Undeterred by attack, Shivaramu pledges to continue fight against casteist ritual

December 2, 2011

Mangalore, December 2: Backward classes leader KS Shivaramu, who is recovering after being attacked by the supporters of 'made-snana' at government-run Kukke Subrahmanya temple in Sullia taluk, pledged to continue his fight against casteist ritual.

Mr Shivaramu, who is the president of Karnataka State Hindulida Vargagala Jagrutha Vedike, said that he has decided to intensify the campaign against the inhuman practice at temple.

“I don't care even if this struggle costs my life”, he said adding that he would surely visit Kukke Subrahmanya next year too during the shasthi to protest if it is held again.

He also said that the attack was pre-planned and the attackers were mere tools in the hands of upper caste people. “They did not know what they were doing, as they were usurped by the priest-class”, he said.

Mr Shivaramu reiterated that Pejawar mutt pontiff Vishwesha Teetha Swamiji should clarify his stance over 'made-snana' and attack on the fact finding team.

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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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