of the widows, who are treated in an inhuman way in the Hindu society, Mr Poojary said he took this initiative to change the mind-set of the people.

“This Poojary wants to show that being a widow is not a curse in society for woman” the Congress leader said in a reformer's tone. “We should respect all women, including widows”, he added.

“Unfortunately, widows have been boycotted from all religious rituals in our society. But, we have decided to bring a change. The Gokarnatheshwara Temple is now inviting the widows to participate in the Chandika Homa, in order to convey the message that widows are not responsible for their husbands' death and that they deserve to live a life of dignity”, he said.

Calling upon the men to come forward give a new life to the widows by marrying them, he said the Temple management would bear all the expenses.

Mr Poojary also appreciated a suggestion by a journalist to have a widow to inaugurate Mangalore Dasara, and said this could be considered for next year.

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Flight cancellations strand passengers overnight at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

December 4,2025

Mangaluru: Chaos erupted at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) after IndiGo flight 6E 5150, bound for Mumbai, was repeatedly delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving around 100 passengers stranded overnight. The incident highlights the ongoing country-wide operational disruptions affecting the airline, largely due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for crew.

The flight was initially scheduled for 9:25 PM on Tuesday but was first postponed to 11:40 PM, then midnight, before being cancelled around 3:00 AM. Passengers expressed frustration over last-minute communication and the lack of clarity, with elderly and ailing travellers particularly affected. “Though the airline arranged food, there was no proper communication, leaving us confused,” said one family member.

An IndiGo executive at MIA cited the FDTL rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue by limiting crew working hours, as the cause of the cancellation. While alternative arrangements, including hotel stays, were offered, about 100 passengers chose to remain at the airport, creating tension. A replacement flight was arranged but also faced delays due to the same constraints, finally departing for Mumbai around 1:45 PM on Wednesday. Passengers either flew, requested refunds, or postponed their travel.

The Mangaluru delay is part of a broader crisis for IndiGo. The airline has been forced to make “calibrated schedule adjustments”—a euphemism for widespread cancellations and delays—after stricter FDTL norms came into effect on November 1.

While an IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged unavoidable flight disruptions due to technology issues, operational requirements, and the updated crew rostering rules, the DGCA has intervened, summoning senior airline officials to explain the chaos and outline corrective measures.

The ripple effect has been felt across the country, with major hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai reporting numerous cancellations. The Mangaluru incident underscores the systemic operational strain currently confronting India’s largest carrier, leaving passengers nationwide grappling with uncertainty and delays.

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