Arushi D’Silva of St Aloysius PU College Emerges Karnataka State Under-19 Girls Chess Champion
Arushi
D’Silva of St Aloysius PU College emerges Karnataka State Under-19 Girls Chess Champion
Mangaluru, Jul 18: Arushi Severin
Helen D'Silva, a student of St Aloysius Pre-University College, has cemented herstatus asa rising star intheworldofchessbyemergingas the Karnataka State Under-19 Girls Chess Champion. This significant victory was achieved at the Karnataka State FIDE-Rated Under19 Girls Open ChessChampionship 2026, held inKalaburagi, where she demonstrated exceptional skill to score8points across9rounds. A series of impressive milestones and consistent excellence mark Arushi’s competitive journey. She recently achieved a significant internationalchessbreakthrough by crossing the2000 FIDErating mark, reaching apeakrating of 2008, and earning the prestigious Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title. Her
prowess was further highlighted earlier in2026 whenshefinishedas the runner-up at the 2nd Chess FIDE-Rated Rapid Tournament in Shivamogga with a score of 8/9. Recognized for her aggressive tactical style of play, she has consistently secured top three finishes in various state-level age categories.
The foundation of Arushi's success lies in a combination of familial support, rigorous discipline, and expert mentorship. She was first introduced to the game by her father Anand D’Silva, who recognized her burgeoning talent and facilitated her training at
Derricks Chess School. Arushi credits her elder sister, Anu D’Silva, as her greatest source of encouragement and her mother, Rita D’Souza, as her unwavering emotional anchor, whose constant support, nurturing, and
encouragement have helped her pursue her academic commitments and chess ambitions with confidence.Currently, shenavigates the demands of her academic life alongside her chess ambitions, benefiting from the support of her teachersandfriendsatthecollege. Looking toward the future, Arushi remainsfocusedonherevolutionas a competitive player under the guidanceof hercoaches, IMSharan RaoandWGMIshaSharma.Shehas sethersightsonachievingthetitles of Woman International Master or WomanGrandmaster andisactively planning to compete at the international level later this year. Her remarkable perseverance and dedication continue to make Mangaluru and St Aloysius PreUniversity College proud, servingas an inspiration to aspiring athletes whostrive toturntheirdreams into realitythrough consistenteffort.
India’s Jantar Mantar strike has emerged as oneofthe most powerful Gen-Z–led protest movements inrecent Indian history, driven by anger over repeated exam irregularities, alleged NEET paper leaks, anda demand foraccountability from the Uniongovernment.
✊ The Spark:Exam Scandals and YouthOutrage
The 2026 Jantar Mantar agitation began after back-to-back examination failures including the NEET paper leak and CBSE on-screen marking irregularities shook confidence in India’s public examination system. Over 345 paper leaks in 28 years have created a deep sense of injustice amongstudents.
TheCockroachJanta Party(CJP),a satirical youth movement founded by Abhijeet Dipke transformed online frustration into a mass protest.Thename“Cockroach” itself was reclaimed after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed youth and activists to “cockroaches” and “parasites,” sparking widespread indignation.
Jantar Mantar: The Epicentre ofYouthResistance
For weeks, thousands of students occupied Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding:
• Accountability for repeated leaks and mismanagement
The protest quickly grew into a national movement, drawing support from student unions, opposition parties, climate activists, andcivilsocietygroups.
Strike: Moral Center of the Movement
A turning point came when Sonam Wangchuk, renowned Ladakhi engineerandclimateactivist,joined the protest on June 28, 2026, beginning an indefinite hunger strike.
• By Day 17, he had lost over 8–9.5 kg,hisbloodpressuredropped, and doctors monitored him round-the-clock.
• On Day 21, Delhi Police forcibly removed him to Safdarjung Hospital citing deteriorating health andcourtorders. His removal intensified public anger, with many accusing authorities of suppressing peaceful dissent.
Crackdowns, Clashes & Nationwide Echoes The movement saw multiple confrontations: PoliceActioninDelhi
Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger
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During the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo”
march, clashes erupted as protesters attempted to breach
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barricades. Police used lathis and tear gas,leadingtoinjuriesonboth sides.
Protests Spread Beyond Delhi
In Patna, AISA-led demonstrators marching in solidarity with Jantar Mantar faced water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges as they demanded accountability for exam leaks.
International Ripples: A Diplomatic Stir
Unexpectedly, Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami issued a letter expressing “full and unconditional solidarity” with the Indian student movement. This raised concerns in Indian diplomatic circles about foreign interference in domestic protests.
WhyThis Strike Matters
The Jantar Mantar strike is more thanaprotest itisagenerational reckoning.
Key Themes
• Youth vs. Systemic Failure: Students are demanding a future where merit, not mismanagement, determines opportunity.
• Satire as Resistance: CJP shows how humor and digital culture can mobilize masspoliticalaction.
• Democracy & Dissent: The police crackdowns and court responses highlight tensions between state authority and citizens’ right to protest.
• National Solidarity: From Delhi to Patna, the movement has unified students across states and ideologies.
Conclusion
TheJantarMantarstrike symbolizes a historic youth uprising against systemic failures in India’s education system. With hunger strikes, mass marches, and nationwide solidarity, it has forced the country to confront long-ignored issues of exam integrity, governance, and democratic accountability. Whether the government responds with reforms or resistance will determine the next chapter of India’s student-led political awakening.
Here is a full feature on the Jantar Mantarstrike, written withnarrative depth, reportage texture, and strong visualframing.
THE CHILDREN OF THE LEAKED FUTURE
InsideIndia’sJantarMantar
Strike—theYouthUprisingThat RefusestoBeIgnored
On a blistering June afternoon in NewDelhi,theairatJantar Mantar feels electric part carnival, part battlefield, partclassroom.Students sit cross-legged on the hot pavement, holding placards that read “We WantOurFuture Back” and“StopPlayingwithOurLives.”A group of medical aspirant’s chants slogans with the precision of a marching band. Someone beats a dhol. Someone else livestreams the moment tothousands. Thisisnotjustanother protest. This is India’s youth rebellion, born from leaked papers, broken systems, and a generation that refusestostaysilent.
THE FAULTLINE:ASYSTEM THAT
FAILEDITSOWNCHILDREN
For decades, India’s public examination system has been cracking quietly, steadily, and often violently. But 2026 was the yearitfinallysplitopen.
The NEET paper leak, the CBSE on-screen marking fiasco, and a string of examirregularities pushed millions of students into a state of rageanddespair.Inacountrywhere a single exam can determine the
trajectory of an entire life, these failures were not administrative glitches they were existential betrayals.
The anger found a home at Jantar Mantar.
THE COCKROACH REVOLUTION
At the center of this uprising is an unlikely symbol: the Cockroach. When India’s Chief Justice Surya Kantcompared protesting youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites,” the insult sparked a cultural wildfire. Withinhours,memes, art,andsatire flooded socialmedia.Withindays,a movement wasborn.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
a satirical, Gen-Z-powered protest collective — turned humiliation into identity. Their manifesto is simple: If the system treats uslike cockroaches, wewill survive like cockroaches — and wewill notgoaway. Their rallies are loud, colorful, and defiantly humorous. Their slogans sting. Their presence at Jantar Mantarisunmistakable.
THE HUNGER STRIKER WHO BECAME THE MORAL COMPASS
On June 28, Sonam Wangchuk — engineer, educator, and climate activist —walkedintoJantarMantar and quietly began an indefinite hunger strike.
Hispresence changedeverything. Wangchukisnotastudent.Heisnot a politician. He is a national figure whose moral authority carries weight.Ashishealthdeteriorated losing nearly 9 kg, his blood pressure dropping the protest gainedasolemnurgency. WhenDelhiPoliceforcibly removed him to Safdarjung Hospital on Day 21, the crowd erupted. To many, it feltlikethestatewasnotsavinghim itwassilencinghim.
THE CLASHES, THE CRACKDOWNS, THE COUNTRYWIDE ECHO
The Jantar Mantar strike is not confinedtoDelhi.
In Patna, AISA-led students marching in solidarity faced with water cannons and tear gas. In Lucknow,studentsblocked roads.In Kolkata, they held night vigils. In Mumbai, they organized teach-ins onexamreform.
The movement has become a national chorus angry, articulate, andimpossible toignore.
THE FOREIGNSHADOW
In an unexpected twist, Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami issued a letter expressing “full solidarity” with the Indian student
movement. The gesture sparked diplomatic discomfort raising questions about foreign involvement indomestic protests. For the students at Jantar Mantar, though, themessagewasirrelevant. Their fight is not international. It is intenselypersonal.
THE HEART OF THE MOVEMENT: A GENERATION AT WAR WITH UNCERTAINTY
SpendanhouratJantarMantarand youwillmeet:
• A 17-year-old NEET aspirant who has taken coaching for three years and fears her rank will be meaningless.
• A UPSC hopeful who says he no longer trusts thesystem thatclaims
to select India’s future administrators.
• A parent who left her job to accompany her son to Delhi because “someone has to fight for him.”
• A group of engineering students who traveled 1,200 km by train because “thisisbigger thanus.” Their stories are stitched together by a single thread: They feel cheated. Andthey want justice.
For India, a nation built on the dreamsofitsyoung, thismovement isawarning: A generation pushed toofar willpush back.
THE ENDING THAT HASN’T BEEN WRITTEN YET
Asthe sunsets over JantarMantar, the chants grow louder. The placards rise higher. The crowd refusestothin.
Thestrike continues notbecause the students enjoy protesting, but because they believe they have no otherchoice.
Whether the government responds with reform or repression will determine not just the fate of this movement, but the future of India’s youth.
For now, thechildren of the leaked future remain at Jantar Mantar angry, hopeful,unafraid.
Andtheyarenotleaving.
THE CHILDREN OF THE LEAKED FUTURE
Inside India’s Jantar Mantar Strike—theYouthUprisingThat RefusestoBeIgnored PROLOGUE: A SUMMER OF UNREST
Onasweltering Juneafternoon, the narrow stretch of Jantar Mantar —
Delhi’s historic protest corridor feels like the beating heart of a nation in crisis. Students sit shoulder-to-shoulder on the burning pavement, chanting, debating, crying, livestreaming. The smellofdustmixeswiththesmellof
hot wind:“Weare notcockroaches. Wearethe future.”
Thisisthe epicenter ofIndia’s most
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consequential youth uprising in decades a movement born from
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Poet Andrew DiCunha supporting fighting students in Mangaluru.
leaked exam papers, broken promises, and a generation that refusestobedismissed.
CHAPTER 1: THE SYSTEM THAT CRACKED
India’s exam ecosystem has long been fragile, but 2026 wastheyear it shattered.
The NEET paper leak, the CBSE on-screen marking fiasco, and multiple state-level exam irregularities pushed millions of whereasingleexamcandetermine one’s entire future, these failures werenotadministrative errors — theywereexistentialbetrayals. Students describe the moment the leaks were confirmed as “the day hope died.”
ANEET aspirant from Jaipur says,“I studied for three years. Someone else bought the paper for ₹30,000. How isthisfair?”
A UPSC hopeful adds, “We are told merit matters. But the system is rigged before we even enter the examhall.”
Their angerfound a homeatJantar Mantar.
CHAPTER 2: THE COCKROACH REVOLUTION
The movement’s most unlikely symbol emerged fromaninsult.
When India’s Chief Justice Surya Kantcompared protesting youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites,” the remark ignited a cultural wildfire. Withinhours,memes, art,andsatire
flooded socialmedia.Withindays,a movement wasborn.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) a satirical, Gen-Z-powered protest collective turned humiliation intoidentity. Their manifesto is simple: If the system treats uslikecockroaches, we will survive like cockroaches — and wewillnotgo away. Their rallies are loud, colorful, and defiantly humorous. Their slogans sting. Their presence at Jantar Mantarisunmistakable.
If you want, I can expand this section into a full profile of the movement’s founders through CJP leaders.
CHAPTER 3: THE HUNGER STRIKER WHO BECAME THE MOVEMENT’S CONSCIENCE
On June 28, Sonam Wangchuk — engineer, educator, and climate activist walkedintoJantarMantar and quietly began an indefinite hunger strike. Hispresence changedeverything. Wangchukisnotastudent.Heisnot a politician. He is a national figure whose moral authority carries weight.Ashishealthdeteriorated — losing nearly 9 kg, his blood
pressure dropping the protest gainedasolemnurgency.
WhenDelhiPoliceforcibly removed him to Safdarjung Hospital on Day 21, the crowd erupted. To many, it feltlikethestatewasnotsavinghim itwassilencinghim.
You can explore his role further through Wangchuk’s impact.
CHAPTER 4: THE CLASHES AND THE CRACKDOWN
The Jantar Mantar strike is not confinedtoDelhi.
In Patna, AISA-led students marching in solidarity faced with water cannons and tear gas. In Lucknow,studentsblocked roads.In Kolkata, they held night vigils. In Mumbai, they organized teach-ins onexamreform.
The movement has become a national chorus angry, articulate, andimpossible toignore.
PoliceactioninDelhiintensified the tension. During the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo” march, clashes erupted as protesters attempted to breach barricades. Lathis was raised. Tear gas shells burst. Students ran, regrouped, andreturned.
A 19-year-old engineering student from Kanpur says,“We came to ask for fairness. They answered with batons.”
CHAPTER 5: THE FOREIGN SHADOW
In an unexpected twist, Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami issued a letter expressing “full solidarity” with the Indian student movement.
Thegesture sparked diplomatic discomfort raising questions about foreign involvement in domestic protests. For the students at Jantar Mantar, though, themessagewasirrelevant. Their fight is not international. It is intenselypersonal.
CHAPTER
STORIES
6: THE HUMAN
SpendanhouratJantarMantarand youwillmeet:
• A 17-year-old NEET aspirant who fearsherrankwillbemeaningless.
• A UPSC hopeful who no longer trusts the system that claims to selectIndia’s futureadministrators.
• A parent who left her job to accompany her son to Delhi because “someone has to fight for him.”
• A group of engineering students who traveled 1,200 km by train because “thisisbigger thanus.” Their stories are stitched together by a single thread: They feel cheated. And they want justice.
For India, a nation built on the dreamsofitsyoung, thismovement isawarning: A generation pushed toofar willpush back.
EPILOGUE: THE ENDING THAT HASN’T
BEEN WRITTEN
Asthe sunsets over JantarMantar, the chants grow louder. The placards rise higher. The crowd refusestothin.
Thestrike continues notbecause the students enjoy protesting, but because they believe they have no otherchoice. Whether the government responds with reform or resistance will determine not just the fate of this movement, but the future of India’s youth.
For now, thechildren of the leaked future remain at Jantar Mantar angry, hopeful,unafraid. Andthey are notleaving.
NewDelhi,Jul25: Unioneducation minister Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid continuing nationwide student protests over the NEET paper leak issue.
Pradhan announced his decision in a post on X just hours before the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which hasbeen leading the month-long protest at Delhi's JantarMantar.
Theprotesters hadmadePradhan's resignation their primary demand, and negotiations between the
Centre and the CJP had remained deadlocked over the issue. On Saturday morning, the CJP reiterated that it would not participate in talks unless the governmentremoved theeducation minister fromoffice.
With Pradhan's resignation, the government hasnowmetallthekey demands raised by the protesters. These included the resignation of theEducationMinister,assuranceof no legal action against student protesters, and compensation for thefamiliesofstudentswhodiedby suicide following the alleged NEET paperleak.
WhiletheCentrehadagreed tothe latter two demands during Friday's discussions, it had not commented on the demand for Pradhan's resignation untilnow.
In his post on X, Pradhan wrote: "I hold deep respect for the aspirations, sentiments, andrightful expectations of the youth of this country. Realising the dreams of India's young generation has been the moral resolve of our political and social life. I express my gratitude toHon'ble Prime Minister for the opportunity given to me to
servethenation under hisvisionary leadership."
Pralhad Joshi takes charge of Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
DaijiworldMediaNetwork–New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 25: Union minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid nationwide protests over alleged exampaperleaks.
The President accepted Pradhan's resignation, andtheappointment of JoshiasthenewEducation Minister was announced through an official communiqué onSaturday. Joshiwill continue to hold his existing portfolio asUnionMinisterforFood andConsumer Affairs.
saidhehaddecidedtostepdownto prevent ‘anti-national forces’ from taking advantage of the ongoing agitation. Highlighting his four decadesofpublic service,hesaidhe hadalways remained committed to students, teachers and educational reforms, and believed thata strong education system was vital to nation-building.
Pradhan's resignation came on the 35thdayofprotestsatDelhi'sJantar Mantar, where demonstrators had been demanding accountability overrepeatedexampaperleaks.His resignation was one of the key demands of the protest movement, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded byBoston University graduate AbhijeetDipke.
Hours afterPradhanstepped down, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, addressing a joint press conference with Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, announced that the protest hadbeencalledoffaftertheCentre assured them that their demands would beaddressed.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan
A day before the resignation, Joshi had reiterated the Centre's commitment to safeguarding students' interests and ensuring
strict action against any irregularities affecting examinations. Whilesupporting the students' right to peaceful protest, he hadalso alleged that ‘anti-social elements’ were attempting to exploit the movement and urged protesters toremainvigilant.
NewDelhi,July 25: TheCockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday withdrewitsprotestatDelhi'sJantar Mantar after holding talks with the Union government, stating that its demands had been accepted. The announcement came hours after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhanresignedfrom his post. While the campaign had initially said it was awaiting action on its remaining demands, it later confirmed that an agreement had been reached following discussions with the Centre.
peacefully, saying the organisation wouldannounceitsfuturecourseof actionlater.
Another spokesperson, Saurav Das, said the agitation was being called off "in good faith", with the understanding thatthegovernment would implement theagreed terms withinthestipulated timelines. According toRanka,theCentre had agreed in principle to provide an honorary compensation to the familiesofNEETaspirants whodied by suicide, in line with applicable rulesandregulations. Thecampaign had sought compensation of Rs 1 crore for each affected family.
He added that the CJP had also submitted a five-point charter on educationandexaminationreforms, with another round of discussions expected in about four weeks.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka appealed to protesters to disperse
Das said the government had agreed to withdraw FIRs registered
against protesters andassured that copies of all FIRs would be shared within the next few days, followed by steps to withdraw the cases.
Afterthemeeting,UnionministerJP Nadda said the government had sympathetically considered the protesters' demands and accepted them. He added that the Centre would deliberate further on the proposed reforms in the education and examination system. Theprotest began on June6, when the CJP launched its agitation at Jantar Mantar. It gathered
nationwide momentum after police action against demonstrators following activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchukendedhis26-dayfaston Friday at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union ministers Jitendra Singh and JP Nadda.
Reacting to the developments, Wangchuk described Pradhan's resignation as "a victory for peace, patienceandperseverance."
-Dr.Austinwiththehelp ofAI
Will DKS drop Bidadi Integrated Township as Siddu
did Devanahalli Aerospace Expansion?
That Bengaluru has emerged as India’s “knowledge capital” and is known by various superlative adjectives ranging from Garden
City,Air-conditioned City,ITCapital, Silicon Valley of India, Startup Capital, Tech-hub of India, PubCity andsooniswell-known.
But this growing metropolis has its own problems and shortcomings starting with traffic congestion, drinking water and garbage disposal issuesbesides the ever-burgeoning population. Whatthe16th centurychieftain under the Vijayanagara empire,Kempegowda, the visionary
Gabriel Vaz
architect and founder of the city, had originally conceived in 1537 while forming Bengaluru, has far outgrown the original boundaries erected by him through the four historic stonewatchtowers Lalbagh, Mekhri Circle, Ulsoor Lake and Kempambudhi Lake all around the four directions. Naturally, the city began bursting at its seams far
beyond the original markers and is stillexpanding.
Bengaluru’s salubrious climate andhospitablenatureofthecitizens have and is attracting people from differentregions acrossthecountry to settle down to eke out a living unmindful ofthetravails associated withaburgeoning metropolis.
While Information Technology, Biotechnology, Aerospace, Startups, Healthcare and Educational
enterpriseshaveestablishedallover the city creating skilled and highly qualified academically competent and technically savvy manpower attractingbignotchtechcompanies and even multinational giants causing immense strain on the resources, there was need to reach out and strive for the development ofotherregions.
Consequently, efforts are beingmadetodisperseindustriesin other parts of the State andensure balanceddevelopment oftheentire State, the challenges were enormous and too daunting to surmount forthepowers thatbe.
Real estate market began booming with prices spiraling, reachingdizzyheights,perhapsnext only to that of India’s financial capital city of Mumbai or the political nervecentreofDelhi. The governments were compelled to work for developing neighbouring Tumakuru and Mandya and even the cultural capitalofMysuru.Atthesametime, places dotting the city outskirts such as Kanakapura, Chikkaballapura-Doddaballapura, Bidadi, Ramanagara and Channapatna are sought to be
included in the larger Bengaluru conglomerate, whichhassincebeen renamed as Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) in the place of the earlier Bruhat Bengaluru MahanagaraPalike(BBMP).
Indeed, the zealand efforts of the present Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar Ramanagara has already been rechristened as Bengaluru South district inaddition totheBengaluru Urban and Rural districts incorporating the original core and the outskirts. What is more interestingisthelatestmoveofDKS to launch a Beyond Bengaluru mission to decongest the city and
The Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which has been aptly rechristened after the city’s founder Kempegowda, incorporated in 2001 and commencedcommercial operations from May 2008 as the earlier Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Airport was found woefully small and inadequate, has given further filliptotheboom.
Within two decades, BIAL has rapidly expanded and grown to suchanextentthatmovesareafoot to establish another international airport in the State and even neighbouring TamilNadusoughtto rake in by mooting the idea of developing an international airport withinitsboundaries atHosur.
As of now, Tamil Nadu’s proposal for setting up an international airport at Hosur has not taken off while Karnataka’s plans for a second international airport perhaps nearKanakapura or even Tumakuru is awaiting the greensignal.
BengaluruSkydeck Project
Incidentally, the airport at Bajpe in the coastal city of Mangaluru has gained international status despite itsconstraintsofsufficientland.The State’s other airports in Mysuru, Hassan, Hubballi. Shivamogga, Belagavi etc. are yet to get the necessary momentum. That, however, isadifferentstory. Whatstandsoutistheboomin the aerospace and allied sectors in and around Bengaluru boosted mainly by the advent of BIAL. The public sector undertaking, HAL, which has carved a niche for itself for its capabilities and expertise in design, production, repair, overhaul
and upgrade of Aircrafts and Helicopters besides giving spurt to othersmallandbigancillaryunits.
Aerospace Park, Expansion Scrapped
The biennial event, Bengaluru Aero India Show that will cross the landmark 16th edition in February 2027 has provided the additional impetustothegrowth ofaerospace and defense undertakings along with diverse enterprises in the aerospacesectorover theyears.
As a result, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) implemented the KIADB Aerospace Park in a special economic zone for aerospace and defense manufacturing undertakings inBengaluru North in Bagalur/Devanahalli region to support industries in aerospace manufacturing,defenceproduction, aircraftcomponentdesign, avionics, space technology, logistics and
warehousing along with other relatedfacilities.
The first phase of the KIADB Aerospace Park went on smoothly with Collins Aerospace Manufacturing and Engineering Company and many others being the major investors. The phase I of KIADB Aerospace Park started in 2014-15 was a 950-acre dedicated aerospaceanddefenceSEZinNorth Bengaluru near Bagalur/Devanahalli. The Phase I SEZwassuchatremendous success with prominent industries lapping uptheplotsinquicktime.
Buoyed by the success of KIADB aerospace park Phase I, the government prodded the KIADBto come out with Phase II in a 3,000acre land parcel encompassing 13 villages of Channarayapatna hobli of Devanahallitaluk. Itwasplanned as the next extension of state-run defence and aerospace park in the
north-east of BIAL and several companies had come forward to enter. However, land acquisition turned out to be the bugbear in view of theinclusion of large tracts of fertile agricultural lands with affectedfarmersrefusingtogiveup theirvaluable land.
The effortsof thegovernment and official agencies to persuade the farmers to fall in line failed to bearfruitasvested interests aswell as local political parties supported the resistance of the farmers, and the fight went on for nearly four years.
Even opposition parties, BJP and JDS, trying to project themselves as farmer-friendly, joined the farmers’ struggle forcing the then government headed by chief minister Siddaramaiah finally agreeingtodroptheplantoacquire the first tranche of 1,777 acres in Julylastyear.
This introduction is useful to understand the problems associated with mega developmental and infrastructural projects, which invariably involve acquisition and displacement of large sections of people, including
With Siddu handing over the reins to his deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, who assumed the covetedpostinJunethisyear,itwas a different ball game especially as he is known to be very keen on getting what hewants and isready toworkforit.
As is widely known, DKS insisted on getting the DCM’s post along with the all-important portfolios of Bengaluru
Development as well as Water ResourcesorIrrigationdepartments in addition to his position of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), which he has now given up in favour of senior party leader B K Hariprasad, As Bengaluru Development minister, DKS tried his best to boost the imageofthecitywithhispettheme ofBrandBengaluru.
DKSalsotried hisbest promote the twin tunnel project on Hebbal-toSilk board and the upcoming EastWest Krishnarajapuram to Nayandahalli corridor solve the chronic traffic congestion, constructionofaskydeckprojectin Challaghatta-Bheemanakujppe area in the city’s Nadaprabhu Kempegowda LayoutoffBengaluruMysuru expressway along the airport road in addition to other initiatives.
Known for his dynamism, the newchiefministerpursued notonly
his pet projects but even aggressively resurrected projects that have been gathering dust undertheprevious regimes. Among themanysuchprojects isthemuch talkedaboutBidadi SmartCity,now officially rebranded and expanded astheGreaterBengaluruIntegrated Township (GBIT).
The newly formed Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA), an upgraded entity operating under the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA, was entrusted with executing theproject covering nearly 7,000 acres in 9 villages of Ramanagara andHarohalli taluksat awhopping costofRs13,000 crore. The objective of the GBIT was to create a“Work-Live-Play” model, whichisessentially asecondcentral businessdistrictclosertoBengaluru focused mainly on Artificial Intelligence (AI) industries, manufacturing undertakings and top-notch Olympic standard sports infrastructure facilities.
Initially intended to ease pressureonBengalurubycreatinga self-sustaining urban centre on its outskirts, the GBIT has transformed intoafarmoreambitiousRs18,133-
crore,AI-powered SmartCityspread across more than 7,400 acres. The government countersthatnearly70 % of affected farmers have already consented to part with their land and that the on-going protests by landowners are politically engineered.
The government had already issued preliminary notifications to acquire over 7,200 acres. However, as of mid-2026, farmers from villages like Byramangala and Kanchugaranahalli wereengaged in fierceandindefiniteprotests.
The opposition claims that nearly 6,500 acres of the identified land is highly fertile, supporting massive coconut and mango yields and sustainingthousands offamilies.
To avoid the astronomical upfront costs of acquiring thisland outright (which crippled the Peripheral Ring Road project for a decade), thegovernment ispushing a land-pooling/compensation model. Under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013, the GBDA is offering a60:40 ratio scheme.
The
Offer:
Farmers giveuptheirlandand receive monetary compensation for a portion, plus a guaranteed share ofthefullydeveloped, highlyvalued commercial/residential land once thetownship iscompleted.
Annuity:
To cover the gap years during construction, the state is offering annual annuities (ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre) as livelihood support until the developed sitesarehandedover.
Compensation Scheme (60:40 Model)
Reality Check:
Whilethegovernment isofferingRs
1.5croretoRs3croreperacre(plus the developed land share), protesting farmers are demanding Rs5to Rs6crore per acreupfront, citing the massive industrialization already happening in the existing Bidadiindustrial area.
Infrastructure Catalyst: STRR & Expressway
The GBIT sits at the nexus of the newly operational 10-lane Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and the massiveSatellite Town Ring Road (STRR). A mega-township of this scale would instantly choke normalcityinfrastructure.
By integrating the primary entry/exitplazasoftheGBITdirectly with the STRR, heavy industrial and logistics traffic can bypass core Bengaluru entirely. This makes the Bidadi-Ramanagara belt the premier destination for warehousing, data centers, and heavymanufacturing.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the Bidadi Smart City project?
The Bidadi Smart City project, now officially known astheGreater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT), is a proposed ₹13,000 crore mega-development spanning over 7,000 acres in the Ramanagara district. Spearheaded by the GBDA (Greater Bengaluru Development Authority), it aims to create a "second CBD" focusing on AI industries, premium residential zones, and large-scale sports infrastructure.
2.Why are farmers protesting Bidadi Township Project?
Farmers in villages like Byramangala and Kanchugaranahalli are protesting theacquisition ofwhattheyclaimis highly fertile, multi-cropped agricultural land. While the governmentisofferinga60:40landpooling compensation scheme (cash plus developed land) along with an annuity, farmers are demanding significantly higher upfront cash compensation (Rs 5-6
crore per acre) based on the rapid industrialization of the surrounding areas.
3.Is it safe to buy land near Bidadi Smart City project?
It is highly risky without digital verification. The government has issued preliminary notifications to acquire over 7,000 acres. Ifyoubuy landthatfallsinsidethisnotification zone, or inside the strict environmental buffer zones of the 1,000-acre Byramangala Lake (which is slated for rejuvenation), yourlandwillbefrozen.
4.HowwillSTRRimpact Bidadi Township?
The Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) is critical to the GBIT's success. By providing direct access to the township, the STRR allows heavy industrial, logistics, and interstate traffic to bypass the congested core of Bengaluru entirely.Thishighwayconnectivityis what will drive the commercial and industrial realestate demand inthe Westerncorridor.
HDK, HDDG with BJP behind farmers! Ironically, itwas the JDSleader and
present Union Heavy Industries MinisterHDKumaraswamy wasthe original architect of the Bidadi Township project when he was the state’s Chief minister in coalition with BJP andnow sintheforefront of the agitation and opposition of the farmers. HDK as chief minister haddeclaredtheentireareaas“Red Zone,” freezing construction and land transactions for nearly two decades leaving the farmers in limbo.
In fact, HDK along with BJP leaders, State party chief B Y Vijayendra andopposition leader in the assembly R Ashok are now goading the farmers not to relent and give in under any circumstances. They are alleging thatDKS ispromoting and pushing the Bidadi project to protect “real estate mafia!”
Surprisingly, HDK’s father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who is past 93, has even threatenedtolauncha“Satyagraha” against the project and claiming thatmore thanthree-fourths of the farmersareeithersmallormarginal landholders, whoareekingouttheir livingthrough agriculture.
DKS claims he’s “not in ahurry”
The DKS regime is making all out efforts to convince the farmers thattheBidaditownshipprojectwas intheirlong-term interestandtakes pains to explain that nearly 70% of the farmers are ready to part with their lands and brushes away opposition by some of the bigger landowners “as politically motivated.”
government ispursuing theproject conceived by the previous JDS-BJP regime with Kumaraswamy as the chief minister,” DKS said, making it clear that he is ready go slow and takealongallfarmers.
The Chief Minister presented officialrecords onthehistory ofthe project and said the government would not compel any farmer to surrender land.Asa‘sonofafarmer’ himself,DKSsaidheunderstood the hardships faced by cultivators and would neversupport anymove that harmedtheirinterests.
“Thosewhodonotwishtogive their land can continue farming. Those who are willing may voluntarily hand over their land to the government and receive compensation. Butnotevenasingle gunta of land will be acquired by force,”headded.
Thechief minister hasgone to theextentofdescribing HDKasthe “Pitamaha” (big father) of the project.
“TheBidaditownship project is not my dream child. My
The Chief Minister also announced a committee to review the project, tasked with examining the implementation of the Bidadi Township and seeking feedback on its merits and concerns. He also assured that the status of land belonging to farmers who do not wish to part with it would not be changed. The committee’s report
will form the basis for the government’s next decision, which willbeplacedbefore theCabinet.
Will DKS follow Siddu’sexample?
The question before the government and the people is whether the DKS regime, which is
facing elections in Bengaluru and otherlocalbodiesbytheendofthis yearandearlynextyearandbracing itselfforthenextroundofassembly elections inthe State in 2028, drop the Bidadi township project as his predecessor Sidduwasforcedtodo over the KIADB Aerospace expansion project in Yelahanka/Devanahalli region in 2025 in the face of stiff opposition fromthefarmers?
As pragmatic leader and striving to take decision based on consensus, DKS might shelve the projecttemporarily andtakeitupin the future if he is able to return to power underhisrule.
Mangaluru, Jul 24: Reinforcing its commitment to delivering worldclass healthcare through advanced technology, Father Muller Medical CollegeHospital(FMMCH), aunitof
FatherMullerCharitable Institutions (FMCI) blessed and commissioned the FUJIFILM Advanced Multi-LED Endoscope System at the Gastro Suite(Room3)onFridayJuly24.
Theinaugural ceremony wasledby Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, who ceremonially cut
the ribbon and blessed the newly acquired high-end endoscopy system inthepresence of the FMCI Management Committee, faculty members, residents, nursing personnel, and staff of the departments of surgical and medical gastroenterology.
Addressing the gathering after the blessing, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo expressed his delight that the institution has been continuously commissioning several state-ofthe-artmedicaltechnologies during the year. He remarked that every new technological advancement introduced into the hospital is ultimately intended to improve patientcareandclinicaloutcomes. "Technology must always translate into better healing and better clinical outcomes. Every sophisticated machine we acquire should help us serve our patients with greater precision, compassion andefficiency. Our mission of 'Heal and Comfort' must be experienced byeverypatientwhowalksintothis hospital and especially by those receiving care in this advanced gastroenterology suite,"hesaid.
Providing anoverview of the newly commissioned system,DrGaneshM
K, professor and head, department of surgical gastroenterology, highlighted that the FUJIFILM Advanced 4K Multi-LED Endoscope System with the ELUXEO 8000 Processor is among the most advanced endoscopic imaging platforms available in the region which offers ultra-high-definition 4K imaging, advanced Multi-LED illumination technology, enhanced visualization modes for early detectionofgastrointestinallesions, superior colour reproduction, improved vascular and mucosal assessment, enabling clinicians to detect gastrointestinal abnormalities with greater accuracy andconfidence. He also announced the strengthening ofthedepartment of surgical gastroenterology through twospecializedsub-units HepatoPancreato-Biliary &LiverTransplant Unitheaded byDrGaneshM Kand Colorectal Proctology Unit headed byDrNagarjunRaoHT which will further expand the scope of advanced gastrointestinal surgical careatFatherMullerHospital. Theprogramme commencedwitha welcome by Dr Nagarjun Rao H T, associate professor, department of
surgical gastroenterology, who also compered the ceremony. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Abhijna Soori, assistant professor, department of surgical gastroenterology. Dr Sudheer K, associate professor, department of surgical gastroenterology was also present duringtheprogramme. Among those present were Dr Ganaraj Kulamarva, medical gastroenterologist, and Dr Shiva Prasad, consultant medical gastroenterologist, who joined the department in witnessing the commissioning of the advanced equipment.
Theceremony wasalsoattendedby Dr Michael Santhumayor, administrator, Father Muller Medical College; Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, Father Muller MedicalCollege Hospital; Dr Antony Sylvan D'Souza, dean, Father Muller Medical College; Dr Uday Kumar, medical superintendent, FMMCH; Dr Kishan Shetty, additional medical superintendent, FMMCH; Dr Kishan Shetty, deputy medical superintendent, FMMCH; Dr Kelvin PeterPais, liaisonofficer, FMCI; and Sr Nancy Mathias, chief nursing
officer,alongwithfacultymembers, residents, nursing staff and technicalpersonnel.
The department of surgical gastroenterology at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, which also conducts the prestigious MCh surgical gastroenterology programme, has consistently remained at the forefront of technological innovation, advanced surgical care, academics and research. Thecommissioning of the FUJIFILM Advanced 4K Multi-LED Endoscope System marks yet
another milestone in the institution's journey towards providing cutting-edge, patientcentredhealthcare.
With each technological advancement, Father Muller Medical College Hospital continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, embracing innovation while remaining steadfast to its enduring mission of ‘Heal and Comfort’", ensuring that patients across the region receive the very best in modern gastrointestinal care.
MCC Bank inaugurates relocated Morgansgate branch in Mangaluru
• MediaRelease
Mangaluru, Jul 25: Marking a significant milestone in its journey ofcustomerserviceandgrowth, the Morgansgate branch of MCC Bank Ltdwasshiftedtoitsnewand
Veez Issue #465
Inhispresidential address,chairman
Anil Lobo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, directors, management, staff, customersandwell-wishers fortheir unwaveringsupport andconfidence
Describing MCC Bank as a true "Bank of the People," he said the institution, established even before India's Independence, has built a richlegacyof trustandservice over the decades. He called upon customers and members of the public to actively support the bank and contribute towards making ita benchmark institution in the cooperative banking sector.
The chairman explained that MCC Bank functions under the dual regulatory framework of the Reserve Bank of India and the Government of Karnataka and assured customers that their deposits are protected under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) insurance scheme. Speaking on leadership, he observed that true leadership in today's competitive
world is defined not by physical strength but by a strong mindset, vision and a compassionate heart. He recalled that for the past four years the bank has been honoring its founder chairman, P F X
Saldanha, whose vision and values continue to inspire the management in providing customer-centric banking services. Highlighting the bank's remarkable achievements over the past eight
years, Lobo said MCC Bank has witnessed unprecedented growth across Karnataka while maintaining strict monitoring of key banking parameters such as NonPerforming Assets(NPA), loans and
advances,CASA,deposits, Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), Cash Reserve Ratio(CRR)andCredit-Deposit (CD) Ratio.Heproudlystatedthatamong the262UrbanCooperative Banksin Karnataka, MCC Bank is the only
cooperative bank offering specialized NRI banking services, with NRE deposits crossing the Rs 100crore mark.
He further stated that the bank's employees arecontinuously trained to provide prompt, efficient and customer-friendly services, adding that customer satisfaction remains thebank'sforemost priority. Announcing the bank's future expansion plans, the chairman said
MCC Bank would inaugurate its 23rdbranchatKatpadionAugust2, with a target of expanding its network to 25 branches before the endofthecurrentfinancialyear.He also announced that the bank is
planning to introduce UPI services by December 2026, enabling customers toenjoyfasterandmore convenientdigital banking facilities. Appealing to customers to become ambassadors of thebank, heurged
themtoencouragetheirfriendsand relatives totransact withMCCBank andassuredeveryonethathewould always remain accessible to hear customers' grievances and suggestions forimproving banking services.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Rithesh Rodrigues congratulated the chairman, board of directors, management, staff and customers on the successful relocation of the
branch. Emphasising the values of unity, harmony among all religions and collective prosperity, he remarked that as a customer himself, he had personally witnessed the bank's remarkable progress during the last few years. Hewished theinstitution continued success and God's abundant blessings inallitsfutureendeavors.
Guest of honour James Victor
D'Mello congratulated the chairman, management and board of directors for their visionary leadership and outstanding achievements. Reflecting on the bank's history since its establishment in1912, he observed thatwhilegrowth hadbeengradual during itsfirst106years, theperiod since 2018 has witnessed extraordinary transformation. He noted that within just eight years, thebank hasexpanded by opening
six new branches and increasing its businessturnover fromRs500crore toRs1,565 crore,describing itasan exceptional achievement in the cooperative banking sector. D'Mello remarked that the turning point came with the emergence of young and dynamic leadership under Anil Lobo. He credited the chairman'sdetermination, discipline and vision, supported by theboard ofdirectors, management, staffand loyal customers, for ushering MCC Bank into what he described as its "Golden Era." He further appreciated the bank for recognising academic excellence andsocialservice, stating thatMCC Bank has gone beyond being merely a profit-oriented institution by contributing meaningfully to societythroughcharitableactivities, educational encouragement, donations andsponsorships.
Speaking on the occasion, Francis Fernandes Cascia thanked the customersandwell-wishers fortheir overwhelming participation in the branch shifting ceremony. Congratulating thechairman,board ofdirectors, management andstaff, he highlighted that customer confidence and strong community
support have been the real driving force behind the bank's impressive growth and wished the institution greater successintheyearsahead.
Sharing his experience as a longstanding customer, Krishna Bindumaneexpressedhishappiness at being invited as a guest of honour. Heappreciated therespect, encouragement and customerfriendly service extended by the bank over the years and congratulated the chairman, managementandstaffonachieving another significant milestone inthe bank'sjourney.
As part of the celebrations, academic achievers Karen D'Cruz and Kinara D'Cruz were felicitated for their outstanding educational
Directors David D'Souza, Melwyn Vas, Anil Patrao, Roshan D'Souza and Irene Rebello, Felix D'Cruz, professional director C G Pinto, general manager Sunil Menezes, officersandstaffofthebank, along with many customers and wellwishers, were present on the occasion.
Herald Monteiro, branch support director of Morgansgate branch, welcomedthegathering, whileDeril Lasrado, branch manager of the
accomplishments. Former Morgansgate branch manager Jacintha Serrao was specially honoured on her birthday in recognition ofherdedicatedservice to the bank. Social achievers James Victor D'Mello and Francis Fernandes Cascia were also felicitated for their valuable contributions to society. The chairman presented mementoes to thedistinguished guests asa token ofappreciation.
Theprogramme commencedwitha devotional prayersongrendered by the bank staff, followed by the screening of a documentary showcasing the history, achievementsandfuturevisionof MCCBank.
Morgansgate Branch, proposed thevote of thanks. The programme was compered by Preetham Noronha.
The gathering appreciated the spacious and modern premises of the relocated branch, which has beendesignedtoprovideenhanced comfort, accessibility and efficient banking services. The successful relocation of the Morgansgate Branchmarksyetanothermilestone inMCCBank'scontinuedjourney of
growth, innovation and customerfocused banking, reaffirming its commitment to serving the community withexcellence.
Character Building First
Dear Mr. SonamWangchuk,
Iwritetoyounotasapolitician, but as an eighty-nine-year-old Indian who hasspent hislifeasanauthor, journalist, teacher, and, in recent years, as a humble campaigner for ValueLiteracy.
First, let me express my deep admiration for your extraordinary contribution toIndia. Through your pioneering work in educational reform, experiential learning, environmental conservation, and sustainabledevelopment inLadakh, you have inspired millions. Your Ramon Magsaysay Award recognized not only your achievementsbutalsoyourvisionof abetterIndia.
People like you are among our country'sgreatest assets.
ThatiswhyI wasdeeply concerned when you undertook a prolonged hungerstrike. Anationcanproduce manypoliticalleadersandagitators, but it produces very few visionary social innovators. Had anything happened toyou, India would have lost not merely an activist but an educator, anenvironmental thinker, andabuilder ofhope.
Your life matters because your mission matters.
Yet I wish to place before you a largerconcern.
Today, India, like many other countries, faces corruption, violence, social division, communal narrowness, intolerance, environmental degradation, and declining public ethics. We often treattheseasseparateproblems. I believe they all spring from a common source the erosion of humancharacter.
Whenever a crisis occurs, we demand new laws, stricter punishment, freshinvestigations, or political change. Sometimes these are necessary. But they deal only withthesymptoms.
Thediseaseliesmuch deeper.
Nolawcancreate honesty.
No police force can create compassion.
No examination reform alone can produce integrity.
No political revolution can build a moral society unlessitisbuilt upon moralcitizens.
This conviction has led me, in the final years of my life, to devote myself to a Value Literacy Movement among children, parents, and teachers in West Bengal. We receive neither government grants nor foreign funding. Ordinary people support usbecausethey believe thatIndia's future depends not only on economic development or technological progress but also on moraldevelopment.
Examination reforms may reduce question-paper leaks, but they cannoteliminate dishonesty.
Anti-corruption laws may punish offenders, but they cannot create honestcitizens. Environmental regulations may protect forests, but they cannot createrespectfornature.
Everything ultimately depends upon the character of human beings.
You have already shown India that education must go beyond textbooks and rote learning. I sincerelyhopethatonedayyouwill also lead a nationwide movement for ethical education and character formation.
Imagine millions of young Indians learning honesty before ambition,
responsibility before rights, service before success, and compassion beforecompetition.
Such a movement would become farmorepowerful thananypolitical agitation.
It would produce citizens who neither give nor accept bribes, who protect the environment not because of fear of punishment but because of inner conviction, who respectpeopleofeveryreligion and community, and who place the nationaboveselfishinterests.
Ibelieve thisisthegreatest nationbuilding project beforeIndiatoday. History remembers not only those who protested injustice but also those who built better human beings.
You have already inspired a generation through educational innovation.
I hope you will inspire the next generationthroughamovementfor characterbuilding.
India does not merely need better politics.
Indianeedsbetter people. Andbetter people canonlyemerge through bettervalues.
With profound respect and best wishes,
Dr.Partha Chattopadhya Author | Retired Editor | Former University Professor Founder, ValueLiteracyMovement Kolkata, India
Mangaluru,Jul21: LourdesCentral School (LCS) proudly announced its outstanding consolidated performance in the CBSE class X board examinations for the academic year 2025–26, following thedeclaration ofthesecondBoard examination results. Theschool has once again achieved a 100% pass result, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.
Atotalof201studentsappearedfor the examination, andevery student has successfully cleared it with commendable performance. The
results reflect not only academic achievement but also the school's systematic approach to learning, continuous assessment, individual mentoring, and value-based education.
The highest scorer of the batch, AdvaithUP,securedanexceptional 98.2%, setting a benchmark of excellence. A remarkable 54 students have secured 90% and above, 140 students secured distinction, highlighting the strong academic culture nurtured at Lourdes Central School. Students have also excelled across core subjects, with outstanding performances in mathematics, science, social science, and languages.
The consolidated results further demonstrate the effectiveness of the school's learner-centred teaching practices, regular academic monitoring, remedial support, enrichment programmes, revision sessions, and personalized guidance. At Lourdes Central School, academic excellence goes hand in hand with character formation, discipline, critical thinking, creativity, and the holistic
development ofeverylearner.These resultsreaffirmtheschool'svisionof preparing confident, responsible, andfuture-ready individuals.
The management expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the principal, teachers, non-teaching staff,andparentsfortheircollective efforts in creating an environment that inspires students to strive for excellence. The school also congratulates every student for their perseverance, resilience, and determination in achieving this remarkable milestone.
Lourdes Central School remains steadfastinitsmissionof providing quality education that empowers studentstoexcelacademicallywhile growing into compassionate, responsible, and value-driven citizens.
Old is Gold!
*-Fr.Cedric Prakash SJ
‘Oldisgold’ isa proverb, that has
stood the test of time! It connotes and denotes all that is precious: enduring value, wisdom, and even the superior quality of material things that have transcended the years .Older elements carry a nostalgic charm,whether it is cherished traditions, vintage objects, orclassicmusic,. Theyhave unmatched authenticity that newer things cannot replicate .Today, ‘old
isgold’ isjust acliché.Ourworld is permeated with the ‘throw- away’ culture; the newmodel of agadget becomes obsolote in no time. Diposables: be it plates or classes are so very convenient! Heaps of garbage everywhere are indicators ofhoweasilywe‘discard’thingsand even food today! And when it comestohumanbeings,oldpeople aresoeasilydispensable, unwanted, inconvenient andevenrejected! Pope Francis established in 2021, the ‘World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly’ ,in the Catholic Church. Hewaskeenonaddressing theisolationofolderpeople;he also wanted to highlight that they are a vital link between generations, holding wisdom and roots, and to encourage young people to
connect with them.. Every year on the fourth Sunday in July(the Sunday closest to the Feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim), the Church celebrates this very special day. Little is known about these two Saints; but the very fact that they were the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus, is sufficient to hail them as role models: wonderful and exemplary, caring andsensitive seniorcitizens,worthy of emulation today! Significantly, this year for the very first time the ‘World Day’ will be celebrated on Sunday26July,theactualFeastday ofStsAnneandJoachim.
For this Sixth World Day, Pope Leo XIV has given us all a wonderful message onthetheme, “Iwillnever forgetyou“(Is 49:15). His message is motivating and inspiring . He cautionsoneabouttheperils ofold age,yetinthewordsoftheprophet Isaiah he assures all with words of hope, “Even today, we can read these words asreferring to eachof us,andeveryonecanhearthat“Iwill neverforgetyou”spokendirectlyto them.These are words that fillus withcomfortandhope”
Helaysbarethereality whichmany elderly people have to face today,
This is what happens in homes wherelonelinessreignsandalsoin those care facilities where each person’s uniqueness risks being reduced to abed number or an illness.”
‘Times are changing indeed! ’ Anotherclichéthatisrepeatedfrom onegenerationtoanother.Today, it is true, that families have become smaller;careerismandconsumerism have overwhelmed the average person. The rapid strides in technology have made us less humanandmoreindividualistic!The value time that families enjoyed in thepast:caringandsharing,praying andplaying, bonding andnurturing – seems to have become a rarity today.Thosetimesofthetraditional big ‘joint family’, where the very presence of elders was deemed sacred, has all but disappeared! “We have no time” – scream all; there is much less time for grandparents andtheelderly.Often, they are just tolerated, if not regarded asanabsolutenuisance!It issoeasyforwelltodochildrenand
grandchildren who enjoy a comfortable life abroad, to dump their seniors in a ‘Home for the Aged’ back home. They attempt to absolve themselves from all responsibility and guilt saying, “the Sisterstherelookafterthemvery well; we callevery week andof course,wepayfortheirmonthly expenses!”What grandparents and elderly want and need the most is thepresenceoftheirveryown:their fleshandblood- justtobethere!
Pope Leo challenges the young directly, “Maythisday,therefore,be an inspiration for everyone, especiallytheyoung,torevivethe beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents,theelderlymembers ofthefamilyandeventhosewho havenoonetovisitthem.” Hegoes on to add from his encyclical ‘Magnifica Humanitas’, “Inanera that favors speed and fragmentation, thehumanperson still yearns to receive care and recognition fromattentive minds, kindwordsandhandscapableof tenderness. The digital culture multiplies connections and offers newopportunities forinteraction; yet, the human heart retains an irrevocable need for genuine
closeness” The only way then to help the elderly overcome their loneliness,is tobe physicallyclose to them, to listen to them , to care forthem!
InIndia thenumber of elderly keep increasing. India's senior citizen population is projected to surge to around230millionby2036, making up about 15% of the total population. The elderly in India often find themselves in vulnerable positions due to a lack of proper and adequate support systems, both institutional andfamilial. They are confronted with many clallengeswhichincludeissueslikehealth: stigmatised mental health conditions (dementia, Alzheimer's), rising disabilities, inadequate geriatric infrastructure, Urban-rural divide inaccesstomedicalservices.
economic: insufficient social securityprovisions, riseoflivingand medical expenses, limited financial resources.
social: weakening family support systems, social isolation, neglect, lackofcompanionship digitaldivide:technology adoption barriers, lack of training and accessibledevices.
infrastructure: inadequate literacy, emergency response system; many overlook theelderly asavulnerable group. Public spaces and transport in India is largely not elderlyfriendly since ramps, handrails and accessible washrooms are in most placesnon-existent.
Thosewhostilldonotfallunderthe category of ‘seniors’, are today, called to revisit and celebrate the warmth and love, thesacrifices and generosity, the selflessness and the sensitivity: that ‘revolution of tenderness’, which one may have experienced from one’s own grandparents and the other elderly infamiliesandcommunities. Today, oneneedstoacceptandappreciate that the elderly too, have their rights, which include the right forindependence, participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity. The younger ones need to always work towards the realization of these! Grandparents and elderly, particularly in India today, must be cared for! There should be no debate about this! It is nonnegotiable! On the other hand, seniors should also learn how to grow oldgracefullyandbereadyto
adjustandadapt tochangingtimes andsituations.
Pope Leo isvery clear,, “theChurch understands the suffering of her elderlymembers;sheknowsfullwell thattheyarealltoooftenviewed throughthelensofstereotypesand consideredaburden;sheisaware that a profit-driven economy weakensfamilyties;sheknowsthat manyelderlypeopleareleftbehind by children who are forced to migrateor,insomecases,tofightin wars.Foreachofthesereasons,she joyfully proclaims the Lord’s
promise: “But I will never forget you!”
Thechallengesaremany.Onlywhen we realise that God never forgets andhavethesensitivitytoreachout to others very particularly the seniors only then, we will truly be able to celebrate a menorable ‘World Day of Grandparents and theElderly’. Letusneverforgetthat ‘oldisgold!’ 20July 2026
*(Fr Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist, writer & trainer. Contact: cedricprakash@gmail.com)
Supreme Court Hears Archbishop Peter Machado's PleaonViolence Against Christians, Adjourns Matter to August
New Delhi, July 18, 2026: The Supreme Court has taken up a petition filed by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru and others seeking stronger measures to prevent violence against Christians and safeguard their constitutional right to freely profess, practise and propagate theirfaith.
The matter, Most Rev. Peter Machado & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors., commonly known as the "Violence Petition," was heard on July 15 by a Bench comprising Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice AlokAradhe.
ThepetitioncomesbeforetheCourt against a backdrop of recurring intimidation and violence targeting Christian prayer meetings, churches and worship gatherings across multiplestates.Itallegesarecurring pattern of attacks on Christian prayer meetings, churches and worship servicesacrossthecountry, particularly during major liturgical seasons and festivals, including
Christmas, Lent, Good Friday and Easter, when believers gather in larger numbers. It contends that many of these incidents are triggered under the pretext of preventing alleged religious conversions, leading to disruptions ofpeacefulreligious gatherings.
According to the petition, more than 800 incidents of violence against Christians were documented in 2025, while 285 incidents were reported during the first six months of 2026, indicating thattheproblemremainspersistent.
Thepetition alsodraws attentionto the displacement of Christian families in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district following violence linked to allegations of religious conversion in 2022 and 2023. It states that dozens of Christianfamilieswereforcedtoflee their homes and that some victims themselves faced criminal charges insteadofreceiving protection.
Withthesupport ofADFIndiaallied lawyers, 38 Christians were acquittedinFebruaryandApril2026 after courts found no basis for the
charges. The petition argues that the years of displacement, uncertainty and prolonged legal proceedings highlight the human costbornebytheaffectedfamilies.
The petition contends that these targeted attacks violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and undermine thevaluesofsecularism, fraternityandtheruleoflaw.
The petitioners have sought directions for preventive policing through practical and enforceable courtdirections,strictaccountability for vigilante violence, fair application of criminal law so that victims are not criminalised, and enhanced protection for Christian
communities, particularly during periods of increased vulnerability aroundmajor religious festivals.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, along withADFIndia allied lawyers, appeared for the petitioners. Mr. Gonsalves submitted written argument notes, which were taken onrecord. TheBenchobserved that it required additional time to examine the matter and adjourned thecase.
The next hearing has been scheduled for August 21, 2026, subjecttothematterbeinglistedon thatday.
NewsCredits -ADF
10-year pioneer journey
Daniel K.C.Johnson
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A · BREAKING: Donald Trump is confronted about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal during an Oval
Office meeting with the Prime Minister of Bahrain and explodes into a rant that it's a "hoax" and slams his "stupid" and "foolish" supporters forbelieving it. He'scomingapartattheseamsand humiliating usontheworldstage...
"Mr. President, I know you want to move past all of this intrigue over theEpsteinfiles,butIdowanttoask you to clarify something you said thismorning. Yousaidthiswasalla 'hoax,'"saidareporter.
"Abighoax!"interjected Trump.
Earlier today, Trump blasted out a lengthy Truth Social post called the Epstein story a "hoax" and whined that his "PAST supporters" have "bought intothisbullshit"andsohe nolonger wantstheirsupport.
"Hasyourattorney generaltoldyou this was a hoax? What evidence haveyouseen?"thereporter asked. "No, it's not the attorney general. No, I know it's a hoax... It's started by Democrats. It's been run by the Democrats for four years," said Trump. "You had Christopher Wray and these characters and Comey beforehimanduh..."
Christopher Wraywasappointed as the FBI Director by Trump in 2017. By no metric was he a Democratic operative.
"It's a bad group. It started Actually look at the Steele Dossier that turned out to be a total hoax. The fifty-one agents, the intelligence, the so-called
"It’s all a big hoax. It's perpetrated bytheDemocrats, andsome stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fallintothenetand so they and do the Democrats' work," hewenton. "Uh, theDemocrats are good for nothing other than these hoaxes. They're bad for policy. They're bad for picking candidates thatcangetelectedlikein,uh,New YorkwehaveaCommunistrunning. Hemaygetelectedtoitactually,but he'lldestroy thecity."
Ashasbeen explained ad nauseam in countless publications, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani is not a Communist and this random potshot from Trump just demonstrates how desperate he is to find a distraction from Epstein.
"Uh, no, no... I call it the Epstein Hoax,"Trump wenton. "Takes alot oftimeandeffort.Insteadoftalking aboutthegreatachievementswe've had,agreatgentlemanyesterdayas you know went on CNBC and he made the statement that Trump may go down as the greatest president of allintheUnited States
and instead of talking about the thingswe'veachieved..."
Tellingly, Trump is not explaining how or why the Epstein story is a hoax. He's too lazy to even do the legwork of constructing a convincing narrative. He's simply hoping that his supporters are gullible andobedient enoughtogo alongwithhimonthisnarrative.
First, his Attorney General Pam Bondi said that Epstein's client list waswaiting onher desk for review. Then her Justice Department said that there was no list, no evidence ofablackmailring,andnoevidence that Epstein was murdered. Then, Trump saidthattheEpsteinfilesdo exist, but that Barack Obama wrote themsotheyshouldbeignored.
Furthermore, the idea that Trump will go down in history as the "greatest president of all" is downright laughable. He will be remembered asone ofthegreatest mistakes this country has ever made. His tariffs have devastated the world economy and driven our
alliesintothearmsof China,hisICE crackdowns are tearing apart innocent families, and his "big, beautiful, bill" will leave millions of Americanswithout healthinsurance bycutting$1trillionfromMedicaid.
"We've had tremendous achievement, they're wasting their time with, uh, a guy who obviously had some very serious problems who died three, four years ago," added Trump, who once called Epsteina"terrific guy."
"Uh,I'drathertalkaboutthesuccess we've had with the economy, the best we've ever had, and all of the things we've done, including in the Middle East," he said. "I mean you see it. Instead, they want to talk abouttheEpsteinhoax.Andthesad part is it's people that are really doing theDemocrats' work. They're stupid people."
At this point, the only "stupid people" are those who still believe thatTrumpistellingthetruthabout Epstein.
Rahul Gandhi, prominent leaders detained during protest near PMModi'sresidence
DaijiworldMediaNetwork–New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 21: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and severalother prominent leaders weredetained bythepolice before their massive protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence could escalate. The opposition leaders were staging a dharna protesting the NEET paper leak scam and the police brutality
inflicted on youth protesters on Monday.
Congress leaders had earlier announced that they would continue their sit-in protest outside the prime minister's residence throughout the night. However, at around 6:40 pm today, the Delhi police, accompanied by senior police officials and security forces, arrived at the spot and began clearing the protesters. Rahul Gandhi, however, remained adamant, sitting on the road and
insisting that he would not budge untiltheirdemands weremet.
Despite repeated police instructions, Rahul Gandhi refused to withdraw from the protest. Consequently, more than 10 police personnel surrounded him, forcefully lifted him from the spot, and physically carried him to a waitingbusbeforetakinghimaway.
Visuals of the police holding Rahul Gandhi by his hands and legs as they carried him away have gone viralonsocialmedia.Leaders ofthe Congress and the INDIA bloc have strongly condemned the police action, accusing thegovernment of adopting anti-democratic methods to suppress the voices of theyouth andstudents.
Mangaluru, Jul 21: The extraordinary courageandpresence of mind displayed by a local daily wageworker, Girish,playedacrucial role in tracing and apprehending Chetan, the accused in the murder of Lavanya at the KSRTC bus stand in B C Road on July 16. His timely intervention, before the police officially arrested the accused near the Pacchanady dumping yard in Vamanjoor the following morning, hasdrawnwidespread appreciation.
According to workers at the Pacchanady dumping yard, after allegedly fleeing the murder scene, Chetan drove towards Mangaluru and reached Vamanjoor. They suspect that he spent the night sleeping inside his Alto car, which was seen moving around the Pacchanadyareaduring thenight. Recountingtheincident,Girish,who works in a pickup vehicle transporting poultry waste from chicken shops in Gurpur, Kaikamba and nearby areas to the dumping yard,saidthatataround8.30amon Friday, a car stopped in front of a shop near the dumping yard.
platform outside the shop looking atmymobile phone.WhenIlooked towards the parked car, the driver resembled Chetan, whose photograph I had already seen on my phone in connection with the brutal murder of Lavanya. I immediately went near the car and tried to question him. He partially lowered the window. When I asked him what he wanted, I directly questioned him, asking whether he was the person who had murdered the young woman at B C Road. He immediately appeared to be under tremendous pressure," Girish said.
After confirming that the man was indeed Chetan, Girish tried to pull him out of the car. Initially, the accused refused to come out but laterstepped out,sayinghewanted towashhisface.Whiledoing so,he kept a close watch on Girish. He then returned to the car and attempted to drive away.
"I was sitting on the cement
"WhenI tried tosnatchthe carkey, he resisted. After a brief struggle, I managed to takethekey from him. Shortly afterwards, he took out a small bottle and drank something from it," Girish recalled.
As the incident unfolded, Girish sought the help of residents to detaintheaccusedandimmediately informed thepolice. Others present at the spot also alerted the police. Within about half an hour, police arrived at the scene, took Chetan into custody, and escorted him away in a police jeep.
Girish further revealed that two knives were found inside the accused'scar. "Atonepoint, whileI was trying to seize the car key, he pushed me and attempted to take outaknife.Iimmediatelykicked the knife away with my foot," he said.
According to Girish, the police
thanked him for his timely intervention and told him, "We had been conducting an intensive operation since last night to trace and arrest the accused. Your alertness made it easier for us to apprehend him. Your courage is truly commendable."
Expressinghisfeelings,Girishsaid,"I was not afraid of death. My only thought was thatthemanwho had committed the murder should be caught and handed over to the police. Whathappened atBCRoad was extremely inhuman. I had watched the video of the incident on mymobile phone, and itdeeply saddened me."
Fr Thomas Pathikkal, witness of India's first Vaticanrecognised miracle in Vilakannur, dies at 73
• DaijiworldMediaNetwork–Kerala
Kerala, Jul21: FrThomasPathikkal, the Syro-Malabar Catholic priest who witnessed the Eucharistic miracleatVilakkannur inKerala that waslaterrecognised bytheVatican, haspassedawayattheageof73.
Fr Pathikkal was celebrating holy mass on November 13, 2013, at Christ the King Church in Vilakkannur when he noticed a small spot appearing on the consecrated host. As the liturgy continued, the mark gradually developedintowhatappearedtobe
News of the extraordinary event quickly spread, drawing thousands ofpilgrims totheparishtovenerate the sacred host before church authorities placed it in secure custody for scientific and theological examination.
The Syro-Malabar church's doctrinal commission conducted an extensive investigation before the host was sent to the Vatican in 2018 for further evaluation.
After years of study, the Holy See officially recognised the Eucharistic
sign in 2025. The Vatican's decree confirming the recognition was formally proclaimed at the Vilakkannur church by the thenapostolic nuncio, archbishop Leopold Girelli, making it the first Vatican-recognised Eucharistic miracleinIndia.
Fr Pathikkal remained closely associated with the historic event throughout hislife,becoming akey witness to one of the most significant moments in the history of the Catholic church in India. His death marks the passing of the priest whose faithful ministry became inseparably linked with a Eucharisticmiraclethatcontinuesto inspiredevotion amongCatholicsin Indiaandbeyond.
The funeral will be held at Vilakkannur Church on Friday, July 24at10am.
Late Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa Remembered as
Champion of Konkani Literature and Goan
Identity
Goa, July 19, 2026: The late Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa, a priest of the
Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, was remembered on his 73rd birth
anniversary with tributes to his enduring contributions to Roman scriptKonkaniliterature, journalism, and the preservation of Goa's linguistic andculturalidentity.
Rememberedasoneofthepioneers of modern Roman script Konkani literature, Fr. Da Costa devoted his life to promoting Konkani as the cornerstone of Goan identity. He believed that the state's progress depended not only on economic
growth but also on preserving its language, cultureandvalues.
His most significant contribution came in 1983 with the founding of GULAB, a Roman script Konkani monthly that became a leading platform forliterary expression. The magazinepublished articles,poetry, fiction, reflections on faith and commentary on contemporary issues while nurturing generations of emerging and established Konkani writers.
Mangaluru: Konkani Natak Sabha hosts spectacular 24th dance competition at Don Bosco Hall
Mangaluru, Jul 20: Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS), an 83-year-old premier Konkani organisation known for nurturing talent through itsannualcompetitions, successfully organised the 24th Konkani Dance
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Competition at Don Bosco Hall on Sunday, July19.
Thevibrant eventbeganwiththe KNS anthem, followed by a warm welcome address by KNS general
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secretary Pamela Santos, who encouraged all the participants to perform with confidence and wishedthemtheverybest.
Santhosh Sequeira, Kankanady, a long-time supporter and wellwisherofKNS.
The competition was formally inaugurated with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Pamela Santos, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D'Silva, the panel of judges, and competition conveners Shanthi Dias, Usha Kiran Lobo, andFlorine D’Souza.
The competition was judged by an eminent panel comprising renowned dance personalities Dixon Machado, Deepak D’Souza, and Rahul Pinto. Their presence inspired theparticipants andadded prestige totheevent.
A total of 129 dancers participated through 61 entries across five categories. The competition featured solo, duet, and mixed group performances in the age groups of below 10 years, 10–15 years, 15–40 years, and above 40 years. The audience enjoyed a
colourful display of energetic, creative, andgracefulperformances throughout theday.
Before the announcement ofthe results, judge VJ Dixon Machado addressed the participants on behalfofthejudging panel.Sharing his inspiring journey, he recalled performing on the very same Don Bosco stage as a primary school student during a KNS Dance Competition. He said that performing on this stage gave him the confidence to perform on bigger platforms, and today he felt proud and honoured to return asa judge.
He reminded the participants that not everyone can win on the same day,buteveryperformanceisastep towards success. He encouraged thosewhodidnotreceiveprizesnot toloseheart,buttopractiseharder, return stronger, and accept the challenge with determination. He expressed confidence that many of the young dancers performing today could one day become stars, represent the country on international stages, or even return as judges for KNS competitions or major reality shows. Healso shared
valuabletipstohelptheparticipants improve their performances and appreciated KNS for consistently organising such competitions, giving young talents a wonderful platformtoshowcasetheirabilities. The event was efficiently managed with the support of KNS manager Gerald Concessao. Score tabulation was handled by Sunil Menezes, former vicepresident ofKNS, along withIvanD'Silva,KNStreasurer.
Pritham Akash D’Souza and Jenica Deanne D’Souza looked after the technical arrangements, while Glanny D’Souza Bajal managed the stage arrangements. Photography washandledbyDeonJoshwinPinto oftheCasciaunit.TheMilagres and Jeppu units of KNS, together with the KNS Managing Committee, coordinated the event efficiently, ensuringthesmooth andsuccessful conductofthecompetition.
The programme was compered by Clita Noronha, Usha Kiran Lobo introduced the judges, Floyd D’Mello Cascia, vice president of KNS, proposed the vote of thanks, and Shanthi Dias announced the results.
The competition once again
reflected KNS'continued commitment topromoting Konkani culture, encouraging young talent, and providing a prestigious platform fordancerstoshine. Theeventconcludedonajoyfuland memorable note as all the participants, their parents, and dance trainers came together on stage and danced to lively music, celebrating the spirit of the competition. The atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter, applause,andexcitement, makingit aperfectending toawonderfulday of talent, togetherness, and celebration ofKonkani culture.
Upcoming KNS Annual competitions at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru:
August 2, 9:30 am onwards: 24th PoetryCompetition
August 2, 3:30 pm onwards: 5th Voviyo VerseCompetition
August 16, 1pm onwards: 62nd Singing Competition – Second round
August 23, 3:30 pm onwards: 3rd GumtamGayanCompetition
August30,1:30pmonwards: Konkani SkitCompetition
September 6, 9:30 am onwards: 58thElocutionCompetition
September 13, 9:30 am onwards: 62nd Singing Competition – Grand finale
September 27, 5 pm onwards 83rd AnnualDaycelebration ofKNS
43 years later, St Aloysius High School alumni create sustainable Rs 65-lac scholarship endowment
Mangaluru, Jul 22: Forty-three yearsafterleavingtheclassroomsof the prestigious St Aloysius High School, members of the class X batchof1983returnedtotheiralma mater with a lasting gift. They launched a self-sustaining scholarship endowment with an service initial corpus of Rs65 lac.It is believed to be the 146-year-old institution's first class-driven scholarship endowment of its kind, bothinvisionandstructure.
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Theendowment seeks torecognise studentswithoutstandingacademic promise and encourage the Aloysian values of excellence and. has been professionally structured
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Unlike conventional scholarships, it
to grow over time and support increasingnumbers ofstudentsin
theyearsahead.
The inaugural St Aloysius Class of 1983 Scholarship Awardswere held on June 20 during the annualfeast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of youth and students. Scholarships were presented to Ashwini Shettigar, M A Abdul Azaz Shayan and Sharon D'Costa. The fourthawardee,SnithikChurya,who could not attend the function, received thescholarshiplateratthe headmaster's officeonJuly7. The occasion also saw the felicitation of former high school assistant headmaster Shambu Shetty and former primary school teachers Lidwin D'Souza andCeline Rego for their lasting influence on the class of 1983. Headmaster Fr Johnson Pinto and assistant headmaster Lancy D'Souza were present. The class of 1983 was
Addressing the gathering, Shambu Shetty said, "It is easy to plant a seed. The real challenge is to nurture it and help it grow." He urged the younger generation to carry the initiative forward and strengthen its legacy. Fr Johnson Pinto said StAloysius Gonzaga was a symbol of selflessservice and the scholarshipreflectedhismessageof serving others.
A Permanent, Self-Sustaining Endowment
The idea for the scholarship was born in 2024, when more than 70 classmates from India and abroad reconnected through social media after over four decades. What began as a nostalgic reunion soon grewintoasharedvision.Monthsof planning with the institution
followed. The endowment was formally established in April 2025 under the guidance of the then rector, thelateFrMelwyn Pinto. Endowment combines alumni generosity with professional investment management. Besides contributing financially, classmates also pooled their expertise in finance, administration and management to design the structureof theendowment. TheRs 65 lac corpus has been invested in carefully selected financial market instruments under the guidance of classmateswithexpertiseinfinance. Only the annual investment earnings are used for scholarships, whilethecorpus remainsintactand continues to grow through market returns andfuturecontributions. As the endowment grows, it is expected to recognise increasing numbersofstudentsfromclassXto II PUC, with the long-term goal of supporting 12 students every year. It is administered jointly by the alumni and the Institutional Development Office (IDO) of St AloysiusInstitutions.
Dedication
Theendowment isdedicated tothe
alma mater, its teachers and the memory of departed classmates. It reflects the enduring bonds forged in the classrooms of St Aloysius. Inspired by the Aloysian motto,
Lucet et Ardet (‘Shine to Enkindle’), the initiative seeks to encourage similar alumni-led scholarship endowments at St Aloysius and othereducational institutions.
Father Muller College of Nursing strengthens academic excellence through four strategic MoU
Mangaluru, Jul 22: Reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, innovation, and holistic wellness, Father Muller College of Nursing (FMCON), under the aegis of Father Muller Charitable
Institutions (FMCI), signed four strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) over two days with leading institutions to enhance academic, research, innovation, environmental, and wellness initiatives for nursing studentsandfaculty. Thecollaborations wereestablished with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, the Department of Food Science, St Aloysius (Deemed tobeUniversity), StAloysiusCollege of Engineering, and the Centre for Environmental Studies, Yenepoya
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(Deemed-to-be University), reflecting FMCON's vision of preparing future nursing professionals through collaborative learning and multidisciplinary engagement.
The first MoU, signed on July 15, formalized a partnership with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Centertopromote wellness, holistic health practices, academic collaboration, faculty and student development, and research in integrative healthcare. The agreement was signed by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, and Kushalappa Gowda, director, Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, in the presence of theFMCI Management Committee and members of the AvishkarYoga Trust.
Addressing the gathering, Kushalappa Gowda expressed his delightinpartneringwithoneofthe region's most respected healthcare and educational institutions. Recallinghispersonal experience at Father Muller Hospital nearly twenty-seven years ago, he fondly remembered being welcomed by a compassionate doctor, a caring
nurse, and an atmosphere of cleanlinessandhealingthatinstilled confidence even before treatment commenced. Heremarked that this memorable experienceinspired him tocollaborate withtheinstitution in advancing wellness and holistic healthcare.
Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo expressed confidence that the partnership would pave theway formeaningful academic collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and practical wellness initiatives that extend beyond institutional boundaries while enriching nursing educationandpatient-centred care. Dr Shycil Mathew, professor, Department of Community Health Nursing,outlinedtheobjectivesand scope of the collaboration. The programme was compered by Dr Kelvin Peter Pais, liaison officer, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, andProfessor, whoalso welcomed the gathering and coordinated theproceedings. Later the same day, Father Muller College of Nursing signed two landmark MoUs with St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, establishing collaborations withtheDepartment
ofFoodScienceandtheSt.Aloysius College ofEngineering.
The agreements were signed on behalf of FMCON by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI, and Sr DrDhanyaDevasia,principal, Father Muller College of Nursing. Representing St Aloysius (Deemed tobeUniversity) wereFrDrPraveen MartisSJ,vicechancellor,alongwith Dr Daniella Chyne, head, DepartmentofFoodScience,andDr Ruban S, dean, School of Engineering.
The collaboration with the Department of Food Science focuses on nutrition education, publichealth,foodscienceresearch, faculty and student exchange, joint research projects, community nutrition programmes, workshops, seminars, skill development initiatives, and extension activities. The partnership is expected to strengthen evidence-based nutrition practices and contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
The MoU with the St Aloysius College of Engineering aims to integrate engineering innovations with healthcare and nursing
education through collaborative projects in healthcare technology, biomedical innovations, digital health solutions, simulation-based learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacitybuilding programmes.
On July 16, FMCON further strengthened its academic network by signing another MoU with the Centre for Environmental Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University) at the Yenepoya University campus.
The agreement was signed by Fr FaustineLucasLobo, director, FMCI, andSrDrDhanyaDevasia,principal, FMCON, while Dr Aswini Dutt R, registrar, and Dr Bhagya Sharma, deputy director, Centre for Environmental Studies, represented Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University).
The programme commenced with SrDrDhanya Devasiafelicitating Dr Aswini Dutt R in the gracious presence of Dr K S. Gangadhara Somayaji, vicechancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University).
A focused technical discussion followed between Dr Bhagya Sharma, Sr Dr Dhanya Devasia, Dr Agnes E J, vice principal, FMCON,
and Dr Shycil Mathew, exploring opportunities for collaborative research, environmental health education, student internships, faculty exchange, community outreach programmes, and capacity-building initiatives aligned withSDG 3(Good HealthandWellbeing), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships fortheGoals).
Representing Father Muller College ofNursingduringtheseriesofMoU signingswereS.DrDhanyaDevasia, principal; Dr Agnes E J, vice principal; DrKainiCecilia,professor,
Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing; Prof Ashwin Boromeo J, head, Department of MedicalSurgical Nursing; and Dr Shycil Mathew, professor, Department of Community HealthNursing. These four strategic collaborations underscore FatherMullerCollegeof Nursing's continued commitment to nurturing competent, socially responsible, and future-ready nursing professionals by fostering excellence in education, interdisciplinary research, innovation, environmental sustainability, and holistic wellness in keeping with the institutional motto of‘Heal&Comfort’.
Prathiba Puraskar by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh
Honouring 5 CA degree holders, 7 Doctorates holders in 2026 and Prathibha Puraskar awards and
certificates to the SSLC toppers of the 2025–26 academic year from eachoftheover51parishofthe
Diocese of Udupi, as well as to the highest scorers in the PUC Public Examination held in April 2026 in the Arts, Commerce and Science streams—one each from the five DeaneriesofKundapura, Kallianpur, Udupi, Shirva and Karkala was held today, 26.7.2026 at Anugraha Udupi.
ThePrathibhaPuraskarprogramme, organised by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradeshwiththegeneroussponsors
’John D’Silva Foundation’, Mumbai, was held with great dignity and enthusiasm on Sunday, 26th July 2026, at Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, Santhekatte.
Theguests, awardees, parents and members of Catholic Sabha were warmly welcomed by Convenor of the well-organized event Dr Gerald Pinto, former President of Catholic Sabha CentralTeam. Theprogramme wasinauguratedby Most Rev. Dr Leslie C. D’Souza, BishopofUdupi Diocese, bylightingthetraditionallamp,who alsodelivered acrispyandinsightful inauguraladdress.
While congratulating the achievers he reminded, ’it’s just a foundation and structure yet to be built, prayers, respect toelders especially parents, teachers will the blessings sothatyoucanexcelinyourstudies, career and life and give back something to family society and church...
Hehadhighregardstogenerous John DSilva family for doing such yeomen service since13 long years and Catholic Sabha utilised it recognising students of classX and PU....specialachievements in higher education especially Chartered
Accountants and successful Ph.D. holders....
The function was presided over by Mr Melwyn Aranha, President of Catholic SabhaUdupi Pradesh. The gathering was graced by Dr Jacintha D’Souza, Joint Director, Department of Women and Child Welfare, Government of Karnataka, asthe Chief Guest. She spoke from the heart to motivate the youngsters andadvisednotearning moneyalonenotbetheyardstickto evaluate success but quality of life measured by the contribution to society we live in always matters mostforusCatholics.
After cutting the cake to commemorate’ Elder’sDay’MrJohn D’Silva,ChairmanoftheJohnD’Silva Foundation, Mumbai,addressed the audience and appreciated the efforts of Catholic Sabha in recognising academic excellence andmotivating youngachievers. The couple were deservedly recognised for their service while President Designate Mr Louis DSouzagaveabriefglimpseoftheir
colourful careerbothasBanker and socialworker inMumbai...
MrLeoSequeira philanthropist who contributed Rs 20 Lakhs for the treatment of Cancer patients was honoured onthisoccasion andwas introduced to the audience by Shashakt Trustee Mr Walter Cyril Pinto. Ge was draped with traditional shawl, bouquet and Mementos.
Mr Ronald D’Almeida, Immediate Past President, was among the distinguished GuestsofHonour.
One of the highlights of the programme was the felicitation of Ph.D. holders and Chartered Accountants from the Diocese in recognition of their outstanding academic and professional accomplishments.
All were introduced by Join Secretary Ms Sonu Sequeira and AsstTreasurerMsPrathimaDSouza. It was a proud moment to witness over a dozen receiving citation, shawl and memento led by Bishop andallguestsonstage.
Much awaited major highlight of the programme was the presentation of the Prathibha Puraskar awards and certificates to the SSLC toppers of the 2025–26 academicyearfromeachoftheover 51parishoftheDioceseofUdupi,as wellastothehighest scorers inthe PUCPublicExaminationheldinApril 2026 in the Arts, Commerce and Science streams one each from the five Deaneries of Kundapura, Kallianpur, Udupi, Shirva and Karkala. The awardees were felicitated amidst thunderous applausefromthegathering.
A representative of the students in Collin Crasta, Mount Rosary expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalfofallthe students’ recipients.
The programme also featured Mr Melwyn Aranha’s Presidential Address, in which he lauded the achievements of the students and encouraged them to strive for greater excellence while remaining rooted in Christian values and committed toservingsociety.
The Secretary Ms Juliet DSouza profusely proposed the Vote of Thanks,expressingsinceregratitude totheBishop, dignitaries, sponsors, organisers, volunteers, parents, students and everyone who had contributed to the successful conductoftheprogramme.
The programme concluded with fellowship over lunch to all present -meritorious students,theirparents andCatholic Sabha fraternity.
Diocese of Mangalore Launches 'Pastoral Plan 3.0'
(2026–2028) at Council of Priests Meeting
MANGALURU, July23, 2026: Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop ofMangalore,officiallylaunchedthe "Diocesan Pastoral Plan 3.0" (2026–2028)—themed “A Synodal Journey” today during theCouncil of Priests meeting held at the Bishop’s House Hall in Kodialbail, Mangaluru.
ThenewlyunveiledPastoralPlan3.0 sets a structured three-year roadmapdesigned tooperate atthe diocesan,deanery,andparishlevels.
Delivering the presidential address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha highlighted the core vision of synodality—walking together in faith and urged the clergy to foster collaborative leadership alongside religious and lay faithful across all administrative tiers. He emphasized that the new plan serves asan adaptive framework to address contemporary social and pastoral challenges with renewed vigor.
The launch event was attended by key administrative leaders and former commission coordinators.
Aimed at renewing spiritual life, strengthening parish communities, and encouraging lay participation, the plan encompasses the active operational scope of all 22 pastoral commissions, providing integrated direction foreducational,social, and charitable missions across the diocese.
Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General, and Very Rev. Dr
Victor George D’Souza, Chancellor, graced the occasion. The assembly also acknowledged the historical progression of the pastoral initiatives, honoring the foundational contributions of Very Rev. Fr Joseph Martis (Pastoral Commissions Coordinator 1.0) and Rev.FrFaustineLucasLobo (Pastoral Commissions Coordinator 2.0).
VeryRev.FrNaveenPinto,thenewly appointedCoordinator forDiocesan PastoralCommissions (3.0), formally presented the core priorities, strategic goals, and execution roadmap for the upcoming threeyear period. In his address, Fr Pinto
expressed deep gratitude to the secretariesofall22commissions for their dedicated collaboration and effort in drafting the individual three-year action plans for their respective commissions. He also acknowledged the pioneering groundwork laid by his predecessors.
The Council of Priests meeting concluded with a unified commitment from all participating clergy to systematically implement the guidelines of Pastoral Plan 3.0 across every parish and deanery in the Diocese of Mangalore over the 2026–2028 term.
