Karnataka First

An Ayurveda college professor from Belagavi has been selected for the National Level Best Physiotherapy PG Teacher Award.

Shobha R. Itnal, who is Head and Professor of the Department of Physiotherapy, J.G. Cooperative Ayurveda Medical College, Ghataprabha, Gokak taluk, received the award at the eighth National Conference ATACON-2026 organized by the NCISM-accredited Ayurveda Teachers Association, New Delhi, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh recently.

NCISM president Manisha Kothekar said that she was selected for this award considering her contribution to the field of teaching, guidance and education in the field of Physiotherapy.

The college management, teaching and non-teaching staff congratulated her, said a release.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

He directed officials to remove pump sets and electricity connections from non-functional borewells to avoid unnecessary power bills.

Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Thursday launched a GIS-based mobile and web application to ensure scientific management of rural water assets, improve transparency and prevent fraudulent billing.The application will geo-tag rural water supply assets and record details of their physical condition, operation and maintenance.

The application is developed by the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department in collaboration with the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRSAC).

The app can geo-tag assets with an accuracy of up to five metres. Borewells, overhead tanks, open wells, pump houses, water treatment plants, reservoirs, lakes, laboratories and hand pumps are covered under the system. According to Khandre, the state has over three lakh water assets, which are expected to be digitised by the end of September. At present, more than 70,000 such assets have been documented. The initiative will have a three-stage verification mechanism.

RDPR engineers shall carry out physical and random inspections at different levels. Khandre said geo-tagging would help prevent fake billing for works that have not been executed and enable authorities to monitor the quality and status of assets.

He directed officials to remove pump sets and electricity connections from non-functional borewells to avoid unnecessary power bills. He said 7700 borewells have been recharged so far, while more borewells suitable for recharge are being identified.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

All projects were presented through a poster exhibition, ensuring that all 20 teams that participated had the opportunity to share their research.

Anveshana 2026, the flagship student-led research initiative of Bengaluru-based nonprofit Prayoga Institute of Education Research, saw 61 students from Classes 9-12 present 20 independent research projects, highlighting the scope for scientific inquiry at the school level earlier this week. The final project presentation saw shortlisted top four projects showcased.

According to a release from Prayoga, Anveshana, the five-month student science research programme, drew students from across India, including Leh.

All projects were presented through a poster exhibition, ensuring that all 20 teams that participated had the opportunity to share their research with an audience comprising researchers, educators, industry representatives and parents.

The event was attended by Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament, Bangalore South, Manu Saale, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), Dr Renata Jovanovic, Chief Scientific Officer, Deloitte South Asia, and Pratyush Mehrotra, President & COO, SBI Foundation.

“The impact of Anveshana extends well beyond the annual showcase. Over the years, research emerging from the programme has contributed to international peer-reviewed publications, while some student projects have progressed towards patent applications,” said Prayoga.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Aldovia Resort & Convention, Swiss Town, Bengaluru, has received prestigious international recognition from the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB), Houston, Texas, in the United States of America, at The Bizz Awards 2026, held at the InterContinental Wien, Vienna, Austria, on August 25.

The international event brought together leading business establishments and industrial houses from several countries, with 33 awards presented across various categories. Aldovia Resort & Convention was selected following the recommendation of WORLDCOB’s evaluation committee, recognising its standards of business excellence, leadership, and hospitality based on OTA and review aggregators’ statistics.

Among the principal honours, Aldovia Resort & Convention was conferred the “World Business Leader” award, recognising the organisation for consistently demonstrating business excellence. It was also conferred the “Recognition of Inspirational Company”, upon the recommendation of WORLDCOB’s evaluation committee.

The Vienna recognition also extended to members of Aldovia’s leadership team. Nigel Rufus Colaco was honoured as a “World Leader Businessperson” for consistently demonstrating business excellence, while Randal Shawn Colaco received the “Excellence in Business Leadership” recognition. Balaji Mukunda received the “Excellence in Business Management” award for his consistently demonstrated business excellence management.

The honours assume special significance as the Aldovia brand enters a new chapter in its hospitality journey. Formerly known for two decades as Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, the landmark property has evolved into Aldovia Resort & Convention, carrying forward the vision of its property owner and founder, Dr Ronald Colaco. The change of brand was opted following the acquisition of the Clarks Exotica brand in Delhi, Jaipur, and other states by the Tata Group, as Dr Ronald Colaco wanted to retain the property and hotel ownership under the new brand Aldovia Resort & Convention.

A pioneer in integrated township development and hospitality, Dr Colaco has played a leading role in developing landmark international standard projects including Hollywood Town, Swiss Town, Oval Reef, Serene Gardens, and Parkland View. His vision for Aldovia is founded on the belief that true luxury extends beyond physical excellence to grace, warmth, emotion, and meaningful human experiences.

Spread across 70 acres near Kempegowda International Airport, within a self-developed township in an approximately 300-acre property offering three swimming pools and various indoor and outdoor sports facilities, Aldovia combines luxury hospitality, large-scale conventions, weddings, corporate gatherings, leisure, wellness, and recreation. Aldovia Resort & Convention offers a total of 11 indoor banquet halls, of which the flagship Ocean Convention Centre happens to be the largest indoor convention centre attached to a five-star hotel in South India. It also offers multiple event venues, one Oasis-formal bar, three separate restaurants—multi-cuisine Ambrosia, pan-Asian Shogun, and Mediterranean grills Ember—and one café, Mirage. Besides a health and wellness spa offering Ayurvedic therapies, aromatherapy, and modern wellness practices, its extensive landscaped grounds and recreational facilities have established the destination as a significant hospitality and convention venue in Bengaluru.

The 2026 recognition adds to the property’s longstanding association with WORLDCOB honours. The organisation had earlier received recognition at The Bizz Awards in Muscat, Oman, in 2015, and at The Bizz 2017 Peak of Success Awards in Dubai, UAE, including recognition as an inspirational company.

For Dr Ronald Colaco, the recognition represents more than business achievement. Over more than three and a half decades, his professional journey has been accompanied by extensive philanthropic and social initiatives across numerous sectors, including contributions towards education, healthcare, public infrastructure, and community welfare.

The latest international honours reinforce Aldovia’s new identity and its commitment to building an Indian hospitality brand distinguished by excellence, purpose, and gracious service.

“This international recognition is not merely an award for business success; it is a recognition of the people, values, and purpose behind Aldovia. Our endeavour is to create a destination where excellence is expected, hospitality comes from the heart, and every guest carries back an experience of genuine warmth and grace,” the management stated reiterating, “Aldovia is where grace finds you.”

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s wildlife photographers S.R. Madhusudhana, V. Sheshadri and M.R. Bhaskar, who were honoured by the Federation of Indian Photography (FIP) with EFIP (Excellence FIP) distinction recently.

To get the EFIP distinction, one must have 300 acceptances and over 50 national or international prizes.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Helmed by Bhoomija Trust, the eighth edition of Jackfruit Festival brings together 194 young performers for three days of performances, workshops, and outreach programmes.

A couple of years ago, during a rehearsal for Jackfruit — the annual festival dedicated to music by children — festival director Shubha Mudgal was greeted by two young drummers. “I still recall two young boys from rural Maharashtra running towards me with their drums as I arrived at the venue. They started drumming to welcome me for the rehearsals. As they were drumming away, the other children were mesmerised and were drumming on their knees,” says the renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee of the festival that celebrates young musicians (under the age of 16) from across the country.

With the eighth edition all set to launch next week with 194 children, the Jackfruit Festival helmed by Bhoomija Trust is held in collaboration with Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA) and the Indian Music Experience (IME). The line-up this year includes Jackfruit Songsters, which will bring together 150 children from across India in an ensemble performance of popular songs; Musicking into the Future, which will showcase exceptional child prodigies (under 14) from across India; Kamaal Dhamaal, helmed by percussionist Aneesh Pradhan, which will feature 40 young drummers from across the country; and a series of workshops and outreach programmes.

Gayathri Krishna, Managing Trustee, Bhoomija Trust, still remembers the day she reached out to Shubha to gauge her interest in being the Jackfruit’s festival director. “She said yes immediately! Shubha really does her research on children in the music sphere, and ensures the right children are brought to the festival alongside a range of musicians. This year is the first time we are featuring a song she has composed in Jackfruit Songsters.” She adds, “What I love the most about Songsters is the diversity it brings to the fore. We ensure 50% of the children are from underprivileged backgrounds. I am always looking forward to the children who will be coming together and creating magic on-stage.” 

For Shubha, who has been associated with the event for four years, her focus has been on two key areas: performance and music education. “My job as a curator is made easy given the massive musical talent in India and the immense diversity in our country,” she says, adding, “It is exciting to come across children from varied backgrounds, languages, and skillsets. They display extraordinary maturity in using music to express so many things.”

For her, it is not just the voices that are important but the committed gurus and guardians behind the children. “Our direction is clear; the parents and gurus both have to be in approval of the child performing. We always speak to guardians first, and ask them to get the guru’s approval. We don’t want to put undue pressure on children and always speak to their gurus to understand what the child is comfortable with, if they are ready to perform in a group, and many other parameters.”

Finding and shortlisting young talent from across India is no mean feat, and is a process that runs through the year. “It has been a great learning experience for me. I am an avid listener, and so is my husband Aneesh, so we always have our eyes out for young talent. Our accompanying artistes share information about children they find online; we work with organisations like People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI); we reach out to gurus whom we know are teaching young children; and even parents reach out to us directly,” explains Shubha, who adds that inclusivity is key as the children come from diverse backgrounds. “We have children from elite urban schools, from music schools in remote parts of the country, and children coming from far-flung villages.”

As for Jackfruit Songsters, directed by Shubha and Aneesh — which was launched at last year’s edition — it will bring together 150 children from across India. The production will feature songs by musicians including B Jayashree, Vasuki Vaibhav, Mohammad Muneem Nazir/ Alif, Rajib Das, Dhammrakshit Randive, Asinta Asur, Roshni Asur, and Lata Kunjwal, who will also mentor the children and conduct them on stage. “There are many children whose guardians spend time and money to get them to learn music, but they lack the avenues to showcase their talent. To overcome this, we launched the initiative last year and reached out to schools to send their children. It is lovely to be introduced to another language, State, and learn stories from songs. We bring in experts in different languages and forms of music, and rehearsals are held remotely and in-person,” says Shubha.

It was also Jackfruit Songsters that paved the way for music becoming part of the regular curriculum at a few schools in the city. “As a part of Jackfruit’s outreach programmes, we started sending teachers to schools to train children for Jackfruit Songsters. These schools work with children with special needs, visually impaired youngsters, and children who are not able to afford music lessons. Over the years, Bhoomija Trust has worked on making these classes a regular part of their school curriculum,” adds an elated Shubha.

While watching the children during the final performances is heartening, Shubha believes it is the process of getting them there that is closest to her heart. “It is something I have been witnessing for a long time; watching children who are total strangers to each other come together and create magic. Watching them rehearse together, be in awe of each other’s talent, and use the language of music to converse is extremely satisfying.” 

August 21-23 at Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA) and Indian Music Experience (IME). Tickets on bookmyshow.com

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

A 2010 road accident in Bengaluru changed the life of Dr Sunil Kumar Hebbi, who says he has treated 1.5 lakh poor patients at his travelling clinic.

Somewhere in Bengaluru now, this van may be pulling up outside a slum or construction labourers’ shed. Inside the vehicle is a folding chair, a table, a glucometer, an oxygen tank, a BP monitor, an ECG machine, and a doctor who has turned his van into a travelling clinic.

Meet Dr Sunil Kumar Hebbi. For more than a decade, he has quietly redefined what it means to bring healthcare to people who cannot reach it themselves.

Dr Hebbi, son of a farmer couple from Mamadapura village in Karnataka’s Vijayanagar district, has been making the rounds in and around Bengaluru and in rural areas, providing healthcare to the poor who cannot afford hospital costs. A staunch advocate of “right to health”, Dr Hebbi wants to see hospitals serve the public rather than run for profit.

Dr Hebbi started working at private hospitals in Bengaluru after completing his MBBS from the Vijayapura Medical College in 2007. “When I joined the hospitals, there were free health camps. I used to be part of the hospital staff who conducted health checkups at the camps. But the hospitals encouraged unnecessary admissions and surgeries,” he recalls.

“It was also a time when Yashaswini cards were introduced by the state government and the hospitals wanted to make the most of it. They were recommending surgery even if it was not necessary,” he says.

Yashaswini is the government’s low-cost health insurance for rural workers, farmers, and cooperative society members. It covers cashless surgery.

Dr Hebbi says he saw more business and less healthcare in the private hospitals. “I come from a village. My parents are farmers. I have seen the hardship suffered by people who cannot afford treatments. But here, hospitals were cheating them for money. I did not want to be part of that,” he says.

By then, Dr Hebbi had started treating poor patients in his village and in Bengaluru during his free time. But one incident changed his life. In 2010, he witnessed a road accident on Hosur Road at night. He stopped, administered first aid, and got the victim to the nearest hospital. He also helped the hospital staff with emergency care.

“After a couple of days, the mother of the accident victim called me up and said she wanted to meet. She said she wanted to thank me in person. I asked her to come down to my clinic. She was about my mother’s age. She came and fell at my feet, thanking me for saving her son… It moved me very much, and I decided to turn my car into a clinic where I can help patients,” he says.

Partnering with old-age homes, slum communities

Dr Hebbi transformed his Mobile Dr Clinic, launched in 2010, into the Matru Siri Foundation, which partners with old-age homes, government schools, and slum communities. Nearly every weekend, he runs free medical camps, screening dozens of patients while referring more serious cases to specialists at government hospitals. He works largely with volunteer doctors and funds much of the effort through his regular practice, charging patients no more than a token fee even when resources are stretched thin. Most importantly, Dr Hebbi serves in areas of natural calamities. Be it the Kodagu landslide, Chennai floods, or Kerala floods, Dr Hebbi does his bit.

However, even as Dr Hebbi was conducting camps for patients in Bengaluru and other parts of the state, reaching out to patients became necessary during the Covid pandemic.

“Usually, I used to get calls from people to hold health camps. But during  Covid-19, people would phone me requesting treatment. I had to rush to houses and treat patients. It was overwhelming, but I am satisfied that I could help poor people who are in need,” he says.

Several other doctors join Dr Hebbi’s network during their free time. “I just took the first step, and a lot of doctors have joined hands with me. In fact, when I go out to treat patients in rural places, volunteers step in. There are people who donate money for the cause. They tell me not to reveal their names,” he says.

Dr Hebbi is credited with having treated more than 1.5 lakh patients since his mobile clinic was established. “I could have done much better. I was also involved in activism against corruption in government hospitals and against private hospitals cheating people. I have several FIRs against me and also received death threats. I have now come out of the activism space and am continuing to conduct camps for poor patients,” he says.

More than 200 medical volunteers and 500 non-medical volunteers are now part of the Matru Siri Foundation, according to Dr Hebbi.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Three teachers from Karnataka, including a government school headmistress from Shivamogga district, have won the National Teachers’ Awards for 2026. They will be honoured at a ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on September 5.

The Department of Higher Education has selected 21 faculty members from across the country for the award. Among them are Shivani V. of Karnataka Samskrit University, Bengaluru, and Vishwanath H.S. of MEI Polytechnic College, Bengaluru. The award carries a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a silver medal.

The Department of School Education and Literacy has announced awards for 48 teachers, including Ratnakumari, in-charge headmistress of the Government Higher Primary School at Samatagaru in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district.

Ms. Shivani, Professor and Head of the Department of Vyakarana at Karnataka Samskrit University, has been associated with the university since 2015. A native of Keralam, she is known for her efforts to bridge traditional knowledge and modern technology. She has worked with IITs in the field of machine translation, and her department developed Sambhasha, a website that serves as a centre for Shastric studies.

Ms. Ratnakumari, who has more than 30 years of teaching experience, is known for using innovative methods to make learning more effective. She believes in engaging students through activity-based learning on campus.

Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday, Ms. Ratnakumari said, “I believe I have been chosen for the award in recognition of the work done by our team, with the support of parents, villagers and officers of the department.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)