MRPL observes 70th Kannada Rajyotsava with cultural programmes
Mangaluru: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) observed the 70th Kannada Rajyotsava on 22 November 2025 at MERC in the MRPL Township with a series of cultural and formal programmes.
The event began with a procession of Goddess Bhuvaneswari, followed by traditional folk presentations including Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, Huli Vesha and Gombe Kunitha. A brief stage programme opened with tributes to Captain Pranjal M V and Padma Shri awardee Salumarada Thimmakka.
Renowned academician and historian Dr. Pundikay Ganapayya Bhat attended the programme as Chief Guest. Senior officials present included Nanda Kumar V Pillai, Director (Refinery); Devendra Kumar, Director (Finance); and Krishna Hegde Miyar, GGM–HR, who presided over the function. Employees and their family members were also in attendance.
As part of the programme, MRPL felicitated five retired Kannada teachers for their contribution to the language and to cultural education. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bhat spoke about the cultural relevance of Kannada and acknowledged MRPL’s efforts to support local linguistic heritage. In his presidential remarks, Krishna Hegde Miyar noted MRPL’s ongoing support to Government Kannada Medium Schools, including infrastructure improvements, provision of basic equipment and sanitation facilities, and said the company would continue these activities.
Prizes were distributed to winners of competitions held in connection with Rajyotsava. The programme concluded with a cultural performance by the Arehole team. B. Prashanth Baliga, CGM–Admin, welcomed the gathering, and Manoj Kumar A, CGM–HR, delivered the vote of thanks.
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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
