Mangalore welcomes 2012 with gaiety

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)

January 1, 2012

Mangalore, January 1: The coastal city erupted in a blaze of colour and light at midnight as the world ushered in the New Year in style.

Hundreds of people, most of them youngsters, thronged to main road in the last moments of 2011 to witness the celebrations amidst fireworks. Spirit of the crowd rose as midnight approached and crackers made the sky colourful as the clock struck 12 midnight.

People were seen exchanging New Year greetings by shaking hands and hugging each other.

Parties

Hotels in city had offered special loads of gifts to its customers in an attempt to make their New Year celebrations a memorable one.

Apart from prizes like diamonds and tickets to Dubai, hotels also offered sumptuous food, live music, dance competition, unlimited food and some colourful events.

“Our New Year specials were live band performance, Bollywood dance show by Beat Bouncer dance group, cracker shows and unlimited international liquor," said Nagarajan Udupa, vice-president of Hotel Ocean Pearl.

Gold Finch manager SM Doss said apart from unlimited liquor they organized various competitions and winners received free holiday packages at their boutique hotels.

People who hesitated to attend expensive New Year parties welcomed the year 2012 in front of Television in their houses.

Only 30 minutes

The police department has just given half-an-hour extension for Mangaloreans to welcome 2012 after midnight, in order to avoid untoward incidents in the late night.

Police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh had issued a notification to all establishments hosting New Year party to shut down by 12.30am. He also had issued instructions to all police stations to give half-an-hour extension after midnight for the celebrations.

The Mangalore police were out in full strength on New Year's eve to rein in drunk drivers. Alcometers were used to check drunken driving. In some places where alcometers were not there, drivers suspected for drunken driving were be taken for a medical examination, police sources said.

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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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