Bhatkal: Condolence book honouring Dr. Syed Khalilur Rahman released at Rabita Awards Ceremony
Bhatkal, July 24: During the second session of the Rabita Educational Excellence Awards 2025, a special tribute was paid to the late Dr. S.M. Syed Khalilur Rahman, a respected NRI businessman and one of the key visionaries behind the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (Rabita Society). A compilation book of condolence and tribute letters received following his demise was formally released at the event by BMKC.
Karnataka Minister and Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya unveiled the book in the presence of several prominent dignitaries and community leaders. Among those present on the occasion were the recently appointed Superintendent of Police for Uttara Kannada, Deepan M.N., and senior members of leading local organisations.
The release of the book served as a gesture of remembrance for Dr. Khalilur Rahman, who was widely recognised for his contributions to educational and social development in the region. As a longtime resident of the Gulf, he played a key role in mobilising the diaspora for the betterment of Bhatkal. His leadership and foresight helped shape Rabita Society into a strong institution committed to educational empowerment.
Over the years, he became known not only for his business acumen abroad but also for his consistent service to the community back home. His efforts laid the foundation for platforms like the Rabita Educational Excellence Awards, which continue to recognise academic achievement among the youth of Bhatkal and surrounding areas.
The ceremony was attended by leading personalities, including Yunus Kazia, President of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Bhatkal; Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem Bhatkal; Farooq Musba, President of BMKC; Aftab Kola, President of Indian Nawayath Forum; Ateequr Rahman Muniri, General Secretary of BMKC; Qamar Sada, a fellow NRI businessman; Altaf Kharuri, President of Bhatkal Town Municipal Council; and other key community representatives.
The second session of the Rabita Awards also saw the continuation of the student felicitation programme, as meritorious students from various academic streams were recognised for their achievements.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pune airport runway restored after IAF aircraft snag; ops resume
Pune (PTI): The runway at Pune airport, which was temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, has now been restored and declared operational, the Air Force said on Saturday.
The authorities at the Pune International Airport had earlier said that around 10.25 pm on Friday, a fighter aircraft experienced an undercarriage failure during landing, causing the runway to be blocked.
As many as 91 flights of airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa, and Air India Express, were affected due to the incident, they said.
Earlier on Friday night, the Air Force had stated that the runway at Pune airport was temporarily unavailable following an incident involving one of its fighter aircraft. The aircrew are safe, and there is no damage to civil property, it had said.
"The runway at Pune Airport, which was temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an Indian Air Force aircraft, has now been restored and declared operational. All necessary safety inspections and clearances have been completed. Operations are resuming in a phased manner," it said in a post on X.
Flight operations at Pune airport are being gradually restored. The situation has been brought under control with the highest priority given to the safety of citizens, a Defence PRO said.
