'Sangam Rally' made history

 

Bantwal, December 22: 'Sangam Rally' which was held in front of B. C. Road Taluk Office by joining 13 Catholic Church Groups created a history said Bishop of Mangalore, Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D'Souza who offered Holy Mass here today.  He also said in his speech that, "In the name of Jesus you should serve people with love and harmony.  Continue your service through existing service organisations, especially through educational and medical fields.  Even though there is a friction in our communities, lets bring peace, equality and stay away from victimisation and communal ill feelings."

Journalist Mr. Balakrishna Gatty was the chief guest for the programme.  Modankaup Infant Jesus Church and Agrar Most Holy Saviour Churches celebrated their tricentenary celebrations through 'Sangama Rally."  Agrar parish priest Fr. Alban Rodrigues; Convenor, Meremajalu Parish Priest Fr. Andrew D'Souza; secretary, Mr. Alphonso Fernandes; Agrar Church Parish Council Vice President Mr. P. J. Rodrigues, Modankaup Church Parish Council Vice President Mr. Richard Monteiro were on the dais.

 

New syllabi for PU courses from 2004
 

Subrahmanya, December 23: The PU Board has decided to introduce new syllabi for PU classes, which will come into effect from the academic year beginning 2002, according to Board Deputy Director B. S. Ramprasad.  Addressing the delegates of the academic conference held at the SSPU College in Subrahmanya recently, he said the syllabi will have new features. Papers on general studies, Indian Constitution and environmental studies will be introduced, he noted.

So far, only language studies had textbooks. In the changed system, all subjects will have teachers' manual. He said work of preparing textbooks is underway. The PUC Board has also decided to appoint 650 lectures for government colleges and 193 for aided private colleges, he added.  The academic conference was organised by the South Canara district principals' association.

 

RTA allows partial rollback of bus fares
 

Mangalore, December 23: Taking congnisance of protests against its decision to increase the bus fares in the district by 10 per cent, the Regional Transport Authority has allowed a partial rollback. A decision to this effect was taken at meeting of bus operators and representatives of parties and organisations convened by the Chairman of RTA, A K Monnappa, on Saturday.

The new fares will be applicable from Monday. The RTA has effected cosmetic changes by reducing fares of express buses by three per cent to 5.3 per cent across certain stages. The reduction in fares of city and rural operations of city buses is in multiples of 25 paise up to a maximum of Rs. one across stages, but it has not been changed for the first five stages.

Reacting to the RTA order, the president of the Karnataka Bus Operators' Federation, K Rajavarma Ballal said that the South Kanara and Canara Bus Operators' Association had responded positively to a request to do so from district in-charge and Transport Minister, B Ramanath Rai. He noted that the bus fares would be the same in Udupi and South Kanara districts.

Despite the RTA order, Ballal said the Government must effectively intervene by bringing out the notification. He said the bus operators should not feel the need to approach the RTA seeking fare revision at the slightest pretext and added that the association might go in for legal redress seeking directions to the government in this regard, if it failed to respond.

The Babyland Trust celebrated FAMILY SUNDAY as Christmas Celebration on December 22, 2002 at the Babyland School premises in Attavar, Mangalore.

The evening was filled with lots of fun and entertainment and was largely attended by parents of the children of Babyland, well wishers and friends.The highlight of the day was,interaction session through various games that created the family spirit.

The Chief Guest on this occasion was Mr. Abdul Saleem, the dynamic corporator of the Attavar ward, who has been a staunch supporter of Babyland and inspite of his busy schedule, made it possible to attend the function.

Prof.Leena Fernandes, the Principal of the P.P.T.T.A.(Pre-Primary Teacher Training Academy) conducted a lively interaction for the parents. She emphasized that for the healthy growth of the child, a cordial relationship between the parents is a must. The games were very well enjoyed by one and all.

Mrs. Narmada, the president of the Y.M.A.(Young Mothers’ Association) was on the dais alongwith Mr.Austin D’Souza, the President of the Babyland P.T.A.(Parents Teachers Association)

Mrs. Lily Pereira, the Founder and Director of Babyland welcomed the dignitaries on the dais and especially the parents who are the main pillars of Babyland.She thanked the parents for their whole hearted support at all times.

The function ended with a Christmas tableau and with the arrival of Santa Claus, who really added to the joy of the children and then a sumptuous meal.

Mrs. Elaine Fernandes compered the programme and Mrs. Anitha Gladstone proposed the vote of thanks.

New Delhi, December 20:  Yesterday President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam received a gift from Santa Claus during Christmas Programme which held at Rashtrapathi Bhavan.