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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)

 In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Bharatanatyam, noted dance guru Vidushi Rohini Uday has been selected for the prestigious Aryabhata International Award 2026.

Rohini Uday, who runs Sri Devi Nrityaradhana Kala Kendra (R) in Puttur, is also serving as the president of Sharvani Credit Souharda Co-operative Society, BC Road. Her dedication to promoting classical dance and mentoring budding artistes has earned her this honour.

As per a release from the Aryabhata Cultural Organisation, Bengaluru, the award will be presented at a grand celebration to be held on May 23, at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.

The award recognises her years of commitment to preserving and propagating Bharatanatyam through training, performances, and cultural initiatives.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) that has placed the UAS-B in 7th position was based on the University’s excellence in research, teaching, agri extension and industry collobaration among others.

The University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru has once again proved its excellence with the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) placing the University among the top 10 best agricultural institutions of the country in its institutional rankings in 2006.

According to a statement by the UAS-B, the IIRF ranking has put the University in the 7^th place in the country. Also, the UAS-B is the only University or institution working in the area of agricultural and allied fields in Karnataka to figure in the top-10 list. With this, the UAS-B has retained its reputation as being the best agricultural university in the State in terms of such institutional rankings.

The IIRF has ranked these institutions based on their research performance, quality of faculty, placements, industry collaborations, support system for start-ups and other institutional parameters.

The ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, has been ranked No. 1 in the country. Including UAS-B, only three agricultural universities from the south have found themselves in the list of to-10 agri institutions of the country. While Tamil Nadu Agricultural University-Coimbatore has got 3rd position, Kerala Agricultural University-Thrissur has got 9th position.

Expressing happiness over the rankings, UAS-B Vice-Chancellor Dr. S.V. Suresha described this as a continued developmental process after the University got NAAC-A-Plus grade last year in the assessment process for India’s higher educational institutions. He said the University being given the 7^th place in the present ranking process in the country was a national recognition of its excellence in the fields of research, teaching, agricultural extension activities, development of agricultural technologies and social activities.

He acknowledged that the University could get such a recognition due to the dedicated service by its scientists, teaching faculty and students besides the co-operation rendered by farmers.

Dr. Suresha said the University would continue its service to society with a renewed commitment to scale greater heights in the coming days to help farmers and society. It may be noted that the UAS-B is the first agricultural university of Karnataka and one of the oldest in the county.

Presently, its geographical area is confined to the districts of Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar and Chikkaballapura.

While the actual university was inaugurated in 1964, the process of setting up this institution dates back to 1899 when it began as a small agricultural research farm on 30 acres of land donated by the then Maharani Kempa Nanjammanni.

Later, the Mysore Agriculture Residential School was established in 1913 at Hebbal in Bengaluru which offered Licentiate course in Agriculture. Subsequently, the school started offering a diploma programme in agriculture from 1920..

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

In a proud moment for the coastal district, noted photographer Raghavendra Kodangal, popularly known as ‘Focus Raghu’, has been selected for the prestigious Varnashree award by the Karnataka Lalitakala Akademi in recognition of his achievements in the field of photography.

Expressing his happiness, Raghu said he was honored to receive the award and credited his success to his mentor, late Gurudath Kamath, whom he remembered with deep respect for guiding him in his journey. He also extended his gratitude to photographer Astro Mohan for his support in achieving this recognition.

Hailing from the small village of Kodangal in Udupi district, Raghu has risen to prominence through his dedication and talent. Today, under the name ‘Focus Raghu,’ he is widely recognized in the photography community for his exceptional work and creativity.

Over the years, he has won more than 300 national and international awards and has secured prizes in photography competitions held across more than 25 countries. His accomplishments include earning prestigious distinctions such as EFIAP (Excellence FIAP) awarded by Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique in France, and EFIP from the Federation of Indian Photography. His journey stands as an inspiring example of a rural talent achieving global recognition.

Raghu’s artistic photographs have been exhibited in several countries including India, France, Singapore, England, Greece, Canada, China, and the United States, showcasing his global reach and appeal.

Known for his innovative approach to wedding photography, Focus Raghu has gained popularity for his extraordinary pre-wedding photo shoots that have captured public attention. In addition to professional assignments, his passion for travel and trekking has contributed to his globally acclaimed photographic works.

Recognizing his achievements, Nikon has appointed him as an influencer for Karnataka, bringing further honor to his journey and highlighting the potential of rural talent.

A BCom graduate, Raghu has a special interest in pictorial photography that reflects rural life through the interplay of light and shadow. He remains a proud disciple of the late Gurudath Kamath, whose guidance continues to influence his work.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Highlighting the urgent need for paediatric eye care in Sub Saharan Africa, Dr. K.V. Ravishankar an estimated 80,000 children require cataract surgery in the region.

Eye surgeon couple from Mysuru Dr. K.V. Ravishankar and Dr. Uma Ravishankar recently concluded a week-long surgical mission providing specialised eye care services in Northern Ghana.

The surgical mission held between May 31, 2026 and June 8, 2026 at Tamale Eye Hospital in Tamale in Northern Ghana, where children and adults suffering from complex eye conditions received life-changing surgical treatment, highlighted the urgent need for paediatric eye care in Sub Saharan Africa.

The eye surgeon couple from Mysuru, who work with Usha Kiran Eye Hospital in the city, along with Dr. Milind Bhide from Hyderabad, performed a total of 40 major eye surgeries during the camp. 

“The procedures included paediatric cataract surgeries, squint [strabismus] correction surgeries, eye plastic and reconstructive surgeries for children and adults, and other complex paediatric eye procedures. The team also conducted on-site training and skill-transfer sessions for local ophthalmologists”, said Dr. Ravishankar.

The surgical intervention brought renewed hope, improved vision, and brighter futures to many families across Northern Ghana and neighboring regions, he said.

According to the doctors, nearly 40% of the cases involved congenital, developmental, or traumatic cataracts, while another 40% were squint-related cases affecting children, adolescents, and adults. The remaining 20% comprised oculoplastic procedures such as ptosis correction, lacrimal surgeries, and probing procedures.

Highlighting the urgent need for paediatric eye care in Sub Saharan Africa, Dr. Ravishankar said an estimated 80,000 children require cataract surgery, apart from many other untreated eye conditions, in the region.

Speaking about the experience, Dr. Ravishankar said that every successful surgery represents “a child returning to school with confidence, a parent regaining hope, and a family receiving a second chance at a better quality of life.” The doctors have described the mission as challenging but deeply rewarding.

All the eye surgeons rendered their services pro bono, while the mission expenses were supported by several Rotary organizations and charitable foundations. 

The major sponsors of the mission included The Rotary Foundation (USA), Rotary District 9104 (Ghana), Rotary Club of Accra Industrial, Rotary Club of Accra Premier International, Rotary E-Club of Bangalore, Rotary Club of Bangalore Abilities, Rotary Club of Ivory City Mysore, Evans Family Foundation (USA), Avoidable Blindness Foundation (Bangalore), Rotary Club of Guildford Wey (UK), Rotary Club of Christchurch (UK), Rotary Club of Naperville (USA), and Rotary Club of Whitby (Canada).

The doctors also expressed their gratitude to the Tamale Eye Hospital team led by Dr. Judith Simon.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

With the 30th edition of Mrs Globe set to go live in California from June 16, Veena Jain, National Director for India for Mrs Classique Globe, and Arpitha Lankesh, India’s delegate this year, speak about preparation and representing the country on the international stage.

For Veena Jain, confidence is not just a quality; it is the foundation of every successful pageant journey. As National Director for India for Mrs Classique Globe, Jain has spent months preparing this year’s Indian delegate, Arpitha Lankesh, for the global stage, convinced that self-belief often matters more than grooming, styling or even the perfect ramp walk.

The same belief will soon be put to the test as over 100 delegates from across the world gather in Palm Springs, California, for this year’s Mrs Globe pageant, to be held from June 16 to 21. Marking its 30th anniversary since its inception in 1996, the event will, for the first time, host all six Mrs Globe competitions under one roof.

Jain’s association with the pageant dates back to 2017, when she won the Best Speaker title at Mrs Globe. Looking back, she says the platform has only evolved for the better. “It’s never the same theme. Every year, they have different wardrobes, styles and makeovers. The Mrs Globe team are great communicators and works directly with the candidates. This year’s theme was announced six months in advance and we began training immediately,” she shares enthusiastically.

While the pageant has changed over the years, Jain’s philosophy has remained the same. Jain believes confidence is what truly sets contestants apart. She notes, “A candidate’s confidence can change the game. When it comes to assessing personality, confidence plays a key role. There’s nothing like it.”

This year, Jain has selected Bengaluru-based Lankesh as India’s delegate for Mrs Classique Globe. The decision, she says, was made instantly. “The moment I set my eyes on her, I knew she was going to be my delegate. Her athletic build and confidence reeled me in,” says Jain, who has been mentoring Lankesh for the past seven months. “Though she was nervous initially, as the training progressed, she became more confident with every step of the process,” she explains.

The months leading up to the competition have involved balancing work commitments with training, preparation and mentoring sessions. The experience helped Lankesh step out of her comfort zone and discover new confidence in herself.

An IT professional and entrepreneur, she admits that participating in a beauty pageant was never part of her plans. “Pageants were never on my radar. I had never imagined myself on a stage like this. At times, the process felt overwhelming, but as the training progressed, I started enjoying every bit of it,” she effuses.

Lankesh goes on to explain the essence of the Mrs Globe pageant, which is keeping in touch with other delegates through weekly meetings called ‘Monday Memos’. “I feel so connected with all the delegates competing for the Mrs Classique Globe. It feels like sisterhood. The team is professional and prepares us mentally. It’s not about winning or losing, but about building a personality where confidence plays a major role,” shares Lankesh, wife of director-producer Indrajit Lankesh.

She says she feels honoured representing the country. “I take this opportunity to meet new people and be introduced to new cultures that I had no idea about previously,” Lankesh concludes, before she returns to prep for her big day.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)