Use science against black magic and superstition'

August 11, 2012

Mangalore, August 11: In order to counter superstitions and blind beliefs, a three-day state level workshop on “Using science against black magic and superstition” was organized by Karnataka State Science Parishat at the Institution of Social Development Nanthoor here on Friday.

Inaugurating the workshop, K.N. Vijay Prakash, Chief Executive Officer of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, said it was important for scientific temperament to be imbibed in the younger generation.

Lambasting prevalent practices such as urulu seve and vaastu , Sri Shaila Gholi, Convenor of Janavigyana Samiti, said: “Why complete an MBBS degree and specialise in dermatology when you can just roll on the floor to cure your skin ailments?”

He cited the instance of fortune tellers prescribing a childless woman to circumvent the 'ashwathnarayan' plant if she wanted to bear a child. “My eight-year-old daughter plays near the plant in my house and I routinely see her run around the plant. Why then does she not have a baby,” Mr. Gholi said to the amusement of the audience.

Prem D'souza, Principal of St. Agnes College, said traditional thinking existed because of fear and science was a tool that could remove this fear.

Tracing the roots of superstitions and irrational beliefs, R.K. Hudagi, State President of Samudaya, believed they came when people “jump to conclusion” based only on one observation of natural phenomena.

The workshop saw lectures being delivered by Narendra Nayak, president, Federation of Rationalists Associations of India.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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