Mangaluru: In an effort to empower students and graduates in the field of social sciences, the Centre for Future of Democracy (CFD) in Hyderabad has launched the "Political Science Advocates (PSAs)" program, focusing on "Legislative Think-Tanks."

A group of five young individuals from Mangalore and Shimoga, including Siraj P, Sahil Khader, Akinesh, Vineeth, and Mohd Azahar, were selected for a four-day training camp in Cyberabad, Telangana.

Mission Head Shaun D’Souza highlighted that the workshop, led by King’s College London alumnus Stephen Anurag, AKC, was not confined to the classroom but offered an in-depth exploration of public policy, public finance, community policing, and state legislation. The initiative aims to cultivate inspirational leadership extending beyond conventional boundaries and create a national network of talented political advocates.

Stephen Anurag emphasized that the policy and economy of the state depend on the quality of polity and democratic essence of the constituents. The workshop provided participants with an intensive learning environment, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the societal system and demonstrating how political activists can navigate the complex field of social impact.

Program Coordinator Junaid Jushiddi noted that the workshop instilled positivity among participants, challenging the notion that career prospects in political science are limited. The significance of social science fields, including public administration, public policy, and geopolitics, in advancing poll management and social engineering was highlighted.

The workshop underscored the importance of youth participation in local governance and grassroots politics. Sujata Rao, IAS, former Secretary to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, emphasized the need for practical poll intellect as a catalyst for constructive social change. The participants also visited the Public Safety-Integrated Operations Centre at the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to learn about the government's initiatives in combating cybercrimes.

Looking ahead, the Political Science Advocates program plans to expand its network for promoting legislative think-tanks at the gram panchayat and ward levels across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana over the next five years. The program will focus on field learning modules such as constitutional rights, cybersecurity clubs, mental health well-being, menstrual hygiene camps, paralegal clubs, and social entrepreneurship among students and youth. An online volunteer recruitment drive will be launched to extend the mission to Chikkamagaluru, Dakshin Kannada, and Mysore regions as a pilot phase.

Social entrepreneurs, poll intelligence teams, and policy practitioners facilitated the four-day workshop held from November 28 to December 2, 2023.

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Hubballi: A youngster was brutally murdered with sharp weapons near the Gopanakoppa junction in Hubballi on Friday night. In connection with the case, the police arrested two suspects by shooting them in the leg on Saturday morning.

The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Shivraj Kammar, a resident of Santosh Nagar Road in Gopanakoppa. The murder is believed to be linked to a financial dispute. A group allegedly attacked Shivraj with deadly weapons on Friday night before fleeing the scene.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Sudeep Rayapur and Kiran Jattappanavar. When the Ashok Nagar police took them to their hideout this morning, they reportedly attacked the officers and tried to escape. In self-defense, the police fired at the suspects, hitting them in the leg.

The injured suspects have been admitted to KIMS Hospital in Hubballi. Some police personnel were also injured during the incident. Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar visited the hospital to check on the officers. The police are continuing their efforts to arrest the remaining suspects involved in the case.



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