Shades within Shadows' released

December 17, 2011

Mangalore, December 17: A new addition to the literary world of South Kanara was seen on Friday, when the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) released a book authored by Christian writer Alan Machado (Prabhu).

His latest offering, 'Shades within Shadows' saw its rightful place amidst 75- 80 interested Christian readers who attended the function at St Aloysius College auditorium.

Mrs Latha Kini, President of Kanara Chamber Of Commerce and Industry presided over the function. Being an avid book reader herself she spoke to the gathering saying, “It takes passion to undertake a task of creativity. A book about a limited section of society is very hard to write. But I noticed a child like enthusiasm in Alan. Creativity is the ability to see good in others blossom. Authors like the one today make invaluable contribution to society.”

The chief guest then ceremoniously released the new book.

Another Christian scholar Dr William D Silva giving an introduction into the author's background said that this book connects instantly with the local population and gives a peek into the 18th century. The author is imaginative and productive and his previous work 'Saraswathi's children' also was enjoyed by many. He goes on a disruptive tangent and disputes issues people take for granted. This is a narrative of a different kind and is completely fictionalized, he said.

The book reading also had its place in the evening, first by Dr William D Silva, then by Rina Mascaranhes, both of whom read few chapters from the book to the audience. The author himself read the last portion of the book and introducing his work said, “It took me more than three years to complete this work. It is a simple story of simple people, when they were taken into captivity. There is a manuscript called 'Barkur Manuscript' from which I have taken extracts for my work in this book.”

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From malls to highways, Kannada signboards to be enforced in Dakshina Kannada

News Network

February 4,2026

Mangaluru: Urban local bodies and gram panchayats should make the use of Kannada on signboards mandatory while issuing trade licences to commercial establishments, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV said. He also called for regular inspections to ensure compliance.

Presiding over the District Kannada Awareness Committee meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office, Darshan said the city corporation would be directed to ensure that shops operating in malls prominently display their names in Kannada. “All commercial establishments, including shops, companies, offices and hotels, must mandatorily display their names in Kannada on signboards,” he said.

The deputy commissioner added that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would be instructed to include Kannada on signboards along national highways. Banks, he said, would be directed through committee meetings to provide application forms in Kannada.

“Even if English-medium schools and colleges impart education in English, their signboards must display the institution’s name in Kannada. Steps will also be taken to ensure that private buses display place names in Kannada,” Darshan said.

During the meeting, committee members raised concerns over the closure of Kannada-medium schools in rural areas due to a shortage of teachers and stressed the need for immediate corrective measures. They also pointed out that several industries employ workers from other states while overlooking local candidates.

Members further demanded that nationalised banks provide deposit and withdrawal slips in Kannada. It was brought to the deputy commissioner’s notice that the presence of staff without knowledge of Kannada in rural branches of nationalised banks is causing hardship to local customers.

Meanwhile, MP Srinath, president of the District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, urged the district administration to allot land for the construction of a district Kannada Bhavana in Mangaluru.

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