Mangaluru: A blood donation camp has been organized at the Jamiathul Falah Hall in Kankanady on August 15, in the joint collaboration of All India Payam-e-Insaniyat Forum, Blood Donor Mangaluru, Jamiatul Falah Mangaluru Unit and Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru.

Organized under the theme 'Let's be lifesavers', the blood donation camp aims at reaching out to the sick and needy, irrespective of caste and creed. "Strengthening of human bond across communities is essential to develop a harmonious atmosphere in the country. Serving the downtrodden in the society lets us know the reality of life and to understand the purpose of human existence", the organizers stated in a press release.

Highlighting the importance of co-existence on the occasion of independence, the organizers stated, "The people who brought independence to this country wanted us to safeguard the values of non-violence, civility and democracy. Unfortunately, we have failed in our duty. Consequently, we are in the imminent danger of being consumed by the inferno of violence and conflict. All our traditions, which made the world respect us, would be consumed by the fire of hatred and violence. Our traditions, the reason for our honour and pride will be gone". They also warned about how whole societies have been consumed by the fire of violence and intolerance.

The blood donation camp will be held from 9 am to 1 pm. For more information, one may contact the organizers at 9844703567, the press release stated.

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Bhatkal: Preparations are under way for the upcoming Coastal Karnataka History Summit, with the official logo of the academic event unveiled at Dawat Centre by Students Islamic Organisation of India Bhatkal Unit in Bhatkal on February 22, 2026. The summit is scheduled to be held on May 5, 2026.

The initiative is being organised by the Centre for Education and Research & Analysis (CERA) with the aim of documenting and examining the historical evolution of Coastal Karnataka, including Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and adjoining areas of Kasaragod.

At the launch event, the organisers released the official Call for Papers, inviting scholars, researchers, academicians and students to submit original and unpublished research. Abstracts of 200 words, either in English or Kannada, must clearly mention the research question, methodology and key findings. The deadline for abstract submission is February 28, 2026. Selected participants will be informed by March 15, and full papers must be submitted by April 20.

The summit will centre around five broad themes. One section will explore the trade and economic networks of the coastal belt, including maritime routes, port towns, fisheries and commodity-based exchanges such as pepper trade. Another domain will examine social structures, caste formations and inter-community relations, along with the role of Islamic, Arab, Persian and local traditions in shaping the region’s cultural fabric.

A separate section will focus on the origin and growth of linguistic communities such as Tulu, Konkani, Beary, Moya Malayalam and Navayati. Governance and administration under different rulers — including the Alupa dynasty, Rani Abbakka, Tipu Sultan, the Nawaith Sultans of Bhatkal and developments after Independence — will also be studied. The fifth theme will highlight social reformers such as Narayana Guru, Syed Madani, Malik Deenar, Vakkom Moulavi, Sayyid Fazl Pasha and Kudmul Ranga Rao, and their contributions to education and social reform.

The logo launch programme was attended by senior journalist Dr. Haneef Shabab, JIH Bhatkal President Moulana Syed Zubair SM, SIO Bhatkal President Mohammed Zayan Bangali, Unit Secretary Githreef Rida Manvi and Media Secretary Mashaikh Talish.

Organisers said the summit intends to create a structured academic space for discussing the region’s layered past and bringing local histories into wider public and scholarly discourse. For submissions and queries, researchers may contact

coastalkarnatakahistorysummit@gmail.com