Bengaluru: A soulful evening of devotional music marked the 355th Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy at the Nanjangud Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar 5th Block.
As part of the annual Aradhana celebrations, renowned vocalist Dr Raichur Sheshagiri Das, along with his ensemble, presented a captivating Haridasa Vani programme, offering devotional musical service at the sacred presence of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy.
The programme was organised under the guidance and blessings of Paramapujya Sri 1008 Sri Subudhendra Teertha Sripadangalavaru and under the leadership of the Mutt’s senior manager, R.K. Vadindra Acharya.
Dr Sheshagiri Das and his ensemble presented the Dasavani programme from 6.30 pm to 9 pm on September 1, filling the premises of the Rayara Mutt with devotional melodies and compositions dedicated to Hari, Vayu and the Guru tradition.
Hundreds of devotees gathered for the musical evening and were deeply moved by the soulful rendition of devotional compositions. The audience participated with devotion and reverence, making the programme a spiritually enriching experience for all present.
Speaking about the event, priest Sri Nanda Kishoracharya said that the Haridasa Vani programme was a special offering during the 355th Aradhana Mahotsava and drew an enthusiastic response from devotees.
On the occasion, R.K. Vadindra Acharya honoured Dr Raichur Sheshagiri Das and his accompanying artistes for their musical service by presenting them with Rayara Shesha Vastra, a portrait of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy, Phala Mantrakshate and blessings.
The devotional music programme added a memorable spiritual dimension to the ongoing Aradhana Mahotsava, leaving devotees immersed in the divine grace and devotional tradition of Sri Hari, Vayu and Guru.
Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader calls for greater public participation in “The Gift of Life”
Bengaluru, September 2, 2026: Ramaiah Memorial Hospital on Tuesday organised an Organ Donation Awareness Drive in Bengaluru, bringing together healthcare professionals, organ donors and their families, transplant recipients, patients and members of the public to promote organ donation and reinforce the message of “The Gift of Life.”
Nurturing the Gift of Life: Dignitaries water a sapling to symbolize the vital impact of organ donation.L-R:Dr. Janaki MG (Dean, RMCH)Dr. Harish K (Director, Ramaiah Institute of Oncosciences)Dr. Nagendra Swamy S.C. (CEO, RMH)Dr. M.R. Jayaram (Chairman, GEF & Chancellor, RUAS)Shri. U T Khader (Hon’ble Health Minister, Karnataka)Dr. Madan S. Gaekwad (COO, RMH)Dr. D Ramesh (Medical Director, RMCH)Dr. Mahesh E (Director, Ramaiah Institute of Nephro-Uro Sciences)
The programme was graced by Shri U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, who highlighted the need for greater awareness and stronger participation in deceased organ donation.
The initiative comes at a time when India continues to face a significant gap between the demand for organs and their availability. Despite a record 20,138 organ transplants being performed in 2025, a large majority were supported by living donors. More than 89,000 patients were awaiting organ transplants as of March 2026, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen deceased organ donation across the country.
India’s deceased organ donation rate continues to remain below one donor per million population, considerably lower than several countries with well-established organ donation systems. Hospital experts stressed that while living organ transplantation has emerged as a safe and highly successful treatment option for patients with kidney and liver failure, living donation alone cannot meet the growing demand for organs.
Increasing awareness, encouraging families to pledge organ donation, timely identification of potential brain-dead donors and strengthening hospital-level coordination are essential to addressing the shortage, experts said.
Speaking at the event, Shri U.T. Khader said, “Organ donation is a gift that transcends boundaries of relation and community. The Government of Karnataka remains committed to strengthening deceased donation infrastructure across the state, and initiatives like this by Ramaiah Memorial Hospital play a vital role in encouraging more citizens to come forward and pledge their organs.”
Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation (Medical) and Chancellor, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), said organ donation represents one of the most meaningful expressions of human compassion.
He said, “Today’s gathering reflects our collective responsibility to build greater public awareness and trust around deceased organ donation. Every family that comes forward brings us closer to reducing India’s organ shortage and giving more patients a genuine chance at life.”
Dr. Nagendra Swamy S. C., Chief Executive, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Services, GEF (Medical), said organ transplantation, through both living and deceased donation, has evolved into one of the most dependable treatment options for patients suffering from end-stage organ failure.
“With thousands of patients awaiting transplants, the demand for organs continues to far exceed their availability. Through this awareness drive, we hope to inspire more citizens to pledge organ donation and help bridge this critical gap,” he said.
The awareness programme also provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals, donor families and transplant recipients to share experiences and strengthen public understanding of the importance of organ donation.
Ramaiah Memorial Hospital said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to ethical transplant practices, donor awareness and high-quality transplant care. The hospital’s transplant programme covers multiple organ systems and is supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists working towards advancing safe and effective transplant services in Karnataka.
The event concluded with a renewed call for citizens and families to consider organ donation, with the central message remaining clear: a single decision to donate can offer several patients a second chance at life.
Bengaluru:C. Shanth Kumari has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Karnataka Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Rajya Sabha Member and KPCC Working President Shri G.C. Chandrashekar, Shri H.M. Revanna, Chairman of the Government Guarantee Committee, Government of Karnataka, and Smt. Salma Taj, Chairperson of the Bengaluru Central GBA Guarantee Committee, following her appointment as a Member of the GBA Guarantee Committee for the C.V. Raman Nagar Assembly Constituency.
Expressing her happiness and appreciation, C. Shanth Kumari said that the appointment was both an honour and a responsibility. She assured that she would discharge her duties with sincerity, commitment and dedication, and strive to contribute effectively towards the successful implementation of the committee’s responsibilities and public welfare initiatives.
“I sincerely thank all the respected leaders for placing their trust and confidence in me. I will make every effort to carry out my responsibilities to the best of my ability and work sincerely in the interest of the people,” she said.
Bengaluru, September 1, 2026: In a significant verdict, the Hon’ble Court has sentenced all eight accused in a murder case registered at Ashok Nagar Police Station to life imprisonment and imposed a total fine of ₹3.90 lakh.
The incident occurred on October 1, 2017, during the Vijayadashami celebrations. A religious palanquin procession was being held at B Street in Shanthinagar, within the limits of Ashok Nagar Police Station, when Harish was allegedly attacked by a group comprising eight accused and three juveniles in conflict with law.
According to the prosecution, the accused attacked Harish with longs, knives and other deadly weapons before allegedly crushing his head with a stone. Harish succumbed to his injuries. Following the incident, Ashok Nagar Police registered a murder case and launched an investigation.
During the investigation, police arrested all eight adult accused, while the three juveniles were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board as per law.
The initial investigation was carried out by Vijay Hadagali, then Police Inspector of Ashok Nagar Police Station and currently an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Subsequently, S.D. Shashidhar, Police Inspector, took over the investigation, completed the probe and filed the charge sheet against the eight accused before the Hon’ble Court.
During the trial, the Senior Assistant Public Prosecutor presented the prosecution’s case and examined the witnesses and other evidence. After considering the evidence on record, the Hon’ble Judge found all eight accused guilty.
On August 17, 2026, the court sentenced all eight to life imprisonment and imposed a cumulative fine of ₹3,90,000. The court also directed that the fine amount be paid to the mother, wife and son of the deceased Harish.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, IPS; Central Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Akshay M. Hakay, IPS; and Cubbon Park Sub-Division Assistant Commissioner of Police Priyadarshini Eshwar Sanikoppa appreciated the investigation team and the Assistant Public Prosecutor for their efforts in securing the conviction.
Bengaluru, September 1, 2026: The Organised Crime Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested a 32-year-old rowdy-sheeter, Syed Adnan, who had been absconding and evading court proceedings in 13 criminal cases registered against him in Bengaluru.
The accused, Adnan alias Syed Adnan, was active in and around the K.G. Halli and D.J. Halli police station limits of Bengaluru City East Division and was also involved in criminal activities in other parts of the city. Police said that a total of 20 cases have been registered against him at various police stations across Bengaluru.
Adnan had failed to appear before the court in 13 of these cases, following which the Hon’ble Court had issued warrants against him.
According to the CCB, the accused had been staying in Mumbai after securing bail and was evading arrest. Acting on credible information that he was returning to Bengaluru, the Organised Crime Wing (East) launched a special operation and apprehended him on August 31, 2026.
During the arrest, police seized one long machete and one dagger from his possession. The accused was produced before the Hon’ble Court on the same day.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Ajay Hilori, IPS, Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime, and Srinivas Gowda, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime-1. The operation was led by Anand C.S., Assistant Commissioner of Police, Organised Crime Wing (East), CCB, along with officers and personnel of the East Wing.
City Today News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.