Media exceeded its limits while portraying Nityananda issue'

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Suresh Vamanjoor )
June 30, 2012

 

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Mangalore, June 30: The media in general went overboard in portraying the Nityananda Swami issue said Shashidhar Bhat, senior journalist.

He was speaking at a programme organized by the Journalists' Study Centre, Mangalore, as part of the Kannada Press Day celebrations on Saturday.

Stating that a majority of media did not speak about Lingayat Swamijis standing in support of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and some of them even meeting him when he was put behind bars, Mr. Bhat said that it was wrong on media's part to single out and target Nityananda Swami alone.

“The question is whether morality is important for media or power and caste permutations. Would media have been equally severe on a Swamiji like Nityananda if he were to have a Brahmin, Lingayat or a Vokkaliga background? Is media targeting Nityananda just because he does not enjoy the caste support that other Swamis enjoy in the state?” Mr. Bhat questioned.

Stating that most media today possess what he termed 'arrogance of letters', Mr. Bhat said that media do not have the authority to dictate the judiciary and the executive as to what needs to be done, as was evident in the Nityananda case.

Social commitment needed

Recalling that journalism in India did not begin as an industry and was rather a movement addressing the country's freedom struggle and social problems, Mr. Bhat lamented that today's media are being run on profit and loss parameters as it has turned into an industry.

Most TV channels today are giving much of their broadcast time to sensational issues such as the change in leadership issue and turmoil within the BJP, Mr. Bhat said. Vital issues such as lack of rain and people suffering from drought in various parts of the state are not being given the necessary attention, he observed.

Urging the journalism student community present at the gathering to develop a sense of social responsibility from within, Mr. Bhat said that journalism in the true sense is beyond interviewing VIPs and presenting the glam world to the masses. “If you are thinking of turning the fourth estate into a real estate business, please do not venture into journalism”, he said.

Asha Nayak, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee (CWC), in her address, appealed to the media to maintain privacy of children while reporting cases of injustice and abuse.

Although the intent to highlight the problems of children may be good, the media must ensure that their privacy is maintained and should not look to sensationalise the issues, she said. Action against media houses could be taken under law, in case a child's identity is revealed in the media, she informed. Constant questioning and media attention can cause irritation to children and eave an impact on their minds, she said.

It also opens up avenues for organised crime gangs who look to use children for begging and human trafficking when identities of deserted children are revealed in the media, she added.

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News Network
February 3,2026

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Mangaluru, Feb 3: Kanachur College of Physiotherapy and Kanachur Hospital & Research Centre, in association with U.T. Fareed Foundation (R), organised the 11th Late Mrs. Naseema Fareed Memorial Lecture on Tuesday.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Subramanyam K, Head of the Department and Professor, Department of Cardiology, Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Mangaluru. In his inaugural address, Dr. Subramanyam delivered an insightful talk highlighting the vital role of physiotherapy in modern medical care, particularly in cardiac rehabilitation, patient recovery, and improving overall quality of life through a multidisciplinary healthcare approach.

The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Haji U.K. Monu, Chairman, KIET. The keynote address was presented by Dr. Mohammed Ismail Hejamady, who spoke on the evolving scope and significance of physiotherapy.

The event was held in the presence of Mr. Abdul Rahiman, Director, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru; Dr. Vaishali Sreejith, Senate Member, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru; Dr. Sudhan S.G., Professor and Principal, Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy, Bengaluru; Dr. Shanavaz Manipady, Dean, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru; and Dr. Venkat Rai Prabhu, Member, Kanachur Health Science Advisory Council, Kanachur Hospital & Research Centre.

Dr. Mohammad Suhail, Dean, Kanachur College of Physiotherapy, welcomed the guests and delegates.

As part of the programme, a two-day free workshop was organised on the following topics:

•    Art of Practice in Cardiopulmonary Conditions by Dr. Sudhan S.G., Principal, Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy

•    The Gift of Life – Organ Donation by Dr. Rohan Monis, Chief Administrative Medical Officer

•    Chest X-ray Interpretation by Dr. Hemanth, Department of Radiology, KIMS

•    Pulmonary Rehabilitation by Dr. Vijaya Kumar, Department of Respiratory Medicine, KIMS

Organisers noted that the memorial lecture series has been conducted continuously for the 11th year, benefiting interns and postgraduate students from various colleges across Mangaluru. A total of 130 delegates attended the workshop.

Dr. Reshma, Vice Principal, Kanachur College of Physiotherapy, Mangaluru, delivered the vote of thanks.

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News Network
February 4,2026

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An Indian resident who won the Dh20 million (approximately Rs 50 crore) jackpot in Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket draw has told of his joy at sharing his life-changing fortune with a friend.

Shanthanu Shettigar, a shop manager in Muscat, regularly buys tickets for the monthly grand prize draw with one of his closest friends – and the pair won on February 3.

Mr Shettigar, 33, who is from Udyavar in Udupi district of the southern state of Karnataka and has lived in the Omani capital for eight years, said he was left speechless after learning of his success.

“When I first moved to Muscat, many of my colleagues were purchasing Big Ticket, which encouraged me to give it a try,” he said.

“I started buying tickets on my own, and later began sharing tickets with a close friend. The ticket that brought me this win was one we purchased together.”

“Like most people, I receive a lot of spam calls, and I was fully absorbed in my work as well. I knew the live draw was taking place tonight, but I never imagined my name would be announced,” he said.

“When I realised it was real and that I had won, I was honestly speechless. It still hasn’t fully sunk in, but I’m extremely happy.”

Mr Shettigar is not sure how he will spend his share of the money, but encouraged others to take part.

“This win was completely unexpected, so I want to take some time to think things through before deciding what to do next,” he said.

“I would definitely encourage others to participate with Big Ticket, whether with family or friends – you never know when your moment might come.”

The Big Ticket was established in 1992 with an initial first prize of Dh1 million. It is one of the most popular monthly raffles in the UAE.

It has transformed the lives of many people across the Emirates and beyond.

Entry to the Big Ticket Millionaire is Dh500. Tickets can be bought online or at counters at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.

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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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