Bengaluru: A series of special religious rituals and cultural programmes were held at the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt on Thursday.
The events took place under the guidance of Subudhendra Tirtha and were organised under the leadership of senior mutt administrator R.K. Vadindrachar. The morning rituals included Panchamruta Abhisheka, Kanakabhisheka, special alankara, Mahamangalarati and Annadanam, drawing devotees from different parts of the city. In the evening, the celebrations continued with Rathotsava, Gajavahanotsava, Ashtavadhana and Thottila Pooja, followed by cultural programmes.
As part of the cultural segment, students of Sri Srikantheshwara Kala Kendra presented a Nartana Seva under the direction of classical dancer Vidushi Gowri Sagar, adding a devotional artistic touch to the festivities.
Mutt representative Nandakishore Achar said the programmes were conducted with devotion and witnessed the participation of a large number of devotees.
Drivers Seva Trust Unveiled in Bengaluru to Support Driver Community
Bengaluru: A new initiative aimed at supporting the welfare of drivers was launched at Freedom Park with the unveiling of the Drivers Seva Trust logo by actor and producer Gandasi Sadananda Swamy.
Speaking on the occasion, Trust President Sanchari Satish said the organisation has been formed to extend continuous welfare support to drivers, many of whom spend long hours on the road with limited access to basic facilities. The Trust plans to provide free buttermilk, tea, coffee and meals, along with other assistance programmes designed for the driver community.
Social worker K. M. Nataraj and Trust Director Mohan Kumari were present on the dais during the event. Several members and supporters of the Trust attended the programme, including Sneha Jeevi Santhosh, Raju Kannadiga, Usman Pasha, Manjegowda, Somashekar, Devaraj, Ravi, Nagesh, Anand, Umesh, Vinay, Siddanna, Prakash and Nagendra, along with a large gathering of drivers and volunteers.
The organisers said the Trust aims to expand its welfare initiatives in the coming months to address the everyday challenges faced by drivers across the city.
Narayana Health City Performs 100+ Robotic Cardiac Surgeries in a Month, Marking Major Milestone in Heart Care
Bengaluru, March 5: Narayana Health has crossed a significant milestone in advanced cardiac care, completing more than 100 robotic heart surgeries within a single month at its flagship facility, Narayana Health City. The achievement highlights the growing role of robotic technology in enabling highly precise and minimally invasive heart procedures.
Hospital officials said the milestone reflects both the surgical expertise of the cardiac team and the successful integration of advanced robotic systems that help deliver consistent outcomes for both adult and paediatric patients. One of the more complex cases involved a 45 year old patient who had earlier undergone Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), commonly known as heart bypass surgery. The patient later developed a tumour in the heart’s upper chamber, which posed a risk of obstructing blood flow.
In such cases, reopening the chest through a conventional redo sternotomy carries significant risk, as previously implanted bypass grafts may be damaged during surgery. Since the patient’s earlier grafts were still functioning well, surgeons opted for a robotic-assisted minimally invasive procedure. The tumour was removed through a small incision on the right side of the chest using robotic instruments and high-definition visualisation, avoiding the need to reopen the breastbone.
Dr. Raghu M G, senior consultant in cardiothoracic surgery, said the patient was supported on a heart-lung machine through peripheral blood vessels during the operation. Instead of stopping the heart completely using conventional clamping techniques, surgeons used a specialised approach that allows the heart to gently quiver while the tumour is removed. Using robotic precision, the team accessed the left atrium and removed the growth while preserving surrounding structures and valve function. The patient recovered well and was discharged in stable condition.
In another case, a 46 year old patient suffering from severe narrowing of the mitral valve due to Rheumatic Heart Disease underwent robotic surgery to replace the damaged valve with a mechanical one. The robotic platform offered high-definition 3D visualisation and enhanced dexterity, allowing surgeons to operate with greater control within the heart.
Dr. Thiruthani Kumaran M M, senior consultant in adult cardiac surgery, said robotic procedures help avoid traditional open-chest surgery, which typically involves cutting through the breastbone. For patients, this often means less post-operative pain, reduced blood loss, quicker recovery and smaller scars. The surgery was completed successfully and the patient was discharged in stable condition.
Doctors also treated a 69 year old woman diagnosed with coronary artery disease along with Dextrocardia with Situs Inversus, a rare condition in which the heart and other internal organs are positioned as a mirror image of normal anatomy. Despite the unusual positioning of the heart and blood vessels, surgeons successfully carried out a robotic-assisted coronary bypass procedure.
Dr. Gagan Khullar, consultant in adult cardiac surgery,mentioned in his statement, operating on such patients is challenging because anatomical structures appear reversed. The robotic system’s enhanced visualisation and precision allowed surgeons to adapt safely to the patient’s anatomy. The surgery was successful, and the patient recovered smoothly.
Hospital authorities said robotic cardiac surgery requires close coordination between surgeons, anaesthesiologists and specialised technical teams. From pre-operative planning to post-surgery recovery, every step is carefully streamlined to maintain safety and precision while enabling faster recovery for patients.
The hospital also reported that patients travelled from several parts of India and abroad for robotic cardiac procedures during the month. About 35% of the patients were from Karnataka, followed by 15% from Tamil Nadu. Others came from states including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam and Andhra Pradesh, while nearly 10% of the patients travelled from Bangladesh.
According to the hospital, the diverse patient base reflects growing trust in advanced robotic cardiac care offered at the centre. With continued advancements in robotic technology, the institution says it aims to make complex heart procedures less invasive while expanding access to specialised cardiac treatment for patients across India and neighbouring regions.
Bengaluru: After winning hearts with emotionally rich storytelling and family-centered dramas, Zee Kannada is ready to raise the bar yet again. This March 9 at 6:30 PM, the channel launches its much-awaited new serialKrishna Rukku – a stirring tale of love, sacrifice, revenge, and fate.
At the center of this gripping drama stands Rukku – a young woman forced to grow up overnight. After the untimely death of her elder brother, she takes on the crushing responsibility of holding her shattered family together. Her dreams are pushed aside. Her emotions are tested. Every step forward comes with sacrifice.
But destiny has its own design.
Enter Krishna – a man whose path collides with Rukku’s in ways neither of them expect. Between unspoken love, buried pain, and simmering revenge, their lives become deeply intertwined. Will Rukku’s strength heal old wounds? Or will fate play a cruel game that tears them apart?
Krishna Rukku promises high-voltage emotional drama layered with family bonds, unexpected twists, and intense confrontations that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Mauna Guddemane breathes life into the resilient Rukku, portraying both vulnerability and fierce determination. Akshay Nayak steps into the role of Krishna, bringing intensity and emotional depth to the character. Adding further gravitas to the show is celebrated filmmaker, actor, and creative powerhouse S. Narayan, who plays a pivotal role as Surya Prakash.
The serial also marks the much-anticipated return of veteran actress Suchitra to Kannada television after several years, while popular singer-actor Naveen Sajju joins the ensemble cast, adding fresh energy to the narrative.
Produced under the banner of Dhruthi Creations by Dileep Raj and Srividya, the show blends cinematic storytelling with powerful performances, promising a visually rich and emotionally charged viewing experience.
Speaking about the launch, Deepak Sriramulu, Chief Channel Officer of Zee Kannada, stated that the channel remains committed to presenting stories rooted in authentic emotions and strong family values. He expressed confidence that Krishna Rukku will deeply resonate with viewers and further strengthen the channel’s prime-time lineup.
As love battles revenge and destiny tests loyalty, one question remains:
Can Rukku withstand every storm to become the light in Krishna’s darkest hour?
Watch Krishna Rukku from March 9 at 6:30 PM, only on Zee Kannada – where emotions run deep and stories stay with you long after the screen fades to black.
Bengaluru: A special “Khagraasa Chandra Grahana Shanti Homa” was performed at the Nanjangud Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar 5th Block on the occasion of the total lunar eclipse, invoking prayers for global peace and welfare.
The ritual was conducted as per the guidance of His Holiness Sri 1008 Sri Subudhendra Teertha Sripadangalavaru. The ceremonies were led by the mutt’s senior manager, R.K. Vadeendracharya, along with priests Sri Krishnagunda Acharya, Sri Nandakishore Acharya and Gogi Ramachandra Acharya.
A Navagraha Homa formed part of the observances, with special prayers offered during the eclipse period. Scholar R. Vishnu, known for his expertise in rangoli art, created an intricate Navagraha mandala featuring Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, which was specially worshipped.
The rituals concluded with Poornahuti and Maha Mangalaarati. Devotees, sevas and staff of the mutt participated in the prayers, chanting and homa, seeking divine blessings for universal harmony and prosperity.
City Today News 
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