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Ramprasad K., a 25-year-old artist from Puttur, was felicitated by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan in New Delhi on Monday for winning the logo design contest for Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Act.

Mr. Ramprasad was the winner of the logo design contest held by the Union Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with MyGov platform. The contest was aimed at building a distinctive visual identity for the Act while connecting the programme’s vision with the creativity of the people.

Mr. Ramprasad was accompanied by Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre at the felicitation event. The artist received a prize of ₹50,000 from the Union Minister on Monday.

His logo was among 7,233 entries in the contest. The artist, who is a Bachelor of Visual Art (Applied Art) graduate from Mangaluru’s Mahalasa College of Visual Art, said he had kept the logo design simple to incorporate all the features of the VB-G RAM G Act in the letters V and B. The Ministry of Rural Development is yet to release the logo.

“The selected logo captures the essence of the Act by symbolising human dignity, collective effort and the transformative journey towards Viksit Bharat, while reflecting the core pillars of employment generation, livelihood security and rural resilience,” the Union Ministry said in a press release.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The fourth anniversary celebration of ‘Nuditorana’, a literary and cultural forum dedicated to the preservation of Kannada language, literature, and culture, titled ‘Nudi Sambhrama-2026’, will be held in Udupi on May 23 and 24.

As part of the two-day literary festival, the prestigious ‘Nudibhushana’ award will be presented to three distinguished women achievers for their remarkable contributions to various fields of literature and culture.

Shaila Jayakumar – Popularly known as the “Aparna of Chitradurga,” Shaila Jayakumar is a retired English lecturer and noted orator. She has authored more than 14 works including short stories, poems, and personality sketches, and has been actively involved in cultural activities.

Radha Tekal – Daughter of senior litterateur Siddavanahalli Krishnasharma, Radha Tekal is an acclaimed translator who has translated several prominent Telugu and Urdu literary works into Kannada. She has translated over 20 novels, earning appreciation for her immense contribution to Kannada literature.

Shobha Hariprasad – Known for her mastery in metrical poetry, Shobha Hariprasad gained recognition through her monumental work ‘Shobha Ramayana’. She has expertise across multiple literary genres and is also regarded as a mentor for emerging poets.

The organisers stated that the awards will be conferred in the presence of eminent personalities from across the state during the literary celebration. The ‘Nudi Sambhrama-2026’ event is expected to bring together writers, poets, translators, and literature enthusiasts from different parts of Karnataka.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers have developed smart materials which may form the building blocks for next-generation data storage units, quantum processors, and advanced industrial sensors.

These smart materials can change their physical properties in response to light, heat, or mechanical pressure.

Two studies

In two new studies, Abhishek Mondal, an associate professor at the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit (SSCU), IISc, and his team have reported the synthesis of novel chemical frameworks — highly porous crystals composed of self-assembling metal-organic layers — capable of reversible magnetic switching.

The first study, published in Angewandte Chemie, a journal of the German Chemical Society, solves a long-standing challenge in materials science: achieving robust magnetic switching in 3D beehive-type porous materials, typically used for gas or liquid sensing.

According to IISc, when a target gas or liquid enters or leaves the material, the crystal lattice in the material expands or contracts, stimulating the atoms to switch their magnetic state.

“In traditional porous materials, however, this expansion/contraction is limited because the push/pull force exerted by an atom within the lattice on its neighbours is absorbed by the pores and is restricted to the vicinity of that atom. This limits the efficiency of these sensors because the material does not switch states as a whole,” IISc said.

New chemical complex

It added that to overcome this challenge, Prof. Mondal and his team designed a new chemical complex that is not only highly porous but also has an elastic matrix.

“We are currently working on scaling up the complex to design smart gas-capture sensors that can selectively adsorb industrially critical gases like CH4, CO, and CO2 with supreme sensitivity,” said Prof. Mondal.

Although such materials can be highly useful for environmental and biological sensing, a major bottleneck has been the temperature at which they can operate.

“Our goal was to synthesise a chemical system that exhibits these transitions near ambient temperatures. Contemporary materials often operate only at ultra-low temperatures — below 50K (-223°C). They are highly volatile and relax back to their ground state with even a slight rise in temperature,” said Krishna Kaushik, PhD student at SSCU and first author of both studies.

To address this limitation, in another study published in Small, the team designed a 2D hexagonal framework that achieves light-, heat-, and solvent-induced magnetic transitions near ambient temperatures.

“Modern data centres and electronic devices consume enormous amounts of energy. Developing alternative materials that operate more efficiently could reduce energy demands and contribute to more sustainable technologies. Similarly, materials capable of acting simultaneously as sensors, switches, and memory elements may simplify device architectures and reduce manufacturing costs,” Prof. Mondal said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The occasion makes speakers recall characters of ‘Bayaluseeme Kattepurana’, a column which appeared in Lankesh Patrike for over two decades.

The launch of author-columnist B. Chandregowda’s book Kalalamavana Kadedinagalu (Last Days of Kalamava) took the audience on a nostalgic journey through excerpts from his popular column ‘Bayaluseeme Kattepurana’, published in Lankesh Patrike over two decades.

The column, which appeared in Lankesh Patrike for over two decades, remains one of Kannada journalism’s most beloved series. Mr. Chandregowda, a retired officer from the Department of Public Libraries, crafted it as a series of lively conversations among characters — Kalamava, Jummi, Whatisse, Seera, and Ugri — who gather at a village canteen in Mandya district over tea and snacks.

The character Whatisse earned his name from his distinctive verbal tic of beginning remarks with “what I say.”

Sasvehalli Sathish, a lecturer and theatre director, highlighted the column’s enduring appeal. “It earned a devoted readership through its sharp yet accessible commentary on political and social issues,” he said. “In many ways, the expressions of these characters have become part of our everyday language, which explains how deeply it has influenced a generation of readers.”

Mr. Sathish, who played the role of Whatisse in stage adaptations of the column by Shivamogga’s theatre activists, recalled a particularly memorable performance in Vijayapura (Bijapura).

“After the show, a senior citizen stood up and compared our characters to the historic Anubhava Mantapa of the 12th century, drawing parallels between Kalamava and Allama Prabhu. That moment moved me greatly,” he said.

Mr. Chandregowda revealed that he wrote the book as a concluding chapter to the long-running column while spending six months with his son in New Jersey last year. “In solitude, far from home, I was deeply troubled by the social and political developments unfolding back in Karnataka. I instinctively returned to my characters and their voices,” he said.

The book revolves around the final days of Kalamava, the senior and morally upright figure in the village circle. As his friends visit him, they reminisce about old times and reflect on the rapidly changing world around them.

He also gave an update on people in his village, who influenced him to create the characters of the columns. Interestingly, a couple of them often took exceptions to using their names in the column, he recalled.

Poet Akshatha Humchadakatte, who formally released the book, praised its authentic portrayal of ordinary people. “The column captures the voice of the common person — with all its contradictions, selective loyalties, and innocent wisdom,” she said. “The characters may favour politicians from their own caste, yet they do not hesitate to criticise them when they falter. This honest ambivalence is the mark of the author’s creative insight.”

The book has been published by Prajna Book Gallery, Shivamogga.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Anand Poojary from Aluru in Kundapur on the Karnataka coast has been conferred an honorary doctorate by a university in the United States.

The prestigious Washington Adventist University in Washington DC honoured NRI entrepreneur and achiever Anand Poojary with the honorary degree of ‘Doctor of Humane Letters’ during its grand annual convocation and 111th graduation ceremony held in Maryland, USA, on Sunday, May 3.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajan Natarajan, CEO and President of Global Alliant Incorporation, said, “Anand Poojary is a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious doctorate honour. It is a recognition of his dedication, commitment, and hard work.”

Responding to the honour, Anand Poojary said, “I stand before you with deep humility and gratitude. This doctorate is a matter of great honour and pride for me. I did not come from a privileged background. From the beginning, I have valued hard work, discipline, and faith in life. I have always had great respect for society. Values have been the strong foundation of my life. I alone do not deserve credit for this honorary degree. My wife Sumita, my son Aryan, my daughters Anisha and Tara, and all my well-wishers who have always stood by me are equal partners in this honour. I express my gratitude to Washington Adventist University.”

Students graduating in the year 2026 also received their degrees during the ceremony and celebrated their academic achievements. Cherliki Sunzhu compered the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.

It may be recalled that Anand Poojary, who provides catering services to the Indian Embassy in the United States, had earned appreciation from former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his hospitality and culinary services.

Anand Poojary is involved in several business ventures including Jewel of India, Woodlands, Udupi Restaurant, Poojary Consultancy, and GD Hospitality. Originally hailing from the small hilly village of Aluru in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district, he comes from an agricultural family background.

After completing his secondary education at the government school in Aluru, he moved to Mumbai where he worked in a canteen during the daytime while attending night school and completed his PU education. Later, with the support of his late brother Manjunath Poojary, he moved to the United States in 1995 and entered the hotel industry. Through hard work and perseverance, he gradually rose in the field and established his own successful hospitality business.

Actively associated with several Kannada cultural and service organisations in the United States, Anand Poojary’s life journey marked by honesty, discipline, and hard work is regarded as highly inspiring to society.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The book release ceremony of ‘Vinchnnar Kanniyo’, authored by the esteemed writer Vally Vagga, is scheduled for Sunday, May 10. The event will be hosted at Sahodaya Auditorium, St Aloysius University, at 5:00 pm.

Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, the vice chancellor of St Aloysius University, and Melvyn Rodrigues, convenor, Konkani Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, will grace the occasion as chief guests. This work is published by Lourdes Prakashana under the ‘Michael D’Souza – Vision Konkani’ initiative.

Vally Vagga, the pen name for Valerian D’Souza, is a prolific literary figure whose career began in 1964 with his first story published in Raknno. Over several decades, he has authored approximately 150 Konkani stories and 250 poems, with his latest book ‘Vinchnnar Kanniyo’ marking his eleventh major publication. His reach extends into the Kannada literary world, where his stories have appeared in prominent magazines like Sudha and Mayura.

For his extensive contributions to both Konkani and Kannada literature, he was honoured with the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2020, along with numerous other accolades such as the Sandesha Literature Award and the Mathias Family Kavita Puraskar. Beyond his literary life, he served as an engineer for many years before retiring to Mysore, with his family.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru’s football stars, who shaped India’s sport, share their inspiring journeys.

In a cricket-crazy nation, Bengaluru has bred several prominent football stars, who have played a significant role in shaping the sport for India. Two areas that share the crown are Austin Town and Gowthampura .

Narayanaswami Ulaganathan from Gowthampura , also known as little Brazil, holds the record for scoring the first hat-trick in the Durand Cup while representing Mohun Bagan.

Recollecting how his passion started for football, Mr. Ulaganathan said, “Poongam Kannan, Sattar Basheer, Ambrose would complete their league in Kolkata and come to play in Gowthampura , and we would also practise with them.”

Mr. Ulaganathan’s journey started with Bangalore Mars Football Club. After joining the CIL, he started playing with the likes of Krishnaji Rao, Noor and Amjad Khan. “In 1972, I played for India at the Olympics qualifiers in Burma. Next year, I played the Merdeka tournament in Malaysia, after which in 1974, I got an offer from Mohun Bagan, where I played for three years. After that, I played for East Bengal for three years,” Mr. Ulaganathan said.

He also played for Mohammedan Sporting FC for a year.

He represented India at the 1974 Asian games in Iran and the Kings Cup in South Korea. He hung up his boots in 1985. He has also won two awards from the West Bengal government – ‘Banga Ratna’ and ‘Banglar Gaurav’. Currently, he is the brand ambassador for the Karnataka Football Association.

C. Ravi Kumar, another footballer from Austin Town, played for the Indian team in over 25 international appearances. He made a mark as a striker for the various football clubs that he represented. Starting his journey at the Bangalore mars club, he played for teams like CIL, BEL and ITI.

Mr. Kumar also represented the country five times from 1983 to 1987 and played 10 times in the Santosh trophy.

“After playing for Mohun Bagan, I came back and settled in Bengaluru,” Mr. Kumar said.  Elaborating on how the game has changed over the years, Mr. Kumar said, “Today, whatever the manager or coach says, players have to follow. Those days, talent was important. Players could follow their technique.”

R. Mohan, ex vice-president of Bangalore District Football Association, another player from Austin Town, represented Mohammedan Sporting Club. His father, T.L. Ramaswamy, represented Karnataka and played for Kalighat club in 1936. Mr. Mohan started his journey in 1969 at the Regional Coaching Camp in Bengaluru. In 1973, he joined the Railways team.

“In 1975, I represented the junior national team for Karnataka in Manipur, where we lost in the semifinals to Bengal. I shifted to Kolkata, where I played for Mohammedan Sporting Club in 1977,” he said.

Mr. Mohan said that Syed Naeemuddin, who captained the Indian football team, taught him the basics of the game. He then returned to Bengaluru and played for several local clubs, including HAL football club, where he played for 15 years.

Noel Anthony William, another footballer from Austin Town who represented India between 1998 and 2002, graduated from Tata Football Academy. “In our times, we didn’t have age group tournaments. We used to play open tournaments like the Durand Cup.”

With the introduction of Indian Super League in India, Mr. William said with comfort coming in, players should not get relaxed. “With facilities like nutrition, dietician and health and conditioning coach, players should make use of them and perform well for the national team. But they are not playing in the national team because they are getting better money in clubs. A player who plays for the national team should be paid more,” Mr. William added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The Organisation for Rare Diseases India (ORDI) honoured patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers and advocacy groups for their contributions to the rare disease community at the third edition of the Rare Star Awards 2026 held in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The awards, instituted by ORDI, recognise individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to improving the lives of people living with rare diseases through advocacy, caregiving, research, medical care, innovation and community support.

The event brought together rare disease patients and their families, doctors, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and patient advocacy groups from across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Prasanna Shirol, co-founder and executive director of ORDI, said the awards were intended to celebrate individuals and organisations whose efforts had made a tangible difference in the lives of rare disease patients and their families.

The awardees

Among the award recipients were Vishaka B, Balajepalli Kavya Poornima and Ruchi Pratap, who were recognised as role models living with rare diseases in different age categories. Kalamma received the caregiver award, while Vykuntaraju K.N. was honoured for excellence in medical care.

Anshu Mishra received the volunteer award and Dr. Sheetal Ramesh Mhamunkar was recognised for contributions to rare disease research. Seba P.A. was honoured as an advocacy leader, while the ALS Care and Support Foundation received the award for patient advocacy. Nadir Aman was recognised as a genetic counsellor and Peptris was honoured in the health innovation start-up category. Pharmed received the CSR Partner Rare Award.

According to ORDI, the winners were selected by a jury from nominations received across the country. The evaluation considered factors such as personal achievements, resilience, challenges overcome, contribution to awareness generation, innovation and impact on the rare disease community.

The event also highlighted the challenges faced by an estimated 70 million people living with rare diseases in India. Speakers drew attention to issues such as delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, high out-of-pocket expenditure, inadequate awareness and the need for stronger policy and healthcare support systems.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has been recognized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) at the Swachhta Pakhwada Awards for both 2023 and 2024.

MRPL secured the second prize under Category B in 2023 and received a consolation prize in 2024, reflecting its continued commitment to cleanliness and sustainability initiatives. The company was also commended by the Ministry for its efforts in promoting sanitation and public awareness in surrounding communities.

Swachhta Pakhwada is observed annually from July 1 to 15 under the guidance of MoPNG, focusing on cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

MRPL had earlier won the 4th prize in the Swachh Bharat Pakhwada 2022. Category B includes CPSEs with an I&EBR target of less than Rs 1000 crore and all attached organizations under MoPNG.

The award was received on behalf of MRPL by Chander Mani (GGM– impex & shipping), Patrick Rajesh Minz (GM-HR), and A K Mishra (Senior manager – admin) from MoPNG officials on April 28.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Around 100 farmers from Kokkada, Uppinangady, Kadaba and Sullia taluks of Dakshina Kannada participated in a training programme titled ‘Cashew production and post-harvest technologies’, organised by the Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR) in Puttur on Saturday.

The DCR, established under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, organised the training programme on the release of the 23rd installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

There were technical sessions on cashew planting and aftercare, value addition of cashew apple and agribusiness opportunities in cashew, handled by Eradasappa E., Principal Scientist (Plant Breeding), Veena G.L., Senior Scientist (Spices, Plantation, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), and Aswathy Chandrakumar, Scientist (Agricultural Extension).

As part of the programme, farmers were sensitised to sustainable agricultural practices, introduced to innovative value-addition opportunities, and participated in tasting sessions of cashew apple-based products such as cookies and fruit bars. The sessions highlighted the immense potential of cashew apple utilisation in enhancing farm incomes.

The participants were taken to the Cashew Museum, Drone Technology Laboratory and field demonstrations on high-density planting in cashew, enabling them to gain first-hand insights into the latest technologies and innovations developed by the DCR.

An interactive session with scientists gave the farmers an opportunity to seek expert guidance on region-specific cashew varieties, management of tea mosquito bug and cashew stem and root borer, preservation and utilisation of cashew apples, and the various government support schemes available to farmers, a release from the DCR said.

The programme was organised in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and sponsored by Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR), Government of Karnataka.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)