A rare Aloysian get-together in Bangalore

March 22, 2012

Mangalore, March 22: Around 90 alumni of city based St Aloysius College (Autonomous) which celebrated its 132nd annual college day on March 16, participated in a rare get-together at St. Joseph's Boys High School in Bangalore recently.

Fr. Denzil Lobo SJ, Director AIMIT, Fr. Francis D' Almeida SJ, Vice-Principal, St. Aloysius College, Mr Arthur D' Souza, President SACAA, Mr. Michael D' Souza, Vice President SACAA, and Mr N G Mohan, Convener, St Aloysius College Swimming Pool Project also present in the get-together.

Clarence Pereira was the convener of the event. Fr. Denzil Lobo presented the power point presentation depicting the 132 years of history of the College and the various institutions in the campus and the new AIMIT campus at Kotekar, Beeri.

Fr. Francis D' Almeida SJ, highlighted the purpose of the gathering. It was mainly to come together as alumni of the St. Aloysius Institutions residing in Bangalore. It was also a forum to start a Bangalore chapter of alumni of St. Aloysius College.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Pai one of the oldest alumni present said that he was delighted to come for the get-together, since his friend Mohan Rao who is 80 came to know from his son from USA through Facebook about the gathering.

Mr Rao had completed his 10th std. in 1952. Dr Dayanand Pai, entrepreneur from Banglaore and an alumnus of St Aloysius College said that he was very happy to take part in the get-together because his memory went back to those days he spent in the College campus for one year. He also said that the alma mater is a mother and we need to pay back to the alma mater.

Subbiah Shetty the former education Minister of Karnataka said that what he is today is only because of St. Aloysius College where he spent most of his youthful life.

NG Mohan explained the audience, the need for the alumni SACAA to take up the swimming pool project. A few members later participated in the coin draw for the swimming pool project. Joyson Joy, co-convener of the meet proposed vote of thanks.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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