New Mangaluru Port welcomes Seven Seas Voyager, Second Cruise Ship of the season
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Dec 27: The New Mangaluru Port Authority (NMPA) on Friday, welcomed the Bahamian luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Voyager, marking another milestone in its journey as a premier global cruise tourism destination.
Operated by the Norwegian Cruise Line, Seven Seas Voyager docked at the port at 6:30 AM and departed at 5:30 PM, officials said.
According to a statement by NMPA, the ship carried 650 passengers and 450 crew members. Measuring 206.5 meters in length and boasting a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 42,363. The vessel is sailing the Arabian Sea on an itinerary that includes stops at Fujairah, Mumbai, Goa, New Mangaluru, and Cochin before reaching Colombo.
Passengers were accorded a traditional Indian welcome, with local cultural troupes performing classical and folk dances to set the tone for an immersive experience of Karnataka's rich heritage.
The port's reception area was adorned with traditional decorations, creating a vibrant atmosphere reflective of the region's hospitality.
"To enhance their visit, guided tours were arranged to some of Karnataka's most iconic attractions. The Gomateshwara Temple in Karkala, featuring a 42-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali, an important Jain heritage landmark," it stated.
Visitors also explored the Thousand Pillar Temple in Moodbidri, an architectural marvel showcasing intricate carvings and reflecting the cultural zenith of the region's past.
Another highlight was a visit to Soans Farm, known for its sustainable practices and exotic fruit cultivation, the Kalbhavi Cashew Factory and the Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, travellers also had the opportunity to explore bustling local markets, taking home handcrafted souvenirs and indulging in the region's culinary delights.
"The arrival of the Seven Seas Voyager follows the visit of MS Silver Whisper, which marked the beginning of this year's cruise season at NMPA. With consistent arrivals of luxury cruise liners, the port has emerged as a vital gateway for international tourists exploring coastal Karnataka," it stated.
NMPA proudly welcomes the luxurious Seven Seas Voyager from the Bahamas! With 650 passengers & 450 crew onboard, the ship arrived on 27th Dec at 6:30 AM & departs at 5:30 PM. Another milestone in promoting cruise tourism & hosting world-class voyages! #CruiseTourism pic.twitter.com/dZg0Q2Kd6X
— New Mangalore Port Authority (@NewMngPort) December 27, 2024
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Annpurna Devi expresses anguish over girl's rape in TN, urges NCW to act
New Delhi (PTI): Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi on Tuesday expressed her anguish over the alleged gang rape of a girl in Tamil Nadu and urged the National Commission for Women to take immediate cognisance of the matter.
In a post on X, Devi said, "Deeply anguished by this horrific incident. I urge the NCW to take immediate cognisance and act swiftly in coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure the strictest action against all culprits."
Devi said, "Justice must be swift and unsparing — the accused must be brought to book without delay," adding, "the safety, dignity, and justice of every daughter of India remain our highest priority."
"We stand firmly with the survivor and her family in this difficult hour," she said.
Reacting to a post by former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, who flagged concerns over the law and order situation in the state, Devi said such incidents "expose grave concerns" under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government.
Annamalai, in his post, alleged that a 15-year-old girl from Kanchipuram, who had come to participate in a temple festival near Seyyaru in Tiruvannamalai district, was gangraped.
He said the incident was "deeply shocking and enraging" to him and alleged that such crimes point to a "complete failure" of law and order in Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai demanded immediate arrest of all those involved and the "harshest punishments" for the accused.
He also called for full protection and mental health counselling for the survivor and her family.
