Jemimah Rodrigues’ Mangaluru roots win hearts after World Cup heroics
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Mangaluru: As Indian cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues continues to trend nationwide for her match-winning century in the World Cup semifinal, people in and around Mangaluru are celebrating her strong connection to the coastal city.
Though Jemimah was born and brought up in Bhandup, Mumbai, her family traces its roots to Mangaluru. Her parents, both Mangalorean Christians, hail from the coastal belt, and her grandmother, Josephen Rodrigues, is a native of Ammembala in Bantwal taluk.
The 25-year-old batting star smashed an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls in the World Cup semifinal, where India was chasing a historic 339, leading India to victory and securing a spot in the final. Her composed knock earned her the Player of the Match award and widespread praise from fans and cricketers alike.
A photo of Jemimah with her grandmother has gone viral on local social media platforms, with many expressing pride over the Mangaluru-born lineage of the young cricketer who is now winning hearts across the country.
Jemimah, apart from excelling in cricket, has also represented the Mumbai hockey team in the under-17 and under-19 categories, making her one of the few Indian women sportspersons to have played both games competitively.
Locals from Ammembala and surrounding areas have been sharing posts and messages celebrating her achievement, calling her century a “moment of pride for every Mangalorean.”
Her World Cup performance has not only made her a national hero but also rekindled local pride in the coastal region, where her family continues to be fondly remembered.
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Governor urges enhanced budgetary support for higher education in state budget
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday urged the state government to provide stronger budgetary backing to the Higher Education department in the forthcoming state budget.
Presiding over the Karnataka State Public Universities Vice Chancellors’ Conference–2026, organised by Lok Bhavan in collaboration with the Higher Education department and the Karnataka Higher Education Council, the Governor stressed that public universities require structured and sustained financial support, a press release issued by Lok Bhavan said.
“Universities, having limited internal revenue sources, require special financial care and structured budgetary support,” the release quoted Gehlot as saying, while appealing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure the March 6 State Budget is more beneficial to higher education.
The Governor expressed satisfaction over the Chief Minister’s participation in the conference and voiced confidence that the upcoming budget would prioritise higher education.
He specifically called for filling long-pending vacancies in institutions such as Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Kannada University, Karnataka Janapada University, and Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics University, along with adequate financial provisions for their development.
Emphasising the need to strengthen government universities, Gehlot said deliberations at the conference reflected Karnataka’s readiness to steer higher education in a new direction.
He also called for increasing admissions in government institutions and examining why students prefer private universities despite higher fees.
The Governor stressed strict adherence to academic calendars to ensure timely admissions, examinations and declaration of results.
Improved coordination between Vice Chancellors and Registrars, upskilling of academic staff, curriculum updates aligned with present-day needs and the introduction of job-oriented courses were identified as priorities.
Highlighting campus development, he stressed the need to improve quality, cleanliness and greenery, and urged active implementation of initiatives such as “One Tree for Mother.”
He also encouraged universities to promote sports participation to enable students to represent institutions at district, state, national and international levels.
On governance and transparency, Gehlot pressed for strict compliance with central and UGC guidelines within stipulated timelines.
The release said he emphasised that institutional credibility depends on resolving internal disputes democratically and maintaining transparency in financial matters.
He added that the Chancellor must foster harmony among stakeholders to avoid unnecessary inquiries and administrative disruptions.
The Governor suggested that universities expand international collaborations for academic and student exchange, enhance national rankings and address faculty shortages and infrastructure gaps.
Leveraging central schemes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds was suggested as a way to bridge financial constraints with State support.
According to him, universities should preference to Indian traditional dress as uniform attire during annual convocation ceremonies to promote cultural heritage.
The conference commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana and Naada Geethe. Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the conference.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar were among those present on the occasion.
