Mangalore This Week - Sep 24 - 30
by Anisa Fathima - Daijiworld.com Mangalore
Mangalore, Oct 1: The first day of the week saw Dasara festivities flagging off in the city amidst great pomp and cheer, the highlight being that it was inaugurated by union minister for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs Priyaranjan Das Munshi.
Dasara has always been celebrated on a grand scale across the state. The minister on the occasion made a significant mention of renowned social reformer Shri Narayan Guru's teaching, "one caste, one religion, one god." Indeed it is a slogan for humanity and is important in today's context, especially in India. Festivals like Dasara bring people together in common celebration. Traditions associated with the festival like veshas add colour and entertainment along with being a great symbol of our culture.
COLOURFUL MANGALORE DASARA CELEBRATIONS FLAGGED OFF AT KUDROLI - IMAGES
The controversy over women entering temples took flight again with KPCC former president Janardhan Poojary extolling women's status in society and stating that god never prohibited women from entering the holy place, but that it was the handiwork of human beings.
Poojary's comments are punch in the face for all those who oppose the entry of women in temples. Actress Jayamala's supposed entry into the temple has everyone talking. Ours has been a male-dominated society from time immemorial, yet, with changing times and liberalization, attitudes too need to be changed. If such a rule is indeed the handiwork of men, it is high time we extend equal status to men and women religiously too. Surely, women and men are equal in the eyes of God, so who are we to discriminate?
MANGALORE: 'DON'T BAN WOMEN FROM ENTERING TEMPLES' - JANARDHAN POOJARY
The Bajpe airport is developing at a lightning rate, what with the first Dubai-Mangalore direct international flight set to land in a couple of days. The latest inclusion at the airport will be the visitors' gallery from where one can get a pass and watch planes land or take off. There will also be an air-conditioned restaurant, which will open on October 3, the day the first international flight from Dubai is scheduled to land.
The development of Bajpe airport is a symbol of the development of the city itself. Hitherto visitors were not allowed to watch the planes without prior permission and a stringent security check. The provision of passes will not only be convenient, but will also create excitement among those who have been denied the pleasure of watching a plane land or take off. Yet, security may be a question on some people's minds. Nevertheless, it is heartening to note that the airport is becoming more and more visitor-friendly.
MANGALORE: WORK ON BAJPE AIRPORT VISITORS' GALLERY TO BE COMPLETED SOON
Amidst all this, the week was also full of news of young people getting drowned in beaches across the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. Ten deaths in just ten days, and all of them of drowning. Most of the deceased were tourists, who gave in to their excitement at being at the beach, a rarity for those who come from upcountry areas.
The incidents are sort of a lesson to those who visit the beaches and venture too far away from the shore. Though there are warning signs and even boards with alarmingly increasing numbers of casualites at sea, people seem to be giving very little attention to these. Perhaps it's time we had a posse of organized and well-trained lifeguards at the beaches, so that neither life nor fun is taken away. Beaches are places to enjoy, but such incidents only show the consequence of enjoyment without responsibility.
MANGALORE: ANOTHER TOURIST DROWNED AT PANAMBUR BEACH
UDUPI: MIT STUDENT MEETS WATERY GRAVE AT KAUP BEACH
BANTWAL: ANOTHER TEENAGER DROWNS IN NETRAVATI
Meanwhile, the stay order that had been placed on the formation of Sullia's Kukke Subrahmanya Temple managing committee was revoked by the court. This means that the committee will now have full functional power to look after the daily affairs of the temple.
The stay order had been imposed after one Sanjeev Gowda issued a petition stating that the managing committee was formed only three days after the applications were invited. This move was enough to raise suspicion of the presence of an influential hand in the matter. It won't be a surprise if a few eyebrows are raised at the court verdict too.
SULLIA: STAY ORDER ON KUKKE SUBRAHMANYA TEMPLE MANAGING COMMITTEE
The city had something to cheer up with the Indian Ocean Cruises, based in Goa and run by Foresight Shipping, deciding to operate cruises to the region along with Malabar Coast and Lakshadweep Islands. From November 2006, the cruise liner MV Ocean Odyssey will visit the city every fortnight.
The city is a lesser known destination among foreign tourists compared to other coastal regions like Goa and Cochin. With the arrival of the cruise liner, the city can hope to see more tourists who will get to experience the beauty, life and culture of the city. This will also boost the local economy as well as give a spark to tourist spots in around the region. Hopefully, this will also make the administration wake up to the necessity of maintaining heritage spots.
MANGALORE: GOA-COLOMBO CRUISES FROM NOV '06 - CITY TO BE FIRST PORT OF CALL
However, the crime rate in the region reached a new height when nine people including four women were arrested for flesh trade at Manasa lodge in Brahmavar, Udupi district.
The discovery of flesh trade will remove a few worms from the box. Surely, this was not a singular incident. A thorough investigation will bring more such incidents to light. Also, it needs to be seen whether the trade will not continue at the same lodge. Flesh trade is a business that is prevalent everywhere, and stopping it completely will need a lot more stringent measures and patrolling.
UDUPI: NINE HELD FOR FLESH TRADE IN LODGE IN BRAHMAVAR
The week ended with another horrendous incident of a woman by name Amrita Shetty committing suicide following dowry harassment from in-laws and husband, again in Brahmavar.
Dowry harassment has been an age-old problem in the country and despite laws, the menace continues to plague women in our society. Victims too rarely approach the law for fear of inviting flak from the society at large or the fear of being even more harassed by the in-laws. Our law files are full of deaths relating to dowry harassment, it won't be surprise if this case to ends being just another of those usual happenings.
MANGALORE: DOWRY HARASSMENT LEADS HOUSEWIFE TO COMMIT SUICIDE
That was the news this week, filled with happy and not-so-happy happenings. See you
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