'Misguided' by Google Maps, car plunges into pond in UP's Saharanpur
Saharanpur (UP), Aug 21 (PTI): Four friends travelling from Meerut to Ambala to visit a temple had a narrow escape after their car, guided by Google Maps, plunged into a pond in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place under the Sarsawa police station limits when the youths, relying on Google Maps for directions, turned their Brezza onto a road near the Sirohi Palace that led straight into a pond, they said.
"All four managed to save themselves by escaping from the sinking car through the windows. They immediately informed the police on Dial-112," local SHO Vinod Kumar told PTI.
Police rushed to the spot, checked on the health of the youths and arranged for the car to be pulled out with the help of a mechanic, the SHO said.
The youths were later sent to their destination after their vehicle was examined.
The SHO said the four friends identified as Surya, Aditya, Anuj and Ashutosh -- all students of Meerut University -- were on their way to Shahabad in Ambala to visit the Maharishi Markandeshwar temple late on Wednesday evening.
"As they did not know the route, they were following Google Maps. On reaching near Sirohi Palace, the car turned towards the waterbody and plunged into the pond. Fortunately, none of them suffered any injury," Kumar said.
The car floated nearly 50 metres into the pond before being retrieved.
Police have advised travellers to exercise caution and not rely solely on digital navigation.
"This incident has proved that while Google Maps is useful, one should also keep an alternative in mind," Kumar said.
PTI could not immediately contact Google Maps for a comment on the issue.
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Yenepoya University conducts autism awareness campaign in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Department of Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) conducted a community-based Autism Awareness Campaign at Fiza Mall and Ullal Beach in the city.
The campaign was aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion, and early identification of autism, in line with the global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”
The programme was led by Dr. Dhayanithi K and Dr. Ananya Jana as organising chairpersons, with Dr. Anas, Dr. Amanda S. Phillip, and Dr. Ansu V. David served as organising members.
Students of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme participated in conducting the campaign.
The event included activities such as flash mobs, street plays, face painting, mehendi, and direct interaction with the public.
These activities focused on highlighting early signs of autism, the need for early intervention, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism.
The campaign reached around 300 to 500 members of the public. It also provided students with practical exposure to community-based rehabilitation and public health education.
As part of the initiative, QR-based digital resources were introduced to help the public access reliable information on autism.
“Awareness is the first step towards inclusion, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes,” the organising team said.
The department thanked the university for its support in organising the campaign. It also acknowledged the cooperation of the management of Fiza Mall and the Ullal Beach Police Department in facilitating the event.
