Vedic rituals performed in DK schools against govt orders; DC seeks report
Mangaluru: Amid reopening of the new academic year in various schools of the district, Vedic rituals were reportedly conducted against government order in certain schools in and around Dakshina Kannada, triggering social media outrage.
Dakshina Kannada DC Dr Rajendra KV has sought for official report from DDPI after the BEO confirmed that Vedic rites like Homa were performed in certain schools of the district.
A school in Padibagilu near Vitla and another school in Sullia’s Harihara Pallathadka were reportedly performed Homa in the presence of schoolteachers. In addition to it, another school in Poonjalakatte of Belthangady taluk also allegedly performed Vedic rituals against government orders.
Photos and videos of these rituals which have been circulating over social media platforms from the past three days showed teachers lighting the Aratis while applying tilak on their foreheads.
Meanwhile, many schools around the district were reopened by decorating the schools, distributing flowers to the freshers in the presence of prominent people of the schools’ respective localities. However, senior officials have conveyed dismay over the decision of certain schools to perform Homa.
Despite social unrest caused by the Hijab issue months ago, these Homas were conducted on 16 May in Bantwal, Sullia and Belthanagady triggering further criticisms.
Dakshina Kannada DC Dr Rajendra KV said that action will be taken against the schools based on the reports submitted by DDPI.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
