R-Day protest against casteist tradition; Thousands attempt to gherao Krishna Temple

January 26, 2012

Udupi, January 26: People in Srikrishna Temple, through the caste based discrimination while serving mass meal have been trying prove that they were above the Constitution, said State Secretary of CPI (M) Srirama Reddy.

He was addressing the agitators here on Thursday, at a protest organized by Karnataka state unit of CPI (M), to launch its statewide protest against 'Pankthi-bedha' in 250 temples of the state, including Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi.

Over 3,000 members of communist party of India (Marxist) from Udupi, DK, Koppala, Raichore, Bellary, Shimoga, Chikmagalore and Uttara Kannada districts participated in the protest. They made an attempt to march towards the Car Street of Srikrishna temple by pushing the barricades put along the Sanskrit College circle and courted arrest.

Reddy said that Indian Constitution, accepted exactly 63 years ago propagates against social inequality, untouchability and caste based discrimination. Inspite of that this discriminatory act is being practiced in Srikrishna Temple. “People in Srikrishna Mutt are anti-constitutional”, he alleged.

He challenged the Pejawar Pontiff Vishwesha Theertha to stop merely making media statements against Pankthibedha and to eliminate the system if he really felt it was inhuman.

Members of the CPI (M) State Secretariat GN Nagaraj, Nithyanand Swamy, CPI (M) Dakshina Kannada secretary B. Madhava, its Udupi district Secretary K. Shankar, comrades KR Sriyan, Prasanna Kumar, Neela and others participated in the protest.

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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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