Reverberations 2011' concludes on a joyful note

November 27, 2011

Mangalore, November 27: 'Reverberations 2011', the semi annual conference of Toastmasters Clubs concluded on Sunday evening on a joyful and sentimental note at Hotel Ocean Pearl in the city.

The conference brought together 287 delegates representing the 170 plus clubs of Toastmasters District 82, Division 1 comprising of South India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised 82 members. The highlights of the conference were the two district level contests (Humourous Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest) and the four educational sessions by inspirational speakers.

The day started with the district Humorous Speech Contest followed by an educational session on the subject 'The lies we tell: How the truth can make you a great speaker and a district Champion' by Dhananjaya, the District Champion for 2011.

The afternoon session was devoted exclusively to the educational session on the subject 'Educate, Entertain and Energize' by Ed Tate, from Colorado, USA, who is the Toastmasters' international champion speaker.

The conference concluded with prize distribution by the District Governor Zameen M. Saleem. The following were declared as the winners of the two contests contests.

Rajdeep Manwani of Division 'L', won the Evaluation Contest, while Roshanta Jayatunge of Division 'J' and Lekh E.M. of Division 'E' emerged first and second runners up.

Rajashekhar M. of Division 'B' won the Humorous Speech Contest, while Mathew Jacob of Division 'K' and Dayan Fernando of Division 'A' emerged first and second runners up respectively.

District Governor Zameen M. Saleem expressed great appreciation of the Toastmaster community of Mangalore for hosting the conference in an exemplary manner. Division Governor Hima Urmila Shetty delivered the vote of thanks. The meet concluded with a vibrant cultural performance (Manipuri martial arts and our local 'Veera Gathe') by the students of Alva's Education Foundation, Moodabidri.

The five Toastmasters Clubs of Mangalore, namely Winners Club Toastmasters, Mangalore Toastmasters, INFYnity Toastmasters, ProAct Toastmasters and Inspiron Toastmasters are the hosts of this grand event under leadership of Conference Chairman CA M.N. Pai.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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