Fiction writer Krishnamurthy Puranik remembered

August 17, 2012

Mangalore, August 17: Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Parishad held a programme here as part of birth centenary year celebration of renowned fiction writer Krishnamurthy Puranik. The programme was held on August 17 at Government Teachers' Training Institute (T.T.I.) Auditorium, Balmatta, Mangalore.

September 5, 2011-12 is being celebrated as birth centenary year of Krishnamurthy Puranik.

Speaking on the life of the renowned writer, Dr. M. Prabhakar Joshi, senior scholar, said that Krishnamurthy Puranik was a big name in the field of fiction writing. He has written not just novels, but also poems, short stories, a couple of plays and over a hundred essays in Kannada. While some write books, Puranik was himself a book. He enhanced the place he lived in, he said.

Dr. Joshi said that he was known for simplicity in his writing. His novels were such that they could be given to anyone to read, without a second thought. His work must be re-evaluated in today's world, to know his real worth, he said. Two volumes of his collection must be brought out as a representation of his work, he opined.

He advised the students at the programme not to be misled by brands. Categorisation of literary writers has been in existence in Kannada literature. But this is not ethical. No writer or artist should be branded, he said.

S.L. Shastry, senior litterateur from Belgaum, said that Krishnamurthy had been inspired by the writings of renowned Shivaram Karanth. Krishnamurthy's life and writings were not dissimilar. The way he was able to write over 80 novels in his lifetime was by leading a disciplined life. He lived as a role headmaster, and was an example to many teachers. Most of his novels were inspired by real-life incidents, almost 15 of his novels have been made into cinema, he said.

Talking about the current scenario, he said that in the age of technology, people had lost interest in books. Computers have replaced books, and we are turning into machines. This programme is an effort to arouse interest towards literature in people, he said. He encouraged the future teachers to inspire their students to cultivate the habit of reading.

He was felicitated on the occasion.

Usha, Superintendent of Govt. T.T.I., Balmatta, said that reading books would bring a positive change in people.

S. Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, President of Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Parishad, presided over the programme and spoke on the occasion. Vijayalakshmi B. Shetty, President of Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Mangalore taluk, was present.

Janardhan Hande, and Vidhusha Nirmala Nagaraj, individually sang Kannada songs on the occasion.

Kl_17q_1

Kl_17q_6

Kl_17q_2

Kl_17q_4

Kl_17q_8

Kl_17q_5

Kl_17q_3

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
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.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
February 8,2026

Baraka1.jpg

Mangaluru: Emphasising the importance of integrating cultural awareness with formal education, former Mangaluru North MLA and noted community leader Moidin Bawa said such an approach is vital for the holistic development of children and helps shape responsible, confident future citizens. He was speaking as the chief guest at the Prep Graduation Ceremony of Barakah International School and College.

The young graduates enthralled the audience with a vibrant mix of performances, including skits, action songs, short plays, and other engaging cultural programmes that showcased the creativity and confidence nurtured by the institution.

The event was graced by several prominent personalities, including Abdul Naser “Lucky Star”, President of the Wakf Advisory Committee; Dr Mohammed Nohman, Orthopaedic Surgeon; S. A. Khaleel, Chairman of the Bolar Islamic Centre; Naufal Kokkada, President of the SKSM Youth Wing; Suhail Kandak, Chairman of the Make a Change Foundation; and Mohammad Ashraf Badriya, President of Muslim Aikyata Vedike, among others.

The programme began with a warm welcome by Principal Sharfuddin B.S., who highlighted Barakah’s distinctive educational philosophy that blends academic excellence with strong moral and cultural values.

Ayan Ashraf, Director of Barakah, conveyed the Chairman’s message and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to value-based education.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Mohammed Haneef, Principal of Islamic Studies.

Barakah International School and College is a reputed educational institution in Mangaluru, offering quality education from nursery to degree level. The institution is known for its holistic education model that harmoniously integrates cultural values with academic excellence, ensuring the all-round development of students.

Baraka3.jpg

Baraka2.jpg

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
February 1,2026

Golf.jpg

The coastal city of Mangaluru is gearing up for a major sporting milestone with the launch of a Golf Excellence Academy at the Pilikula Golf Club (PGC), scheduled to open on May 31. The initiative aims to position Mangaluru firmly on India’s national golfing map.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday during PGC’s first-ever floodlit Pro-Am tournament, club captain Manoj Kumar Shetty said the project is being funded by UAE-based philanthropist Michael D’Souza and is currently in the design phase. Experts from leading golf academies across the country are expected to visit Mangaluru to help shape the training programme and infrastructure.

The academy will train 20 young golfers at a time, with a long-term vision of producing national-level players from the region. Until now, PGC relied on an in-house coach, but the recent renovation of the course and the introduction of floodlights have opened new possibilities for expanding the sport.

Shetty said discussions are underway with two reputed coaching academies, whose heads are expected to visit PGC shortly. “A dormitory for trainers is already under construction. We are inviting academies to assess the facilities and suggest changes so we can build a truly world-class Golf Excellence Academy,” he said.

Professional golfer Aryan Roopa Anand noted that the floodlit course would be a game-changer for young players. “Students can now practise after school hours, even up to 8 or 9 pm, without compromising on academics,” he said.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.