Yesteryear bombshell Mamta Kulkarni turns spiritual

New Delhi, July 24, 2013: Mamta Kulkarni - the feisty actor from the 90s who was part of films such as Ghatak, Karan Arjun and Baazi, is now, believe it or not, a spiritual queen. The 41-year-old, who has been away from the limelight for more than a decade, has been found, and it turns out she has even written a spiritual book, Autobiography Of An Yogini (sic), by Mamta Kulkarni.

Revealing the reason for quitting Bollywood in an interview to Bollywoodjournalist.com, she says, “Some are born for cause of world … some are born as cause for God, I fall for latter part. So, the call to go to my actual cause of my existence was inevitable (sic).”

Asked about her plans to make a comeback, she says, “I am laughing, is it possible for ghee to become milk again? Is it possible for Rishi Valmiki to become Vallya again? My real heroes have changed from Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir to first the Father, and Lords of all religions.”

Mamta, who even took potshots at some of her contemporaries in the interview, doesn’t reveal her whereabouts. “In these 12-13 years, not even my family knew where I was and what I was doing, as this was the demand of the spiritual world .... the Mamta Kulkarni they knew (to be leading) a previous celebrity’s life had/was already burning into ashes. Out of 24 hours, 18 hours went in God’s service ... where was the time to see or hear anyone? I didn’t apply makeup for 12 years, didn’t visit a beauty parlour for 12 years, didn’t watch a movie for 12 years, didn’t look in the mirror for 12 years!”

Kulkarni also clears the air about her reported marriage to alleged drug-lord Vicky Goswami. “I was never married to no one, neither am I still married to anyone. My penance got over and Vicki was released ... I love vicki but even he knows my first love now is God (sic).”

ASI Srikala harassment case : Probe report bails out ACP Jagannath

Mangalore, July 25, 2013 : A special committee constituted by the Mangalore Police Commissioner Manish Kharbikar to enquire into  the ASI Srikala harassment case, has  submitted its report to the Commissioner stating that the  charges against  ACP Jagannath in the case  could not be proved. As per the report, there has been no sexual harassment.

The Committee report has come in as a big relief to ACP Jagannath who has been sent on leave following the incident.

It may be recalled here that  Srikala, ASI of Pandeshwar police station, had in her complaint lodged on May 23 had alleged that ACP Jagannath had mentally and sexually harassed her.

 The ASI had also alleged that the ACP had abused her and had also refused to grant leave to her.

The probe committee was head by ACP Kavitha and comprised of Kalavathi, inspector, Hilda Goveas, Assistant Administrative Officer at the Commissioner’s office,  Ramila Shekhar, Professor in School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya and  Crime Branch Superintendent Pauline Mariyappa.

Spandana channel comes to aid of Niddodi

Moodbidri, July 25, 2013 :  Spandana TV channel, the first ever HD Channel of  Karnataka, has come to the aid of the people of Niddodi in Moodbidri  who are fighting tooth and nail against  the 4000 mw capacity ultra mega thermal power plant  proposed to be set up in the village.

Through its programme ‘ Voice of  People Janatheyatta Spandana Balaga’ programme  it has pledged its support to the people of  Niddodi.

A Spandana team comprising Vilas Nayak, Chief Executive Officer of Spandana Channel and Harish K Adoor, Group Editor visited the proposed site of the plant on July 24, Wednesday  and elicited the opinion of the people for the proposed project. On this occasion,  Spandana even screened a documentary titled ‘Niddodi Ulisi.’

Several residents of Niddodi,  members of the Action Committee and local elected representatives were present on the occasion.

Spandana channel will  telecast programmes that will try to draw the attention of the government  regarding the problems which the area will have to face if the proposed project becomes a reality.

Adopt modern technology to protect religious shrines : DC

Mangalore, July 25, 2013 : Deputy Commissioner N Prakash  has emphasized the need to protect  the wealth in the religious shrines of  Dakshina Kannada by making use of modern technology.

He was addressing a  meeting of administrative officers of prominent temples of the district  as per the directive of the Home Ministry.

The meeting discussed in length the various security measures to be taken by  ancient temples and other shrines in the district. 

The Deputy Commissioner informed the meeting that a comprehensive report would be submitted to the government if the  temple authorities furnished the necessary information.

The meeting also discussed  the  issue of insurance cover as well as appointment of armed guards to the shrines. KA Dayanand, Additional DC and officials of the Religious and Endowment Department were present.

Kumble : 5453 bottles of foreign liquor seized

Manjeshwar, July 25, 2013 :The Kumble Excise officials have seized nearly 5453 bottles of foreign made liquor  from the house of one Naveen Kumar Shetty (21) at a place called Charla in Meenja village.

The liquor bottles were found hidden in a gunny bag in the kitchen of his house.

The raid was conducted by Assistant Excise Commissioner P Satish Kumar, Preventive Officer Basheer Ahmed, PK Vinayraj, PJ Sebastian and others.

Vittal Govt College row : Principal sent on leave

Vittal, July 25, 2013 : The Principal of the Government First Grade College at Vittal has been sent on leave for a week without pay following the recent clash between student groups and the subsequent protests staged by the students under the aegis of the ABVP.

During the protest, the ABVP had accused the Principal of resorting to maladministration and had demanded his transfer or suspension. The Education Department which has partially bowed to the demand, has now sent the Principal on leave. In the meantime, Prof. Xavier D’Souza has been appointed the in-charge Principal of the College.

As already reported, there was a tense situation in the college after the students’ council election when the Principal suspended seven students who had gone against the rule and burst fire crackers in the college premises.

In developments later on there was a clash between two student groups over the issue of eve-teasing resulting in injuries to four students.

On July 24, Wednesday YS Ganathi, Assistant Director of the Education Department visited the College and held talks with Uday Shanker, the Principal  and later sent him on leave.

Dr Devananda Gaonkar, Joint Director of the Department of Collegiate Education also held talks with the students on various issues and asked them to give their answers in writing. Similarly information was also gathered from the staff.

Amid empty promises,sea erosion continues to haunt coastal districts

Mangalore, July 24, 2013: As every year the problem of sea erosion has raised its ugly head in various places along the coast in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Sea erosion has intensified at several places giving sleepless nights to people residing in the vicinity of the shore line.

The problem is acute in Ullal, Someshwara, Kotepura in Dakshina Kannada, while in Udupi district, the mighty tidal waves are posing danger in Tenka Ermal, Tenka, Kundapur and other places.

Ullal is facing the brunt of sea erosion with many opining  that the problem was severe this year.Even Tenka Ermal is one of the worst affected places with a road that was developed last year eroding at almost five places on July24, Wednesday.The sea is also threatening as many as six houses in the area.

In Tenka nearly 20 coconut trees have also been engulfed by the giant waves.Locals point out that a breakwater constructed by UPCL has intensified sea erosion this year.

Malpe in Udupi district also continues to face problems due to sea erosion.At Hanuman Nagara and Kola areas the sea has washed away the stone benches on the beach and has affected a  few houses too. This year too it is no different than the past with leaders promising temporary solution for the time being and permanent solution in the near future.

Campus Front protests against assault on Manjeshwar students

Mangalore, July 24, 2013: The Campus Front of India which has strongly condemned the alleged assaullt on two students of Manjeshwar, staged a protest in front of the taluk office here on July 24 demanding stern action against the culprits.

The incident had occurred on July 23,Tuesday when the two students namely Masa Mirshad(17) and Rashid (19) both from Manjeshwar who were travelling by a bus to Mangalore were assaulted by some communal forces after dragging them out of the bus.Both the youth were students of Star Tutorials.

Sanaulla, President  of Campus Front of India who addressed the agitators said the incident has instilled fears in the minds of the  students belonging to minority community who travel to Mangalore for educational purposes.He also warned of severe protest by Campus Front if the police failed to act against the accused.

CFI State Committee Member Asif Baikady has  urged the police to take the incident seriously.
Imran Thumbay, Iqbal Bellare, Fayaz and other office bearers and members of CFI took part in the protest.

The agitators also submitted a memorandum to the Governor through Deputy Commissioner N Prakash.

Avitas Adolphus Cutinho chosen for Konkani Kutam Award

Mangalore, July 24, 2013:‘Konkani Kutam’ Bahrain will confer ‘Konkani Kutam Award’ on renowned playwright, director, radio artiste and comedy actor Avitas Adolphus Cutinha, popularly known as Dolla, Mangalore, at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendore,  here on Sunday July 28 at 6.30 pm.

Speaking at the press meet held at Press Club on July 24, Wednesday,Richard Moras, Convener,said that ‘Konkani Kutam’ Bahrain is a voluntary forum exclusively formed for promoting Konkani language, literature and culture.

The Konkani Kutam Award was instituted in the year 2002 with the objective of encouraging   Konkani writers and artistes. He also said that the award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 apart from a citation and memento.

The award is conferred by analyzing and evaluating the significant contribution of the writer to the Konkani cause. The Executive Committee has selected Avitas Cutinha for his immense contribution for the cause of Konkani language and literature,Moras informed.

Co-ordinator of the Award presentation committee Titus Naronha, committee members Melwyn Rodrigues, William Pais and Leslie Rego were present.

Students clash at Vittal Govt College over eve-teasing;4 injured

BANTWAL, July 24, 2013:  The student unrest in the Vittal Government First Grade College ever since the Students Council elections were held,took a different turn on July 23,Tuesday over the issue of eve-teasing. At least four students were injured in a clash between two student groups.

The clash broke out after a lady student complained to the Principal against a student named Kiran for teasing her. The student also said  Kiran teased her over her affair with a youth.

Very soon, a  group of students assaulted Kiran and this led to injuries to four students named Kiran,Harihara, Deepak and Siddique.

ABVP stages protest : Soon after the clash, ABVP took out a protest march condemning the assault on the students, They also demanded suspension of the principal for maladministration.

Several ABVP leaders including ABVP  State Secretary K Ramesh,Vinay Alangar, Ravi Manila, Raj Kadumata, Nagesh Iyyadi, Naveen Kanyana, Shivacharan and others participated in the protest,

Addressing a press meet later on, ABVP State Secretary K Ramesh said the fight will continue until the principal was transferred or suspended. He also demanded that the suspension of seven students  be revoked. The students were suspended for bursting fire crackers after the students council elections, thereby violating the directive of the Principal.

Roadblocks for Rs 5 Cr package for development of Naxal-hit areas

Mangalore, July 24, 2013: It was a year ago that the district administration had announced a Rs 5 crore package for the development of Naxal affected areas of the district. But,one year down the line,there is disappointment all over as hardly any noteworthy project has been undertaken.

Sources reveal nearly 70 per cent of the projects chalked out have not seen the light of the day.

As of now, only 28 per cent of the planned projects have been undertaken.

Several other projects including construction of bridges and power generation projects are yet to commence.

If 12 percent of the projects are progressing, five percent of the works had to be suspended due to litigations and denial of permission by the Forest Department.

Naravi Gram Panchayat  President Sumitra Mala Hegde states that the people of the Naxal hit areas are still suffering for want of basic amenities.

Though there had been a  promise  to increase projects under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) for the villages even that has not materialised as the number of people given work under the scheme in 2012-13 is 718 which is less when compared to the previous year. Even the promise to recruit youth from the Naxal hit areas to the KSRTC has not been fulfilled.

Deputy Commissioner N. Prakash meanwhile attributes  the delay in the implementation of the projects to the failure of the forest department to grant permission and also the problems faced by contractors in transporting materials.

Abhishek Goel,SP, says projects must be selected carefully henceforth so that there is no problem in the implementation.

Curiosity in Kumble as gas containers wash ashore

Kasargod, July 24, 2013 : There was  curiosity as well as tension in the air at Shiriya in Kumble  onJuly 23, Monday when  gas containers were  washed ashore,

Police officials along  with bomb detection   squad     personnel rushed  to the spot following   fears   that there might  be  some  explosive device  inside it.

Sources revealed that the containers could  hold as much as 24,000 litres of refrigerated gas. But,it is  not  yet sure if the containers were  full  or  empty.

As news of   the  containers  washing   ashore spread like  wild   fire hundreds of people arrived at the beach.

Since the past few days several goods like refrigerators and footballs were being washed ashore. It is not yet clear as to from where  these goods were being  washed ashore.

It is   learnt that  the police department had sought  the help of the intelligece wing in investigating  the  case.

An Agri Scientist and His Glorious Farm in DK

Mangalore, July 19, 2013: On the main highway, 5 KM from Moodabidri to Karkala, connoisseurs of rare quality fruit and admirers of  lovely nature frequently  find their way to a famous ’farm’  that is a jewel in the crown of local nature, sadly fast being ripped apart. This farm not only has a traceable family history of  more than a Century,  but it is a reputed cradle of  research and reserve of community tradition and agriculture  - it is a reality showcasing a unique intellect and history.   The personality that shines through this great effort and inspiration  is Dr.Livingston Chandramohan (L C) Soans.  Now, near 80 yrs, Dr Soans signifies the principles and heritage of his father Alfred and his focused  aims and aspirations blended with the cream of  scientific education. The deep love, respect and admiration that this brain of ’SOAN’s FARM’ had for his ascendants (inclusive of the Basel Mission, original visualisers) resulted in this unique venture visible with integrity,honesty, scholarship and truth.

Giving light to Dr Soans views in brief: Standards maintained at his farms are higher than normal and  quality fruits (and the exotic) and plant sources are at reasonable price. This model farm gives free hands-on training to people interested in development of modern farms.  People from  many places interested in farming  come to observe, study and implement the methods. They get free demos, assistance, encouragement and more. The investment  of considerable time of the Soans’  is not  wasted it seems. Children from schools visit  in groups to study  and be motivated in farming as a career option. This  enhances the  motivation for the GeNext to consider the  road to Agriculture that is today less travelled as a professional option.

Often this farm is a launch pad for public awareness which is a vital need to keep our food chain stronger; the Soans’  are ever ready to contribute the scarce resource to their fellow humans without discrimination in any way.

Dr L C Soans’ father, Alfred Soans ( 1903-1981)  is the last of 12 children of  Gustav & Shanthi (who were traditional farmers in Pangala Gudde): Alfred  studied Agriculture at the Allahabad Agricultural Institute - year 1928; and is instrumental in developing the Basel Mission Farm at Moodbidri. A pioneer horticulturist prominent in commercial cultivation of Pineapple in the region. Married  Sushanthamma Joshua d/o Anand Joshua, well known folk of Shirva Manchakallu.

Dr L C Soans born 1934, had his basic schooling at Mission School,  Jain High School and College education at St Aloysius College Mangalore and Christian College Madras (an ancient College in Chennai). With a valuable Masters degree from  Madras University,  he found it a practical to earn a Doctorate in Agro Research from University of Montana U S A, where he did a stint of teaching and rounded his education visiting prime agricultural stations in Europe.  Dr Soans  even at a ripe age now, when most fall a prey to many ailments, is seen bravely plowing on literally,  spending most of his day  on the farm guiding, motivating and working side by side with his dedicated workers (who are now  rapidly dwindling); he is ably assisted to mange this farm as well as others since 1966, by his younger brother  Irwin Soans (an expert fruit Technologist)  who apart from his special education has been intensively trained at CFTRI Mysore. Dr Soans’ third son  Vinod  Soans is a Post Graduate in Agriculture, and did a special stint on horticulture in Northern Australia, they are a vital part of the farm now and  are the supporting pillars to continue the family traditions. Dr Soans says,  "My dear  parents Alfred and Santhamma, established the farm with great humane wisdom. I felt an obligation to develop this. Education was my forte, deeply desiring to be independent, agriculture was a base very  suitable to me. As a born agriculturist and Botanist, I excelled in working with nature. I felt, it was a better way of serving my Nation and my neighbour than taking up a Government or University job an easy lucrative  option for one with my exposure."

The farm excels in multiple crop combinations like coconut,pepper, and pineapple or mango,pepper and vanilla. Pineapple has been the major produce since Dr Soans’ father’s time in the early 1930s. Other produce are Cashew,Banana, Arecanut, Nutmeg, cinnamon and more. Ornamental and fruit nursery has been developed to a scientific level along with medicinal plants and herbs. To enhance the value and utility of the venture a canning factory functions which also contributes to better employment and fiscal well being locally.  A holiday service for students and others learners gives a golden opportunity to those interested.   A major effort is to introduce exotic produce from other parts of the world - e.g:Rambutan, Mangosteen,Durian,Dragon fruit, Langsat and so on. Efforts are made to maintain a Agri Museum - there is a lot more in the systematic pipe line.

Dr Soans’ deep involvement in education and social development is vast. He is a trustee of several reputed institutions. He has served as President of the Rotary Club of Moodbidri. He is an adviser to Govt. run agricultural  societies. His interest and experimental orientation in the health of his fellow beings and Extrasensory Perception (ESP) and dowsing for under ground water has benefited  many local farmers and people. This study has lead him to the use of earth energies and their use in ’healing without drugs’ and setting u exclusive structural aids such as: ’Lybrynths’ ( fromEurope) ’Health Pyramid’(Egypt) ’Medicine Wheel(USA) and ’Spiral Energies’ (like Chkras and mudras) are introduced to tourists and locals for holistic healing, on this Unique ’Soans’ farm.A giant bamboo grove within the farm is a haven of peace and tranquility for nature lovers and attracts many locally and globally too.

A great potential permanently has existed  for agriculture, horticulture, especially Eco friendly horticulture, Eco Tourism and value based farming. Younger generation should be motivated to give peak importance to maintaining greenery, growing more plants and be lovers of the environment. Those who already possess or can afford buying a patch of agricultural land should give importance to Eco- friendly development that can produce fruits and vegetables and so on and strive to better the economy and ecology as well making humans respect nature and give it due value. "Take root downward, bear fruit upward".

Cartooning to Fame

Mangalore, July 18, 2013: Cartoons can add zest to life, bring smiles on faces as well convey a strong message. Doing justice to his role as an amateur cartoonist is Harishchandra Shetty who is popular by his pen name Harini.

Hailing from Thalachery,this Production officer at MCF has been passionate about cartoons since  his younger days. His first cartoon appeared in the Karmaveera magazine way back in 1977 and since then there has been no looking back for Harini. He later worked for Consumerism, an English magazine in Mumbai in 1979 and  eventually joined MCF in 1980.

While working for MCF he used to do cartoons for Taranga weekly and gained immense popularity.  His cartoons have been featured in Tushara, Roopatara, Udayavani, Karavali Ale, Jana Antaranga  and other dailies and magazine.

Harini’s caricatures and cartoons have effectively portrayed the political scenario  as well as a common man’s plight due to inflation and poverty.As his cartoons, even his caricatures are  popular.

Harishchandra Shetty is happily married to Asha and is blessed with two sons Atheeth Shetty and Ankith Shetty.

It’s a Boy! Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a boy

London, July 23, 2013 : Duchess of Cambridge Kate gave birth to a boy Monday evening, palace officials said. The baby was born at 4.24 p.m., Xinhua cited sources with the Kensington Palace as saying.

The baby is now third in line to the British throne.





Already more than a week past her due date, the 31-year-old Kate was taken to the St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington around 6 a.m. Monday.

A royal spokesman earlier siad that the duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing with the Duke of Cambridge (Prince William).

This is the same hospital where Princess Diana gave birth to both her sons.



The news, when it finally came, was hardly a surprise. But after the days of speculation, of webcams showing live scenes of inactivity, of bystanders photographing one another and of wilting reporters straining for new ways to say nothing was happening, the arrival of the newest royal heir Monday afternoon turned out to be as much a relief as a joy.

The baby, a boy who weighed in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces, will not be king for some time: He has to wait in the long line behind his great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II; his grandfather Prince Charles; and his father, Prince William. Nor are British monarchs as important in the wider scheme of things as they were in, say, the 16th century.



But the birth of the as-yet-unnamed (at least as far as we know) royal son of William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, gave Britain a chance to celebrate itself by connecting its past to its present, something it is especially good at.

It also gave the wider world a chance to demonstrate once again that there is something about royal occasions that can apparently turn republicans into monarchists, however briefly, even in countries that renounced their own monarchies long ago.

Failing that, it gave people here something to focus on that did not have to do with the bad political situation, the bad economy or the bad weather.

The Mangalore-Africa Mission formally inaugurated

Same, Tanzania, July 21, 2013: Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore formally inaugurated “The Mangalore-Africa Mission” at Kifaru, in the Diocese of Same, Tanzania, on 21.07.2013.  The Bishop cut the ribbon and opened the main door of the newly built church, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary.  Most Rev. Dr Rogath Kimaryo Bishop of Same Diocese then blessed the Church.

This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist attended by a large number of priests, religious sisters, brothers and over a thousand people. During the mass twenty four children,  six adults were given the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Bishop of Mangalore.  The joy of the celebration was felt from the exuberant and lively participation of the people with the local cultural touch. The Bishop of Same read out the decree of the erection of the new Parish which has 4 substations, having 432 Catholics.  

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’ Souza, then released the bye-laws of Mangalore-Africa Mission and handed over the lighted candle to the four priests of Mangalore diocese (Fr. Alwyn M. J. D Souza, Mission Superior, Youth Apostolate and Public Relation Officer; Fr. Hillary Lobo, the first Parish Priest of the newly created parish; Fr. Ronald Pinto, Director of  Educational Apostolate; Fr. Victor Machado, Director of Socio-Cultural and Developmental Apostolate and called upon them to spread the light of Christ to the People of Kifaru in the Diocese of Same.  In his message Bishop said, “we are here in response to the call given by Jesus, through the Bishop of Same to do good to the people as He did”. On this occasion the Bishop also blessed the foundation stone of St. Joseph Boys Science Secondary School building which is going to come up in the coming days. 

Fr. Peter OFM Conv., Parish Priest of Mwanga, the mother Parish who was responsible for initiating the process of creating the new Parish was honored with a shawl and the garland.

The Ursuline Francisan Sisters (UFS), who have been working for the past 10 years in Africa, and who were instrumental in bringing Bishop Rogath Kimaryo to Mangalore, which finely led to Mangalore Diocese to take up Africa Mission were a great support to the first missionaries to get initiated in to the mission work in Africa.   The Sisters were gratefully thanked for the same.

Bishop Emeritus Jacob Koda, Msgr. Everest Abedi, Vicar General of Same Diocese, Fr. Vincent Monteiro, Director Pastoral Institute, Mangalore, Fr. Onil D Souza, Director St Antony’s Jeppu, Mangalore, Sr. Wilberta B.S. Superior General, Bethany Congregation, Mangalore; Sr. Edilburga UFS, Former Superior General; Sr. Veena UFS, Africa Regional Superior; Mr. Constantine P. Mbogambi,  Officer Commanding of District (Police Commissioner);  Ms. Angelina Sampa, District Land Officer; Mr. KuriyaRajabu the Village Diwani; Mr. Andrea Santiyangu, Village Chairman; Mr. Hermanus Johnes, Village Secretary and Mr. Mathew Mvambat, Ward Executive, were present.

The celebration started at 9.30 a.m. with a 2 kilometer long procession followed  by the Eucharistic Celebration which ended at 2pm followed by cultural program.  All the people present were served with a festal meal.

For more news and information about Mangalore Africa Mission visit www.mangaloreafricamission.org