Bengaluru, March 14: Devotees of the Methodist Church staged a protest at Freedom Park against former Bishop N.L. Karkare, who previously headed the Methodist Church and the Baldwin School institutions. The protesters accused him of misusing church administration and funds.
The protest was attended by retired IAS officer Shanthakumari, Indian Welfare Association State President Sanjay Jagirdar, and Christian Maha Sabha’s Prajwal Swamy, among others. Addressing the gathering, they alleged that “N.L. Karkare is highly corrupt and has misused the entire administration of the Methodist Church. Despite a restraining order from the High Court, he is still trying to continue as Bishop. There are over 210 criminal cases registered against him.”
Further, the protesters claimed that “Karkare has allegedly misappropriated around ₹300-400 crore. His actions have caused significant losses to both the church and the educational institutions. While previous bishops have retired with dignity, Karkare refuses to step down and continues to hold on to power. We will not allow such misconduct in the future.”
The demonstration was also attended by newly appointed Methodist Bishop Anil Kumar, Baldwin Institutions Society’s Dr. Sebastian Ravikumar, and several church clergy members.
Bengaluru, March 14: The All India Lawyers Union (AILU) has strongly opposed the nomination of Mittalakod Shidlingappa Shekharappa as the Chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council, calling it illegal and arbitrary. The Bar Council of India (BCI) appointed Shekharappa to replace Vishalaraghu H.L., a move AILU claims violates the Advocates Act, 1961, and BCI Rules.
Addressing the media at the Press Club of Bengaluru, AILU Karnataka State Committee President Sri Harendra, alongside Muralidhara Peshwa and Koteshwar Rao, condemned the decision and demanded its immediate revocation.
BCI Oversteps Legal Boundaries?
According to the BCI, its decision was based on powers conferred under Section 48B of the Advocates Act, 1961, along with Sections 7(1)(g) and 7(1)(m), and Rule 32 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015. However, AILU argues that:
BCI does not have the authority to directly appoint a State Bar Council Chairman, as per Rule 7(g)(m) of the BCI Rules.
Rule 32 permits the formation of an ad-hoc committee but does not allow for direct Chairman nominations.
The reasons cited by the BCI—including the resignation of Vishalaraghu and the expiry of elected members’ tenure—do not justify a unilateral appointment.
AILU Warns of Legal Action
AILU has called on the BCI to immediately revoke the appointment, stating that the move undermines the transparency and fairness expected in the legal profession.
“If the BCI fails to withdraw this illegal decision, AILU Karnataka State Committee will be compelled to take legal steps to challenge and cancel the nomination,” said Sri Harendra.
The development has sparked concerns over the governance and regulatory practices within the legal fraternity, with AILU warning of further protests and legal action if the decision is not reversed.
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಮಾ. 14: ಮೆಥೋಡಿಸ್ಟ್ ಚರ್ಚ್ ಮತ್ತು ಬಾಲ್ಡ್ ವಿನ್ ಶಾಲಾ ವಿದ್ಯಾಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥ ಎನ್.ಎಲ್. ಕರ್ಕರೆ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಭಕ್ತರು ತೀವ್ರವಾಗಿ ಆಕ್ರೋಶ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ ನಡೆಸಿದರು.
ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಐಎಎಸ್ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಶಾಂತಕುಮಾರಿ, ಇಂಡಿಯನ್ ವೆಲ್ಫೇರ್ ಅಸೋಸಿಯೇಶನ್ ರಾಜ್ಯಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಸಂಜಯ್ ಜಗೀರ್ದಾರ್, ಕ್ರೈಸ್ತ ಮಹಾ ಸಭಾದ ಪ್ರಜ್ವಲ್ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಸೇರಿ ಅನೇಕರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದರು. ಅವರ ಮಾತಿನಲ್ಲಿ, “ಎನ್.ಎಲ್. ಕರ್ಕರೆ ಅವರು ಚರ್ಚ್ ಮತ್ತು ಬಾಲ್ಡ್ ವಿನ್ ವಿದ್ಯಾಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಆಡಳಿತವನ್ನು ದುರುಪಯೋಗಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಹೈಕೋರ್ಟ್ ತಡೆಯಾಜ್ಞೆ ಇದ್ದರೂ ಕೂಡ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಆಗಿ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅವರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ 210ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕ್ರಿಮಿನಲ್ ಮೊಕದ್ದಮೆಗಳು ದಾಖಲಾಗಿವೆ” ಎಂದು ಆರೋಪಿಸಿದರು.
ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಮೇರಾಗಿ, “ಎಲ್.ಎನ್. ಕರ್ಕರೆ ಅವರು ಸುಮಾರು 300-400 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ದುರುಪಯೋಗ ಮಾಡಿರುವ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಲಭ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ಅವರ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ಚರ್ಚ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಭಾರಿ ನಷ್ಟ ಉಂಟಾಗಿದೆ. ಮೆಥೋಡಿಸ್ಟ್ ಚರ್ಚ್ನ ಇತರ ಬಿಷಪ್ಗಳು ಗೌರವಯುತವಾಗಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತರಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ, ಕರ್ಕರೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಹುದ್ದೆಯನ್ನು ಬಿಡಲು ನಿರಾಕರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಭವಿಷ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂತಹ ಘಟನೆಗಳು ಮರುಕಳಿಸದಂತೆ ನಾವು ಶಕ್ತಿಯಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ” ಎಂದು ಭಕ್ತರು ಘೋಷಿಸಿದರು.
ಈ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೆಥೋಡಿಸ್ಟ್ ಚರ್ಚ್ನ ನೂತನ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅನಿಲ್ ಕುಮಾರ್, ಬಾಲ್ಡ್ ವಿನ್ ವಿದ್ಯಾಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಸೊಸೈಟಿಯ ಡಾ. ಸೆಬಾಸ್ಟಿಯನ್ ರವಿಕುಮಾರ್ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಲವಾರು ಮತ ಬೋದಕರು ಹಾಗೂ ಭಕ್ತರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ್ದರು.
Bengaluru, March 13, 2025: The ST PAULS National Media Awards (SPNMA) 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, and communication, will be held on March 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM at ST PAULS Auditorium, Nagasandra, Bengaluru. Organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, ST PAULS College, in association with the Karnataka Media Academy, Government of Karnataka, this annual event celebrates media professionals who uphold truth, integrity, and social responsibility.
Backed by the Society of St Paul, a global media-driven organization with a 111-year legacy (1914-2025), the SPNMA aims to inspire excellence in the field of communication.
Recognizing Excellence in Media
The SPNMA 2025 will honour distinguished professionals across multiple categories:
Lifetime Achievement Award & Excellence in Public Relations – Shri M.B. Jayaram, Chairman Emeritus of PRCI, for his leadership in public relations.
Excellence in Print Journalism – Shri Ravindra Bhat, Executive Editor of Prajavani, for his dedication to Kannada journalism.
Excellence in Digital Journalism – Shri Abdussalam Puthige, Editor-in-Chief of Vartha Bharati, for his contributions to digital media.
Excellence in Science Communication – Mr. Girish Linganna, Science and Political Analyst, for his expertise in space, defense, and geopolitics.
Excellence in Investigative Journalism – Ms. Bala Chauhan, The New Indian Express, for impactful investigative reporting.
Excellence in CSR Communications – Mr. Aravind Gowda, Senior Director of Communications at Tekion Corp Bengaluru, for his strategic communication work.
Excellence in Crime Journalism – Shri Kiran H.V., Chief Correspondent & Bureau Head, TV9 Karnataka, for his impactful crime reporting.
Excellence in Broadcast Journalism – Shri Maruthi S.H., Editor-in-Chief of News First Kannada, for revolutionizing news presentation with Al Maya, an AI-based MetaHuman news anchor.
Excellence in Radio Communication – Shri P.D. Sathish Chandra, Programming Head, Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM Bengaluru, for contributions to radio journalism.
Excellence in Media Education – Prof. Shailashree B, Chairman, Department of Communication, Bangalore University, for her contributions to media studies.
Excellence in Podcasting – Ms. Rashmi Rao, RJ at BIG 92.7 FM Bengaluru and Founder of RR Productions, for engaging storytelling and discussions.
Excellence in Space and Defence Journalism – Shri Chethan Kumar, Senior Assistant Editor, The Times of India, for extensive coverage of India’s space and defense sectors.
Excellence in Lifestyle & Entertainment Journalism – Ms. Sridevi Iyengar, Reporter, Bangalore Times, for her work in lifestyle and entertainment journalism.
Excellence in Health Communication – Ms. Sunitha Rao, Senior Editor at Happiest Health, for impactful health and societal reporting.
The ST PAULS National Media Awards 2025 underscores the importance of journalistic integrity and public service in an evolving media landscape. By honouring these professionals, the awards highlight the transformative power of media in shaping society.
For more details, visit ST PAULS College, Bengaluru.
Bengaluru, March 13, 2025 – Fresh Bus, a prominent intercity bus service provider, has rolled out its new “Fresh Card” initiative, designed to make travel more accessible and affordable for its passengers, with a particular focus on women. The move comes as the company seeks to enhance its services and promote sustainable public transportation.
In a special Women’s Day promotion, Fresh Bus distributed free Fresh Cards to female travelers on March 7th and 8th. The Fresh Card, typically priced at ₹75, offers a significant ₹500 in savings across the next 10 trips, effectively providing a ₹50 discount per journey.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring intercity travel is not only comfortable but also safe and affordable, especially for our female passengers,” stated Sudhakar Reddy Chirra, Founder & CEO of Fresh Bus. “The Fresh Card initiative is a direct reflection of this commitment, and we believe it will be a valuable asset to our customers.”
Fresh Bus, which operates across South India, has served over 650,000 passengers, with women comprising 30% of its customer base. The company has implemented several safety measures to create a secure travel environment for women, including a 24/7 women’s helpline and the “Pink Seats” reservation concept, which designates specific seats for female travelers.
The company’s focus extends beyond affordability and safety, with a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable public transportation and contributing to a greener future. The Fresh Card initiative is seen as a step towards encouraging more people to opt for public transport, thereby reducing individual carbon footprints.
The Fresh Card is valid for use on all Fresh Bus routes across South India. Passengers can purchase the card for ₹75 and immediately begin enjoying the savings on their subsequent trips. Fresh Bus officials have confirmed that the 10 trips covered by the discount must be taken within a one-year period from the date of purchase.
This initiative is expected to further boost Fresh Bus’s popularity and encourage more people, particularly women, to choose their services for intercity travel.
City Today News 
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