Mangaluru: Dr. Praveen Martis, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangaluru, has been appointed as an Honorary NCC Colonel Commandant by the Government.

The honorary rank was conferred during a ceremony held at St Aloysius Deemed to be University.

The honour was presented by Air Commodore Kamal Chadha, Deputy Director General of the NCC Directorate, Karnataka and Goa.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Commodore Kamal Chadha said the NCC plays an important role in shaping the youth.

He said the organisation trains young people in leadership, courage, discipline and teamwork.

He added that the NCC also encourages cadets to serve the nation with responsibility and commitment.

He informed that the Mangaluru NCC Group has 15,700 cadets from 239 educational institutions.

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The NCC Group covers the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu and Shivamogga.

Mangaluru NCC Group Commander Colonel Viraj Kamath attended the programme.

Commanding Officer Colonel R.P. Rai was also present at the event.

Members of the university management, faculty members and NCC cadets participated in the ceremony

Kateel: A special Rangapuja was held at the famous Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple to pray for rain. The ritual was performed by devotees from Attur-Kodettur Magane on the auspicious occasion of Sankranti.

The region had been facing a shortage of rainfall this year. Farmers were worried because there was not enough water for agricultural activities.

The devotees offered the special puja seeking the blessings of Goddess Durgaparameshwari. They prayed for good rainfall to support farming.

About one hour after the Rangapuja was completed, heavy rain began to fall. The rain continued throughout the night.

As a result, the Nandini River overflowed for the first time this season. The overflowing river brought relief and joy to the local people.

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Mulki Taluk recorded 166.3 mm of rainfall during the downpour. The rain significantly improved the water situation in the area.

The devotees believe the rainfall was the blessing of Goddess Durgaparameshwari. They expressed happiness that their prayers for rain had been answered.

Mangaluru: Preparations are underway for the funeral of Lavanya at her residence in Kakyepadav. She was allegedly murdered by Chetan near the BC Road KSRTC bus stand on Thursday evening.

Speaking to the media, Lavanya’s father, Balappa Gowda, said the family did not know the accused. He said Lavanya had never spoken about Chetan at home.

He said Lavanya used to go to work regularly and return home. He added that the family had no information about any issue involving her.

Lavanya’s mother broke down in tears while speaking about her daughter. She questioned why the accused had so much hatred towards her daughter.

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In her grief, she demanded that the accused be brought before her. She emotionally said she wanted to punish him herself.

A deep sense of sorrow has gripped the family as relatives and neighbours gathered to offer their condolences.