Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah extended Dasara greetings to the people of the state, emphasising that the festival symbolises the destruction of evil and the protection of the righteous.

Speaking to the media at Suttur Math in Mysuru on Saturday, the CM noted, "Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of the Dasara celebrations, with the grand Jamboo Savari procession taking place. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my greetings to the people of the state and the nation. This year has brought good rainfall and harvest, bringing joy to our farmers."

He further remarked, "It is heartening to see all the reservoirs in the state filled. Dasara signifies the destruction of evil and the protection of the virtuous. I hope that those conspiring to create unrest and disrupt lives are granted wisdom by the Almighty."

Before participating in the religious and cultural events of Mysuru Dasara’s Vijayadashami, CM Siddaramaiah visited Suttur Math, offered prayers, and received the blessings of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji.

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Mangaluru: Fr Melwin J Pinto SJ, Pro-chancellor of St Aloysius University Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, and Vice President of Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (MJES), breathed his last on Friday, April 10. He was 63.

Born in 1963, Fr Melwin Pinto completed his schooling and college education at St Aloysius before joining the Jesuit order on June 20, 1981. He was ordained as a Jesuit priest on April 14, 1997.

Over the years, he held several academic qualifications, including an MA in English, a Master’s degree in Education, and diplomas in psychology and counselling as well as school administration.

He began his career in education as headmaster of St Joseph’s Primary School and High School in Hassan, serving between 1996 and 1999.

He later founded St Joseph’s Indian PU College and served as its principal until 2007. He subsequently served as headmaster of St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru, from 2007 to 2011, and later as principal of St Joseph’s PU College, Hassan, until 2012.

Fr Melwin Pinto also worked with Vatican Communications and Radio in Rome, contributing to its English desk for Asia and Indian languages.
He later served as superior and director of Fatima Retreat House in Valencia for two years from May 2017, before being appointed as superior of the Jesuit study home ‘Vidyaniketan’ in Dharwad.

He was also closely associated with the development of St Aloysius Institutions and played a key role in securing the status of a Deemed-to-be University. His contribution to the education sector and efforts towards innovation were widely acknowledged. He was known for maintaining close relations with people from all sections of society. 

Legislative Council MLA Ivan D’Souza, in a statement, said the demise of Fr Melwin J Pinto was a huge loss to the educational and religious fields and had created a significant void in society.

Dakshina Kannada District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also expressed grief, stating that his service and contributions to education would always be remembered.

Details regarding the funeral are yet to be announced.