Latest news with #VSKU
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘Shed inferiority complex and embrace the vision of equality and social justice'
'Secular and pluralistic values are the backbone of India and it is under the guidance of the teachings of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar that we find unity in our Constitution,' professor of Kannada at Central University of Karnataka Appagere Somashekar has said. He was speaking at the Buddha-Basava-Ambedkar Vicharotsava, a symposium organised at the open-air auditorium in the Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU), Ballari, on Wednesday. Emphasising the influence of the progressive ideals of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar's thoughts on the Constitution, Prof. Somashekar urged the people to shed inferiority complexes and embrace the vision of equality and social justice they championed. 'Their dreams have taken shape in the very fabric of the Constitution. We must uphold those values and fight to realise them,' he said. Buddhist writer Buddhaghosh Devendra Heggade described the Buddha as a timeless figure whose teachings remain relevant across all generations. He noted that the Buddha's Panchasheel principles offered a guiding light to people of all castes, religions and communities. 'Today's youth, unfortunately, lack familiarity with the life and wisdom of the Buddha,' he lamented. Literary scholar and university syndicate member Amaresh Nugadoni highlighted the transformative relevance of the trio's philosophies. 'The thoughts of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar are essential for human development. Basavanna's Vachanas and his awareness of knowledge continue to lead us towards innovation and enlightenment,' he said. University Vice-Chancellor M. Muniraju, who presided over the event, noted that Dr. Ambedkar worked to ensure justice for every marginalised community. He stated that the programme's goal is to instill the ideologies of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar in students, so they may contribute meaningfully to their families, society and the nation. During the occasion, winners of speech competitions on the philosophies of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar were awarded cash prizes and certificates. Veteran writer N.D. Venkamma offered Buddha Vandane, a dedicated prayer. The event also featured a procession within the university campus with students dressed as the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar, accompanied by a float carrying their portraits. The procession was led by Registrar S.N. Rudresh. Cultural highlights included renditions of revolutionary songs presented by the Department of Performing Arts and Drama. N.M. Sali, N. Shantanayak, Sushma Jogan, Shridevi Alur and other faculty members, research scholars, teaching and non-teaching staff and students were present. The day concluded with a series of cultural performances in the evening.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
'It was a distressing scene, injured children, women were crying': Terrorists storm shop, family narrowly escapes Pahalgam terror attack
VIJAYANAGARA/KOPPAL: A planned holiday to picturesque Pahalgam, one the country's premier tourist spots, became a terrifying experience for TM Rajashekar, former member of Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU) syndicate and retired principal of TMAE College of Education in Harapanahalli. While Rajashekar remained at the hotel Tuesday, his wife Umadevi, daughter Dr Gaurika, and son-in-law Doddabasayya visited a saffron shop in Bysaran. At 2.20pm, five armed terrorists stormed into the establishment, firing weapons at close range. Amidst the chaos, his family members managed to find cover and escape unharmed. Rajashekar now cautions others against visiting Pahalgam, located about 80km from Srinagar, despite its scenic beauty. 'Pahalgam is a beautiful tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors daily from across the country and abroad,' said Rajashekar. 'But it now carries the risk of violence. The central govt did not deploy army forces in this region possibly because it never experienced a terrorist attack in the past.' He was relieved that his family survived the massacre, attributing it to 'good deeds of their ancestors'. He described the chaos that followed, revealing Indian soldiers arrived an hour later, after many already lost their lives and their families were helpless. 'It was a distressing scene; injured children and women were crying,' he said, adding that the absence of mobile connectivity worsened the situation. Airlines take advantage Following the incident, he and his family decided to return home immediately, but faced another problem. 'Taking advantage of the situation, airlines jacked up the prices of tickets from Rs 30,000 to Rs. 40,000,' he said. Meanwhile, members of four families from Koppal, who travelled to Srinagar Tuesday evening, are safe. Siddu Ganavari, Sharanappa Sajjan, Cotton Pasha, and Shivakumar Pavali Shettar departed from Mumbai to Srinagar with their families. They cancelled plans to visit Pahalgam and decided to return home after learning about the terror incident.
