Kukke Subrahmanya: Made Snana bundh peaceful

Subrahmanya, December 6: The bundh, called by various organisations favouring 'Made Snana' at Kukke Subrahmanya temple on Monday, was peaceful.

Hundreds of protesters, including students, took out a rally to register their support for continuing the controversial ritual, which has been widely criticised as superstitious and perpetuating the evils of caste system. They demanded that the sanctity of the temple should be maintained in the wake of protests by those who were against the ritual.

Astrologer Kabyadi Jayaramacharya, addressing the protesters, said that Malekudiyas, who form the majority of devotees observing the ritual, have a special place in the history of the Subramanya temple. He said the 'Made Snana' is performed voluntarily by them and they should not be forced to stop it, he added.

Majority of the shops had downed the shutters, aside from shops selling pooja items, silver articles, medical stores and a hospital.

Though buses plied as usual, autorickshaw, jeep and car drivers supported the bundh by suspending their services.

As the hotels served breakfast free of cost, the devotees from other places were not affected by the bundh.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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