People with disabilities need to be encouraged to become self-reliant: Dr. M. Shantarama Shetty
Mangaluru: In an effort to promote self-reliance among people with disabilities, a significant event was organized in Mangaluru on Sunday.
The 32nd annual day celebration, medical aid, and scholarship distribution program was organized by the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi District Differently Abled People's Association, Indian Red Cross Dakshina Kannada Branch and Mangaluru University Youth Red Cross Unit.
Dr. M. Shantarama Shetty, Co-Chancellor of Nitte University and a renowned physician, spoke on the importance of encouraging individuals with disabilities to become self-reliant. He stressed the need for collective efforts from society to provide permanent assistance to enable them to live independently.
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The program, which marked the association's three-decade-long commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, was inaugurated by CA Shantarama Shetty, Chairman of Indian Red Cross Dakshina Kannada District Unit.
MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, speaking as the chief guest, lauded the association's efforts to integrate disabled individuals into mainstream society, alongside the support extended by organizations like the Red Cross.
Key figures including Dr. Ganapathy Gowda, Principal of Mangalore University College, Dr. KR, Chairman of Wenlock Red Cross Disability Cell, and Dr. Gayathri, Nodal Officer of Mangalore University Youth Red Cross Division, graced the event with their presence.
Dr. V. Muralidhar, President of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi District Differently Abled People's Association, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. General Secretary Jayaprakash provided details of the beneficiaries, and the ceremony concluded with guests assisting disabled individuals in completing the scholarship program. Dinmani Rao anchored the program and Nagesh Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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