Special kids chirp at Chili-Pili Park

December 30, 2011

Mangalore, December 30: The idea of a special park for special kids in the city was materialized with the inauguration of 'Chili-Pili' adjacent to Gandhinagar Park at Manna Gudda here on Friday.

In a novel ceremony, special children representing Chethana, Sanidhya and Roman Catherin special schools inaugurated the Chili-Pili Park by taking the stage and sharing their feelings.

Speaking on the occasion, Hundi Prabha Kamat, a member of Gandhi Nagar Park Trust, said such a park was necessary in this city, as there were many instances of discrimination faced by special children in parks.

She also thanked MCC for its cooperation in establishing a special park.

Conceptualised a year ago, the special park inspired by special parks as in Bangalore was designed keeping needs of special children in mind, Park's architect Venkatesh Pai said.

Spread over 35 cent area at the northern end of three-acre Gandhinagar Park, the Chili-Pili Park, ensures hassle-free entry for even children confined to wheelchairs.

There is also a 'sand table' to help the children in wheelchair to play with sand. Safety has been accorded the highest priority, he reveals while explaining how swings had been designed to prevent the fall of children.

A sensory walk with patches of grass, smooth granite has been designed to help the differently-abled children to realize the experience of walking on different surfaces. The Park built at a total cost of Rs 20 lakh will be open between 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm on all days except Mondays.

Zilla Panchayath CEO Dr K N Vijayaprakash, Deputy Mayor Geetha Nayak, office bearers of GPT and children from Chethana, Sanidhya and Roman Catherin Special schools were present on the occasion.

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Post-Sabarimala pilgrimage drinking party turns fatal in Udupi; youth killed in midnight brawl

News Network

December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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