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Time of India
03-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Belagavi's British-era buildings to retain heritage value
1 2 Belagavi: In a move to preserve the city's colonial-era architectural heritage, the Belagavi district administration has decided to retain and restore the historic deputy commissioner's (DC) office and the regional commissioner's (RC) office buildings, constructed by the British in 1910. Both structures, built in the distinctive Indo-Gothic style, will now be repurposed for public use. The Indo-Gothic architectural style, which gained prominence in British India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is a blend of European Gothic Revival elements blended with Indian, Islamic, and Hindu architectural features. Typically reserved for prestigious public buildings such as courts, universities, railway stations, and govt offices, this style is notable for its intricate detailing and imposing structure. Originally, the district administration proposed demolishing both heritage buildings to make way for a new DC's office complex. The state govt allocated Rs 50 crore in the budget for the first phase of the project, wherein the offices of the various govt departments will be housed under a single roof. However, the plan sparked strong objections from historians and heritage activists, prompting a reassessment. Responding to their concerns, the administration reversed its decision. "We decided to retain both buildings in their original form and restore them using the same materials. Once the new DC's office complex is completed, the heritage buildings will be opened for public use," said deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan, speaking to the TOI. DC's office building will be converted into a library, while the RC's office building will house a museum and exhibition space. "The aim is to preserve Belagavi's rich historical legacy and make it accessible to future generations," Roshan added. As per archival records, both buildings date back to 1910. "We have original documents and layouts from the record room. Though the buildings appear to be tiled, they are actually constructed using Indore-based basalt stone, a fine-grained igneous rock known for its strength and durability. We will be using the same stone for the restoration, with expert architects leading the work," Roshan said. Belagavi DC's office building was inaugurated during the tenure of British officer BA Brandon in 1910. It underwent partial renovation in 2007 under the then DC Shalini Rajneesh. The three-storey structure comprises 30 rooms and two meeting halls. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Silent protest held in Belagavi demanding release of arrested Kerala nuns
Members of various Christian organisations held a silent protest in Belagavi on Friday, demanding the immediate release of Kerala-based nuns and a tribal youth in Chattisgarh. They have been arrested on false charges and under controversial circumstances. They have been charged with human trafficking and conversion. They are false, they said. They walked from the Deputy Commissioner's office to the Zilla Panchayat office. They submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, through the Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan. Speaking at the rally, Bishop Derek Fernandes condemned the arrests as unjust and frivolous. He said no Catholic was ever involved in forced conversions. He also decried the physical assault on the nuns and warned against the rise of communal violence. 'We demand the immediate release of the innocent and an end to baseless persecution. The government must protect minority rights and uphold India's secular values,' Bishop Fernandes said. According to the memorandum, the arrests were prompted by pressure from a right-wing activist who falsely alleged forced conversion, sparking a mob protest. It is alleged that the charges were politically and communally motivated. Investigations and family statements later confirmed that the women traveled willingly and without any coercion. The memorandum said the arrests were unjust and wrongful. 'The nuns and the youth were held at Durg Railway Station on July 25 under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act (1968), which pertains to religious conversion through force or inducement. They were accompanying three adult tribal women, aged 18 to 19, looking for nursing jobs, from Narayanpur to Agra. The women had all signed parental consent letters and carried valid identification. The charge of human trafficking is false,' the memorandum said. The rally was organised by the Catholic Association of Belgaum and other Christian organisations. Over 400 participants, including priests, nuns, seminarians, and laypersons participated. Copies of the memorandum have been addressed to the President of India, and the Prime Minister. Community leaders like Philip Kutty, Clara Fernandes, Louis Rodrigues, Pramod Kumar, Pastor Ankalgi, Sister Lourdes Joseph, Nooruddin Mulla and others were present.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Police foil Sri Ram Sene's ‘Ingali Chalo' rally; Muthalik detained
Sri Ram Sene activists took out a 'Ingali Chalo' rally on Thursday in protest against the alleged assault on their activists in Ingali village in Belagavi district. The activists formed a human chain at Rani Channamma circle. They took out a rally to the Deputy Commissioner's office raising slogans against the State government and the police. They demanded that the accused who had assaulted five of their activists be brought to book. SRS founder Pramod Mutalik addressed the protestors. Later, the activists submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan. Police took Mr. Mutalik and other activists into custody after they insisted on walking to Ingali village, despite denial of permission by the police. 'Five of our youth were tied to a coconut tree and beaten up mercilessly by the residents in Ingali. I want to ask the government if this is Karnataka or Pakistan or Afghanistan? Is there is no protection to young people involved in the task of protecting cows? The Belagavi police are saying that it is not the job of SRS to protect and that those who find suspicious cattle transport should complain to the police. This is not acceptable. How many cows have the police saved till now? We are only doing what the police is failing to do. There is an anti-cow slaughter Act in Karnataka, but still illegal cattle transport and slaughter continue'', he said. He demanded that the State government provide protection to 'cow protectors'. Instead, it was protecting those who assaulted cow protectors. If the government does not protect us, we will launch a Statewide agitation,' he said. Mr. Muthalik alleged that the police were opening rowdy sheets on SRS activists on the directions of the government. Even senior activists like Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and Chakravarti Sulibele were facing cases, he said. Meanwhile, Imambi Multani, one of the villagers facing investigation in the assault, alleged that the SRS activists had demanded money from cattle traders in the village and when they refused, they allegedly tried to outrage the modesty of a woman. 'This angered the residents, who tied them up and beat them. Hindus and Muslims were part of the mob that beat them up,'' she told reporters in Ingali on Wednesday.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
After a decade, Mahalakshmi fair returns to Gokak with fanfare
Belagavi: After a gap of 10 years, the vibrant and much-awaited Mahalakshmi fair, also known as Mahalakshmi Devi Rathotsava, is set to make a grand return to Gokak from June 30. Anticipating a turnout of lakhs of devotees over the 10-day event, Belagavi district administration has put in place extensive arrangements to ensure smooth conduct, security, and public safety. In light of the anticipated crowd and potential traffic congestion, deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan has declared a holiday for all anganwadis, schools, and colleges in Gokak town from June 30 to July 8. These premises will also serve as temporary accommodations for police and personnel from other departments deployed for the fair. To coordinate various aspects of the fair, the district administration has formed multiple committees tasked with responsibilities ranging from crowd management and transportation to sanitation and event organisation. Special attention is being given to the chariot festival scheduled on July 2 and 3, which draws the largest gathering. DC Roshan has directed officials to implement crowd control measures to avoid any untoward incidents such as stampedes. In addition to the chariot procession, other major attractions like the bullock cart race, horse cart race, and cycle race are expected to draw crowds. DC Roshan has emphasised the need for timely dissemination of public information regarding drinking water, mobile toilets, transportation services, and emergency contacts. Display boards and media broadcasts will be used to keep the public informed. To manage VIP darshan requests, an officer will be appointed to handle entries strictly as per protocol, with permissions only granted on the recommendation of the temple secretary. Given the tradition of devotees bathing in the Ghataprabha River during the fair, safety precautions are being intensified. "I instructed the Gokak City Municipal Council commissioner to install safety ropes and barricades along the riverside and to provide sufficient life jackets for emergencies," said DC Roshan. Superintendent of police Bhimashankar Guled confirmed that SDRF and fire department personnel will be deployed near the river for rescue readiness. Furthermore, the administration has imposed a ban on liquor sales and the use of chemically mixed bhandara (holy turmeric powder) during the fair to maintain sanctity and public order.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Holiday for Gokak schools till July 8
The district administration has declared a holiday for nine days in view of the annual fair of the Sri Lakshmi Temple in Gokak, for anganwadis, primary, government and aided primary and high schools and pre-university colleges in the town. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan on Friday issued the order announcing the holiday from June 30 to July 8, under Section 163 of BNSS. The last time the fair was organised was 10 years ago.
