Mangalore pays rich tribute to the departed leader

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

February 15, 2012

Mangalore, February 15: Dignitaries in the coastal city offered rich tributes to the departed BJP leader Dr V S Acharya at a public condolence meet organized by Kalkura Prathishtana at Dhyana Mandir of Sharada Vidyalaya here on Wednesday evening.

In his introductory remarks, Prathishtana chairman Pradeep Kalkura said that we have lost the 'Bheeshmacharya' of the BJP.

A giant portrait of the departed soul was placed with floral pieces to pay homage. Among those who paid floral tributes were Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University Prof Shivshankar Murthy, Registrar Dr Chinappa Gowda, Dharmadharshi Harikrishna Punraroor, Congress leader Ivan D Souza, Karnataka Bank Chairman P Jayaram Bhat, Ganesh Alva, Shridhar Bhat , noted writer Laxmi Narayan Alva and artist Ganesh Somayaji.

The tribute ceremony began by the chanting of Vedas by students of Sharada Vidyalaya. Then the assembled dignitaries one by one, expressed their feelings over the loss of their beloved leader.

Prof Murthy, who was a witness to the last minutes of Dr Acharya's life as he has participated in the same meeting where the higher education minister collapsed, recalled his official contact with departed soul. “I met him after I became the Vice Chancellor. He was an educationist rather than an education minister. He became so friendly to me that I could not make out he was in such a position. He spoke very friendly to all. He used to speak very personally to everyone. He used to say that you can become a good doctor or engineer but first you must become a good human being. He used to consent for coming to all functions which we had. He played major role in starting two new universities. He gave importance to rural education”, he said.

Laxmi Narayan Alva became emotional and went off the stage.

Congress leader Ivan D'Souza recalled that he used to visit Dr Acharya's clinic often. “Today's youth must idealise his life. He never used to quit working and never felt tired of his work. He had an honourable death. He was an ideal personality. Every decision of his was implemented. All the people used to say that if you have to speak about the budget then you must talk to Dr Acharya”, he said.

VHP leader Prof M B Puranik said that since last six months he was associated with Dr Acharya closely. “He made a committee for religious activities. Any issue in front of him was made to look like it was very easy. His personality was so strong that a noble man like him could get things done without any obstacles. In politics you cannot find a cleaner leader than him,” he said.

The function was attended by around 100 eminent persons and there were bhajans to pay homage to the departed soul.

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From malls to highways, Kannada signboards to be enforced in Dakshina Kannada

News Network

February 4,2026

Mangaluru: Urban local bodies and gram panchayats should make the use of Kannada on signboards mandatory while issuing trade licences to commercial establishments, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV said. He also called for regular inspections to ensure compliance.

Presiding over the District Kannada Awareness Committee meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office, Darshan said the city corporation would be directed to ensure that shops operating in malls prominently display their names in Kannada. “All commercial establishments, including shops, companies, offices and hotels, must mandatorily display their names in Kannada on signboards,” he said.

The deputy commissioner added that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would be instructed to include Kannada on signboards along national highways. Banks, he said, would be directed through committee meetings to provide application forms in Kannada.

“Even if English-medium schools and colleges impart education in English, their signboards must display the institution’s name in Kannada. Steps will also be taken to ensure that private buses display place names in Kannada,” Darshan said.

During the meeting, committee members raised concerns over the closure of Kannada-medium schools in rural areas due to a shortage of teachers and stressed the need for immediate corrective measures. They also pointed out that several industries employ workers from other states while overlooking local candidates.

Members further demanded that nationalised banks provide deposit and withdrawal slips in Kannada. It was brought to the deputy commissioner’s notice that the presence of staff without knowledge of Kannada in rural branches of nationalised banks is causing hardship to local customers.

Meanwhile, MP Srinath, president of the District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, urged the district administration to allot land for the construction of a district Kannada Bhavana in Mangaluru.

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