Latest news with #Poojary
Qatar Tribune
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
ICBF felicitates Divakar Poojary for exemplary service to Indian community in Qatar
In celebration of dedication and service to the Indian community in Qatar, the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) organised a distinguished felicitation ceremony on June 2, honouring Divakar Poojary, former General Secretary of ICBF, who came to Qatar for a short visit. Poojary, who has previously served as general secretary of both the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and the Indian Business and Professionals Network (IBPN)—all apex bodies under the Embassy of India—was recognised for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the Indiandiaspora. The evening commenced with a gracious welcome address by Jafer Thayyil, secretary of ICBF, followed by the presidential address delivered by Shanavas Bava. Thoughtful reflections on Poojary's journey were shared by KS Prasad (Advisory Council Chairman), KV Boban (Program Committee Chairman), Sam Basheer (Former Advisory Chairman), and past ICBF Presidents Abdul Kadar and Neelangshu Dey. After this moving set of speeches, ICBF General Secretary Deepak Shetty formally introduced the Guest of Honou Divakar Poojary. In the spotlight of the evening, Poojary was felicitated amidst a gathering of distinguished community leaders and supportive well-wishers. He then took the floor to address the audience, sharing personal anecdotes and enriching experiences from his decades of service. These moments were further enriched by contributions from Aparna Sharath, president of Billawas Qatar, whose reflections on Poojary's impact resonated deeply with all present. The ceremony was warmly concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Nirmala Guru, head of finance, ICBF. Behind the scenes, the event was deftly coordinated by ICBF Managing Committee members Mani Bharathi, Shankar Goud, Irfan Ansari, Mini Siby—and Advisory Council member Satheesh V. True to its mission since 1984 of offering support and compassion to underprivileged Indians across Qatar, ICBF continues to uphold its core values of service, solidarity, and benevolence through such heartfelt recognitions.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Time of India
Lokayukta traps Mescom engineer while accepting bribe
Udupi: Sleuths of Karnataka Lokayukta (Mangaluru division) caught an assistant executive engineer (AEE) of Mescom office in Brahmavar, Udupi, while allegedly accepting a bribe on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ashok Poojary, Mescom AEE, allegedly harassed a person for about two months for providing an electricity connection to a house. To provide the connection, Poojary demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant. Unwilling to pay a bribe for a govt service, the complainant reported the matter to the Udupi Lokayukta police station, said Kumarachandra, SP (in-charge), Lokayukta. On Friday morning, Poojary was caught by Lokayukta police at the Brahmavar Mescom office while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant. The officer was taken into custody, and the investigation is going on, he said. Manjunath, in-charge deputy superintendent of police, Lokayukta, Udupi, Rajendra Naik, M, police inspector, Lokayukta, Udupi, and Bharati, G, police inspector, Lokayukta, Mangaluru, along with staff from the Udupi and Mangalore Lokayukta stations were part of the operation.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong leader accuses BJP MLA of not taking action during rain disaster
Mangaluru: KPCC general secretary Padmaraj R Poojary criticised MLA D Vedavyas Kamath for failing to support the rescue operations during the recent rain-related disasters. Poojary told reporters on Monday that the MLA of Mangaluru City South forgot his responsibilities and was engaged in political mudslinging even when the city witnessed artificial flooding and other disasters. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He said the MLA also did not meet district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to discuss rain-related issues. "Heavy downpour caused significant destruction, including loss of lives, in Dakshina Kannada. People elected their MLAs with the hope of working for the constituency, especially in times of crisis. Unfortunately, MLA Kamath was engaged in political mudslinging targeting the Congress govt, even when roads in the city were witnessing artificial flooding," Poojary said. He stated that the BJP, which was in power in the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) council for five years, did not do anything to prevent the flooding of roads. The unscientific development works taken up under the Smart City Mission were also a reason for the artificial flooding. On the instructions of chief minister Siddaramaiah, the district minister visited various places, distributed ex-gratia to the families of those who died in the natural disaster, and also held official meetings to strengthen the disaster response network. Being an elected representative, Kamath should have met the minister and given his suggestions to tackle the rain damage. Condemning the murder of Abdul Rahiman, Poojary said, "I checked the background of Rahiman and I assert confidently that he was an innocent youth, who had no criminal records in any police stations. No one has the right to kill anyone, even those who have criminal records. I have confidence that the new police officers appointed by the govt will be able to establish peace and harmony in the district." In response to a query, Poojary said that he will seek more funds for disaster management in the district.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
MP instructs UUDA to clear pending files related to single layout plans within fortnight
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary, on Saturday, instructed the Udupi Urban Development Authority (UUDA) to clear pending files related to single layout plan approvals within a fortnight. Presiding over a meeting at the Udupi Deputy Commissioner's office in Manipal, Mr. Poojary said that applicants have complained to him that UUDA is delaying the clearance of their files, making it difficult for them to construct their houses and other buildings. 'Notwithstanding government guidelines to approve such layouts having a six-meter setback from roads, thousands of applications remain pending due to negligence,'' he said. The MP stressed the need to eliminate middlemen from the process and ensure a people-friendly approach. Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said that over 11,000 applications seeking approval for layout plans are stuck at UUDA, and it should clear them fast. Kundapur MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi noted that applicants from far-off places like Kundapur and Byndoor are forced to visit the UUDA office repeatedly. 'Officials must act swiftly, keeping public inconvenience in mind,'' he urged. Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty said that the delay is damaging the reputation of the elected representatives, as people are pointing fingers at them. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Udupi Abid Gadyal instructed the authority to process applications backed by gram panchayat recommendations without delay, especially for those travelling long distances. Following a detailed discussion, the UUDA's Assistant Director assured that all pending files would be cleared within 15 days, after obtaining Public Works Department's clearance and adhering to the six meter road margin rule.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
LIC directed to refund entire investment to an octogenarian for lack of informed consent
The Udupi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission recently directed the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to refund ₹15 lakh invested by an octogenarian, as the insurance corporation had failed to obtain informed consent from him before selling the policy. Udupi Human Rights Protection Foundation president Ravindranath Shanbhag told reporters at Udupi on Thursday that 83-year-old Annappa Poojary from Beluru in Kundapura taluk wanted an assured income after selling his property in 2021. Earlier, he was running a business in Hubballi, but returned to his native after suffering a paralytic stroke. After selling the property for livelihood, he contacted an agent of the LIC, Kundapura branch, to invest the sale proceeds of ₹30 lakh to earn interest. The agent advised him to invest in 'Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana' (PMVVY), a subsidised scheme for senior citizens. Mr. Poojary invested the entire sum with LIC on the condition that he could withdraw the amount if needed. He received two policies for ₹15 lakh each on September 6, 2021, but was unable to read the terms and conditions as they were in English. Upon checking his bank passbook months later, Mr. Poojary noticed that the first deposit earned ₹9,250 in interest, while the second earned only ₹6,519 per month for the same amounts. The agent failed to answer his queries. As the combined interest was insufficient to cover his expenses, including treatment for Parkinson's disease, he wanted to surrender the second policy. To his shock, LIC informed him that the surrender value was ₹10,73,412 after 16 months. Dr. Shanbhag said that Mr. Poojary approached the foundation after making many failed attempts to have his investment refunded. The foundation initiated a case before the Consumer Commission in Udupi, which on May 21, 2025, directed the LIC to refund Mr. Poojary's entire investment along with ₹20,000 towards compensation for mental agony and legal expenses. While the first policy was issued under PMVVY, the second one was issued under LIC's Jeevan Akshay Scheme, which had different terms and conditions and a lower interest rate. Neither the LIC nor the LIC agent explained this to Mr. Poojary, Dr. Shanbhag said.
