Magical start to Vismaya Magic Foundation

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar )
January 18, 2012

MAGIC


Mangalore, January 18: Popular illusionist and noted magician Kudroli Ganesh's 'Vismaya Magic Foundation' was inaugurated in a magical way on Wednesday evening.

Mr Ganesh made Edupreneur Dr Mohan Alva to inaugurate his foundation through a magical way a Town Hall in the city. He showed the audience an empty box and then later brought out of it a lamp which was lit by the chief guests. He also brought out garlands which were given to each of the guests. He also brought out a photo frame with an image of the foundation's logo and revealed it through magic.

Dr Alva said, Ganesh keeps the Indian and local culture in the background while presenting his magic. “Vedas have described this as the 64th art form. His intentions are good and research is something which many fields lack. I hope Kudroli Ganesh encourages research through his foundation and keeps local culture in mind”, he said.

This Foundation must spread the essence of magic. It must be done like a social service without expecting money. All fields need training and so does magic, he said.

In his introductory remarks Kudroli Ganesh said, “In 1999 we were a small team doing magic. I was working with 'Mungaru' Kannada daily newspaper and had a hobby team which was waiting to explore the wonders of magic. Our country is filled with magic talents and we also have had difficulties in making this foundation come to existence. Since 12 years I have been doing magic and now I keep informed through the internet about the various developments in the field. I have thought of making a contribution through this Foundation.

“In the past art was limited only to temples. Magic has come a long way since then. International magicians showcase their talents very well. We, as Indians, are little hesitant to showcase our originality”, he said.

He also said that his idea was to train youngsters and to guide future magicians.

Mangalore University Registrar Prof Chinappa Gowda in his address, appreciating Mr Ganesh said the latter makes his show feel like a 'Jatre' every time. “He includes folk art and that is creative about him. Not every magician is like him”, he said.

“This art needs science. Talent and secrets must be kept in this trade. Magic can be made to seem like a theatre and Kudroli Ganesh is good at it, while also spotting new talent,” he said.

Delivering his presidential address, Bantwal MLA B Ramanath Rai said, magic takes man into an illusive world. “We sometimes think when the secrets of each act will be revealed. One of my personal secrets is that when I was made to disappear by same magician a few years ago”, he said.

He said that mixing local flavor in magic acts is Ganesh's speciality. “Art has so much power that we feel happy when magic acts are performed on stage”, he said.

The evening also saw magic performances of two little girls aged 5 and 3 years old. Later Kudroli Ganesh performed his act.

President of Mangala Magic Circle Swarna Sunder, MLC Ganesh Karnik and Industrialist Satish Baikampady were also present.

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News Network
February 1,2026

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday criticised the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, claiming it offered no tangible benefit to the state.

Though he said he was yet to study the budget in detail, Shivakumar asserted that Karnataka had gained little from it. “There is no benefit for our state from the central budget. I was observing it. They have now named a programme after Mahatma Gandhi, after repealing the MGNREGA Act that was named after him,” he said.

Speaking to reporters here, the Deputy Chief Minister demanded the restoration of MGNREGA, and made it clear that the newly enacted rural employment scheme — VB-G RAM G — which proposes a 60:40 fund-sharing formula between the Centre and the states, would not be implemented in Karnataka.

“I don’t see any major share for our state in this budget,” he added.

Shivakumar, who also holds charge of Bengaluru development, said there were high expectations for the city from the Union Budget. “The Prime Minister calls Bengaluru a ‘global city’, but what has the Centre done for it?” he asked.

He also drew attention to the problems faced by sugar factories, particularly those in the cooperative sector, alleging a lack of timely decisions and support from the central government.

Noting that the Centre has the authority to fix the minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, Shivakumar said the Union government must take concrete steps to protect farmers’ interests.

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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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News Network
February 4,2026

shettigar.jpg

An Indian resident who won the Dh20 million (approximately Rs 50 crore) jackpot in Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket draw has told of his joy at sharing his life-changing fortune with a friend.

Shanthanu Shettigar, a shop manager in Muscat, regularly buys tickets for the monthly grand prize draw with one of his closest friends – and the pair won on February 3.

Mr Shettigar, 33, who is from Udyavar in Udupi district of the southern state of Karnataka and has lived in the Omani capital for eight years, said he was left speechless after learning of his success.

“When I first moved to Muscat, many of my colleagues were purchasing Big Ticket, which encouraged me to give it a try,” he said.

“I started buying tickets on my own, and later began sharing tickets with a close friend. The ticket that brought me this win was one we purchased together.”

“Like most people, I receive a lot of spam calls, and I was fully absorbed in my work as well. I knew the live draw was taking place tonight, but I never imagined my name would be announced,” he said.

“When I realised it was real and that I had won, I was honestly speechless. It still hasn’t fully sunk in, but I’m extremely happy.”

Mr Shettigar is not sure how he will spend his share of the money, but encouraged others to take part.

“This win was completely unexpected, so I want to take some time to think things through before deciding what to do next,” he said.

“I would definitely encourage others to participate with Big Ticket, whether with family or friends – you never know when your moment might come.”

The Big Ticket was established in 1992 with an initial first prize of Dh1 million. It is one of the most popular monthly raffles in the UAE.

It has transformed the lives of many people across the Emirates and beyond.

Entry to the Big Ticket Millionaire is Dh500. Tickets can be bought online or at counters at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.

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