When Influence Bulldozes the Law: The Silent Decay of Civic Discipline in Mangalore

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

Mangalore is often celebrated as one of Karnataka’s educated and progressive cities. It is known for literacy, professional colleges, disciplined communities, and rapid urban development. But beneath this polished image lies a disturbing reality that many ordinary citizens witness every day. Illegal practices are carried out openly by influential individuals, often without fear of consequences.

The issue is not merely about a few construction violations. It reflects a deeper collapse of civic responsibility, equality before law, and accountability in urban governance. Roads are blocked with dumped mud and stones, drainage channels are damaged, public spaces are occupied, and building rules are casually violated. What makes this worse is that these actions are frequently committed not by the poor or uninformed, but by educated and financially powerful sections of society.

Public Roads Turned into Private Dumping Grounds
One of the most common sights in many residential areas is the dumping of construction materials on public roads. Mud, stones, sand, and debris remain piled for weeks or months, narrowing roads and creating hazards for pedestrians and vehicles alike.

In several localities, citizens are forced to drive around heaps of earth dumped beside compound walls. During rains, this loose soil flows into drains and roads, creating slippery conditions and increasing the risk of flooding. The inconvenience caused to neighbors and daily commuters is treated as insignificant.

The troubling part is that such activities are often done openly, in broad daylight, without any visible fear of municipal action. If an ordinary street vendor occupies a small public space, authorities act quickly. But when influential property owners misuse public roads during construction, enforcement becomes weak or completely absent.

This selective application of rules damages public trust more than the violation itself.

Building Plans Approved on Paper, Violated in Reality
Another growing concern is the manipulation of building permissions. In many cases, one type of plan is submitted to obtain approval, but the actual construction exceeds permitted limits.

Setback areas disappear. Extra floors emerge. Balconies extend beyond sanctioned dimensions. Open spaces meant for ventilation are enclosed later. In some buildings, even designated parking areas are converted into commercial rooms or rental units after construction is completed.

This is not a technical mistake. It is a calculated violation.

Parking spaces exist for a reason. When they are illegally converted into rooms, vehicles spill onto roads, causing congestion and reducing public accessibility. The consequences are borne by the entire neighborhood, while the violator enjoys financial gain.

Such practices expose a dangerous mindset. Rules are meant only for those without power.

Education Without Civic Ethics Is Meaningless
Mangalore proudly identifies itself as an educated city. But education loses its value when civic ethics are ignored.

True education is not measured by degrees, income, or the size of a house. It is reflected in how responsibly citizens behave toward shared public spaces and common laws. A person may be professionally successful, yet socially irresponsible if they believe influence can replace accountability.

Street smartness is valuable when used for innovation, entrepreneurship, or solving social problems. But using intelligence to bypass basic civic norms is not smartness. It is exploitation.

When educated citizens themselves manipulate regulations, younger generations learn the wrong lesson. They begin to believe that success comes not from integrity, but from connections and influence. Over time, this weakens the moral foundation of society.

The danger is not only physical encroachment. It is the normalization of dishonesty.

Law Must Be Equal for Every Citizen
The strongest democracies survive because laws apply equally to everyone. The moment enforcement changes based on wealth, political influence, or social status, public confidence begins to collapse.

Citizens do not expect perfection from authorities. But they do expect fairness.

If strict action can be taken against small roadside vendors, then the same seriousness must apply to illegal constructions, road encroachments, and misuse of sanctioned building plans by affluent property owners. Municipal authorities, engineers, and local bodies must conduct regular inspections and ensure that approved plans match actual construction.

Technology today allows transparent monitoring through digital approvals, geo tagged inspections, and public complaint systems. The real issue is not lack of systems. It is lack of consistent enforcement.

Mangalore still has the opportunity to correct this direction. Civic discipline must become a collective responsibility shared by citizens, builders, officials, and local representatives alike.

A clean and lawful city is not created only through smart buildings or expensive homes. It is built through respect for public space, honesty in construction, and equality before law.

If these violations are happening openly in an educated city like Mangalore, one must seriously ask what could be happening in places where awareness and enforcement are even weaker.

The answer should concern every responsible citizen. Because cities do not decline suddenly. They decline slowly, one ignored violation at a time

Visit of Delegation from Dashen Bank S.C. from Ethiopia to MCC Bank Ltd

A distinguished delegation from Dashen Bank S.C. a leading private bank in Ethiopia in East Africa visited the Head Office of MCC Bank Ltd on 22 May 2026 as part of an official institutional interaction and knowledge-sharing initiative. The visit was organized with the objective of fostering professional relationships, understanding the cooperative banking framework in India, exchanging banking expertise, and exploring developments in digital banking, operational efficiency, and technological modernization.

The 13 Senior Management Directors of the Dashen Bank S.C. were present. Dashen Bank operates through a network of more than 900 plus Branches, nine dedicated Forex Bureaus, 1100 plus ATMs and 2,000 plus Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals spread across the length and breadth of the nation.

The program commenced at 3:00 PM with a formal welcome ceremony coordinated by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Alwyn Dsouza, Head of IT Department of MCC Bank. In his opening remarks, he extended a warm and cordial welcome to the esteemed delegation from Dashen Bank S.C. on behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, Staff, and the entire MCC Bank family. He stated that the visit represented not merely an official engagement but also a meaningful opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation and mutual understanding between the two banking institutions.

The visiting delegates were accorded a welcome in the presence of the Directors, senior management officials, and staff members of MCC Bank Ltd. The dignitaries and officials present on the occasion included Mrs. Irene Rebello, Director; Mr. Herold J. Monteiro, Director; Mr. Clement Gratian Pinto, Professional Director; Mr. Sushanth Saldhana, Professional Director; Mr. Sunil Ivan Menezes, General Manager; and Mr. Raj F. Menezes, Deputy General Manager.

Honourable Chairman of MCC Bank Ltd, Sahakara Ratna Shri Anil Lobos dynamic leadership and transformative vision were acknowledged throughout the proceedings. The gathering recognized his significant contribution toward the modernization, expansion, and sustained growth of MCC Bank Ltd. Special mention was made of his efforts in strengthening the Bank’s operational efficiency, technological integration, branch expansion, and customer-focused banking initiatives, which have positioned MCC Bank among the prominent urban cooperative banks in Karnataka.

During the introductory session, the delegates from Dashen Bank S.C. introduced themselves and shared brief insights into their respective professional responsibilities and areas of expertise. The session created a cordial and interactive atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and professional exchange between the representatives of both institutions.

Professional Director Mr Clement Gratian Pinto addressed the gathering and provided an insightful overview of the historical and socio-economic significance of Mangaluru as a prominent banking and educational hub of coastal Karnataka. He elaborated on the region’s strong cooperative culture and entrepreneurial spirit, which have contributed significantly to the development of cooperative banking institutions in the region.

Mr Clement Gratian Pinto further highlighted the history and development of MCC Bank Ltd, emphasizing the Bank’s commitment to ethical banking practices, financial discipline, community service, and customer-centric operations. He explained how the Bank has consistently adapted to changing banking environments while preserving its core cooperative values and institutional integrity.

The presentation also detailed the transformational phase of MCC Bank Ltd after 2018 under the visionary leadership of Shri Anil Lobo. Key growth indicators and achievements of the Bank were shared with the delegation, including substantial increases in business turnover, deposits, advances, branch network expansion, and technological advancements.

Particular emphasis was laid on the Bank’s modernization initiatives, including the implementation of Core Banking Solutions (CBS), the introduction of digital banking platforms, mobile banking services, ATM and online banking infrastructure, customer-oriented digital services, and enhanced internal operational systems.

An elaborate and interactive discussion session followed the presentation. The representatives of both banks engaged in meaningful deliberations on various contemporary banking topics and operational practices.

Following the interaction session, a documentary presentation showcasing the 114-year legacy of MCC Bank Ltd was screened for the visiting delegation. The documentary highlighted the Bank’s historical milestones, institutional achievements, modernization journey, community outreach initiatives, technological advancements, and future growth vision. The presentation offered the delegates a comprehensive understanding of the Bank’s heritage, resilience, and long-term strategic direction.

The program concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks, wherein appreciation was expressed to the visiting delegation, directors, management officials, staff members, and all participants for their valuable presence and contribution to the success of the meeting.

The interaction concluded on a highly positive and cordial note, with both institutions expressing mutual interest in continued professional engagement, knowledge exchange, and strengthening of institutional relationships in the future. The visit was regarded as a significant step toward enhancing international cooperation and professional collaboration in the banking sector.

Compassion in Action: “United Homes” Brings Dignity and Hope to Needy Families | Global TV

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

The cost of life is rising, and economic uncertainty continues to affect vulnerable communities. Acts of kindness and compassion create lasting change and powerful reminders of humanity’s shared responsibility toward one another. The inauguration of United Homes, a housing initiative launched by the United Friends Trust at Abbettu near Mangaluru, is one such inspiring example of compassion translated into meaningful action.

United Homes represents security, dignity, and renewed hope for ten underprivileged families who now have a place they can truly call home. The project reflects the idea of compassion and kindness. Kindness becomes transformative when people unite to uplift others through concrete acts of service.

The inauguration ceremony was marked by a spirit of gratitude and community solidarity. Rev. Dr. J. B. Saldanha, parish priest of St Francis Xavier Church, blessed the newly constructed apartment complex comprising ten residential units. The nameboard of United Homes was jointly unveiled by Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, and Mr. Stevan Pinto, representing philanthropist Mr. Michael D’Souza.

Following the inauguration, Rev. Dr. Saldanha blessed each of the residential units, while Fr. Mark Castelino, parish priest of St Antony Church, blessed the main hall. The atmosphere was filled with joy and emotion as the beneficiaries received the keys to their new homes from the donors. It was a symbolic gesture that marked the beginning of a more secure future for the families.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Dr. J. B. Saldanha described United Homes as a shining model of how lay organizations can independently undertake and successfully execute major community welfare projects. His words highlighted an important truth. Compassion becomes most impactful when ordinary citizens step forward with extraordinary commitment. By providing safe shelter to deserving families, the initiative has set an example for other organizations to follow.

Compassion was also evident in the generosity of philanthropist Mr. Michael D’Souza and his family, whose continued support toward social causes was acknowledged and appreciated during the event. Addressing the gathering, Walter Nandalike praised both the donors and the members of United Friends Trust for their dedication to social welfare and community development. Their collaborative effort demonstrated that lasting social change is possible when goodwill is combined with collective responsibility.

The visit of MLC Ivan D’Souza further underscored the social importance of the initiative. Appreciating the noble cause, he assured support and encouragement for such humanitarian efforts that directly improve the lives of marginalized families.

The programme also reflected strong teamwork and community participation. Mr. C. J. Lobo, president of United Youngsters, welcomed the gathering, while Mr. Sylvester Lobo, secretary, introduced the initiative and its vision. Mr. Stevan D’Souza, treasurer, presented the financial report, demonstrating transparency and accountability in the project’s execution. Mr. Arun Rodrigues, chairman, delivered the vote of thanks, and Mr. Lancy D’Souza compered the event.

United Homes is about rebuilding lives. A home provides safety, stability, self respect, and the confidence to dream of a better future. For struggling families, receiving a permanent home can transform generations by creating opportunities for education, health, and social security.

Compassion is most meaningful when it reaches those who are often overlooked. It calls upon individuals, organizations, and communities to recognize that helping the needy is not simply charity. It is an investment in humanity itself. United Homes stands as a living example of compassion put into action, quietly changing lives, restoring dignity, and proving that when communities unite with a purpose, hope can truly find a home.

Kutch to Kanyakumari: The Coastal Media Collaboration, the Sea of Possibilities

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

India has always been defined by movement. Movement of people, cultures, languages, trade, ideas, and civilizations across land and sea. Few narratives capture this continuity more powerfully than the phrase “Kutch to Kanyakumari.” Stretching from the western shoreline of Gujarat to the southernmost edge of mainland India, it represents a journey across the living coastline of an entire nation.

Today, this phrase carries the potential to become more than geography. It can evolve into a coastal media collaboration that presents India as one interconnected maritime civilization filled with opportunity, creativity, sustainability, and global relevance.

“Kutch to Kanyakumari” is not simply a route. It is a story about the sea of possibilities.

Where the Ocean Begins the Story

Kutch is often associated with the vast white salt desert of the Rann of Kutch. Yet beyond the desert lies one of India’s most significant coastal regions. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Kutch, the region stands as a gateway between India and the wider world.

Its ports drive international trade. Its fishing communities preserve centuries old maritime traditions. Mandvi’s shipbuilders continue handcrafted techniques passed down through generations. Mangrove forests protect delicate coastal ecosystems while supporting biodiversity and livelihoods.

This is where the collaboration begins. Not at a political boundary, but at the meeting point between land and sea.

The sea has always represented connection:

• connection between cultures,
• connection between economies,
• connection between histories,
• and connection between futures.

A coastal media collaboration rooted in Kutch symbolizes India opening itself to the world not merely as a destination for business, but as a destination for participation and belonging.

The Ocean Floor Theme: A New Visual Language

Incorporating the “floor of the ocean” theme into the campaign creates a rich and immersive metaphor.

The ocean floor is layered, mysterious, and largely unexplored. It mirrors the untapped potential that exists beneath the visible surface of India’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.

Below the waves exists an ecosystem of movement and life:

• hidden networks,
• ancient memory,
• evolving biodiversity,
• and unseen energy shaping the future.

Visually, this theme can transform the collaboration into something cinematic:

• deep blue tones representing discovery,
• flowing currents symbolizing connectivity,
• coral ecosystems reflecting creative industries,
• submerged textures evoking ancient civilizations,
• and transitions from coastal waters to southern horizons expressing continuity and transformation.

The message becomes clear. India is not merely a nation to observe from afar. It is an ecosystem to experience from within.

Following the Coastline of a Civilization

As the journey moves southward, the coastline changes character again and again.

The campaign travels through:

• the industrial ports and fishing belts of Gujarat,
• the vibrant shores of Maharashtra,
• the lush Konkan landscapes of Goa and Karnataka,
• the backwaters and spice routes of Kerala,
• and finally the meeting point of oceans at Kanyakumari.

Each coastal region tells a different story while remaining part of one larger maritime identity.

The western coastline of India has historically welcomed traders, travelers, philosophers, and explorers from across the world. Arabs, Africans, Europeans, Persians, and Southeast Asians all left traces upon these shores. The coastline became not just an economic route, but a cultural archive.

A “Kutch to Kanyakumari” media initiative can document:

• fishing communities adapting to climate change,
• entrepreneurs building coastal innovation hubs,
• artists preserving local traditions,
• marine conservation efforts,
• tourism economies,
• and the dreams of young people shaping the future of India’s coastal regions.

The Sea of Possibilities

The true power of this collaboration lies not in distance, but in possibility.

The world is entering an era of transformation. Rising living costs, urban exhaustion, environmental stress, and economic uncertainty are forcing people across the globe to rethink how they want to live and work.

At the same time, millions are searching for places that offer:

• affordable lifestyles,
• entrepreneurial opportunity,
• cultural richness,
• natural beauty,
• digital connectivity,
• and meaningful human communities.

India is uniquely positioned within this global shift.

Its coastline alone presents enormous potential:

• expanding port infrastructure,
• renewable energy development,
• tourism and hospitality growth,
• creative industries,
• maritime trade,
• fisheries,
• technology corridors,
• and remote work ecosystems connected to the global economy.

Unlike many aging economies, India possesses energy, scale, diversity, and demographic momentum. It is becoming not merely a supplier of talent to the world, but a place where the world may increasingly choose to live, collaborate, invest, and create.

The Western world may look toward India:

• to reduce the cost of living,
• to build location independent businesses,
• to discover new markets,
• to reconnect with slower and more meaningful lifestyles,
• or to participate in one of the fastest evolving societies on Earth.

And nowhere captures this future more beautifully than a journey shaped by the sea.

Media as the New Maritime Route

Historically, oceans connected civilizations through ships and trade routes. Today, media performs that same role digitally.

A coastal media collaboration can become a modern maritime network of storytelling, linking local communities with global audiences.

Documentaries, immersive journalism, digital art, drone cinematography, podcasts, archives, and multilingual storytelling can collectively reshape how India’s coastline is understood internationally.

Instead of isolated regional narratives, “Kutch to Kanyakumari” presents continuity. It reveals that India’s coastline is not fragmented geography, but one flowing ecosystem connected through culture, commerce, and human aspiration.

The Final Horizon at Kanyakumari

The journey concludes at Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.

It is one of the most symbolic landscapes in India. A place where waters converge, horizons open endlessly, and sunrise and sunset both become experiences of reflection.

Symbolically, the campaign travels from the tidal edges of Kutch to the meeting point of oceans in the south. It traces the entire western and southern maritime soul of India.

That journey reflects the future India hopes to build:

• connected through diversity,
• strengthened by collaboration,
• grounded in heritage,
• and elevated by possibility.

“Kutch to Kanyakumari” is ultimately not about geography alone. It is about connection between coastlines, communities, industries, cultures, and dreams.

It is about recognizing that India’s greatest strength may lie not only on land, but along the shores that have connected it to the world for centuries.

And within those waters lies the true sea of possibilities.

Fr. Bonaventure Nazareth: A Priest with a Peripheral Vision; a Vision Beyond the Visible

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

He never sought the spotlight, yet wherever he went, hearts turned toward him immensely and invariably. Not because he spoke with authority, but because he listened with a rare depth of understanding. He walked into a room not to impose, but to perceive; not to command, but to serve. And when he spoke, it was as though the silence itself was given voice. He is always there when you need his presence, and his words and actions are gentle, profound, and transformative.

Where others saw conflicts, he saw wounded souls. Where people focused on outcomes, he focused on intentions. He knew that beneath every harsh word was a buried pain, beneath every division was an unmet longing. His calling was not to solve problems, but to heal hearts, to guide souls toward truth, and to remind humanity of the sacredness of connection. We are spiritual beings having human experience on earth; his silence speaks louder than his words.

A Shepherd Who Saw the Unseen
Fr. Bonaventure was not a leader in the conventional sense. He did not build institutions or draft policies. His leadership was of a different order. He led people back to themselves, back to God. He sought not accolades but reconciliation, not applause but understanding. He never ever accused anyone for anything. Rather he tells everyone not to make judgements but adjustments to fit into God’s plan.
When he stepped into broken spaces; be it a community divided by grudges, a family estranged by misunderstandings, or an organization torn by competition, he did not look for the loudest voices. Instead, he searched for the unheard, the unseen, the forgotten. “Tell me” He would ask, “where does it hurt?”

He knew that healing did not come from rules and regulations, but from love. Love that listens always although when you are not bound to do so. The love that forgives, the love that restores. “True change,” he often said, “begins when we stop seeing each other as problems and start seeing each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.” His approach is transformative as his faith is deep-rooted.

Restoring Souls, Not Just Situations
In a world obsessed with logic and results, Fr. Bonaventure worked through faith and grace. He did not push for solutions; he planted seeds of trust. He did not dictate paths; he illuminated possibilities.
When rivals were at war, he invited them not to negotiate but to break bread together. When communities were fractured, he asked them not to debate but to share stories. Healing, he knew, was not found in policies but in presence. The greatest transformations happened not in boardrooms or courtrooms, but in the sacred space of honest conversation and shared prayer.
He reminded people that Christ Himself did not build His kingdom through legislation but through love. “If we live only by laws,” he would say, “we remain prisoners. But if we live by love, we are free towards immense possibilities.”

Whispered Wisdom, Eternal Impact
There were no grand monuments erected in his name, yet his presence was a cathedral of peace. His wisdom did not come in fiery sermons, but in simple truths spoken at the right moment. He would kneel beside a weeping mother, place a reassuring hand on the shoulder of a troubled youth, whisper a quiet word to a struggling person; and in these moments, the weight of the world lifted from their hearts. People approach him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Fr. Bonaventure smiles, because for him, he was merely a vessel; the healing was God’s work.

Love Over Law, Understanding Over Judgment
He believed that most conflicts were not about ideology, but about unhealed wounds. He never sought to win arguments; he sought to mend spirits. “People don’t need more rules,” he would say. “They need reasons to believe again.”

Whether among leaders of all sorts, struggling families, or disheartened students, his message remained the same: Unity is found not in agreement, but in love. Strength is not in dominance, but in humility. Peace is not the absence of problems, but the presence of Christ in the midst of them.

A Legacy Written in Hearts
Fr. Bonaventure is not bothered about statues or respect. There is no buildings bearing his name. His legacy is inscribed in the lives he touched; in the souls he restored. For those who knew him, he is not just a priest. He is a reminder that faith is not about ritual, but about relationship. His leadership is not about authority, but about servanthood. That true vision is not about seeing with the eyes, but with the heart.
And in every place, he walked, in every soul he touched, he left behind the quiet yet unshakable imprint of God’s love. And the journey continues.

ROTARIAN LAL GOEL CONGRATULATES ROTARIAN PDG DR RAJENDRA AGARWAL ON HIS ELECTION AS SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF AKHIL BHARTIYA AGARWAL SAMMELLAN

New Delhi, 18th May 2026 — Rotarian Lal Goel, Founder & Charter President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International and Chairman of the Organ Donation India Foundation & GYAN, warmly congratulated Rotarian PDG Dr Rajendra Agarwal on his election as Senior Vice-President of Akhil Bhartiya Agarwal Sammellan.

Rotarian PDG Dr Rajendra Agarwal was elected unopposed to this prestigious position, reflecting the immense respect and admiration he commands across the Agarwal community. The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected office-bearers was held at Hotel Le Méridien, New Delhi, in a glittering event presided over by the Chief Guest, Shri Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who administered the oath of office.

His Holiness Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Anant Shri Vibhushit Shri Shri 1008 Swami Balkananand Giri Ji Maharaj gave his blessing to the newly elected officials.

Rotarian PDG Dr Rajendra Agarwal is also the Mentor and Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International.

In his congratulatory message, Rotarian Lal Goel paid rich tribute to Rotarian Dr Agarwal’s distinguished and multifaceted service in the fields of organ donation advocacy, cancer care, cataract surgeries, and paediatric heart surgeries, describing him as a true Rotarian embodying the spirit of “Service Above Self.”

Expressing his hopes for the five-year tenure ahead, Rotarian Lal Goel urged Rotarian Dr Agarwal to place organ donation among the foremost priorities of his leadership so that the vast reach and influence of the Agarwal community may inspire more people, especially the affluent sections of society, to embrace this noble and life-saving cause.

Four Modern Auditoriums: Strategically located across four areas in Mangaluru.

Inauguration by: Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, the Honourable Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
A Unique Gift to the Coastal People: Presented by Krishna J. Palemar to commemorate the 45-year successful journey of Land Links.

Mangaluru: Land Links, the pride of the coastal region and a highly prestigious real estate firm, has earned the trust of millions over the last 45 years through its honest and successful business operations. To commemorate this long and successful journey, the organization is concurrently launching four grand, state-of-the-art convention halls tailored to the needs of the public at four prime locations in Mangaluru, for the very first time. The Chief Guest, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, the Honourable Governor of Andhra Pradesh, will officially launch all four halls.
Featuring cutting-edge amenities, luxurious designs, and natural beauty, the grand inauguration ceremony of these four spectacular Palemar halls will be celebrated on Saturday, 23 May 2026. The inaugural event will commence at 10:00 am at the Palemar Convention Centre in Maryhill, Mangaluru.

A Grand Gathering of Dignitaries
The ceremony will be graced by a host of coastal and state-level political, social, religious leaders, and entrepreneurs. Notable dignitaries include:
Shri V. Somanna (Honourable Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Government of India)
Shri U. T. Khader (Honourable Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly)
Captain Brijesh Chowta (Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha Constituency)
Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty (MLA, Mangaluru City North)
Shri D. Vedavyas Kamath (MLA, Mangaluru City South)
Shri Umanatha Kotian (MLA, Mulki-Moodabidri)
Shri Ivan D’Souza (MLC, Karnataka)

A Noble Vision of Giving Back to Society
This ambitious project is the dream child of Krishna J. Palemar, Chairman of the Land Links Group and former Minister of the Government of Karnataka. His core objective is to emphasize the cultural richness of the coastal region and provide top-tier auditorium facilities to the local public at affordable rates.
These convention halls will be open for social welfare activities such as weddings, mass marriages, religious and cultural events, job fairs, exhibitions, public gatherings, and women empowerment programs.

Sharing his heartfelt thoughts on the initiative, Krishna J. Palemar stated:
“I have not built these four convention halls with a purely commercial, profit-driven mindset. I have designed them with the noble intention of giving back to society in return for the love and support the people of the coastal region have showered upon us for the last 45 years. The feeling of contentment and peace seen in the eyes of parents during events like mass marriages for underprivileged families is my true wealth. Our institution always seeks the welfare of the public.”

Social Commitment and Free Services
Land Links has been renowned for its social concern. The core philosophy of the organization is to treat everyone without any discrimination based on caste, religion, or economic status. As part of this social commitment, it has been decided to provide these auditoriums free of cost (subject to regulations) for mass marriages and noble, well-intentioned public welfare events organized for the good of society.
Honouring Educational Achievers: As another special highlight of the inaugural ceremony, academic achievers will be felicitated on behalf of the Vikaas Education Trust, which has been contributing immensely to the education sector. This initiative aims to inspire the younger generation to contribute further to the nation’s progress.

Features and State-of-the-Art Amenities of the Four Halls
Each hall has been thoughtfully designed to allow people of all faiths to comfortably host events in their preferred style, offering an ideal setting for guests to spend time in a serene, relaxed environment.

1. Palemar Convention Centre – Maryhill, Mangaluru

This centre represents a magnificent blend of grandeur and tradition. Its primary attraction is the majestic interior design featuring eye-catching woodwork and craftsmanship. It is perfectly suited for traditional weddings as well as high-tech corporate events.
Highlights: State-of-the-art indoor auditorium, well-equipped and spacious guest rooms, a separate prayer hall, and a massive parking facility.
Unveiling Soon:
Along with its magnificent indoor convention hall, this venue will soon feature an innovative outdoor space called the ‘Green Valley’. Offering expansive space, this outdoor arena is being designed to perfectly accommodate all types of open-air events.

2. Palemar Garden – Morgan’s Gate, Mangaluru

Located in the heart of Mangaluru city, this grand garden venue reflects a rich cultural heritage. Nestled in a serene green environment, it is paradise for those who wish to enjoy natural beauty combined with luxury. Its stunning layout makes any event memorable and spectacular.
Highlights: A grand indoor hall, an outdoor event venue, traditional cottages and spacious rooms, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, an expansive lush green lawn and a massive parking facility.

3. Palemar Farms – Surathkal, Mangaluru

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this venue spans across a vast 20-acre property near Surathkal. It is designed for nature lovers, surrounded by tranquility, cool breeze, shaded trees, and the chirping of birds. It is the perfect spot for intimate weddings, outdoor events, birthday parties, mehndi functions, and family gatherings.
Highlights: A spacious outdoor event venue, a swimming pool, and a well-equipped children’s play area and a massive parking facility.

4. Netravathi Sabhabhavan – Kadekar, Jeppinamogaru, Mangaluru

This hall stands in the peaceful and sacred surroundings of Kadekar in Jeppinamogaru, located on the banks of Mangaluru’s lifeline, the Netravati River. With a cool river breeze on one side and an ancient temple on the other, the entire environment exudes a divine aura. It is highly ideal for weddings, religious ceremonies, music concerts, and cultural programs. It has been built to benefit the common public at highly economical rates.
Highlights: A spacious indoor hall, a neat dining hall, and an attached kitchen and a massive parking facility.
(Note: To maintain a pious and spiritual atmosphere, only pure vegetarian catering/cooking is permitted here).

Key Advantages
Ample Parking Space: Addressing the biggest challenge faced by modern event-goers, all four convention halls feature massive, well-organized parking spaces that allow hundreds of vehicles to park and move simultaneously without any hassle.
National Highway and Main Road Connectivity: Built alongside major city roads and national highways, these venues allow outstation guests to easily and smoothly reach the destination on time without tedious searching.
Affordable for All Economic Classes: From lavish corporate events to small-budget functions for the common man, these halls are structured to fit everyone’s financial capacity. Since modern weddings often pose a heavy financial burden on average families, these halls offer an elegant, respectful, yet highly affordable alternative.
Universal Harmony (Sarvadharma Samanvaya): The project aims to provide equal opportunities and facilities to families of all religions, castes, communities, and financial strata without being limited to any single group.
Not Just a Convention Hall, But a Social Revolution
This initiative is far more than just opening new buildings; it represents a historic social movement introducing new perspectives and equality to weddings and social functions.
Furthermore, this mega project will boost the local economy and create widespread employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth in sectors like decoration, catering, photography, and lighting, marking the beginning of a new chapter in regional development.
Beachside Outdoor Event Venue Coming Soon to Mangaluru
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a fully-equipped Outdoor Event Venue is being constructed on the sea shore of the coastal city of Mangaluru, to enable the hosting of grand and mega events. The venue will be open to the public shortly. We hope you pay a visit to that auditorium too, when it’s ready.
For more information, contact: 7411394759, 7483574759, 9148435759
Visit the official website: www.palemar.com

Kerala Students Develop a Pioneering Retrofitted Autonomous EV Powered by Sodium-Ion Battery

Peerumade, Kerala: In a breakthrough that blends sustainability with cutting-edge technology, a team of final-year engineering students from Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology, Peerumade, has developed a pioneering retrofitted autonomous electric vehicle powered by a sodium-ion battery. The innovative project, named EVIO800, is gaining widespread attention for its originality, practicality, and future potential.

The project team comprises five students Jiss M Skaria, Nithin Rajesh, Akhil Padmajan, Anson Shaji, and Anujith Joseph who have worked collaboratively to transform a conventional vehicle into an intelligent, eco-friendly autonomous system. Their achievement stands out not only for its technical sophistication but also for its strong focus on sustainability and affordability.

Unlike traditional electric vehicles that rely on lithium ion batteries, EVIO800 is powered by a sodium-ion battery, an emerging technology known for its abundance, lower cost, and environmental benefits. By adopting sodium ion chemistry, the team has addressed key challenges related to resource availability and long-term sustainability, making their solution especially relevant for developing regions.

The vehicle is retrofitted, meaning an existing vehicle was upgraded rather than built from scratch. This approach significantly reduces costs and demonstrates a scalable model for converting conventional vehicles into smart electric ones. The EVIO800 is equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and onboard processing systems that enable autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and real-time decision-making.

A major highlight of the project is its integration of artificial intelligence to optimize driving performance and energy consumption. The system ensures efficient power usage while maintaining safety and reliability, making it a practical solution for future mobility needs.

The project was sponsored by Verdant Telemetry & Antenna Systems, whose support played a crucial role in the development and successful execution of the idea. The team also benefited from guidance provided by faculty members and technical mentors throughout the project lifecycle.

Importantly, the project received full support from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with continuous encouragement and guidance from the Head of the Department and faculty members. Their mentorship played a vital role in refining the technical design, troubleshooting challenges, and ensuring the successful completion of the project.

Speaking about their achievement, the team shared their vision of taking EVIO800 beyond the academic stage. They aim to develop this concept into a startup focused on sustainable and intelligent transportation solutions. With growing global interest in alternative battery technologies and autonomous systems, the project positions them at the forefront of next-generation mobility innovation.

This remarkable accomplishment not only brings pride to their institution but also highlights Kerala’s growing contribution to advancements in green technology. EVIO800 is not just a student project it represents a bold step toward the future of transportation, driven by innovation, sustainability, and youthful ambition.