Respect vehicles of god to show true devotion: Maneka Gandhi

Dharmasthala, November 24: Former union minister Maneka Gandhi said that all the Hindu gods and goddess have animals and birds depicted as their vehicle. We can express real devotion only when we show concern towards the animals and birds.

Speaking at the Lakshadeepotsava and 79th 'Sarva Dharma Sammelan' held at Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala on Wednesday, she said that people worship the gods with great deal of devotion but they fail to show even a bit of respect to the animals and birds depicted as vehicles to the gods.

“These animals and birds are ill-treated and even made to death without any sanctity attached it them,” she lamented.

“We revere Lord Krishna but the peacocks, vehicle of Lord Karthikeya are killed and peacock feathers are sold in market. We respect goddess Durga but at the same time we hunt Tigers to earn money selling its pelt,” she said.

ISRO former chairman Dr G Madhavan Nair said inspite of development in science and technology, the religious discourses are helpful for the welfare.

“I have spent my life in the field of science. I am not a follower of any one particular religion. I have understood earth, galaxy through science. Still there is a power which was responsible for Big Bang. We human beings have understood only five per cent of the world around us. The complexity of the universe makes us believe that God created the world,” Nair said.

“We start believing the God when special and weird happenings take place in life. Luck works out in life,” he said citing an example of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

“There was no technical fault in GSLV. However, luck was not our side. It failed. There was cyclone in Arabian sea when we were about to launch satellite from Sriharikota. Seeing this many of our scientists broke 100 coconuts and prayed to God. Later, we realised that the cyclone had changed its path. It may be accidental or the handwork of the God,” he said.

“All the religions propagate peace. There is a need to develop respect towards other religion for the well-being of the society,” he added.

Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade was present. Bagalakote's Dr Bala Saheba Lokapura, Bijapur's Basheer Ahammed Umri and Prof Judith Pinto of Mangalore delivered lectures on the occasion. Maneka Gandhi and Madhavan Nair were felicitated on the occasion.

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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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