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SPARSH Hospitals Launch Lifelong Vaccination Initiative Covering Children to Elderly

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Vaccination for All: SPARSH Hospitals Launch Structured Life-Course Immunisation Programme in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, March 11, 2026: In a move aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare, the SPARSH Group of Hospitals has launched a comprehensive Life-Course Vaccination (LCV) programme in Bengaluru. The initiative is among the first structured hospital-led vaccination programmes designed to cover individuals across all age groups—from children to the elderly.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman and Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon of SPARSH Hospitals, in the presence of Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO; Dr. Ranjan Shetty, Group Medical Director and Lead Consultant–Cardiologist; and other senior healthcare professionals.
The initiative will be introduced in phases, starting with the hospital’s flagship facility on Infantry Road in Bengaluru and gradually expanding to other SPARSH centres across the city.

The programme is being supported by Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. as a knowledge and awareness partner. The company will provide educational resources and capacity-building support alongside the hospital’s internal clinical expertise, led by infectious disease specialist Dr. John Paul.
Healthcare experts say India currently faces a dual burden of disease. Estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and cancers account for nearly 63–65% of deaths in the country. At the same time, infectious diseases including influenza and pneumonia continue to pose risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The Life-Course Vaccination programme seeks to promote immunisation as a lifelong preventive measure, extending protection beyond childhood vaccines to adolescents, adults, senior citizens and other high-risk groups. The initiative also addresses a key gap in India’s healthcare system, where adult vaccination remains significantly underutilised despite increasing health risks.

As part of the programme, individuals will be encouraged to consider recommended vaccines across different life stages, including HPV vaccines for cervical cancer prevention, shingles vaccines for herpes zoster, pneumococcal vaccines to prevent pneumonia and invasive infections, and Tdap/Td boosters that protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Patil said India’s healthcare system must increasingly move towards prevention rather than focusing solely on treatment. “Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventive medicine, yet adult immunisation is still widely overlooked. Life-course vaccination recognises that protection is required at every stage of life—from childhood to old age,” he said.

SPARSH Hospitals will also integrate vaccination assessments into routine medical care across departments. Doctors and healthcare teams will review vaccination status during OPD visits, hospital admissions, emergency consultations and follow-up appointments to ensure patients receive timely preventive guidance.

Highlighting the operational approach of the programme, Jasdeep Singh said the initiative aims to embed preventive care into everyday hospital practice. “By integrating vaccination checks into routine patient interactions, we want to make preventive healthcare simple and accessible. Every patient visiting our hospitals should receive appropriate advice and support to remain protected throughout life,” he said.

The hospital group said the initiative is expected to improve vaccination coverage among high-risk groups, reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and encourage a broader culture of preventive healthcare in the community.

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ಭೋವಿ–ವಡ್ಡರ ಸಮಾಜದ ಇತಿಹಾಸವನ್ನು ವಕ್ರೀಕರಿಸಬೇಡಿ: ಉಗ್ರಪ್ಪಗೆ ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ

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ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ಭೋವಿ–ವಡ್ಡರ ಸಮಾಜದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಮತ್ತು ಪರಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಜಾತಿ ಸ್ಥಾನಮಾನ ಕುರಿತು ತಪ್ಪು ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಹರಡಬಾರದು ಎಂದು  ಭೋವಿ ವಡ್ಡರ ಸಮಾಜದ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಲಯನ್ ಶ್ರೀಧರ್ ಅವರು ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ ನೀಡಿದರು.

ಪ್ರೆಸ್ ಕ್ಲಬ್ ಆಫ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಪತ್ರಿಕಾಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ನ್ಯಾಯ ಮತ್ತು ಮೀಸಲಾತಿ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಗೆ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಕೊಡುಗೆ ನೀಡಿದವರು ಮಹಾತ್ಮಾ ಛತ್ರಪತಿ ಶಾಹು ಮಹಾರಾಜರು ಹಾಗೂ ಮೈಸೂರು ರಾಜ್ಯದ ನಾಲ್ವಡಿ ಕೃಷ್ಣರಾಜ ವಡೆಯರ್ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು. ಇವರ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲೇ ಮಿಲ್ಲರ್ ಆಯೋಗ ರಚನೆಯಾಗಿ ಶೇ.75 ರಷ್ಟು ಮೀಸಲಾತಿ ಜಾರಿಗೆ ತರಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ನಡೆದಿತ್ತು ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಅದೇ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಿಲ್ಲರ್ ಆಯೋಗದ ಶಿಫಾರಸುಗಳನ್ನು ವಿರೋಧಿಸಿದ್ದ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಅಂದಿನ ದಿವಾನ್ ಸರ್ ಎಂ. ವಿಶ್ವೇಶ್ವರಯ್ಯರನ್ನು ಪದವಿಯಿಂದ ವಜಾಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು. ಮೈಸೂರು ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ 1917ರಲ್ಲೇ ಭೋವಿ–ವಡ್ಡರ ಸಮುದಾಯವನ್ನು ಪರಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಜಾತಿ ಪಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು ಎಂದು ಕೂಡ ಅವರು ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು.

ಭಾರತದ ಸಂವಿಧಾನ ಜಾರಿಗೆ ಬಂದ ಬಳಿಕ ಡಾ. ಬಿ.ಆರ್. ಅಂಬೇಡ್ಕರ್ ಅವರ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಲ್ವಡಿ ಕೃಷ್ಣರಾಜ ವಡೆಯರ್ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದ್ದ ಪರಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಜಾತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸುವಂತೆ ಆದೇಶ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿತ್ತು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು.
ಆದರೆ ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ಕೆಲವರು ಇತಿಹಾಸವನ್ನು ತಪ್ಪಾಗಿ ನಿರೂಪಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಆರೋಪಿಸಿದ ಶ್ರೀಧರ್, ವಿ.ಎಸ್. ಉಗ್ರಪ್ಪ ಅವರು ಭೋವಿ–ವಡ್ಡರ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಪ್ಪು ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನೀಡುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ವಿಷಾದನೀಯ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು. ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸದೆ ಭೋವಿ ಮತ್ತು ಬೋಯಿ ಸಮುದಾಯಗಳನ್ನು ಒಂದೇ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುವುದು ಸರಿಯಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

1977ರ ಜುಲೈ 27ರಂದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಆದೇಶದ ಮೂಲಕ ‘ಭೋವಿ’ ಜಾತಿಗೆ ಸಮಾನಾರ್ಥಕ ಪದಗಳಾಗಿ ‘ಒಡವಡ್ಡೆ’ ಮತ್ತು ‘ವಡ್ಡರ’ ಎಂದು ಗುರುತಿಸಿ ಪರಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಜಾತಿ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇರಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಬಳಿಕ 2015ರಲ್ಲಿ ಮಣ್ಣ ವಡ್ಡರ, ಕಲ್ಲವಡ್ಡರ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಕೆಲವು ಉಪಜಾತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಸೇರಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು.
ನಿಜವಾದ ಭೋವಿ–ವಡ್ಡರ ಸಮುದಾಯದವರು ಕಲ್ಲು ಒಡೆಯುವುದು, ಮಣ್ಣು ಅಗೆದು ಬಾವಿ ತೋಡುವುದು, ಮನೆಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಗಳ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದಂತಹ ಕಠಿಣ ಕೆಲಸಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾಡುವವರು ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು. ಆದರೆ ಬೋಯಿ ಸಮುದಾಯವು ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿದ್ದು, ಅವರನ್ನು ಪರಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಜಾತಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿಸುವಂತೆ ವಾದಿಸುವುದು ಸರಿಯಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯಪಟ್ಟರು.

ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಹಾಗೂ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳ ಬಳಿ ತಪ್ಪು ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನೀಡಬಾರದು. ಸಂವಿಧಾನಾತ್ಮಕವಾಗಿ ನೀಡಿರುವ ಮೀಸಲಾತಿ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸರಿಯಾದ ಅರಿವು ಹೊಂದಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು. ಈ ರೀತಿಯ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಿದರೆ ರಾಜ್ಯಾದ್ಯಂತ ಭೋವಿ–ವಡ್ಡರ ಸಮಾಜ ತೀವ್ರ ಹೋರಾಟ ನಡೆಸಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಎಚ್ಚರಿಸಿದರು.
ಪತ್ರಿಕಾಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದ ಮುಖಂಡರುಗಳು ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.

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Women Are Key Change Makers in Education: Rakhee Gupta Bhandari at Hello Kids Session

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Hello Kids Hosts Inspiring Women’s Day Session with IAS Officer Rakhee Gupta Bhandari
Hello Kids, one of Karnataka’s prominent preschool chains, marked International Women’s Day with a special live interactive session held on March 9, 2026. The event featured Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Food Processing, Government of Punjab, as the keynote guest speaker.

The session revolved around the theme “Women as Change Makers in Education & Society.” During the discussion, Hello Kids Founder Pritam Kumar Agrawal engaged in a thoughtful conversation with Bhandari, focusing on the transformative role women play in shaping education, leadership, and society. The interaction highlighted the influence of women educators, leaders, and mothers in nurturing young minds and contributing to positive change within communities.

More than 1,100 Hello Kids branch owners, teachers, and parents from across the country participated in the live session. Attendees listened attentively and interacted during the programme, making it an engaging and enriching experience for the education community.

Sharing insights from her journey in public service, Bhandari spoke about the importance of women’s empowerment, leadership, and resilience. She emphasised that quality education and strong leadership by women are vital to building a progressive and inclusive society.

She also encouraged educators and parents to foster confidence, creativity, and leadership skills among children from an early age, noting that early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping responsible and empowered citizens.
The session concluded on a highly motivating note, leaving participants inspired by the message of women’s leadership and their growing contribution to education and society.
The Hello Kids team also acknowledged the efforts of Sandhya Sharma, Executive Assistant to the Founder, for her dedicated coordination in organising and managing the session successfully.

Through such initiatives, Hello Kids aims to continue creating meaningful learning opportunities and spreading awareness within the education community while celebrating the achievements and strength of women.

City Today News 9341997936

Liberty Shoes partners with neOwn to promote children’s reading in Bengaluru

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March 2026: Liberty Shoes Limited, one of India’s well-known footwear brands, has partnered with neOwn, an app-based book rental platform for children, to encourage reading habits among young learners in Bengaluru. As part of the month-long initiative, customers shopping at 25 Liberty outlets across the city will receive a ₹500 discount voucher that can be redeemed on any neOwn subscription.

The collaboration was sparked after neOwn founder Kranti Gada appeared on the startup show IdeaBaaz, where he received encouragement from Anupam Bansal, Executive Director of Liberty Shoes. Their discussions eventually led to a partnership aimed at supporting children’s overall development.

Through this initiative, Liberty aims to go beyond retail transactions by offering parents an opportunity to support both the physical and intellectual growth of their children. While Liberty focuses on footwear that supports children’s movement and comfort, neOwn promotes early reading habits through its book rental service.

Kranti Gada said the partnership strengthens neOwn’s mission to introduce children to books at an early age and help build confidence through reading. Anupam Bansal noted that modern brands must provide meaningful value to customers, adding that combining good footwear with access to books creates a natural and impactful partnership for families.

The collaboration will also feature a joint social media campaign promoting holistic development among children. The Bengaluru initiative will serve as a pilot project, with the possibility of expanding the model to other cities across India.

City Today News 9341997936

Bengaluru Leads as Kanyathon 2026 Celebrates 15 Years of Social Impact

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Kanyathon marks 15 years with over 13,000 participants across three cities

Bengaluru, March 9: The 15th edition of Kanyathon, one of India’s largest student-led charity runs, witnessed participation from more than 13,000 people across Bengaluru, Karjat and Pilani, reaffirming its mission of supporting girls’ education and empowerment.

Nearly 10,000 runners and walkers took part in the Bengaluru event, while over 2,000 joined in Karjat and around 1,000 participants ran at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. Students, volunteers, corporate partners and members of the public came together to support the cause.
Kanyathon is organised entirely by students from IFIM Institutions, Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM) and Vijaybhoomi University, and has evolved over the years into a sustained social initiative aimed at addressing gender inequality through education.

Supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Fit India Movement, the initiative began in 2011 with about 400 participants. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide movement drawing thousands of participants annually.
Organisers said the 2026 edition alone has raised nearly ₹65 lakh through individual donations and corporate support. Several companies, including Wipro, HP, Timken, Biocon, Infosys, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, Brillio, Momentive, Sagility and Tech Mahindra, supported the initiative.

Speaking about the impact of the programme, Kalpana Padode, governing board member of Vijaybhoomi University, said the run represents more than just a sporting event. “Each step taken during Kanyathon symbolises a step towards education, dignity and opportunity for young girls. What began as a small campus initiative has grown into a movement that has positively impacted over three lakh girls over the past 15 years,” she said.

Through the initiative, organisers have supported NGOs, provided scholarships for students from economically weaker sections, and helped girls from marginalised communities continue their education. The programme has also facilitated the construction of sanitation facilities in government schools and established Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras to improve learning opportunities.

At present, nine Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras operate in government schools across Karnataka and Maharashtra, offering programmes in spoken English, computer literacy and health awareness to more than 1,000 students. The initiative has also supported computer labs, classroom upgrades and sanitation facilities to address infrastructure gaps in schools.

In collaboration with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, mid-day meals are provided to students attending these centres, helping maintain regular attendance. Menstrual hygiene awareness sessions are also conducted to support adolescent girls in continuing their education with dignity.

Commenting on the event at Pilani, Sudhirkumar Barai, director of BITS Pilani, said the initiative served as a meaningful way to celebrate women’s empowerment around International Women’s Day. He noted that the participation of young girls from underprivileged communities made the event particularly impactful.
This year’s Kanyathon featured 3-km walkathons, 5-km and 10-km timed runs, professional runs and family runs, along with community fitness activities. Driven largely by student volunteers and supported by corporate partners, the initiative aims to reach around 1,000 more girls in the coming year while expanding its programmes in education, health and digital literacy for underserved communities.

City Today News 9341997936