Minister Byrati Suresh announces 7-day closure of GT Mall over farmer insult
Bengaluru: Minister Byrati Suresh has announced that GT Mall will be shut down for seven days as a response to alleged disrespect towards farmers.
The decision was announced in the Monsoon session of the Legislature, where the issue of denial of entry to a farmer into GT Mall was raised.
Minister Suresh, speaking on behalf of the government, stated, "We have engaged with the BBMP commissioner regarding this matter. Legal provisions allow for government action. Consequently, we have decided to close the mall for seven days as a disciplinary measure."
Background
On July 17th, a farmer and his son visiting GT Mall on Magadi Road in Bengaluru were allegedly denied entry due to the farmer's attire—a dhoti and white shirt. The incident sparked outrage after the farmer, identified as Fakirappa from Haveri, was initially refused entry while accompanying his family for watching a movie.
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Following the incident, which was recorded on video by his son and circulated on social media, there was widespread condemnation from pro-Kannada and farmers' organizations across the state. They demanded an immediate apology from the mall authorities and threatened protests if their demands were not met.
On Wednesday, activists led by Rupesh Rajanna from a Pro-Kannada organization gathered outside GT Mall, protesting vehemently against the discrimination faced by Fakirappa. The demonstrators called for stringent action against the mall authorities, after which police personnel were deployed to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions.
Subsequently, the mall authorities issued an apology and later honored Fakirappa.
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
