Music to enhance quality of healing process of long-term care patients at Thumbay University Hospital

News Network
September 22, 2020

Mangaluru, Sept 22: The Long-Term Care unit of Thumbay University Hospital, the largest private academic hospital in the region with 350 beds located at Thumbay Medicity, Al Jurf, Ajman, has added music to the services they offer residents, to reduce anxiety and depression among them and to enhance their healing process. As a beginning, music is now played for residents who have specifically asked for it, as they believe it soothes their minds and helps them adjust better to the life at the Long-Term Care facility.

A number of studies in recent times have suggested the use of music for the benefit of patients in long term care. Especially in people with conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, music has been found to reduce agitation and unhappiness.

The hospital is also making arrangements to enable patients play their favorite music instruments and create their own music, as part of the Long-Term Care unit’s efforts to help the patients pursue their creative interests and to keep them engaged in productive activities. Dr.Manvir Singh Walia, COO of Thumbay University Hospital says that by providing music of the patients’ liking, the hospital has introduced a unique way to support them. “This is in line with our holistic approach to care. We have seen that Long-Term Care residents are comforted by their preferred kind of music, helping them communicate more and better, and keeping them motivated on the path to recovery” he said.

In addition, the hospital has also launched a “happy hours” initiative for its long-term care patients, under which they’ll be taken to the hospital’s Therapeutic Garden every Friday, for an hour of relaxation and being close to nature. Patients will be served free juices and snacks during the happy hour.

A patient in the Long Term Care unit of Thumbay University Hospital, Mr. Lancelot Frank recently experienced a livemusic session at the hospital,conducted by House of Pianos, Dubai. A senior engineer and music enthusiast and a UAE resident for over 33 years, Lancelot is fast recuperating at Thumbay University Hospital.

Ms. Oxana Uncu, an award-winning Moldavian pianist and singer/songwriter and Mr. Abner D'Souza, musician and Product Marketing Manager at House of Pianos were part of the team that performed for Lancelot. Commenting on their cooperation with the hospital to make this possible, the Founder/CEO of House of Pianos, Mr. Shavkat Mamajonov said, “House of Pianos has been established to serve the community, be it artists, music lovers, beginners or those who need music as a therapy for treatment. It makes us proud that we can do our part to bring joy to the community with our work.”

The patient’s brother, Mr. Naveen Frank says that listening to music helps Lancelot cope better with his treatment and keeps him cheerful and optimistic. “He has always been fond of music and I’m sure it is giving him a renewed energy as he finds his way to recovery, helping him relax his mind and lift his mood,” he said. Naveen also performed old sentimental songs for his brother on the harmonica and guitar.

Thumbay Group has maintained Thumbay University Hospital   as a COVID-free hospital. The hospital has taken strict measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its patients, visitors and staff, including steps to limit the movement of people and maintain social distancing within its premises.

The 100-bed Long-Term Care facility at Thumbay University Hospital offers a variety of services which meet both the medical and non-medical needs of those who cannot take care of themselves. The Long-Term Care unit places equal emphasis on the quality-of-life and quality-of-care for its patients. It is designed for patients who need extended hospital care or nursing home care, and the facility’s convenient location allows patients to stay in a safe hospital environment and to continue interacting with family and friends. One of the most remarkable features of hospital’s inpatient facilities is the ‘Therapeutic Garden’; an innovative approach to rehabilitation aimed at providing holistic recovery to patients.

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News Network
January 31,2026

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Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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coastaldigest.com news network
January 19,2026

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Mangaluru: The Phase I project of Badria Vision 2028 was formally launched at a ceremony held at the Badria Campus on January 17, marking an important step in the institution’s long-term development roadmap.

The programme was attended by P.B. Abdul Hameed, Secretary of the MEA, and P.C. Hasir, Correspondent of the MEA, who presided over the event and underscored the institution’s commitment to growth and academic excellence.

Office-bearers of the Badria Alumni Association were present in large numbers, including A.K. Sajid (President), Shamsuddin and S.M. Farooq (Vice-Presidents), Shaheed (General Secretary), and Khaleel (Treasurer), reflecting strong alumni engagement in the initiative.

The gathering was blessed by Sayyid Shamsuddeen Basith Thangal Kukkaje, Qateeb of Zeenat Yatheem Bakshi, who led a special dua seeking divine guidance and success for the project.

The ceremony also witnessed the participation of prominent alumnus and local corporate professional Abdul Latheef, along with alumni members Naushad, Kalandar, Safwan, members of the core committee, and several other former students.

A key moment of the event was the formal handover of a cheque to Ameen Woodland Architect, signalling the immediate commencement of construction work under Phase I of the project.

Organisers said the launch of Phase I reflects a shared vision, institutional unity, and collective resolve to realise the objectives of Badria Vision 2028.

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News Network
January 20,2026

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Karnataka DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao was suspended with immediate effect, as per a state government order issued on Monday, 19 January. The order cited conduct unbecoming of a government servant and causing embarrassment to the state administration.

The Karnataka government suspended Rao after a purported video showed him in a compromising position with a woman inside his official chamber. The video went viral on social media. Rao rejected the videos outright, terming them "fabricated and false".

Who is K Ramachandra Rao?

Rao is a DGP-rank officer who was heading the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement until his suspension. He was promoted to DGP in September 2023 and assumed office in October 2023, the Sunday Guardian reported.

He also served as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.

His stint as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Southern Range was also marred by controversy. In 2014, during a cash seizure near Mysuru’s Yelwal, officials claimed the seized amount was ₹20 lakh, while the accused (Kerala-based merchants) claimed it was around ₹2.27 crore.

Rao, who was present during the seizure, denied all allegations. However, he was transferred soon after.

Allegations of collusion with a businessman surfaced, and a senior police officer was quoted by The Sunday Guardian as saying, “In Rao’s case, the CID has clearly mentioned that there was a great degree of lapse on the part of Rao and a deputy superintendent of police after it was brought to their notice that a few policemen, including a gunman attached to the IGP, were involved in the robbery.”

Rao had denied all wrongdoing in that incident. Despite past controversies, he rose to the state’s top police position, the Sunday Guardian reported.

Ranya Rao’s stepfather

Rao is the stepfather of Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya alias Ranya Rao, accused of orchestrating the illegal import of gold worth over ₹12.56 crore from Dubai to India along with two others — businessman Tarun Raju, and jewellery dealer Sahil Jain.

‘Obscene video’ controversy

A viral video showed Rao behaving inappropriately with a woman inside his office while in uniform.

The Karnataka government said in its Monday order that “vide videos and news reports widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms, it is observed that Dr K Ramachandra Rao has acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a Government Servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government.”

The order said the matter was examined by the state government, which found that the officer's conduct amounted to a violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

The government said it is prima facie satisfied that "it is necessary to place Rao under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry".

During the suspension period, Rao will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Rule 4 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.

The order also places restrictions on his movement, stating that during the period of suspension, the officer must not leave headquarters under any circumstances without the written permission of the state government.

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