Karnataka Cong to kick-start preparations for bypolls in 17 seats

Tumakuru, Jan 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid respects to the 'Gadduge' (final resting place) of Shivakumara Swamiji at Siddaganga Math, a prominent Lingayat seminary here, and said the Swamiji's work would continue to inspire everyone.

The Swamiji, who was known as the 'Walking God' among his countless followers, had passed away last year at the age of 111. The Prime Minister, who arrived at the Yelahanka Airbase in Bengaluru, went directly to Tumakuru, where the Math is located, by a chopper along with Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda among others. Modi, after offering respects to the 'Gadduge', planted Bilva plant (Aegle marmelos) on the premises of the Math and also laid the foundation for the construction of a museum dedicated to Swamiji here before addressing the gathering, largely comprising students. Speaking on the occasion, Modi said he was feeling blessed to begin 2020 from the sacred land of Siddaganga, but at the same time was feeling the "vacuum" in the absence of Shivakumara Swamiji. "It is rare see the number of people swamiji had inspired during his life time. I'm really fortunate to lay the foundation for the museum in swamiji's memory. Through this museum, his works will continue to inspire generations," he said. Also, Prime Minister remembered Vishwesha Theertha of Udupi's Pejawar Math who passed away recently. Yediyurappa and the present pontiff of the Math Siddalinga Swamiji were among the others present. Known as "trivida dasohi" for his triple sacraments - food, shelter and education - among his followers, Shivakumara swamiji was considered as the incarnation of Basavanna, the 12th-century social reformer, as he accepted all irrespective of their religion or caste. There has been a growing clamour from people of different walks of life, including politicians, for conferring "Bharat Ratna" on the late Swamiji.

After the Swamiji's demise, the then Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had written to Modi urging him to confer the country's highest civilian order on the late seer.

Opposition Congress on Thursday questioned the Prime Minister about not conferring the"Bharat Ratna" on Shivakumara Swamiji.

Questioning Modi as to why he did not visit Tumakuru when Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Math passed away, the principal opposition party in the state assembly in a tweet also sought to know why the seer was not conferred with the Bharat Ratna yet, while pointing out that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written a letter in this regard in January 2018.

The present seer of the seminary Siddalinga Swamiji presented Modi a silver statue of Shivakumara Swamiji as a memento.

On Friday, February 7, 2020 Tulu Koota Kuwait under the leadership of Dynamic President Ramesh S Bhandary and coordination of Sports Secretary Roshan Quadras  held its annual picnic at Mishref Garden, Kuwait.  Although slight drizzling on the   previous night had caused great concern amongst committee members , yet the  windy and dusty weather did not lessen the enthusiasm and excitement of Tulu Koota Kuwait members.  Over 1000 members enjoyed the fun filled day.

MC of the occasion Mr. Manoj Shetty & Ms. Priya Devadiga welcomed the audience and Chief guests for the event Dr Jeshna Rajan- Badr Al Samaa Clinic, Dr. S.M.Hyther Ali- Chairman of TVS Hyder Group, Mr. John Simon- Group Manager for Corporate Sales and Event Marketing ,  Al Mulla Exchange, Mr Pradeep, owner of Geetherb medicine and Mr. Lokesh & Team from NH Assets.  The program kicked off with Kuwait & Indian National anthem. The guests in their address to audience, praised Tulu Koota Kuwait unwavering efforts to unite people through language, and also the solid philanthropy and charity work being carried by the association was applauded. The presidents  of different South Canara  association in Kuwait were also amongst invited dignitaries for the event, and were welcomed with flower bouquet. This was followed by the release of “ Tulu Nada Jathre flyer”.

Tulu Koota Kuwait President, Ramesh S Bhandary in his speech welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the significance of the annual picnic gathering. He further elaborated on the innovative concept of “Tulunada Jathre ” being initiated this year, and requested fervent support and participation from all members in  this wonderful program scheduled to be held on Friday,  March 27, 2020 at Indian Central School Indoor Ground Abbasiya. 

As part of days celebration TKK’s Flag hosting  was done  by President , Ramesh Bhandary. “Go Green Global concept” by Tulu Koota members   was the highlight of the inaugural ceremony.  This act was directed by talented committee member Mr. Suresh Salian.

The act beautifully conveyed the message of sustainability, and climate change and raised awareness on how to fight it, how to live green.  The traditional inaugural of the sports event was done by breaking of coconut by Sports Secretary Mr. Roshan Quadras.  TKK First Lady Mrs Anitha Ramesh Bhandary led the sports march holding the traditional torch followed by the  Go Green Global team holding different country flags with plant pots, followed by President, committee members and Sponsors of TKK. The president officially inaugurated the Sports Event by officially lighting the Sports Lamp.

After the inauguration ceremony, the members and kids actively participated in day long sports games and activities meticulously planned out by the Sports committee  for different age groups.  Passing the parcel, Veggies collection, ball bucket, veg shopping , macroni race, hockey, kutti donne, sack race, lagori,  breaking the pot , tyre race, slow cycling, water ballon race, musical chair , kabbadi, volley ball, throw  ball , tug of war, housie housie, kept the members and their families  engaged and entertained. The winners for the competitions were awarded with trophies towards the end of the exciting day.

Delicious and authentic Mangalorean lunch for the event was served by Oriental Restaurant Kuwait.  Sounds and lights support for the event was provided by Anand, while the beautiful moments were captured in camera by Mr.Blen Dsouza and Mr.Rajesh Devadiga

Tulu Koota Kuwait takes this opportunity to thank its committee members, members and volunteers for their dedicated efforts and team spirit and active participation that eventually lead to the huge success of Family Picnic 2020. The Event Sponsors were Al Ahleia Insurance Company SAKP, Al Mulla Exchange, Khain Properties Udupi, Badr Al-Samaa Clinic, TVS Hyder Group and Geetherb.

Udupi, Apr 21:  Four walk-in sample collection units for COVID-19 test has been installed in the district, sources said on Monday.

The units have been installed at Udupi’s T M A Pai Hospital and district hospital and at Kundapura and Karkala taluk hospitals by Indian Medical Association, Udupi Branch along with Rotary Club and Red Cross Society.

Udupi district was declared COVID-19-free after all three COVID-19 positive patients were discharged after recovery and were now in home quarantine, the sources added.