‘Let Theatres bring peace to society’, says Nana Patekar in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: Renowned actor and theatre personality Nana Patekar emphasized the role of theatre in questioning societal discord during his visit to St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. Inaugurating the 'Nehada Neyge' theatre program organized by Nirdiganta and Asthitva groups, Patekar underscored the importance of using the stage as a platform for expressing dissent and promoting awareness.
While distancing himself from any political affiliations, Patekar stressed the need for theatre to cleanse the political landscape and contribute positively to society. He urged fellow actor and Nirdiganta founder Prakash Raj to focus on creating plays that address social issues rather than getting involved in politics.
Highlighting the significance of teamwork in theatre, Patekar emphasized the importance of actors overcoming language barriers to portray diverse roles. He recounted his experience working on the film 'Nat Samrat' and how it inspired him to establish the 'Naam Foundation' to support farmers in need.
Addressing the audience, Patekar emphasized the importance of voting, condemning those who neglect this civic duty as traitors. He also reflected on the significance of religious harmony, reminiscing about the pleasant memories of hearing the Azan during his childhood.
Actor Prakash Raj discussed the growth of Nirdiganta over the past nine months, emphasizing its inclusivity and talent from across the country. The event commenced with a musical recitation of the song 'Haduva Mara' followed by a rendition of the Preamble to the Constitution.
Several dignitaries, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Praveen Martis, Dr. Sripad Bhat, Rev. Alvin Serrao, Chandrahas Ullal, and Christopher, attended the inauguration ceremony. The event drew a large crowd, including members of the public, who witnessed the opening ceremony at the college's open theatre. Subsequently, the play 'Bob Marley from Kodihalli' was staged at the LCRI auditorium.
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.
South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
