Plans for integrated township near Mangaluru announced by Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao
Mangaluru: An integrated township is set to be developed near Mangaluru city, aimed at creating sustainable infrastructure and generating employment opportunities in the region. This announcement was made by the district in-charge minister during the district-level Independence Day program held at Nehru Maidan on Thursday, despite the rainy weather.
Addressing the gathering after hoisting the national flag, the minister also spoke about the district's preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season. He noted that the district has received 14% more rainfall than usual this year. Since June 2024, 665 houses have been damaged due to heavy rains, and compensation totaling Rs. 1.21 crore has been distributed to the affected families.
In addition to this, the minister provided updates on the healthcare infrastructure in the district. A new surgical block, comprising 12 modular operating rooms, has been constructed at District Wenlock Hospital at a cost of Rs. 53 crore. Ongoing projects at the hospital include the construction of a 35-bed Dialysis Centre, Geriatric Ward, and Cath Lab, along with a 50-bed critical care block. Moreover, 1,326 guest teachers have been appointed to fill vacant positions in government primary and high schools.
During his speech, the minister also highlighted various developmental and guarantee projects being undertaken in the district. He mentioned that 13 urban local bodies in Dakshina Kannada district have been sanctioned substantial funds for further development.
Earlier, the minister received a guard of honour from 16 teams, including the Police Band, Mobile Police, Excise Department, Home Guard, RSP Boys and Girls Team, Scouts and Guides, and Bharat Seva Dal teams. A vibrant procession was held by students and police teams.
Prominent attendees included Mayor Sudhir Shetty, MP Brijesh Chowta, MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, Legislative Council Member Ivan D'Souza, District Collector Mullai Mugilan, Deputy Collector Dr. Santhosh Kumar, Commissioner of Police Anupam Aggarwal, West Zone IGP Boralingaiah, and GPM CEO Dr. Anand.
The minister also expressed concern over recent events in Bangladesh, urging the central government to take measures to protect minority Hindus in the neighboring country. He stressed on the importance of protecting minorities worldwide, including in India, and called for peace and harmony among all human beings.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Coastal Karnataka History Summit logo unveiled in Bhatkal; call for research papers issued
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
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.
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
