Retired IAS officer, NASA scientist, aeronautical engineer among AAP candidates for Karnataka polls

coastaldigest.com news network

December 22, 2017

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party which had contested from Karnataka in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and lost deposits, is reportedly planning to field a few highly qualified candidates in 2018 Karnataka legislative assembly.

According to sources, the party is keen on breaking ice in all 28 Assembly segments in Bengaluru. This is where the party plans to field former NASA scientist and urbanist Ashwin Mahesh, who had unsuccessfully contested from Bommanahalli as a Loksatta candidate. While BJP's Satish Reddy won with over 86,000 votes, Mahesh finished third with about 11,900 votes.

Santosh Nargund (41), an aeronautical engineer and alumnus of Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru, will be the AAP candidate taking on BJP leader and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar from the Hubli-Dharwad (central) constituency. This will be his maiden electoral plunge.

"I decided to contest as an independent candidate, but AAP reached out to me and gave me a platform," said Nargund, who worked on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, during his stint at the Aeronautical Development Agency.

"Two years ago, I resigned from my professional job and went back to Hubballi-Dharwad, which is my native. Shettar has been the MLA there for the past 28 years, and there's only dust and bad governance. I hope to change this," he said.

1971-batch IAS officer Renuka Viswanathan, who worked in the Planning Commission and Finance Ministry before her retirement in 2008, is also on the AAP's list of candidates.

The party plans to field corporate leader Lingaraj Urs to take on Congress’ B A Basavaraj (Byrathi) in the KR Puram constituency. In fact, Urs became a gram panchayat member in 2015, after he won from ward 4 of the Kannamangala village in the Whitefield area. AAP Karnataka incharge Pankaj Gupta said the party had received "a huge response" in at least 20 districts.

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

News Network

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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