Latest news with #Shivalingaiah
Time of India
20-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mandya Dist Jail inmates appear for literacy exam
Mandya: As part of the 'Change Through Learning' literacy programme, 40 inmates from Mandya District Jail appeared for a literacy examination held inside the prison on Sunday. The initiative, aimed at transforming lives through education, was overseen by ZP CEO KR Nandini. The participating inmates — 37 men and 3 women — were receiving basic literacy training for the past year. These prisoners, once illiterate, are now learning to read and write through regular classes conducted within the jail. Nandini stressed the need to build awareness among inmates about the power of education. She also emphasised the importance of providing skill development training, enabling prisoners to return to society with dignity and employable skills after their release. During her visit, she inspected facilities provided for women inmates, including barracks, workshops, library, drinking water, sanitation, and other essential amenities. One elderly inmate shared his journey with the CEO, saying, "At first, I wondered why I should hold a pen at my age, which should have been for my children or grandchildren, but teacher Shivalingaiah explained why learning is important. Now I can recognise letters and read a little." Many inmates expressed their gratitude and said they plan to request the education department to honour their teacher, Shivalingaiah, on Teacher's Day (September 5) for his dedicated work. Shivalingaiah, who leads the programme, has so far helped 126 inmates gain basic literacy. Despite facing initial scepticism from colleagues for teaching prisoners, he persisted, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Jail superintendent TK Lokesh explained that inmates study two hours daily, following the 'Light for Life' curriculum that includes reading, writing, arithmetic, and general knowledge. Study materials are provided to aid their learning. Vocational training is also offered in mushroom farming, cooking, plumbing, and motor repairs, based on the inmates' interests. "Our library has over 18,000 books and subscribes to 13 daily newspapers, five weeklies, and monthly magazines. Facilities like tables, chairs, and fans ensure a comfortable reading environment," Lokesh added. The answer sheets from Sunday's exam will be evaluated by the block education office (South Zone), Mandya. Inmates who pass will receive 'neo-literate certificates' recognising their achievement.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- The Hindu
40 prisoners in Mandya write literacy exam under ‘Change through Learning' initiative
Marking a significant step in the government's initiative in rehabilitating prisoners, 40 inmates of the Mandya District Prison appeared for a literacy examination on Sunday under the 'Change through Learning' programme. The candidates include 37 men and three women who had undergone literacy training over the past one year. Many of these prisoners were illiterates, and had volunteered to take up reading and learning when the initiative was launched. Mandya Zilla Panchayat CEO K.R. Nandini oversaw the conduct of the examination. She underlined the transformative power of education in reforming lives. 'We must create awareness among inmates about the importance of education and also provide them with skill development training. This will help them reintegrate into society with dignity,' Ms. Nandhini said. She also inspected the facilities at the prison, including the women's barracks, drinking water supply, sanitation, library, and the prison's industrial unit. One of the elderly inmates, who shared his experience, recalled that his grandchildren were already going to school and made him wonder whether it made sense for him to take up learning at his age. But he was encouraged by his teacher Shivalingaiah who stressed the importance of reading and writing following which the prisoner continued with his learning. 'Today, I am able to read and write to some extent,' he said, while sharing his experience with the Chief Executive Officer. The authorities said that Mr. Shivalingaiah has taught 126 prisoners so far and hence they will impress upon the education department to recognise his efforts and felicitate him on Teachers' Day. Mr. Shivalingaiah was ridiculed by a section of his colleagues as he sought to teach prisoners, but he persisted and displayed rare commitment, the authorities added. According to Jail Superintendent T.K. Lokesh, inmates were given two hours daily for learning, with lessons based on the textbook 'Light for Life' under the programme, which aimed at teaching the prisoners to read, write, learn basic arithmetic, and general knowledge. In addition to the literacy programme, the prison also provided vocational training in areas like mushroom cultivation, cooking, plumbing, and motor repair. The prison library is well-stocked with over 18,000 books and subscribes to 13 newspapers, 45 weekly magazines, and other periodicals that are made available to the inmates. The library is also equipped with tables, chairs, and fans. The answer sheets of the literacy exam will be evaluated by the Mandya South Zone Block Education Office, and successful candidates will be awarded 'Neo-Literacy Certificates', the officials added.
The Independent
05-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Two children among 11 killed in stampede during IPL title celebrations in India: How the tragedy unfolded
At least 11 people, including two children, have died and dozens more were injured in a stampede during celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first IPL title victory in southern India. Hundreds of thousands of fans had gathered outside their home team's M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in Wednesday despite a lack of clear organisation or police presence, with the stampede taking place after RCB's official X account announced a victory parade with less than two hours' notice. The incident is being described as potentially the worst fan-related tragedy in Indian cricket history. All the fatalities were young men and women, including a 14-year-old girl named in media reports as Divyanshi and a 17-year-old named Shivalingaiah. The oldest victim was a 33-year-old male. More than 30 people were hospitalised with injuries, most in stable condition and receiving treatment. Karnataka's chief minister Siddaramaiah, who goes by a single name, said the crowd far exceeded expectations and at least six to nine times more people had turned up than the stadium could hold, overwhelming security arrangements. He noted that while the stadium's capacity is 35,000, more than 200,000 to 300,000 people had gathered for the event organised by the state cricket association. 'At a time of celebration, this unfortunate event should not have happened. We are saddened by this. No one expected this crowd,' Mr Siddaramaiah told reporters. 'A moment of joy has been eclipsed by sorrow.' In the aftermath, pictures and videos showed scattered footwear, bags, and personal belongings, left behind in the panic. Broken barricades and damaged gates pointed to desperate attempts to push through, while some individuals were seen climbing trees, walls, and fences for a view or to escape the crush. Poor crowd management, confusion, and rumours have been blamed for the deadly stampede. An official investigation has been launched, as opposition parties criticised apparent security lapses. The day began with an already electrified fan base, thrilled by the team's first IPL victory, being thrown into overdrive when RCB announced at 7am that there would be a victory parade that day, without sharing any further details. Crowds began assembling outside the stadium from early in the morning on the off chance that they might see their heroes. The RCB players arrived in the city on a special flight at HAL airport at around 2pm, where they were welcomed by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. This was a precursor to a reception on the steps of the majestic Vidhana Soudha – the seat of the state legislature – where Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, chief minister Mr Siddaramaiah and other ministers met the team. It was not until around 3pm that the RCB account said the victory parade had been confirmed for 5pm and that it would be a free event. They also said it would be a limited-entry event and passes would be available on their website. This only added to the confusion, as hundreds of thousands had already gathered in person at the stadium, where there was no clear information on gate entry points. 'The frenzy was so overwhelming that people didn't even care about getting pierced by the fence as they climbed over it to get inside,' said Chandrashekhar Raju, a resident of Gandhi Bazaar, as quoted by The Hindu. By 4pm, the situation had become uncontrollable. Police announced the stadium was full and urged people to disperse, while metro services at the nearby Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha stations were suspended to control the crowd. At 4.51pm, a stampede broke out near gate number seven of the stadium, while the event with government ministers was still taking place at Vidhana Soudha, just 1.8 km away. Eyewitnesses said the crush occurred when a group of people fell while the crowd surged toward another gate, many without passes attempting to force entry. After 5.30pm, a delayed and scaled-down parade took place inside the stadium. RCB players waved the trophy from their dressing room balcony to the crowd already inside. Many on social media criticised the celebrations that went ahead inside the stadium while scenes of sorrow and grief were already emerging from outside, where emergency services were struggling to control the situation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, which organises the IPL, in a statement called the incident "unfortunate". "This is a negative side of popularity. People are crazy for their cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said: 'The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery.' Star batsman Virat Kohli, who enjoys a huge fan following, wrote on Instagram that he was 'at a loss for words' and 'absolutely gutted.' Mr Siddaramaiah announced compensation would be paid of Rs 1m (£8,600) to each victim's family. Stampedes are not uncommon in the world's most populated country where religious and celebratory events draw large numbers of crowds. In January, at least 30 people died when tens of thousands of Hindus surged to bathe in a sacred river during the Maha Kumbh festival, the world's largest religious gathering. More than 100 people were killed in a stampede in northern India in July 2024 following another Hindu religious gathering, one of the deadliest such accidents in years. Thousands had gathered at a makeshift tent for an event led by a Hindu preacher in Uttar Pradesh state.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mysuru attracted Rs 1,800cr investments in 3 yrs
Mysuru: Mysuru district drew Rs 1,800 crore in investments over the last three years with the establishment of 11,471 industries. This development generated nearly 28,000 direct and indirect jobs, making chief minister Siddaramaiah's home district a major hub for industrial activity. With Mysuru developing rapidly after Bengaluru, with better road, rail, and air connectivity, coupled with the availability of drinking water and land, it has attracted investors, industrialists, and entrepreneurs. The industrial-friendly, conducive atmosphere also boosted the promotion of industries. Mysuru is also known for tourism and has emerged as an education, health care, and yoga hub. According to the department of industries and commerce, the district attracted an investment of Rs 404 crore with the establishment of 2,823 major, small, and minor industries in 2022-23, creating 7,001 jobs. It attracted an investment of Rs 601 crore with the establishment of 3,276 industries in 2023-24, creating 8,245 jobs for individuals. It has attracted Rs 795 crore with the establishment of 5,372 industries in 2024-25 so far, creating 11,700 jobs. So far, Mysuru district has attracted an investment of Rs 17,026 crore with the establishment of 38,903 major, small, and minor industries, providing both direct and indirect jobs for 3,07,644 individuals. Industrial areas developed by the district administration, such as Hebbal, Hootagally, Belagola, Belavadi, Nanjangud, Thandavapura, Koorgalli, Kadakola, Yadavagiri, Metagally, and Hinakal, even taluk headquarters' surroundings like Hunsur and Nanjangud, are attracting investors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The industrial estates established by govt in Mysuru for automobiles, electronics and electricals, chemicals, food processing, leather industries, paper and printing, rubber and plastics, textiles, and several other industrial parks are attracting investors. The Union govt-sponsored programmes like PM Vishwakarma and PMEGP (Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme) for entrepreneurship development have all given a big boost to the promotion of industries in Mysuru. Around 1.8 lakh individuals have registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme that aims at supporting artisans working in more than 18 traditional trades, including carpentry, tailoring, metallurgy, laundry and washing, and several other sectors. About 20,000 registered for jobs under the PMEGP scheme. Speaking to TOI, joint director of industries and commerce Shivalingaiah said Mysuru district attracted an investment of Rs 1,800 crore with job creation for 28,000 individuals in the last three years. "The department has been registering the establishment of new industries every month and sanctioning an average of Rs 50 crore every month for the establishment of micro and minor industries. In recent years, women entrepreneurs are also coming forward along with SC and ST entrepreneurs for the establishment of industries after govt started providing loans with an annual interest rate of 5% per annum for them," he said. Mysuru Chambers of Commerce and Industries president KB Lingaraju said Mysuru started witnessing an increase in the registration of small-scale industries over the last five years, along with job creation, after both Union and state govts started to encourage entrepreneurs under Make in India, startup ecosystem, promotion of swadeshi, and marketing of products.
