Adventures aplenty in Festival; Physically challenged too exhibit their skill

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

January 14, 2012

Mangalore, January 14: A physically challenged youth of Uttar Pradesh could not stop himself from participating in the adventure activities as part of ongoing 17th National Youth Festival in the city.

The air at Nehru Maidan was filled with energy, zeal and curiosity. Eighteen years old Uttam, affected by polio since childhood, took his plunge in adventure activities by entering into a Spider Web without even caring for a moment about the risk involved. He accomplished his maiden attempt without any external assistance which astonished everyone present there. Uttam signified the streak of adventure in every one of us. Despite of his limitations, Uttam came to Mangalore in search of employment.

Like Uttam, other people from every class and age group were also excited to examine their courage by experiencing the available adventure activities. New experience was enough for their joy, entertainment and confidence. The Adventure camp is attracting young people from every walk of life.

Twenty-seven year old K. Shrinivasan, a principal of a school in Karimnagar district of Andra Pradesh, took part in Burma Bridge adventure activity. It was his first experience. While sharing his experience he said, “Such activities are very useful for everybody. This experience will help in disaster situation.” Seven-year old Surya took part in Fox Flying, an adventure activity 30-feet above the land. Initially he feared to do so but ultimately when he reached his destination successfully, he was very cheerful and bursting in confidence.

Eyes of fourteen-year old Iftikhar were full of tears, not of fear or sorrow but happiness. After experiencing adventure activity he said that no poor person would think they could take part in such type of activities in their life without any cost. He said that this was an opportunity given by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghatan to the deprived young people.

Eighteen-year old Bhojamma, a BCA student of Mangalore shared her experience after taking part in Zorbing Ball. She said, “It was being in space as she only heard about it.” Her friend Teena said Zorbing Ball activity experience is like joy of heaven on land. A state NSS awardee, Shweta from Bangalore, feels that all the activities are unimaginable.

All the adventure activities at Nehru Maidan are conducted under the supervision of R.K. Kundoo, Nodel Officer of Adventure Camp. He said that a trained team, under technical expert Magan Bissa, is providing services for conducting the adventure activities in the safest manner.

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No cases yet, but vigilance high: Karnataka braces for Nipah threat

News Network

February 3,2026

Bengaluru: Following reports of fresh Nipah virus (NiV) cases in West Bengal and heightened vigilance across parts of Southeast Asia, the Karnataka Health Department has placed the state on high alert and activated emergency preparedness protocols.

Health officials said enhanced surveillance measures have been initiated after two healthcare workers in Barasat, West Bengal, tested positive for the virus earlier this month. While no cases have been reported in Karnataka so far, authorities said the state’s past exposure to Nipah outbreaks and high inter-state mobility warranted preventive action.

Officials have directed district health teams to intensify monitoring, particularly at hospitals and points of entry, and to ensure early detection and isolation of suspected cases.

High Mortality Virus with Multiple Transmission Routes

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans and has a reported fatality rate ranging between 60 and 75 per cent. Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are the natural reservoirs of the virus and can transmit it by contaminating food sources with saliva or urine.

Known modes of transmission include:

•   Contaminated food: Consumption of fruits partially eaten by bats or raw date-palm sap
•   Animal contact: Exposure to infected pigs or other animals
•   Human-to-human transmission: Close contact with body fluids of infected persons, particularly in healthcare settings

Symptoms and Disease Progression

The incubation period typically ranges from 4 to 14 days, though delayed onset has also been reported. Early symptoms often resemble common viral infections, making prompt clinical suspicion critical.

•   Initial symptoms: Fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, sore throat
•   Progressive symptoms: Drowsiness, disorientation, altered mental state
•   Severe stage: Seizures, neck stiffness and acute encephalitis, which can rapidly progress to coma

Public Health Advisory

The Health Department has issued precautionary guidelines urging the public to adopt risk-avoidance practices to prevent any local spillover.

Do’s
•   Wash fruits thoroughly before consumption
•   Drink boiled and cooled water
•   Use protective equipment while handling livestock
•   Maintain strict hand hygiene

Don’ts
•   Avoid fruits found on the ground or showing bite marks
•   Do not consume beverages made from raw tree sap, including toddy
•   Avoid areas with dense bat populations
•   Do not handle sick or dead animals

Preparedness Measures

Officials confirmed that isolation wards are being readied in major government hospitals and that medical staff are being sensitised to identify early warning signs.

“There is no cause for panic, but there is a need for heightened vigilance,” a senior health official said, adding that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah, and care remains largely supportive.

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