Young medico's book released

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Suresh Kumar )

May 30, 2012

Mangalore, May 30: 'Small Things That Matter Much', a book authored by Edmond Fernandes, a medical student cum writer, was released at the auditorium of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, on Wednesday.

Dr. Henry D'Souza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese, released the book published by Dhatri Pustaka, Bangalore.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. D'Souza said that Mr. Fernandes is blessed with multi-talents which is a gift from God. Commenting on the title of the book, Dr. D'Souza said that small things hardly attract people's attention but in reality are very valuable. Quoting the Bible, the Bishop said that Jesus Christ (pbuh) wanted little children to be allowed to come to him. “The candle although small compared to the sun, still lights a room”, he said, adding that Mr. Fernandes' book is a “faith inspiring and faith provoking book”.

Dr. Derek Lobo, President of Catholic Association of South Kanara, which co-sponsored the book, presenting his observations of the book said that Mr. Fernandes had collected thoughts, quotes of influential people, and even quotes from the Bible to give a message as to how important love, friendship, family bonding, positive attitude, converting negative attitude into something beneficial, etc are. Although the book appeals to people of all ages, the youth in particular must give it a read, he said.

Giselle Mehta, author and former bureaucrat, and Dr. B K Ravindra, Dean, Karnataka State Law University, were the other guests present on the occasion.

Speaking to Coastaldigest.com, Mr. Fernandes said that willingness to do something different had prompted him to write the book. He began writing the book two and a half years ago and completed it within a month, he said, but the publishing aspect had to be taken care of and therefore took time.

The book basically questions the inherent worth of a human being and how he has lost the sense of appreciation due to materialistic world around him, he said.

Mr. Fernandes said he is working on his next book of about 1.5 lakh words dealing on the topic of healthcare delivery in India. “The book is in the concept stage but I am in the look out for a publisher. Publishing houses must encourage young writers he said, keeping their business interests aside”, he said.

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‘Nothing for Karnataka’: DKS slams Union Budget, flags Bengaluru neglect

News Network

February 1,2026

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday criticised the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, claiming it offered no tangible benefit to the state.

Though he said he was yet to study the budget in detail, Shivakumar asserted that Karnataka had gained little from it. “There is no benefit for our state from the central budget. I was observing it. They have now named a programme after Mahatma Gandhi, after repealing the MGNREGA Act that was named after him,” he said.

Speaking to reporters here, the Deputy Chief Minister demanded the restoration of MGNREGA, and made it clear that the newly enacted rural employment scheme — VB-G RAM G — which proposes a 60:40 fund-sharing formula between the Centre and the states, would not be implemented in Karnataka.

“I don’t see any major share for our state in this budget,” he added.

Shivakumar, who also holds charge of Bengaluru development, said there were high expectations for the city from the Union Budget. “The Prime Minister calls Bengaluru a ‘global city’, but what has the Centre done for it?” he asked.

He also drew attention to the problems faced by sugar factories, particularly those in the cooperative sector, alleging a lack of timely decisions and support from the central government.

Noting that the Centre has the authority to fix the minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, Shivakumar said the Union government must take concrete steps to protect farmers’ interests.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

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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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