Puneeth Rajkumar passed away in Bengaluru today. (Photo: Facebook @Puneeth Rajkumar)Bengaluru, Karnataka Highlights: Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar passed away at the Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru on Friday after suffering a heart attack, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai confirmed.
His body is to be kept at Kanteerava stadium for people to pay homage. The police are making arrangements and a tight security is in place around the stadium. Talking to media, state minister R Ashoka said Rajkumar’s last rites will be performed with full state honours and the family will decide when it will happen.
Rajkumar was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Bengaluru after he complained of chest pain around 11.40 in the morning. The 46-year-old superstar reportedly collapsed while working out at a gym and was rushed to the hospital immediately. According to a statement issued by Vikram Hospital, Rajkumar was non-responsive when brought in and was in cardiac asystole.
Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant and several other dignitaries visited the hospital. The Karnataka government has alerted Bengaluru district commissioners, DCPs and SPs to tighten the security in their jurisdictions across the state.
In other news, Karnataka on Thursday witnessed a spurt in new coronavirus cases and fatalities with 478 fresh infections and 17 deaths being reported, taking the caseload and death toll to 29,87,313 and 38,054. Bengaluru Urban logged the maximum number of 235 new cases and seven deaths, it said.
Fans queue up to pay their last respects to the mortal remains of Kannada film actor Puneeth Rajkumar at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. Rajkumar passed away due to a fatal cardiac arrest on Friday morning. (PTI Photos)
Telangana State Road Transportation Corporation (TSRTC) condoles the death of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar. In a media statement, TSRTC said, “on behalf of TSRTC management MD said they are indebted to him for encouraging usage of public transport.”
Puneeth Rajkumar was the brand ambassador for state-run Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). BMTC roped in Puneeth as its brand ambassador for its campaign to promote public transport in 2019.
Thousands of fans of Puneeth Rajkumar arrive to Kanteerava Stadium to pay last respects to the actor.
"Condolences on the passing away of Puneet Rajkumar. A bright star. He had a long promising career ahead. My condolences to his family, his innumerable fans and followers," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted.
The last rites of Puneeth Rajkumar to be performed at Kanteerava Studio in the land belonging to the Dr Rajkumar Foundation.
Puneeth Rajkumar's body has been kept at Kanteerava stadium for people to pay homage. The police are making arrangements and a tight security is in place around the stadium. Talking to media, state minister R Ashoka said Rajkumar's last rites will be performed with full state honours and the family will decide when it will happen.
Bengaluru City Police has banned sale of alcohol in Bengaluru from today till midnight October 31, 2021.
Taking to Twitter Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote: "My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar. Gone too soon."
Condoling Puneeth Rajkumar's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter: "A cruel twist of fate has snatched away from us a prolific and talented actor, Puneeth Rajkumar. This was no age to go. The coming generations will remember him fondly for his works and wonderful personality. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Puneeth Rajkumar's body will be kept at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru for people to pay homage. The police are making arrangements and a tight security is in place around the stadium. The actor was reportedly working out in the gym when he collapsed suddenly and was rushed to a hospital immediately. Read more
Following the death of Sandalwood superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, theatre owners have decided to cancel evening shows on Friday.
Thomas D'Souza, owner of Robin theatre in Bengaluru and vice-president, South Indian Film Federation told Indian Express that the exhibitors have voluntarily cancelled shows after 4 pm and even the state government requested us to do so.
“We have lost one of the greatest actors and finest human being. He was always there to promote Kannada movies and played a crucial role. This has come as a huge shocker, not only to the industry but to the entire Karnataka,” he said.
"Praying to the almighty to give Puneeth Sirs family, friends and his ocean of fans the strength to cope with this irreplaceable loss," actor Dulquer Salman wrote on Twitter.
Bollywood filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma says Puneeth Rajkumar's death is an eye-opener for all. "Apart from the shocking tragedy that Puneer Rajkumar's sudden death is, it is also a scary and terrifying eye opening truth that any of us can die anytime. So it is best to live life on a fast forward mode , while we are still alive," he wrote on Twitter.
"Rest in Peace Puneeth Rajkumar sir. Prayers and condolences to the family and fans for this irreplaceable loss," wrote actor Aditi Rao Hydari on Twitter.
"Shocking and heart breaking to know that Puneeth is no more," writes Mammootty.
Confirming Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar's death on Twitter, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai expressed shock over the suprestar's sudden demise.
Crowd outside hospital in which Puneeth Rahkumar is admitted.
The Vikram hospital, where actor Puneeth Rajkumar has been admitted, has issued a statement on his health situation.
The statement reads as follows:
Puneeth Rajkumar, aged 46 years, was brought to the emergency department of Vikram Hospital with a history of chest pain at 11.40 am on Friday. He was non responsive and was in cardiac asystole. Advanced cardiac resuscitation has been initiated.
Karnataka Government has alerted Bengaluru district commissioners, DCP’s and SP’s in the police dept to tighten the security in their Jurisdiction after Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar was hospitalised following a heart attack today morning in Bengaluru.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to hold a press meet in a few minutes according to Chief Minister’s Office regarding the health condition of Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar who is critical and receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of Vikram hospital following a heart attack.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant and Joint Commissioner of Central Crime Branch Sandeep Patil too reached the hospital where Puneeth Rajkumar has been admitted.
Meanwhile, fans gathered outside Vikram Hospital where the 46-year-old Kannada superstar has been hospitalised.
Kannada film stars and Puneeth Rajkumar's elder brother Shiva Rajkumar have reached the Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru.
Present at the hospital currently are star actors like Yash, Darshan and Ravichandran, among others.
With Puneeth Rajkumar hospitalised in critical condition, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the Vikram hospital in Bengaluru on Friday.
Police security has been increased around the hospital and a few surrounding roads have been closed.
Puneeth Rajkumar in a very serious condition, says doctor
Actor Puneeth Rajkumar is in a "very serious condition," according to the medical director of the hospital where the Kannada actor has been admitted.
Dr Ranganath Nayak, the medical director at the Vikram Hospital, said in a statement that the actor developed a chest pain on Friday morning, which prompted him to visit his family doctor for an electrocardiogram (ECG). Following the test, Puneet was asked to rush to the hospital. He arrived at the Vikram Hospital in a serious condition at around 11.30 am.
"He is in a very serious condition and nothing can be said," the doctor said.
Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who was hospitalised today morning in Bengaluru, is in critical condition. His family sources confirmed to Indian Express that he is receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. The actor has been admitted to the Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru following a mild heart attack.
Security has been intensified around the hospital and near the actor's home in Sadashivanagar.
Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar has been admitted to a private hospital in Bengaluru after he had a mild heart attack while working out in the gym.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which has been supplying the aero-structure to Boeing for the last decade, has delivered the 200th gun bay door for Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL said, “HAL has a long-standing partnership with Boeing and we look forward to strengthening our association on military and civil programs. We are prepared to collaborate with Boeing to boost manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programs”.
“Our partnership with HAL is an example of our commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and to the growth of India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. We see tremendous potential for India to contribute to the global aerospace industry as an industrial and technology partner. This partnership is a testimony to the world class capability of our industrial partners in the country”, said Mr. Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India. S Manicka Vasagam, GM (Aircraft), HAL handed over the delivery documents to Mr. Ashwani Bhargava, Director-Supplier Development (Boeing India). HAL’s Aircraft Division has been a supplier to Boeing for the last three decades. The Division has supplied various aero-structures for Boeing’s military and civil programs such as the B757 Over-wing Exit Doors, 777 Up-lock Box, F/A-18 Wire Harness and F/A-18 Gun Bay Door.
Here are today's petrol and diesel prices, and a comparision with the prices on the same day a year ago.
On 29 October, 2021
Petrol price : Rs 112.43
Diesel price: Rs 103.35
On 29 October, 2020
Petrol price: Rs 83.69
Diesel price: Rs 74.63
Karnataka on Thursday witnessed a spurt in new coronavirus cases and fatalities with 478 fresh infections and 17 deaths being reported, taking the caseload and death toll to 29,87,313 and 38,054.
The state had reported 282 fresh cases and 13 deaths on Wednesday whereas on Tuesday it was 277 new cases and seven fatalities. The day also saw 334 people being discharged, taking the total number of recoveries to 29,40,673, leaving 8,557 active cases, a health department bulletin said.
Bengaluru Urban logged the maximum number of 235 new cases and seven deaths, it said. (PTI)
Karnataka teen Sambhavv R stole the limelight with a sensational swim in the 50m freestyle event while Delhi's Kushagra Rawat continued his record-breaking spree at the 74th Senior National Aquatic Championships in Bengaluru on Thursday.
The 17-year-old Sambhavv clocked 23.65 seconds to win the gold in the 50m freestyle event — the fastest race at the ongoing meet — ahead of Maharashtra's Mihir Ambre who timed 23.76 seconds while his state-mate Heer Shah touched pads at 23.93 seconds to take home the silver.
Sambhavv, who won four golds and one bronze at the recently concluded 47th Junior National Aquatic Championships, surprised his senior compatriots as he dominated the sprint event right from the start. (PTI)
Private sector Karnataka Bank on Thursday reported a moderate rise of 5.17% in its net profit at Rs 125.61 crore in the second quarter ended September 2021.
The bank had posted a net profit of Rs 119.44 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. Total income of the bank was down at Rs 1,725.15 crore in Q2 FY22, as against Rs 1,880.35 crore in Q2 FY21, Karnataka Bank said in a regulatory filing. (PTI)
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is gradually increasing the number of AC buses to the airport from different parts of the city after restricting services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vayu Vajra buses of the BMTC, which operate between the Kempegowda International Airport and other parts of the city, had resumed services from July 31 after being stopped owing to the lockdown during the second wave of Covid-19. (Read more)
As much as 87 per cent of the eligible population in Mysuru have recieved the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, district health officials have apprised Lok Sabha MP Pratap Simha. They added that the coverage of second dose was 49 per cent with 11.96 lakh people being "fully vaccinated" in the district.
Meanwhile, the MP has suggested the department to take measures to reach 100 per cent coverage at the earliest to ensure the eligible population gets at least the first dose. "Mysuru has been among the worst-hit districts in the country during the peak of the pandemic and hence vaccination coverage should be enhanced," he said at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held on Thursday.
Following this, the district administration has planned to administer 1 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccine on a single day during a special drive held before Diwali.
Bangalore Development Authority had handed over the custody of Hosakere lake in Gandhinagar to the BBMP in 2019. There have been complaints of leakage of water from the Lake bund thereby affecting the water storage capacity of the lake. Moreover, sewage water is entering the lake. However, BBMP chief commissioner Gaurav Gupta has said that the BDA and BWSSB should address the issues pertaining to the lake and then hand over to the custody of the water body to the BBMP.
With online gaming firms filing a series of petitions in the Karnataka High Court against a recent ban imposed on online gambling in the state through amendments to the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, the state government Thursday told the High Court that it would not take any “precipitating action” under the new laws against the firms till the cases are decided.
The All India Gaming Federation and nine different gaming companies approached the High Court opposing clauses in the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which aims to “curb menace of gaming through the Internet, mobile apps”. The gaming federation and gaming companies are opposing the inclusion of online games of skill in the category of online gambling.
Read more
In a bid to provide shelter and education to 300 girl children who have lost parents (either one or both) to the Covid-19 pandemic, a special campus is being developed in Bettakote gram panchayat limits, located in the outskirts of Bengaluru city.
As part of the initiative — a joint effort by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, Kempegowda International Airport Foundation (KIAF), and Sparsha Trust — the campus named Chinnara Dhama (which translates to 'haven for young children') and the infrastructure is expected to be launched in 2022.
"Chinnara Dhama will be managed under KIAF’s flagship programme Namma Shikshana (Our Education). The initiative will provide safe and secure lodging facilities, as well as social and psychological support to girl children. It will provide access to quality education by enrolling the children at one of the BIAL-adopted schools. The children will also be provided with basic and vocational skills that are required to develop their social competencies," a statement from the CSR (corporate social responsibility) partners read.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority has extended the last date for document verification of the Common Entrance Test (CET) 2021 to October 30. As per the schedule issued earlier, the verification process was to end on Thursday.
According to the Executive Director of KEa, the last date of document verification has been extended to facilitate candidates who are yet to verify their documents till now.
"Candidates can attend document verification either on 29-10-2021 or on 30-10-2021 in any of the helpline centres with all the necessary original documents. Only upon verification of original documents, candidates will get the eligibility to enter the options to become eligible for allotment of seats," a statement issued on Thursday read.
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Khanapur Taluk of Belagavi District, which is Karnataka Forest Minister Umesh Katti’s home district, has not had a full time Range Forest Officer (RFO) for the last three months. Presently, the charge of Bhimgad Wildlife Range has been given to the RFO of adjoining Kanakumbi Territorial Range. Kanakumbi is situated at a distance of 55 km from Hemmadaga which is the headquarters of Bhimgad Wildlife Range.
Conservationists in the region say since the tiger census is nearing an end, it is imperative to have a full time RFO. Moreover, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary has eight anti-poaching camps which need constant vigil.
“Kanakumbi Territorial Range itself is spread over 16,000 hectare and shares an interstate border with Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra and hence, handling another range is definitely a challenging task for a single RFO. There are eight Anti-Poaching Camps in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and need a constant vigil. Also, the sanctuary has an interstate border. Apart from routine protection duty, the RFO has to look after incidents of human-wildlife conflict such as crop damage by wild animals, cattle killed by wild animals etc,” a conservationist on the condition of anonymity said.
DHL Express on Thursday opened its new and expanded express handling airside facility within the Bangalore International Airport with an investment of EUR 22 million (about Rs 200 crore) over the next 10 years.
Spread over in 1,12,000 sq ft of space, and four times larger than the previous one, the facility can handle over 90,000 tonnes of shipment per year when operating at full capacity, the company said.
The additional capacity at the expanded Bengaluru Gateway enables DHL Express to offer 12 to 24 hours faster connection and delivery of imported goods across India, and reduce daily cut-off time for shipment pick-up by up to 60 minutes, it said. (PTI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday sang Kannada songs as part of week-long celebration to mark Kannada Rajyotsava. Events held in various parts of the state on Thursday saw around five lakh singers singing iconic Kannada songs penned by three poets at 1,000 locations.
The event is part of ‘Kannadakkagi Naavu’, a week-long celebration to mark Kannada Rajyotsava organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture.
Even as panic gripped many in Karnataka owing to the discovery of two cases of the AY 4.2 sub-lineage of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in Bengaluru, the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has dismissed rumours of its plans to recommend another lockdown in the state.
Speaking to The Indian Express, TAC Chairman Dr M K Sudarshan said the origin of certain media reports “that tried to spread panic” in the last two days was still to be found. (Read more)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating illegal wealth earned by a 25-year-old hacker involved in multiple cybercrimes in Bengaluru – including the siphoning of Rs 11.5 crore of funds from the e-procurement cell of the Karnataka e-governance centre last year.
The 25-year-old hacker Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki has been questioned over the last few days by the ED in connection with a case registered earlier this year by the agency into the alleged hacking of accounts of bitcoin holders between 2018 to 2020, and the encashment of the bitcoins by the hawala route after sale to third parties. (Read more)
Rajasthan has ranked second after Karnataka on the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2020 released by the Union Ministry of Power, an official said on Wednesday.
In the previous year's rankings, none of the states had qualified in the frontrunner category. However, this year, Rajasthan showing the highest improvement became the second state only after Karnataka to be included in the category, Additional Chief Secretary (Power) Subodh Agarwal said in a statement. (PTI)
A two-day conference of tourism and culture ministers of southern India is set to take place in Bengaluru starting Thursday, aiming to apprise various stakeholders about the projects and initiatives being taken by the Centre for the development of the region.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture G Kishan Reddy and Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai are slated to address at the event on October 28, officials said on Wednesday.
The event is expected to be attended by the Union ministers of state for tourism, senior officials from various central ministries, state governments, Union Territory administrations, and media and industry stakeholders, they said. (PTI)
The Karnataka government has issued fresh travel guidelines and made negative RT-PCR report mandatory for those coming to the state from abroad, in view of the new super-spreader AY.4.2 Delta variant of Covid-19, which is spreading in some foreign countries.
The new guideline makes it mandatory for travellers to submit a self-declaration form regarding the authenticity of the Covid negative report on the online portal 'Air Suvidha' before the scheduled travel, since a fake report will be liable for criminal prosecution.
"Uploading a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR report. This test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey," the travel advisory said. (PTI)
The BJP OBC Morcha will organise a state-level convention of the backward classes in Bengaluru on November 21.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa said over 2,000 delegates were expected to participate in the convention at the Palace Grounds in the city
Former MPs, former legislators and former Ministers from all the 224 Assembly constituencies of the State would also participate in the convention apart from office-bearers of the morcha, he added.
Around five lakh singers from across the world will sing iconic Kannada songs penned by three poets at 1,000 locations tiday
The event is part of ‘Kannadakkagi Naavu’ , a week-long celebration to mark Kannada Rajyotsava organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture.
The Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and his colleagues will sing songs on the steps of the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru at 11 am.
The department has directed all District Commissioners and other official's to make arrangements, allowing performers to sing 'Baarisu Kannada Dindimava' written by Jnanpith awardee Kumvempu, 'Jogada Siri Belakinalli' written by well know Kannada poet Nisar Ahmed, and 'Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku' a Kannada movie song by Hamsalekha.
The programme will also be held near the Karnataka High Court, at all government offices, schools and colleges, opposite to Mysuru palace, at Hampi world heritage site, and KSRTC, BMTC and Metro stations.
Karnataka on Wednesday added 282 fresh cases and 13 deaths, taking the caseload and death toll to 29,86,835 and 38,037, the health department said.
The day also saw 349 people being discharged, pushing the total number of recoveries to 29,40,339. Active cases stood at 8,430, a department bulletin said. Bengaluru Urban accounted for the maximum number of 142 new cases and six deaths, it said.
Campaigning for bypolls to be held on October 30 in three Lok Sabha and 30 assembly constituencies spread across 14 states ended Wednesday evening. In majority of the seats, the main fight will be between BJP and Congress candidates.
Of the 30 constituencies going to the bypolls, five are in Assam, four in West Bengal, three each in Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, two each in Bihar, Karnataka and Rajasthan and one seat each is in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland and Telangana. The counting of votes will take place on November 2. (PTI)
Here are today's petrol and diesel prices.
Petrol Price : Rs 112.06
Diesel price: Rs 102.98
Although it started with much fanfare in January, the train services of the South Western Railway (SWR) to the halt station near Bengaluru international airport remain unused due to poor patronage since its launch till April, when the Covid-19 lockdown was imposed.
Even after the lockdown was lifted, SWR did not resume the Kempegowda International Airport train service because on an average, just around 20 persons purchased tickets each day to travel between Bengaluru and the halt station between January and April.
Read more
The Karnataka government has announced increasing the dearness allowances of its employees and pensioners from the existing 21.5 per cent to 24.5 per cent with retrospective effect from July 1 this year.
"The government is pleased to enhance the rates of dearness allowance payable to the employees in the 2018 Revised Pay Scales from the existing 21.50 per cent to 24.50 per cent of basic pay with effect from July 1, 2021," according to a government order. (PTI)
The Karnataka government Wednesday issued an order directing public offices to appoint nodal officers to ensure all guidelines stipulated earlier to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour (CAB) are followed.
"Currently the state is witnessing a downward trend of Covid-19 cases daily. In order to sustain the gains achieved so far, it is essential to ensure the compliance of CAB by officers, staff members, and visitors at public offices," the order issued by Chief Secretary P Ravikumar read.
Also the Chairman of the State Executive Committee of the Disaster Management Authority, he noted, "Any serious and repeated non-compliance of CAB even after adequate awareness, shall attract penalty and further action under the provisions of Disaster Management Act 2005."
With government schools in Karnataka facing an acute shortage of teachers, the primary and secondary education department has decided to conduct common entrance tests (CETs) till the demand is met.
Acknowledging this, Primary and Secondary Education Minister B C Nagesh said, "We have not been able to meet the number of qualified teachers as mentioned in the recruitment notification yet. For instance, only 3,000 candidates passed the CET even as the requirement was higher." (Read more)
The Hassan district administration in Karnataka has allowed devotees to visit the Hasanamba Temple during its flagship festival beginning on Thursday, barring the first and last day (November 6).
According to district in-charge minister K Gopalaiah, devotees will be allowed between 6 am and 1 pm in the forenoon and between 3 pm and 8 pm daily from October 29 to November 5.
"However, each person will be asked to produce Covid-19 vaccination certificate and an identity card at the entrance of the temple. Those who are yet to be vaccinated will not be allowed inside," he said.
The district administration had earlier decided to permit entry only to elected representatives and very important persons (VIPs) for the festival.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said there is a tsunami in favour of the BJP which will have its effect on the party's performance in the Hanagal Assembly bypoll on Oct 30.
"There is a tsunami in favour of the BJP in the state and it will have an effect on Hanagal. There is massive support to the BJP in every village of Hanagal," the Chief Minister said addressing the members of Bhajandri community in Hanagal town.
The Congress has bitten the dust across the state and if they are sent home packing from Hanagal, then they will remain home forever, Bommai said. (PTI)
Karnataka, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra are most vulnerable to adverse climate events such as floods, droughts and cyclones in India, according to a report by a Delhi-based think tank.
The Climate Vulnerability Index released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shows that over 80 per cent of Indians live in districts vulnerable to climate risks.
"Highly vulnerable states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka and Gujarat have improved their respective DDMPs and climate-proofed critical infrastructures in recent years," the study noted.
At the upcoming climate conference COP-26, to be held in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12, developing countries like India are expected to demand that developed nations ramp up and deliver climate finance timely. (PTI)
Ahead of Kannada Rajyotsava around five lakh singers from across the world will sing iconic Kannada songs penned by three poets at 1,000 locations on Thursday.
The event is part of ‘Kannadakkagi Naavu’ , a week-long celebration to mark Kannada Rajyotsava organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture.
The Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and his colleagues will sing songs on the steps of the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
The department has directed all District Commissioners and other official's to make arrangements, allowing performers to sing 'Baarisu Kannada Dindimava' written by Jnanpith awardee Kumvempu, 'Jogada Siri Belakinalli' written by well know Kannada poet Nisar Ahmed, and 'Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku' a Kannada movie song by Hamsalekha.
A few days after his Catholic counterpart did so, Bishop P K Samuel, head of Karnataka Central Diocese (KCD) of the Church of South India (CSI), has urged the Karnataka government to call off the survey of Christian missionary works in the state.
"The survey is a pointless exercise that will promote bigotry," he said in a statement added that it threatens the fabric of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family)'.
Earlier, Rev Peter Machado, President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council had said that the Christian community would oppose the move alleging that the order seems to "accuse it guilty of a serious crime."
A 20-year-old man was murdered by his friend in Bengaluru on Tuesday night. The victim has been identified as Siddique and the accused in the case is Arbaz (20). The incident took place in Govindapura.
Arbaz and Siddique were school mates and friends. On Tuesday night both have fought over some issue, which ended with Arbaz stabbing and bludgeoning Siddique to death.
Police said Arbaz has been taken into custody and is being questioned.