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Urgent Call to Enact Rohith Vemula Act as Campaign Alleges Delay by Karnataka Government

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Bengaluru: A coalition of civil society groups, student unions, academics and lawyers under the banner Campaign for Rohith Act has urged the Karnataka government to immediately release the draft of the proposed Rohith Vemula Act for public consultation and commit to a clear timeline for its enactment.

The campaign has alleged that higher educational institutions are increasingly becoming hostile spaces for Dalit and Adivasi students, leading to rising dropouts and instances of suicides. It claimed that despite constitutional guarantees and reservations, many SC/ST students continue to face humiliation, exclusion and systemic discrimination within campuses.

The group expressed concern that existing legal safeguards, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026, have not adequately addressed caste-based discrimination in higher education.

The demand for a dedicated law gained momentum after senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called for such legislation, following which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah publicly assured in April 2025 that Karnataka would enact a Rohith Vemula Act. The Congress had also promised the legislation in its 2024 election manifesto.

According to the campaign, a model Bill was drafted after extensive consultations with student organisations, teachers and legal experts and was submitted to Minister Priyank Kharge in December 2025. Subsequent discussions were held with Law Minister H. K. Patil and Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar, and the government reportedly accepted the draft with minor revisions.

On January 17, 2026, Rahul Gandhi stated that the state was in the process of implementing the Act. However, the draft has not yet been made public, nor has a legislative schedule been announced, prompting concern among SC/ST students across the state.

The Campaign has now demanded at the press meet held at press club of bengaluru, under the Leadership of Mavalli Shankar DSS leader,Basavaraj kowthal, Hulikunte Murthy,Vinay Shrinivas,Lekha,Ashna Singh and Rahul is, immediate release of the draft Bill, a clear timeline for its introduction in the Assembly, and its passage during the Budget Session of 2026, calling it a crucial step toward ensuring dignity, equality and justice in Karnataka’s universities and colleges.

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EDII unveils PGDM to power India’s next wave of tech startups

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EDII launches AICTE-approved PGDM for tech entrepreneurs in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) on Monday announced a new AICTE-approved PGDM in “Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups”, aimed at technology professionals and young innovators looking to build scalable ventures.

Launched in the city widely regarded as India’s startup capital, the programme focuses on high-growth sectors such as EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech and AI-led digital businesses. The two-year course is designed to move beyond classroom theory, offering structured mentorship, industry immersion, incubation and milestone-linked seed support to help participants translate ideas into market-ready enterprises.

EDII director general Dr Sunil Shukla said Bengaluru was a natural choice given its vibrant technology ecosystem and Karnataka’s leadership in the startup space. He added that the programme aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 by encouraging youth to pursue entrepreneurship as a purposeful career path.

Introduced in 1998, EDII’s flagship PGDM in Entrepreneurship is approved by the All India Council of Technical Education and recognised as MBA-equivalent by the Association of Indian Universities. The institute claims that nearly 79% of its over 2,200 alumni are active entrepreneurs, reflecting its focus on building job creators rather than job seekers.

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Indian Railways Announces Summer Special Tourist Train to Kashmir & Vaishno Devi with 33% Subsidy

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Bookings Open for 18-Day All-Inclusive Package Beginning April 11

In a major boost to summer tourism, Indian Railways, in association with South Star Rail — India’s first private sector service provider under the Bharat Gaurav Train scheme — and Ministry of Tourism-recognised Tour Times, has announced a special tourist train to the Kashmir Valley and Vaishno Devi.

The 18-day all-inclusive summer special tour will commence on April 11, with bookings now open.

Unlike regular train services, this exclusive tourist train will not be available on the IRCTC website. Reservations can be made directly through Tour Times by contacting 93550 21516.

Two Curated Pilgrimage & Holiday Circuits
The train will board passengers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with stoppages at Penukonda, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty, Dhone, Kurnool, Gadwal, Mahabubnagar and Secunderabad.

Kashmir Valley Tour (13 Days)
The itinerary covers Agra, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Amritsar and Delhi.
Package pricing starts at:
₹42,400 – Sleeper Class
₹54,000 – Third AC
₹61,000 – Second AC
₹68,200 – First AC

Vaishno Devi Holiday Special (13 Days)
This route includes Agra, Mathura, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kurukshetra, Vaishno Devi, Amritsar and Delhi.
Package pricing begins at:
₹36,800 – Sleeper Class
₹48,700 – Third AC
₹54,300 – Second AC
₹65,700 – First AC

Comprehensive Onboard & Travel Facilities
The special tourist train is equipped with a range of amenities including:
Public announcement systems
Dedicated coach security
Tour managers
Travel insurance
Sightseeing and transfers
Unlimited meals onboard and offboard
Hotel accommodation

Passengers are encouraged to carry only essential luggage required for overnight stays and sightseeing, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The package is also eligible for LTC/LFC benefits.

33% Subsidy Under Bharat Gaurav Initiative
This summer package comes with a 33% subsidy supported by Indian Railways under the Bharat Gaurav Train initiative.

South Star Rail and Tour Times have so far operated 52 departures, covering nearly 2,97,130 kilometres and facilitating travel for 24,980 pilgrims and tourists.

Officials said the special train service has been introduced specifically for the convenience of passengers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, offering a comfortable, organised and spiritually enriching travel experience this summer.

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From Fresh to Fabulous—Lulu Daily Opens at Global Malls Divinity

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Lulu Group India marked another milestone in its Karnataka growth journey with the grand launch of its fifth Lulu Daily Hypermarket in Bengaluru. The newest store opened its doors on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Global Malls Divinity, strengthening the brand’s footprint in the city’s fast-developing western corridor.
Spread across an expansive 21,500 sq. ft., the hypermarket made an impressive debut, drawing thousands of eager shoppers from early morning. By 11:00 AM, the aisles were buzzing with excitement as families from Nagarbhavi, Nayandahalli, and neighbouring areas gathered to experience Lulu’s signature retail atmosphere-vibrant, value-driven, and customer-centric.

The inauguration was led by Ashraf Ali M. A., Executive Director, Lulu Group India, alongside senior leaders and dignitaries from the organisation. Speaking at the launch, he described the moment as a proud step forward for the Lulu family, acknowledging the overwhelming love and trust shown by Bengalureans across all five stores. He reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to being closer to its customers while consistently delivering quality, affordability, and wide-ranging choice under one roof.

Designed to offer a complete shopping experience, the new Lulu Daily Hypermarket features a farm-fresh produce section with direct sourcing from Karnataka farmers as well as international suppliers. Shoppers can explore premium meat and seafood counters known for hygienic processing and variety. The store also houses an extensive assortment of fresh groceries, gourmet selections, household essentials, electronics, apparel, and more-blending everyday convenience with global retail standards.

Beyond shopping, the launch is set to create over 1,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing significantly to the local economy. Special inaugural promotions and attractive launch offers added to the festive spirit, ensuring an enthusiastic response from day-one customers.

The event was attended by Nishad M A, Director and CEO, Lulu Group India; Fahaz Ashraf, Director and COO; Anand AV, Director of Lulu International Holdings; Swaraj NB, Media Head; Shereef K.K., Regional Director – Karnataka Region; Jamal K P, Regional Manager – Karnataka Region, along with other Lulu dignitaries.

With this new addition, Lulu Group India continues to redefine the retail experience in Bengaluru -combining scale, service, and savings in a way that feels both global and deeply local.

City Today News 9341997936

Countdown Begins for 405th Pattabhisheka and 431st Jayanthi of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji

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Laksha Pushparchane to be Performed by Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha of Udupi Pejawar Mutt

Bengaluru: Preparations are underway at the Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swamiji Mutt in Jayanagar 5th Block for the grand celebration of the 405th Pattabhisheka Mahotsava and the 431st Jayanthi of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji. The six-day spiritual event will be held from February 19 to 24 under the guidance of His Holiness Sri Subudhendra Theertha Sripadangalavaru, with administrative leadership by senior manager R.K. Vadindra Acharya.

Special rituals and religious programmes have been scheduled on all days of the celebrations. On February 19, marking the Pattabhisheka day, the festivities will commence at 7.00 am with Ashtottara Sahita Sahasra Kalasha Ksheerabhisheka to the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji. At 11.00 am, the Swarna Padukas of the saint will be ceremoniously placed on a golden throne, followed by a traditional Pattabhisheka ritual accompanied by a showering of flowers.

Mahamangalarati will be offered thereafter, and prasada (annasantarpane) will be served to thousands of devotees. Evening programmes will include religious discourses, devotional singing, and cultural presentations.

On February 24, commemorating the Jayanthi, a special Laksha Pushparchane will be offered at 11.30 am to the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji for universal welfare. At the request of Sri Subudhendra Theertha, the ritual will be performed by His Holiness Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha of Udupi Pejawar Mutt. The announcement was made by Sri Nandakishore Acharya.

Devotees wishing to participate in the various sevas during the celebrations may register online through WhatsApp at 9449133929. Participants will receive Shesha Vastra, Phala Mantrakshate and other prasada as blessings of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji.
Cultural programmes form an integral part of the celebrations. On February 19, “Dasavani” will be presented by Yogashree and troupe, while on February 24, students of Natya Shankara Nrityalaya will stage a Bharatanatyam performance. Daily evening bhajans by various devotional groups and pravachanas by scholars are also scheduled.

For further details, devotees may contact: 080-22443962, 9449133929, 9945429129 or 8660349906.

City Today News 9341997936