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.

ONE ORGAN DONOR CAN SAVE MULTIPLE LIVES.

Mumbai, 17th May 2026: Addressing a meeting of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International, Rotarian Lal Goel, Chairman of the Organ Donation India Foundation and Founder & Charter President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International, said that India continues to face one of the world’s most severe shortages of organ donors despite having advanced transplant facilities and highly skilled doctors.

He asserted:

“One Organ Donor Can Save Multiple Lives. One Organ Donation Warrior Can Inspire Thousands.”

Rotarian Lal Goel was speaking on “Organ Donation Warriors – A Nationwide Mission to Build India’s Largest Citizen-Led Organ Donation Awareness Network”, led by the Organ Donation India Foundation in association with the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International and Global TV.

The initiative seeks to create a strong national force of trained volunteers dedicated to spreading awareness about organ donation, encouraging organ donor pledges, removing myths and misconceptions, and inspiring communities across India to embrace the life-saving mission of organ donation.

Rotarian Lal Goel observed that thousands of patients die every year while waiting for organ transplants — not because treatment is unavailable, but because organs are not donated in time.

Beginning his address with the famous words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy:

“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

Rotarian Lal Goel said that these words perfectly reflect the spirit of Organ Donation Warriors.

He stated that the country today requires citizens who are willing to step forward, spread awareness, inspire hope, and save lives through organ donation advocacy.

Describing the initiative as “a citizen-led revolution of compassion,” he emphasised that Organ Donation Warriors is not merely a campaign, but a national humanitarian movement aimed at transforming ordinary citizens into ambassadors of life and hope.

He said the movement welcomes all citizens above 18 years of age, including organ donors, transplant recipients, donor families, students, healthcare professionals, social workers, Rotary and Lions members, media professionals, and all individuals committed to humanitarian service.

Rotarian Lal Goel highlighted that one of the unique aspects of the movement is that it is a completely FREE programme with no registration fee or charges of any kind.

He informed that all registered Organ Donation Warriors will receive free online training covering:
Organ donation awareness, Brain death awareness, Legal and ethical aspects, Public speaking and communication, Social media advocacy, Community outreach, and Volunteer leadership

The movement plans to organise awareness drives, seminars, workshops, school and college programmes, social media campaigns, walkathons, candlelight tributes, and public outreach programmes across the country.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Rotarian Lal Goel said:

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

He remarked that organ donation represents one of the purest forms of service to humanity, where even after death, a person continues to live through the lives they save.

He further stated that Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self” is deeply reflected in the philosophy of organ donation.

Speaking about the need for a citizen-led movement, Rotarian Lal Goel observed that government efforts, hospitals, NGOs, and media alone cannot solve India’s organ donation crisis unless ordinary citizens become active participants in spreading awareness.

He also quoted renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Rotarian Lal Goel stated that Organ Donation Warriors aims to create trained volunteers in every city, district, school, college, workplace, and community across India.

He appealed to citizens to openly discuss organ donation with their families, remove fears and misconceptions, and take the organ donation pledge.

He added that the initiative aims to significantly strengthen India’s organ donation movement and ultimately help save thousands of lives.

Concluding his address, Rotarian Lal Goel quoted the immortal lines of poet Robert Frost:

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”

He said that India’s journey towards creating a strong culture of organ donation has only just begun and that there are still millions of minds to change and countless lives to save.

The movement has invited citizens across India to join the Organ Donation Warriors initiative and become part of this national humanitarian mission.

At the end of the session, Rotarian Lal Goel answered several questions from the attendees.

The programme was presided over by Inspire President Rotarian PHF Ritika Gupta and was successfully conducted by Inspire Secretary Rotarian Ruby Agarwal. It was attended by a large number of members and invitees and was telecast live on YouTube.

ROTARIAN LAL GOEL HONOURED BY PUNJABI CULTURAL GROUP LADIES WING IN MUMBAI

Mumbai, 17th 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, was honoured by the Ladies Wing of the Punjabi Cultural Group (PCG) at the 4 Bungalow Gurdwara, Mumbai, in recognition of his outstanding and untiring contribution towards organ donation awareness in India.

The occasion was a Health Check-up and Medical Camp jointly organised by the PCG Ladies Wing in collaboration with Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, where nearly 500 people benefited from free health screenings.

The programme was graced by two distinguished Chief Guests — Mr Ameet Satam, President of Mumbai BJP and sitting MLA, and Ms Gurpreet Chadha, Vice-President of the Mumbai Congress Party, noted actress, and social worker.

Rotarian Lal Goel was warmly welcomed by Ms Manjeet Kahai, Founder & Convenor of PCG; Ms Savy Kaur, Chairperson; Ms Jeeti Bhatia; Ms Pummy Chatwal, representing the PCG Ladies Wing; and Mr Jitendra Thakur from Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital.

During the programme, Ms Manjeet Kahai personally introduced Rotarian Lal Goel to the gathering and made an important announcement that the PCG Ladies Wing would soon organise a large-scale organ donation awareness programme, where Rotarian Lal Goel would deliver the Keynote Address.

Accepting the honour, Rotarian Lal Goel expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Ms Manjeet Kahai and her dedicated team for their warm invitation and thoughtful recognition. He also expressed confidence that PCG’s growing commitment towards organ donation awareness would help save many precious lives in the years to come.

Vinchnar Kaaniyo by Vally Vagga Released

A distinguished gathering of writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts witnessed the release of Vinchnar Kaaniyo (Selected Stories), the latest collection by veteran Konkani Writer Vally Vagga, Mysuru (Valerian D’Souza of Nirkan–Vagga, popularly known by his pen name, Vally Vagga). The event was held at the St Aloysius Deemed University’s Sahodaya Auditorium.

Speaking at the function, Melvyn Rodrigues, poet and member of the Executive Council of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, as well as Convener of the Konkani Advisory Board, praised Vally Vagga’s lifelong contribution to Konkani Language and literature.

“When I began writing in Konkani, Vally Vagga was already active, and even today he continues with remarkable consistency. To us younger writers, he is not only an elder brother but also a unifier — someone who bridges differences among Konkani authors and strengthens relationships. His six decades of dedicated literary service deserve the highest respect.”

Rodrigues further noted that Accuracy, Benevolence and Concise are the ABC of storytelling and these shine through in Vally Vagga’s works.

H. M. Pernal, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer, introduced the book. He highlighted that since beginning his literary journey in 1964, Vally Vagga has written extensively in both Konkani and Kannada. Pernal observed that the author’s stories consistently champion marginalized voices and affirm the value of life. He remarked that stories written across three decades — 1966, 1996, and 2026 — stand as testimony to their timeless relevance.

The program began with a welcome address by Mrs. Libera D’Souza, followed by a vote of thanks from the author himself. His son, Loy D’Souza, was present at the occasion. The event was gracefully compered by poet Titus Noronha.

The release of Vinchnar Kaaniyo was celebrated not only as a literary milestone but also as a reaffirmation of Konkani’s enduring spirit and cultural unity.

Mangaluru Author H.M. Pernal Bags Prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for Konkani Literary Criticism; Felicitation Ceremony Announced

MANGALURU: Renowned Mangaluru-based Konkani author H.M. Pernal (Henry Mendonca) has been honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for Konkani. The award recognizes his acclaimed work of literary criticism, Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam, published in 2021.
Konkani, a scheduled language since 1992, was recognized as a literary language by the National Academy of Letters (Sahitya Akademi) in 1975. Since 1977, the Akademi has annually awarded excellence in Konkani literature. Spoken across five Indian states—Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat—this is the fourth Sahitya Akademi Award for a Mangaluru-based Konkani writer. Previous recipients include C.F.DCosta (1992, poetry), Melvyn Rodrigues (2011, poetry), and Edwin J.F.DSouza (2016, novel).
Pernal’s book marks a historic milestone as the first Konkani work in the genre of literary criticism to receive the award. It previously earned the Best Book Award from the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in 2021 and from the Goa Konkani Akademi in 2023. The volume features an elaborate foreword by Jnanpith Awardee Damodar Mauzo and was published by Kavita Publications, the publishing arm of Kavita Trust®️, dedicated to promoting Konkani poetry since 2001.

Originally from Pernal in Udupi district, Henry Mendonca began his literary journey in Kannada as a young writer, with poems featured in journals such as Sankramana, Shoodra, and Tainudi. In the early 1980s, he transitioned to Konkani, starting as a cartoonist for Yuvak monthly before establishing himself as a short story writer, poet, and critic.

To date, Pernal has authored four poetry collections—Chalyank Chotrai (1999), Khaidyachyo Kavita (2004), Bamunnachem Cheddum (2006), and Zanel (2025)—two short story collections—Devaak Sodullo Paddo (2002) and Beg ani Bigaath (2016)—and one book of literary criticism, the award-winning Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2021).

His contributions have been widely recognized with numerous accolades, including: Vimala V. Pai Vishwa Konkani Literary Award for Beeg ani Bigaath (2017), Kavita Trust – Mathias Family Poetry Award (2018), Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Book Award for Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2021), Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Honorary Award for Literature (2022), Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award for Konkani Literature and Journalism (2023) and Goa Konkani Akademi Best Book Award for Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2023).

With over 850 poems, 100 short stories, and 2,000 articles to his credit, Pernal continues to nurture Konkani literature through innovative platforms. In 2011, he launched the Konkani literary portal kittall.com, which has run uninterrupted, digitally empowering veteran and young writers. In 2013, he founded the monthly ARSO, now in its 12th year. Through Kittall Publications, he has released more than 15 titles and currently heads the Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani Publication Grant, providing up to ₹40,000 per title to emerging authors. The ₹40-lakh initiative is fully sponsored by NRI philanthropist Michael D’Souza.
Pernal also champions young talent annually via the Kittall Youth Award, sponsored by NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Leo Rodrigues, which includes a ₹25,000 cash prize.

A dedicated leader in the Konkani literary community, Pernal served as Working President of the All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan in 2023 and currently holds the position of Treasurer at the All India Konkani Parishad. He has also served as President of the Konkani Writers Forum and is a member of the Konkani Language Advisory Board at Sahitya Akademi.

To celebrate this historic achievement, a Felicitation Ceremony for H.M. Pernal will be held on Friday, 15 May 2026, at 5:45 PM. The grand event will take place at the Town Hall in Mangaluru. Shri Michael D’Souza, a prominent NRI Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, will preside over the function. The occasion will be graced by Shri Jayant Kaikini, the renowned Kannada Poet and Writer, as the Chief Guest. The event is meticulously organized by the Felicitation Committee, with Melvyn Rodrigues serving as its Convener.

The evening’s programme is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with a delightful High Tea celebration in honor of H.M. Pernal. This will be followed at 5:45 p.m. by the opening notes of the celebration featuring a captivating ‘Sitar Fusion’ performance by Ustad Rafique Khan on the Sitar, accompanied by Rajesh Bhagwat on the Tabla and Vaman Karkala on Rhythm. At 6:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy a Celebration of Poetry, featuring a recital of H.M. Pernal’s poems beautifully delivered by Eddie Sequeira and Mahammad Muaad GM. The programme will then transition into a Celebration of Life and Literature at 7:00 p.m., highlighting an engaging interaction with H.M. Pernal hosted by Shakuntala R. Kini and Wilson Kateel.

At 7:30 p.m., the formal segment titled ‘Celebrating the Pen’ will commence with introductory remarks by Titus Noronha. This will lead into the official felicitation of H.M. Pernal by the MDVK committee and various Konkani Organisations. The felicitation segment will feature a speech by the awardee H.M. Pernal, an address by Chief Guest Sri Jayant Kaikini, and a presidential address by Sri Michael D’Souza. The grand event will draw to a close with a celebration finale at 8:30 p.m.

Melvyn Rodrigues, Eddie Sequeira and Titus Noroha were present at the Press Meet, which held on May 12, 2026 at 10.45 am at the Press Club, Mangalore.