Young minds take India to greater heights, says Atomic energy panel chief at MU convocation

February 23, 2012

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Mangalore, February 23: Renowned nuclear scientist Dr Srikumar Banerjee said that University was a place of activation of thinking process and creativity in a natural way in order to have a successful and strong foundation in an individual's life.

Delivering the 30th convocation address of Mangalore University here on Thursday at Mangala Auditorium in the campus of Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri near here, he that university education is not just teaching or learning the basics of science , engineering , arts and commerce.

Stating that education empowers everyone, Dr Banerjee said it was a key to the basic knowledge, development of skill, innovative abilities and attitude of an individual.

Quoting Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, he said a university stands for humanism, for tolerance, for progress, for adventure of ideas and for the search of truth. It stands for the onward march of the human race towards ever higher objectives

Stating that the country's future is in the hands of young population, he said the intellectual capability of young minds and their desire to contribute to the welfare of the country are great assets for taking our country to greater heights.

“Nurturing this pool of talent and providing them with good education in the institutes of higher learning will go a long way in the process of fostering creativity and developing a knowledge based economy for our country”, he said.

Applauding the Mangalore University for its contribution to the development of the country in the field of education and knowledge he said, the most valuable knowledge was the one that works for the benefit of the society.

“Knowledge is not the sum of pieces of information we receive during the course of study. Information becomes obsolete very fast and needs continuous updation. Knowledge is something much deeper which we acquire through accumulation of information over a period suitably distilled by our own experience and rationale thinking. This process continues through our entire life,” he said.

Dr Banerjee, who is the Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary to the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India, said that one of the main challenges the nation was facing today is bringing harmony between extensive growth in energy production to meet the aspirations of the developing world and at the same time preserving environment of mother earth.

He said that the concern of climate change and global warming is indeed genuine. “A rise in the level of sea water by about a meter will inundate an extensive area of our country and displace a large population from their present habitat. We are thus at the crossroad where a significant increase in energy generation is essential keeping an eye on resource preservation and protection of environment”, he added.

Dr Banerjee was one among the three personalities who were conferred with 'Honoris Causa' during the convocation. While Dr Banerjee was awarded for his contribution in the field of science and technology, Dr Govinda rao Marapalli, Director of National Institute of Finance and Policy and senior litterateur Yerya Laxminarayana Alva were conferred with the 'Honoris Causa' in recognition of their contribution in the field of education and literature & social service respectively.

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who is also the Education Minister and Pro-Chancellor presented the degrees to the above three personalities and students.

After welcoming and introducing the guests, Vice Chancellor Prof. TC Shivashankara Murthy presented the annual report. The programme commenced and ended with national anthem.

CARRT Inauguration

After the convocation ceremony, Dr Srikumar Banerjee inaugurated the Centre for Application of Radiosotopes and Radiation Technology (CARRT) in the university in the presence of Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and Vice Chancellor Prof Shivashankar Murthy.

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News Network
January 31,2026

Roy.jpg

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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News Network
January 23,2026

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Government Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru, has achieved autonomous status from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), becoming the first government polytechnic in the country to receive such recognition in its 78-year history. The status was granted by AICTE, New Delhi, and subsequently approved by the Karnataka Board of Technical Education in October last year.

Officials said the autonomy was conferred a few months ago. Until recently, AICTE extended autonomous status only to engineering colleges, excluding diploma institutions. However, with a renewed national focus on skill development, several government polytechnics across India have now been granted autonomy.

KPT, the second-largest polytechnic in Karnataka, was established in 1946 with four branches and has since expanded to offer eight diploma programmes, including computer science and polymer technology. The institution is spread across a 19-acre campus.

Ravindra M Keni, the first dean of the institution, told The Times of India that AICTE had proposed autonomous status for polytechnic institutions that are over 25 years old. “Many colleges applied. In the first round, 100 institutions were shortlisted, which was further narrowed down to 15 in the second round. We have already completed one semester after becoming an autonomous institution,” he said. He added that nearly 500 students are admitted annually across eight three-year diploma courses.

Explaining the factors that helped KPT secure autonomy, Keni said the institution has consistently recorded 100 per cent admissions and placements for its graduates. He also noted its strong performance in sports, with the college emerging champions for 12 consecutive years, along with active student participation in NCC and NSS activities.

Autonomous status allows KPT to design industry-oriented curricula, conduct examinations, prepare question papers, and manage academic documentation independently. The institution can also directly collaborate with industries and receive priority funding from AICTE or the Ministry of Education. While academic autonomy has been granted, financial control will continue to rest with the state government.

“There will be separate committees for examinations, question paper setting, boards of studies, and boards of examiners. The institution will now have the freedom to conduct admissions without government notifications and issue its own marks cards,” Keni said, adding that new academic initiatives would be planned after a year of functioning under the autonomous framework.

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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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