HDK warns Kalladka Bhat; proposes separate minority govt. body for Christians

[email protected] (CD Netwrok, Photos by Suresh )

December 15, 2012

Mangalore, December 15: If voted to power, the Janatha Dal (Secular) government will create a separate Minority Corporation for Christians headed by a Christian, said H D Kumarswamy, Former Chief Minister and JD(S) State President.

He was speaking at the DK district Christian convention organized by the party in Mangalore on Saturday.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said that although a minority corporation under the state government is already in existence, it is majorly aimed at development of Muslims and is also headed by Muslim candidates most of the time. Hence, a separate commission aimed at developing Christian community and helping the poor in the Christian community would be constituted in the days to come, which would be headed by a Christian.

The party state president also said on the occasion that JD(S) will try to give as much representation to Christians as possible in the upcoming Assembly elections in terms of election ticket.

Stating that the Congress is not in favour of Christians in reality, Mr. Kumaraswamy said that communal disharmony in the state, especially in Dakshina Kannada district, is a contribution of both Congress and BJP. “Both these parties are two faces of the same coin. The Congress never made an honest attempt to oppose the failures of BJP as an opposition party. People say that JD(S) was responsible in bringing BJP to power. But the truth is that the situation then was such that we had no other choice but to join hands with BJP then as Congress had intentions of destroying our party. However, even during my tenure as the Chief Minister I made sure that I did not allow BJP's communal elements to prosper. I ordered the arrests of the troublemakers in Bababudangiri issue while I was Chief Minister”, he said.

'Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, beware!'

Mr. Kumaraswamy on the occasion warned Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, the local RSS chief, of dire consequences for his actions if his party comes to power.

“A journalist has been arrested and put behind bars because he exposed the wrongs of people who are engaging in wrongdoing in the name of Hindu culture and religion. Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat thinks that he has control over the administration and the police. I warn you Mr. Bhat, I will not let you go away that easily. A time will come when you will have to repent for your actions”, he said.

JDS leaders Sushil Noronha, Amarnath Shetty, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Sadananda Shetty, MG Hegde, Nagaraj Shetty, Aboobakkar Natekal, were present besides others.

'KJP is an internal deal of BSY with Congress'

Later, speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Kumaraswamy said that Karnataka Janatha Paksha (KJP), the new party floated by his successor BS Yeddyurappa, is nothing but an internal deal the former BJP man has struck with the Congress party to destroy the BJP.

“It is an aimless party. It has been floated with an intention to cover up the mistakes of Mr. Yeddyurappa and to destroy a national party (BJP) by striking an agreement with another national party (Congress). The KJP has no intention to develop the state. Mr. Yeddyurappa is now speaking about being a changed man and secular values. This enlightenment that he has obtained will not survive for long. When in power, he was the one who suppressed the minorities the most”, Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

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December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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

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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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Udupi school girl Shagun Verma Hegde to lead India U-15 volleyball team in China

coastaldigest.com news network

December 2,2025

Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

• She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

• Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

• The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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