BENGALURU, April 7, 2025 — In an effort to promote women’s empowerment and enhance public safety, the Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC), in collaboration with Adarsha Auto Union, has launched a free auto driving training program exclusively for women in the Rajajinagar Assembly Constituency.
The initiative was formally inaugurated on Monday by Rajajinagar MLA Shri Suresh Kumar, who emphasized the importance of increasing the number of women auto drivers in Bengaluru. Speaking at the launch event, he stated, “If more women enter the auto driving profession, Bengaluru will become an even safer city. I am pleased to see growing interest among women in this field.”
The event witnessed the participation of several dignitaries and B.PAC members, including Ms. Mimi Parthasarathy, Ms. Anisha Bandary, Dr. Sampath C, Ms. Devika Raj, Mr. Raghavendra Poojari, and trainer Ms. Prabhavathi, who collectively expressed their support for the initiative.
Designed to provide skill development and employment opportunities, the program seeks to break gender stereotypes within the transport sector while fostering safer and more inclusive public spaces in the city.
Organizers stated that the training program will equip women with the necessary skills to obtain driving licenses and operate autorickshaws independently, contributing to both their economic independence and the city’s broader safety objectives.
Bengaluru, Apr. 7: In commemoration of the 2624th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir, the Jain Yuva Sanghatane is set to organize a grand celebration on April 10, themed around Ahimsa and World Peace. The event will be held at Kundalpur, Gandhinagar, near Freedom Park, Bengaluru.
In presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, the Ahimsa and World Peace Convention, with several other dignitaries in attendance, including Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Addressing a press conference, Jain Yuva Sanghatane President Mahaveer Munoth stated that this year’s Kalyan Mahotsav would be observed through a series of impactful social and spiritual initiatives aimed at spreading the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir. He highlighted the far-reaching influence of Jain philosophy on notable leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Lokmanya Tilak, underscoring the global relevance of the principle “Live and Let Live.”
The celebrations will include various humanitarian activities such as a mega blood donation camp with a target of over 500 units, free eye check-ups, diabetes and blood pressure screenings, and food distribution for the underprivileged.
A significant spiritual highlight of the event will be the Maha Mangalik to be conducted by revered Jain gurus at 1:21 PM.
Several prominent leaders and community representatives are expected to grace the occasion, including Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya, Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan, community leader Rakesh Puniya, former Mayor Gautham Kumar Makan, Sri Adinath Jain Temple (Chickpet) President Gautam Solanki, Jain Conference Karnataka President Prakash Chand Bhurad, Terapanth Sabha President Paras Bhansali, and Karnataka Jain Association President Prasannayya.
The press conference was also attended by Jain Yuva Sanghatane Secretary Neeraj Kataria and Media Coordinator Hitesh Kankalia, along with Chandrashekarayya.
FACULTY GUIDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHANGE MAKERS
BENGALURU, ApPril 7 – In a commendable demonstration of academic fieldwork translating into real-world impact, Master of Social Work (MSW) students from St. Joseph’s University have undertaken a series of community development initiatives across Bengaluru, significantly improving the lives of residents in marginalized and underserved areas.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Premajyothi D, faculty supervisor at the School of Social Work, the students implemented structured programs targeting healthcare accessibility, gender empowerment, child nutrition, environmental sustainability, and inclusive livelihood development. The initiatives were carried out in collaboration with several reputed partner organizations, ensuring a holistic and multi-stakeholder approach.
Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Access
Focusing on underserved migrant populations, the students organized Early Cancer Detection and Ophthalmological Screening Camps in collaboration with Sangama and Nayonika Eye Care. These camps provided essential preventive healthcare services, registering 40 individuals for cancer screening and 50 for eye examinations. Of these, 30 individuals in need of vision correction received free eyeglasses, ensuring timely interventions and referrals to primary healthcare systems.
Promoting Gender Equity and Educational Awareness
At the hilltop informal settlement in Chinnappa Garden, students conducted awareness sessions on reproductive health, gender empowerment, and the role of education in social mobility. These interactive sessions were held in association with the Indian Social Institute and engaged local women and children in meaningful dialogue on gender rights and educational aspirations.
Enhancing Child Nutrition Awareness
In partnership with the Environmental Foundation of India (EFI), the students facilitated nutritional education workshops aimed at children. Through gamified learning methods, the sessions highlighted the dangers of junk food and the importance of balanced diets, fostering health-positive behavioral change at an early age.
Fostering Environmental Stewardship
Sustainability initiatives included seed ball making workshops and environmental sensitization drives, also conducted in collaboration with EFI. These activities encouraged community participation in biodiversity conservation and promoted a culture of ecological responsibility.
Empowering Marginalized Groups through Livelihood Training
Students organized skill-building sessions for adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities, focusing on employability and vocational training. Conducted with the support of the Diya Foundation, these programs aimed to enhance workplace readiness and challenge prevailing social stigmas around disability.
Additionally, in Anepalya slum, youth empowerment programs connected participants to caregiver nursing courses, equipping them with job-relevant healthcare skills and pathways to employment.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, an event at CGI Bangalore showcased entrepreneurial ventures by underprivileged women. Handcrafted hemp bags were exhibited, highlighting both environmental sustainability and women-led economic empowerment.
A Model for Community-Driven Transformation
These multifaceted initiatives reflect the commitment of St. Joseph’s University to community-engaged learning. The MSW students’ work stands as a testament to the power of academic programs in fostering social responsibility and driving grassroots transformation.
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 7: ಧರ್ಮಗುರುಗಳು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ಧರ್ಮ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಜಾಪ್ರಭುತ್ವ ಎರಡರ ಮೌಲ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಹಾಳುಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂಬ ಆತಂಕವನ್ನು ಹಿರಿಯ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರು ಮತ್ತು ಸಿಟಿ ಟುಡೇ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಸಂಪಾದಕರಾದ ಜಿ.ಎಸ್. ಗೋಪಾಲ್ ರಾಜ್ ಅವರು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಸಮೀಪದ ಮಾಧ್ಯಮ ಸಂವಾದದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, “ಧರ್ಮಗುರುಗಳು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಕಣಕ್ಕೆ ಇಳಿದಾಗ ಧರ್ಮ ತನ್ನ ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಶುದ್ಧತೆಯನ್ನು ಕಳೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತದೆ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ತನ್ನ ಸೈಕ್ಯುಲರ್ ತಾತ್ವಿಕತೆಯನ್ನು. ಧರ್ಮವು ಜನರಿಗೆ ನೈತಿಕ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ನೀಡಬೇಕಾದ್ದರಿಂದ ಅದು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಪ್ರಚಾರದ ಸಾಧನವಾಗುವುದೇ ಅಪಾಯಕರ,” ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.
ಭಾರತ ಸಂವಿಧಾನವು ಧರ್ಮ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜ್ಯವನ್ನು ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕವಾಗಿರಿಸಲು ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಸೂಚಿಸುವುದನ್ನು ಅವರು ಉಲ್ಲೇಖಿಸಿ, ಈ ಮೌಲ್ಯವನ್ನು ಮೀರಿ ನಡೆಯುವುದು ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ ಏಕತೆಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಮುದಾಯಿಕ ಸೌಹಾರ್ದತೆಯ ತೀವ್ರ ಅಪಾಯವನ್ನೆಂಟಿಸಬಲ್ಲದು ಎಚ್ಚರಿಸಿದರು. “ಧರ್ಮಗುರುಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಅನುಯಾಯಿಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಭಾರೀ ಪ್ರಭಾವವಿರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಈ ಪ್ರಭಾವವನ್ನು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಲಾಭಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಬಳಸುವುದು ಪ್ರಜಾಪ್ರಭುತ್ವದ ಮೂಲ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತಗಳ ವಿರುದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ,” ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು.
ಇತ್ತೀಚಿನ ಚುನಾವಣೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಸಂಘಟನೆಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಗುರುಗಳು ಬಹಿರಂಗವಾಗಿ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಪಕ್ಷಗಳು ಅಥವಾ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಬೆಂಬಲ ನೀಡುತ್ತಿರುವ ಪ್ರವೃತ್ತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚುತ್ತಿರುವುದಾಗಿ ಅವರು ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯಪಟ್ಟರು. ಇದು ಮತದಾರರನ್ನು ವಿಭಜಿಸುವಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಧರ್ಮದ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ವಿರೋಧ ಧ್ವನಿಯನ್ನು ತಡೆಹಿಡಿಯುವ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಯನ್ನೂ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.
ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಚುನಾವಣಾ ಆಯೋಗ, ನಾಗರಿಕ ಸಮಾಜ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾಧ್ಯಮಗಳು ತಕ್ಷಣ ಕ್ರಮವಹಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂಬ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಗೋಪಾಲ್ ರಾಜ್ ಹೇಳಿದರು. “ಭಾರತ ವಿಭಿನ್ನತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಏಕತೆ ಹೊಂದಿದ ದೇಶ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಧರ್ಮ ರಾಜಕೀಯವನ್ನು ಅತಿಕ್ರಮಿಸಬಾರದು, ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬಾರದು. ಸೈಕ್ಯುಲರ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಜಾಪ್ರಭುತ್ವ ಮೌಲ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರ ಹೊಣೆ,” ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು.
ಈ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಕರಿಂದ ಹಿಡಿದು ಹಕ್ಕು ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣಾ ಹೋರಾಟಗಾರರು ತನಕ ವ್ಯಾಪಕ ಚರ್ಚೆಗೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಮತ್ತು ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಪ್ರಭಾವದ ಮಿಶ್ರಣದ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆಯ ಘಂಟೆ ಆಘಾತಿಸಿದೆ.
Bengaluru, April 7: In a powerful and thought-provoking statement, GS Gopal Raaj, senior journalist and Editor of City Today News, has voiced serious concern over the increasing involvement of religious leaders in political affairs. He cautioned that this trend is not only detrimental to the sanctity of religion but also to the integrity of democratic governance.
Speaking at a recent media interaction, Mr. Gopal Raaj stated, “When religious leaders enter the political arena, both religion and politics suffer. Religion, which is meant to be a source of moral guidance and spiritual elevation, is reduced to a tool of political propaganda. Politics, in turn, loses its secular character and becomes divisive.”
He emphasized that the Constitution of India clearly mandates the separation of religion from state affairs, and any violation of this principle could pose serious threats to communal harmony and national unity. “Religious figures wield significant influence over their followers. When that influence is redirected toward political ends, it distorts democratic choices and undermines the neutrality expected in elections,” he added.
Mr. Gopal Raaj further noted that the trend of religious endorsements in electoral politics is rising alarmingly, with certain sects and spiritual organizations openly supporting specific parties or candidates. This not only polarizes voters but also creates an environment where dissent is suppressed in the name of faith.
He called upon the Election Commission of India, civil society, and the media to play a more proactive role in curbing this dangerous intersection. “We must remember that India thrives on its diversity. Allowing religion to hijack politics, or vice versa, threatens the very fabric of our pluralistic democracy,” he warned.
The statement has sparked widespread discussions among political analysts, academicians, and civil rights activists, many of whom have echoed Mr. Gopal Raaj’s concerns. In an era where the boundaries between spiritual leadership and political influence are increasingly blurred, his message serves as a timely reminder of the need to uphold constitutional values and safeguard the secular spirit of the nation.
City Today News 
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