2,800 children participate in Seva Dal integration convention

[email protected] (The Hindu, Photo by Apul Alva )

February 23, 2012

Mangalore, February 23: As many as 2,800 children from schools across the district attended the national integration convention organised by the Bharat Seva Dal here on Wednesday.

Dressed in their uniforms of green and white for the girls and blue and white for the boys, the children (classes VI, VII, and VIII) stood in the morning sun for the drill in neat rows.

After the inauguration, it was time for the drill, which was followed by lunch and the cultural programmes.

One of the teachers tried his best to get the children to aim for “clock-work precision”, but try as they might, it was a little difficult, possibly because the number of children was just too large and they had simply not been training. This said, the children did not lack enthusiasm in performing the drill. First, it was with the dumbbells, which they picked up with a command of “One-two, Bharat Seva Dal” after which the distinct chink of hundreds of dumbbells resounded in unison, a testimony to children's performance.

They performed with a long stick and an object called the “Lazem” (a stick which was attached to a few metallic objects to form a ring).

Soumya of class 7 in Kotebagilu (General) School near Moodbidri told The Hindu that she enjoyed the drill and songs taught in the Seva Dal gatherings. However, she has a slight dilemma for the future. She said that Seva Dal was only allowed up to class 8. After that, there was the National Cadet Corps in private schools. But the Seva Dal was only in government schools.

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From Dubai boom to Bengaluru backlash: Inside CJ Roy’s journey

News Network

January 31,2026

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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