Udupi, Feb 22: A cow has given birth to an abnormal calf in Kelarkala-bettu village near Udupi creating a sense of excitement, anxiety and sensation. The cow belongs to a certain Saraswathi.

The calf is a Holstein breed. It is a male calf with its forehead conjoined with its mouth resembling that of a rhino which is causing it to breathe hard.

The birth of such a calf is a rare phenomenon known as hydrocephalus. Such births are two in ten thousand, says Dr Sandeep, veterinary medical officer, Malpe.

Resembling a baby hippopotamus, the calf has become the centre of attraction among villagers who have been flocking in hundreds to get catch a glimpse of the rare sight.

Kundapur, Feb 19: A public rally was recently held in Kundapur Gandhi Maidan by the CPI (M) condemning the rise in prices for petrol and diesel.

Addressing the rally H Narasimha explained that it was a deliberate attempt by the center and the rise in prices in the international market was only a rose for the ruling parties, which were anti-people and anti-democratic.

CPI [M] district unit leader K Shanker also spoke on the occasion and said that it was like adding salt to the injury already inflicted to the poor who suffer due to the price-rise for the essentials commodities. He urged the Government to withdraw the price-hike in petroleum products.

The rally was headed by the taluk secretary Mahabala Vaderhobli, Chandra Shaker and S Laxman D.

Kundapur, Feb 15: Feast of the relic of St Antony at the popular St Antony's Shrine at Kerekatte was held on Friday February 15.

To commemorate this occasion, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general of Mangalore diocese along with Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest of Byndoor, Fr Xavier Pinto, parish priest of Basrur and caretaker of St Antony’s shrine, Kerekatte and several other priests of Kundapur and Kallianpur deanery.   

Although, it had rained heavily on Thursday February 14 night, all the celebrations went on as planned, sources informed.

It is believed that the native peasants here had begun worshipping a wooden statue which was found in their paddy field, centuries ago.  Blessed Joseph Vaz, while on his visit to this area in 1684, recognized it as St Antony’s statue. Since then, Kerekatte has gradually developed into pilgrimage centre. Moreover, the picturesque surroundings of Kerekatte evoke the inner spirituality. A grand annual feast is held here on June 13.
 
Hundreds of devotees from various parts of the state paid visit to At Antony’s shrine, Kerekatte on Friday and offered their prayers to St Antony. 

Meanwhile, Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu launched new website of the shrine www.stantonykerekatte.com on the occasion.  The website has been developed by Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd.

Udupi: Dinakar Shetty and Indira Shekhar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were elected unopposed as president and vice president of Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) here on Friday.

They are second time municipal councillors.

Their election was announced by Deputy Commissioner P. Hemalatha.

The BJP has 28 members in the CMC which has 35 wards. The Congress has six members and there is one independent member in the council. Mr. Shetty, a commerce graduate, represents the Settibettu ward. An active member of the RSS, Mr. Shetty has served as a member of the State Committee of the BJP Yuva Morcha. He is the president of Udupi city unit of the party.

Ms. Shekhar represents the Kalmady ward.

Speaking after his election, Mr. Shetty said that he would strive towards providing a transparent and pro-development administration. He would try to generate resources for the council and collect taxes. He would try to provide better civic amenities and beautify the city. Priority would be given for drinking water supply, roads and cleanliness.

Ms. Shekhar said that she would help the president in providing a pro-active administration. Chairman of the Third Finance Commission A.G. Kodgi said that the CMC should mobilise resources on its own and utilise them fully.

MLC V.S. Acharya and CMC commissioner Nagesh Shanbhag were present.

Kundapur, Feb 15: The key to success lies in putting in one's best efforts but the efforts would go to a waste if the younger generation gets itself addicted to alcohol and drugs. Our students should therefore make the best use of their formative periods of school and college days, advised circle inspector Valentine D’Souza.

Speaking at the annual sports meet of Bhandarkar's College here Valentine said that students should keep themselves fit both physically and mentally by participating in sports, games and such other co-curricular activities.

Prof K Shantaram, head of the department of commerce presided over the function. Chenna Poojary, principal PU College was present. Naveen Kumar Shetty, member of sports committee read out the list of prize winners while Narayana, physical director presented the annual sports report. G M Gowda welcomed the gathering.

A dance was performed by the students on the occasion as part of the cultural programmes.