Rotarian Narasinha Joshi Honoured Globally for End Polio Efforts; Dr. Balaveera Reddy Calls for AI-Driven Engineering Reforms

Bengaluru : Rotary International has honoured Rtn. Narasinha Joshi of the Rotary E-Club of Belgaum, District 3170, with a prestigious global recognition for his exceptional contribution to polio awareness and fundraising initiatives.

Each year, Rotary International selects only ten members worldwide for their outstanding service towards the End Polio Now campaign. For the Rotary year 2025-26, Narasinha Joshi was among the ten awardees and the only Indian Rotarian to receive this distinction.

The award was presented during the Rotary International Convention held in Taipei, Taiwan, on June 15, 2026. The recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to Rotary’s global mission of eradicating polio.
Meanwhile, noted academician and education administrator Dr. K. Balaveera Reddy has urged the Karnataka Government to adopt a forward-looking approach while finalising the Engineering Seat Matrix for the academic year 2026-27.

Dr. Reddy, former Chairman of the Board of Governors of NITK Surathkal, former Vice-Chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), and former Director of Technical Education, Karnataka, has submitted a representation to the State Government regarding the draft seat matrix notified on May 30, 2026.

While appreciating the government’s efforts to maintain quality and balanced growth in technical education, Dr. Reddy cautioned against any blanket reduction in intake for Computer Science and allied engineering programmes. He noted that Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, has earned global recognition as India’s IT, startup and innovation capital, attracting multinational corporations, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), startups and technology-driven enterprises.

According to Dr. Reddy, the state’s technological leadership has been built on the availability of highly skilled engineering talent. Any significant reduction in seats for Computer Science and emerging technology disciplines could affect Karnataka’s competitiveness and potentially divert future investments to other states.

At the same time, he stressed the need to strengthen traditional engineering branches such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics Engineering by integrating emerging technologies into their curriculum. He advocated the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Data Analytics, Smart Manufacturing, Electric Vehicles, Smart Infrastructure and Industry 4.0 concepts to enhance employability and industry relevance.

Dr. Reddy observed that the demand for engineering talent is evolving rather than declining and called for curriculum modernisation and interdisciplinary learning instead of restricting admissions.
Referring to  Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s “Yuva Yuga” vision, which focuses on employment generation, skill development, entrepreneurship and industry-linked opportunities, Dr. Reddy said strengthening technical education is essential for achieving the state’s long-term development goals.

He concluded by stating that Karnataka’s status as India’s leading technology and knowledge hub has been built through visionary investments in education and innovation. To sustain this leadership, the state must continue expanding educational opportunities while simultaneously enhancing quality, skills and employability standards.

Dr. Reddy has urged the Government of Karnataka to consider these recommendations while finalising the Engineering Seat Matrix for 2026-27.

GS Gopal Raaj, Editor of City Today News, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rtn. Narasinha Joshi on this remarkable international achievement. He described the honour as a proud moment for Karnataka and India, applauding Joshi’s unwavering commitment to Rotary International’s End Polio Now mission and his dedicated humanitarian service.

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Dr. Jayanthi Thumsi Among India’s Top 10 Female Surgeons

Bengaluru: Renowned breast cancer surgeon Dr. Jayanthi S. Thumsi Group Lead Robotic Breast Surgeon,HCG Cancer Hospital, Bangalore, has been recognized among India’s Top 10 Female Surgeons, a prestigious acknowledgment celebrating women who have made remarkable contributions to surgical care and medical excellence.

The recognition honors ten outstanding women surgeons from across the country who have emerged as trailblazers, leaders, and healers, setting new benchmarks in their respective specialties while inspiring future generations of medical professionals.

Dr. Jayanthi Thumsi is widely regarded as one of India’s most respected breast cancer surgeons, having successfully performed thousands of breast oncology surgeries and significantly contributed to advancing breast cancer treatment and patient care.
The list also includes distinguished surgeons from leading hospitals across India, recognized for their expertise in robotic surgery, gynecologic oncology, laparoscopic procedures, bariatric surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and other specialized fields.

Congratulating the awardees, G.S. Gopal Raaj, Editor of City Today News, said, “We are immensely proud of Dr. Jayanthi Thumsi and the other nine accomplished women doctors who have been recognized among India’s Top 10 Female Surgeons.

Their dedication, skill, and commitment to patient care continue to inspire the medical fraternity and society at large.”
The recognition stands as a testament to the growing impact of women in medicine and their invaluable contribution to strengthening India’s healthcare sector.

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Humanitarian Leader Raja Seevan Felicitated for Outstanding Social Impact

H.E. Amb. Raja Seevan Receives Ek Bharat Abyyan Foundation’s Exclusive Humanitarian Excellence Award

Bengaluru, May 29, 2026: In recognition of his outstanding contributions to humanitarian service, social transformation, and community development, H.E. Amb. Raja Seevan was honoured with the prestigious Exclusive Humanitarian Excellence Award by the Ek Bharat Abyyan Foundation at a special ceremony held at the Indian Centre for Social Transformation (ICST) on Infantry Road in Bengaluru.

The award was presented by Dr. Joyappa Achaiah, President and Founder of the Ek Bharat Abyyan Foundation, along with Mr. Jaswanth Prasath, in the presence of social leaders, development professionals, and distinguished guests representing various sectors.

H.E. Amb. Raja Seevan is the Chairman and Founder Trustee of the Indian Centre for Social Transformation (ICST) and serves as the Ambassador of the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA) – India Embassy. He has earned widespread respect for his relentless efforts in empowering marginalized communities, advocating social justice, and fostering sustainable development initiatives both in India and internationally.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Joyappa Achaiah lauded Raja Seevan’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and his impactful leadership in driving social change. He emphasized that genuine leadership is reflected not merely through achievements but through meaningful contributions that improve the lives of others.

He noted that Raja Seevan’s work embodies the values of compassion, service, and transformative leadership, positively influencing countless individuals and communities through initiatives focused on education, empowerment, and social welfare.

The Exclusive Humanitarian Excellence Award is presented to individuals whose efforts create lasting social impact and contribute significantly to the betterment of society. Through his leadership at ICST and various international engagements, Raja Seevan has consistently championed community development, indigenous rights, social inclusion, and collaborative solutions to contemporary social challenges.

Accepting the award, H.E. Amb. Raja Seevan expressed his gratitude to the Ek Bharat Abyyan Foundation for the recognition. He dedicated the honour to social workers, volunteers, and grassroots development professionals whose dedication continues to bring positive change to communities across the country.
“This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to everyone who believes in the power of service and collective action. Meaningful transformation becomes possible when individuals unite with a shared commitment to compassion, inclusion, and progress,” he said.

The event also underscored the growing importance of partnerships between civil society organizations, humanitarian institutions, and community leaders in addressing social challenges and advancing inclusive development. Speakers highlighted the need for sustained efforts toward nation-building, social equity, and empowering future generations.

The Ek Bharat Abyyan Foundation, known for its initiatives in national integration, education, social welfare, and humanitarian service, continues to honour individuals whose work has made a significant difference at local, national, and global levels. The Exclusive Humanitarian Excellence Award stands as a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to recognizing exceptional leadership and social responsibility.

The ceremony concluded with a collective pledge by participants to continue working toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and socially empowered society. The recognition conferred upon H.E.

Amb. Raja Seevan further reinforces his enduring legacy of service, visionary leadership, and dedication to improving lives across communities worldwide.

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‘ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯೇ ಮಹಿಳೆ’ ಅವಾರ್ಡ್ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಗಡೆ ಕೊಂಡಾಡಿದ ಹೆಣ್ಣಿನ ಮಹತ್ವ

ವಿಮೆನ್ ಎಕ್ಸ್‌ಲೆನ್ಸೀವ್ ಅವಾರ್ಡ್–2026: ‘ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯೇ ಮಹಿಳೆ’ ಎಂಬ ಸಂದೇಶ

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ‘ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯೇ ಮಹಿಳೆ, ತಾಯಿ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಪ್ರಪಂಚವೇ ಇಲ್ಲ’ ಎಂಬ ಅರ್ಥಪೂರ್ಣ ಸಂದೇಶವನ್ನು ಲೋಕಾಯುಕ್ತದ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ನ್ಯಾಯಮೂರ್ತಿ ಸಂತೋಷ ಹೆಗಡೆ ಅವರು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ವಿಮೆನ್ ಎಕ್ಸ್‌ಲೆನ್ಸೀವ್ ಅವಾರ್ಡ್–2026 ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು.

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ಸಮಾಜದ ಮೂಲಸ್ತಂಭವಾಗಿರುವ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರ ಪಾತ್ರ ಅನನ್ಯವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಅವರಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಬದುಕಿನ ಸಾಗುವಿಕೆ ಅಸಾಧ್ಯ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಒತ್ತಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪುರಸ್ಕೃತರು ಹಾಗೂ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತೆಯಾದ ಮಂಜುಳಾ ರೆಡ್ಡಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, “ಒಬ್ಬ ಮಹಿಳೆ ಉನ್ನತಿಗೆ ಏರಲು ಗಾಳಿಪಟದಂತೆ ಎತ್ತರ ಹಾರಬಹುದು; ಆದರೆ ಆ ಗಾಳಿಪಟವನ್ನು ನಿಯಂತ್ರಿಸುವ ಸೂತ್ರದಾರಿಯಂತೆ ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳದ ಬೆಂಬಲಗಾರನೂ ಅಗತ್ಯ” ಎಂದು ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯಪಟ್ಟರು.

ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು ಮೊದಲು ತಮ್ಮ ಕುಟುಂಬವನ್ನು ಸದೃಢಗೊಳಿಸಿ, ನಂತರ ಸಮಾಜದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಕೊಡುಗೆ ನೀಡಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಕರೆ ನೀಡಿದರು.

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Women Achievers Honoured with Seva Ratna Awards on International Women’s Day in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Marking the occasion of International Women’s Day, a felicitation programme recognising women achievers from different walks of life was organised at Bharat Sarathi Sabhangana on Bannerghatta Road in Bengaluru.

At the event, the Snehajeevi Women’s Seva Ratna Award was presented to several women who have made notable contributions in their respective fields. The awardees included Dr. Yogitha Prakash, traffic police officer Manjula, teacher Radha, social workers S. Hema Kannadathi and Anushree Rajesh, as well as women auto drivers Shailu, Umadevi and Veena.

The programme was attended by several dignitaries. Among the chief guests were Mahadev T, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), South Division, Gandasi Sadananda Swamy, actor, producer and editor of Bharat Sarathi Kannada Daily, Snehajeevi Santhosh Kumar, former BJP city council member Murali, Mithun, youth president of Bommanahalli Congress, Begur Abdul; and Ramesh Babu.

State office-bearers Srinivas Babu, Usman Pasha and Shivakumar G.S., along with Women’s President Snehajeevi Suma and several drivers, were also present on the occasion. The programme highlighted the achievements and contributions of women who have excelled in diverse fields and continue to inspire others through their service and dedication.

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