ಭೋಜರಾವ್‌ ಕಂಪೌಂಡ್, ಗೋಪಾಲ ಮಾಸ್ಟ್ರು ಹಾಗೂ ಶಾರದಾ ಟೀಚರ್

ನಾನು ಪೂರ್ಣಪ್ರಜ್ಞ ಕಾಲೇಜಿಗೆ 1977ರಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದು ಸೇರಿದಾಗ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಸಮಯ ABMM ಹೋಸ್ಟೆಲ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು ನಂತರ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಅನುಕೂಲತೆಗಾಗಿ ಹೋಗಿ ಸೇರಿದ್ದು ಉಡುಪಿಯ ವಾದಿರಾಜ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಭೋಜರಾವ್‌ ಕಂಪೌಂಡ್‌ಗೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿನಾನು ಕಳೆದ ಮೂರು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನೆನಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಖಾಯಂ ಆಗಿ ಇರುವಂತಹ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಗೋಪಾಲ ಮಾಸ್ಟ್ರು ಹಾಗೂ ಶಾರದಾ ಟೀಚರ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಅವರ ಮಕ್ಕಳಾದ ಸುಧೀರ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಮತ. ಗೋಪಾಲ ಮಾಸ್ಟ್ರು ಅವರ ಮನೆ ಸಹ ಅದೇ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು. ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಬಾರ್ಕೂರಿಗೆ ಬಾಸ್ಕರ ಕೋಟ್ಯಾನ್‌ ಮನೆಗೆ, ಬೆಣ್ಣೆಕದ್ರುಗೆ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋದದ್ದು, ಕೆಲವು ಪ್ರವಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋದದ್ದು, ಆಗಾಗ ಮಿತ್ರಸಮಾಜ ಹೋಟೇಲಿಗೆ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದುದು ಈಗಲೂ ನೆನಪಿದೆ. ನನ್ನ ಸಹಪಾಠಿಗಳಾದ ಕಾಸರಗೋಡಿನ ನಾರ್ತ್‌ ಮಲಬಾರ್‌ ಬೇಂಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಉನ್ನತ ಹುದ್ದೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು ಈಗ ಕುಂಬಳೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಜೀವನ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಶಿವರಾಮ ಭಟ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಸ್ಟೇಟ್‌ ಬೇಂಕಿನಿಂದ ಆಪೀಸರ್‌ ಆಗಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಹೊಂದಿದ ಮುಳ್ಳೇರಿಯ ಸಮೀಪದ ಅಯಿಪಂಜಿಗುಳಿಯ ಹಾಗೂ ಈಗ ಮೈಸೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಜೀವನ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಮುರಳೀಧರ ಎ ಆರ್‌ - ನಾವು ಗೋಪಾಲ ಮಾಸ್ಟ್ರು ಹಾಗೂ ಟೀಚರ್‌ ಅವರಿಂದ ತುಂಬ ಸಹಾಯ ಸಹಕಾರಗಳನ್ನು ಪಡೆದಿದ್ದೇವು. ಯಾವುದೇ ವಿಷಯದ ಬಗೆಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ವಿಷಯ ಬೇಕಾದರೆ ಅವರಿಬ್ಬರಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಚಾರಿಸಿದರೆ ಸಾಕಿತ್ತು. ಗೋಪಾಲ ಮಾಸ್ಟ್ರು ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಬೇಗನೆ ಹೋದದ್ದು ನಮಗೆಲ್ಲಾ ತುಂಬಾ ಬೇಸರವನ್ನು ತಂದಿದೆ.

ಮಮತನ ಮಗಳ ಮದುವೆಗೆ ಹೋಗಲಿಕ್ಕೆ ಆಗದಕಾರಣ ಮದುವೆ ಮೊದಲ ದಿನ ಜರಗುವ ಆರತಿಗೆ ಹೋಗುವುದೆಂದು ತೀರ್ಮಾನಿನಿಸಿದೆವು. ನನ್ನ ಬಾವ ಗೋಪಿಕೃಷ್ಣ ಭಟ್‌ ಅವರ ಯೋಜನೆಯಂತೆ 22ನೇ ತಾರೀಕಿನಂದು ಅವರ ಕಾರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು, ಹಾಗೂ ನಾನು ಪೂರ್ಣಪ್ರಜ್ಞ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲಿತು ಮುಗಿಸಿದ ನಾಲ್ಕು ವರ್ಷದ ನಂತರ ಭೋಜರಾವ್‌ ಕಂಪೌಂಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಉಡುಪಿಯ ಟೌನ್‌ ಬೇಂಕಿನ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಮೆನೇಜರ್‌ ಆಗಿದ್ದ ಸುಬ್ರಮಣ್ಯ ಉಡುಪರು, ಕಾರ್ಪರೇಶನ್‌ ಬೇಂಕಿನ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಮೆನೇಜರ್‌ ಆಗಿದ್ದ ನಾಗರಾಜ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಗೋಪಿಕೃಷ್ಣ ಭಟ್‌ ಅವರೋಂದಿಗೆ ಹೊರಟೆವು. ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ಸೌಂದರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಆಸ್ವಾದಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಆಗುಂಬೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚಾ ಸೇವಿಸಿ ತೀರ್ಥಹಳ್ಳಿಗೆ ತಲಪುವಾಗ ಸುಮಾರು 11.45 ಆಗಿತ್ತು. ಶರದಾ ಟೀಚರ್‌ನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಳೆದ ದಿನಗಳ ನೆನಪುಗಳನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡೆವು. ಸುಧೀರ್‌ನ್ನು ಸುಮಾರು ನಲ್ವತ್ತೆರಡು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ನಂತರ ನೋಡಿ ಸಂತಸವಾಯಿತು. ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಮುಗಿಸಿ ಮಣಿಪಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವಾಗ ಸುಮಾರು 4.30 ಗಂಟೆ ಆಗಿತ್ತು. ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯ, ಆದರೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಆತ್ಮೀಯ ನೆನಪುಗಳು ಎಂದಿಗೂ ಹಸಿರಾಗಿವೆ. ಈ ನೆನಪುಗಳನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಾಗ ಸಂತಸವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ, ಅಲ್ಲದೆ. ಜೀವನ ಬದಲಾಗಿ ಒಂದಿಷ್ಟು ದಿನಗಳು ಮರಳಿ ಬಂದಂತೆ  ಅನುಭವವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. 

Upholding Academic Quality Through Ethical Conduct: A Personal Reflection

Quality within any educational institution is fundamentally determined by the people who work there; it cannot be imposed solely by top management or the Vice Chancellor. Furthermore, labelling the entire system as corrupt is inconsistent if we, as stakeholders, continue to support or enable such corruption. When I learned of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arresting professors from reputed institutes for allegedly inflating grades, I could not help but think that these interventions should have occurred a decade ago.

During my tenure as a NAAC Peer Team Coordinator in one of the colleges, I witnessed a commendable stance taken by Dr. Vijay Joshi, former Principal of K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, who accompanied me as a member of the NAAC Peer Team. He supported my view and informed the college management that the team would not accept any favours, including the customary shawls or mementoes. This reminded me of a similar principle my research guide, Dr. Yashawanth Dongre—currently the Vice Chancellor of Chanakya University—upheld during his interactions with students and colleagues.

A pertinent example involves Prof. Sathish Bhat, a distinguished faculty member at Canara College, Mangalore, who was pursuing his M.Phil. under the supervision of Dr. D. K. Puduval, then Chairman of the Commerce Department at Mangalore University. Tragically, Dr. Puduval succumbed to renal failure, at which point Dr. Dongre stepped in to guide Prof. Bhat to complete his M.Phil. After Prof. Bhat’s successful viva, Prof Bhat sought permission to visit Dr. Dongre at home to express his gratitude. Dr. Dongre agreed only on the condition that Prof. Bhat refrain from bringing gifts or mementoes. This illustrates how firmly held ethical standards help safeguard integrity in academia.

Upon joining Srinivas University, I recently witnessed the successful Ph.D. adjudication of my first candidate. Dr. Shwetha Pai, through perseverance, diligence, and commitment, defended her thesis on 8th February 2025 at the Mukka Campus. The external examiner for this defence was Dr. Digambar Datthatreya Kulkarni from L. K. Khot College of Commerce, Laxmeshwar, Belgavi. After an introductory address by Dr. Shailashri, Research Coordinator at the Institute of Management and Commerce, the viva voce was handed over to Dr. Kulkarni. Dr. Pai systematically presented her research and addressed all queries posed by the examiner.

Following the defence, Dr. Sureshramana Mayya, Research Guide and Chairman of Adjudication elaborated on the quality parameters that guide doctoral candidates at Srinivas University. He also extended gratitude to Dr. Praveen (Research Director) and all the Research Professors, fellow researchers, and students for their support and active participation. These events underscore that while institutional frameworks play a role in maintaining quality, the most impactful measures are those firmly rooted in the ethics, integrity, and commitment of the individuals who form the heart of any academic community.

Rangabhoomi: 40 Years of Cultural Brilliance and Artistic Triumph

Udupi’s pride, the legendary cultural institution “Rangabhoomi,” has  completed four decades of enriching the arts. Originally established as a platform to stage dramas, Rangabhoomi has evolved over the years, expanding its repertoire to include a diverse array of cultural programs. Today, it hosts drama competitions, playwriting contests, invited theatrical performances, training workshops, interactive dialogues, seminars, honours for veteran artists, book releases, children’s plays, and much more.

On February 2, 2025, a significant milestone was celebrated at Mudhana Mantapa, MGM College, Udupi. Dr. Bhaskarananda Kumar, an esteemed orthopedician and Yakshagana artist from Udupi was conferred the prestigious Rangabhoomi Prashasthi 2025. The function was presided over by Dr H S Ballal, the Honorary President of Rangabhoomi Udupi, whose leadership has been instrumental in steering the organization towards excellence.

The event was graced by an illustrious lineup of chief guests, including Dr. M B Puranik, Chairman of Sharada Group of Institutions, Mangalore; Shri Lakshminarayana Karanth, Principal of MGM College, Udupi; Shri H S Kedlaya, President of Udupi Cooperative Town Bank; and Shri Palli Kishan Hegde. Also present was Dr. Tallur Shivarama Shetty, President of Rangabhoomi Udupi, whose presence underscored the event's importance.

Following the formal awards ceremony, the evening took a lighter, yet equally engaging turn with a full-on comedy play titled “Iddaga Nimdu, Kaddaga Namdu.” Directed by the talented duo Asif Kshatriya and Shwetha Srinivas, the play was a delightful satire that explored human relationships, misunderstandings, misdeeds, and responsibilities. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the 1980s, the production had a retro flavour that resonated deeply with the audience, evoking fond memories of simpler times.

I had the pleasure of attending this remarkable programme and found it to be an unforgettable experience. It was heartwarming to reconnect with some of the faculty members from MGM College, many of whom I worked with during my own time at the institution. Their continued commitment to nurturing the arts and preserving Udupi’s rich cultural heritage is truly inspiring.

Rangabhoomi’s journey over the past four decades is a testament to its enduring legacy and its significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Udupi. As the institution continues to innovate and expand its horizons, it remains a beacon of artistic expression and a vital contributor to the community’s cultural vibrancy.

Embracing Tradition: My Journey Through Udupi’s Rangabhoomi Rangotsava on 1st February 2025

Udupi is celebrated not only as a city of rich culinary and temple traditions but also as a vibrant hub of arts, culture, drama, and music. The town has long been renowned for fostering both Karnataka and Hindustani art forms, and it continues to be a nurturing ground for intellectual and creative pursuits.

Rangabhoomi: A Unique Cultural Landmark

Rangabhoomi stands out as a unique institution in the state, hosting state-level drama competitions that attract participants and audiences from all over Karnataka. Over the years, it has also served as a centre for drama training workshops led by eminent personalities such as B.V. Karanth, Srinivas Prabhu, Chandru, and many other distinguished artists.

"ಇದರ ಬಗೆಗೆ ಹಲವಾರು ವಿಮರ್ಶೆಗಳನ್ನು ನಾನು ಓದಿದ್ದೆ. ಈ ನಾಟಕ ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರ ಮನಸ್ಸಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಹತ್ತನೆ ಶತಮಾನದ ಮಲ್ಲ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ರಾಜ ಒಕ್ಕಾಕ, ಅವನ ಹೆಂಡತಿ ಬಡವರ್ಗದ ಶಿಲವತಿ ಈಗ ಪಟ್ಟದ ರಾಣಿ. ಈ ದಂಪತಿಗೆ ಮಕ್ಕಳಾಗದೆ ಉತ್ತರಾಧಿಕಾರಿಯ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಉದ್ಭವಿಸಿದಾಗ ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಪರಿಷತ್ತು “ನಿಯೋಗ” ಪದ್ಧತಿಯ ಮೂಲಕ ರಾಣಿಯನ್ನು ಒಂದು ರಾತ್ರಿಯ ಧರ್ಮನಟಿಯನ್ನಾಗಿಸಲು ರಾಜನ ಅಸಮ್ಮತಿಯನ್ನು ಧಿಕ್ಕರಿಸಿ ಮುನ್ನಡೆದಾಗ ರಾಜನ ಅಸಾಮರ್ಥದಿಂದ ಒಳಗೊಳಗೆ ಕುದ್ದು ಹೋಗಿದ್ದ ಶೀಲವತಿ, ಹೆಣ್ಣುಗಂಡಿನ ಮಧುರ ಸಂಬಂಧಕ್ಕೆ ದೈಹಿಕ ಸುಖವೊಂದೇ ಮುಖ್ಯವಲ್ಲ ಎನ್ನುವ ಉದಾತ್ತತೆಯನ್ನು ಮೆರೆದು, ಅಪರಿಚಿತನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹಾಸಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮ್ಯೆ ಚೆಲ್ಲುವ ವೇಶ್ಯೆಯರ ಮನೋಭಾವಕ್ಕೆ ದಿಗ್ಬ್ರಾಂತಳಾಗುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ರಾಜಧರ್ಮ ಉಳಿವಿಗಾಗಿ ತಾನು ʼಧರ್ಮನಟಿʼಯಾಗುವುದು ಅನವಾರ್ಯವಾದಾಗ ತನ್ನ ಮಾಜಿ ಪಿಯಕರನಿಗೆ ಜಯಮಾಲೆ ಹಾಕಿ ಅವನಿಗೆ ಕನ್ಯತ್ವವನ್ನು ಅರ್ಪಿಸುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ರಾಜ ಅವಳ ನಡೆಯನ್ನು ಟೀಕಿಸಿದಾಗ ನಗ್ನಸ್ತ್ರೀಯರನ್ನು ಕಂಡರೂ ಮೈ ಬಸಿಯಾಗದ ರಾಜನ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಯನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದೂ ತನ್ನನ್ನು ಪುಷತ್ವದ ಮೂಲಿಕೆಯನ್ನಾಗಿಸಿದ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣೆಯ ನೆಪದ ಧರ್ಮ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮತೆಯನ್ನು ಪುರುಷ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಯ ಕಬಂಧ ಬಾಹುಗಳನ್ನು ಕಳಚಿ ಸ್ವಾಭಿಮಾನಿ ಹೆಣ್ಣಿನಂತೆ ಸಟೆದುನಿಂತು, ಪುರುಷನ ಎದೆಬಡಿತವನ್ನೇ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಬಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ " 

Rangabhoomi Rangotsava 2025

On February 1, 2025, Udupi hosted the much-anticipated Rangabhoomi Rangotsava. I got an opportunity to witness the programme firsthand, and it was an unforgettable experience. The event featured a special prize distribution ceremony for the 45th State Level Drama Festival at Mudhana Mantapa, MGM College, Udupi. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. H. S. Ballal, Honorary President of Rangabhoomi® Udupi, and was presided over by Dr. Tallur Shivarama Shetty, President of Rangabhoomi, Udupi.

Among the esteemed chief guests were:

• Sri Kishor Alva, Chairman and Managing Director, Adani Groups, Udupi
• Sri Venktramana Aithal, Director, Yaksharangayana, Karkala
• Smt. Poornima, Assistant Director, Department of Kannada and Culture, Udupi
• Prof. Lakshminarayana Karanth, Principal, MGM College, Udupi
• Sri Pradeep Kalkur, Kalkur Foundation, Mangalore

A Celebrated Performance

Following the ceremony, the first prize-winning entry from the drama competition was showcased. Rangaratha Trust from Bangalore presented the drama “Dharmanati,” a performance that truly resonated with the audience and met the high expectations of Udupi’s culturally discerning public. The play was skillfully translated by Dr. Sidhalinga Pattanshetty and directed by the talented duo Asif Kshatriya and Shwetha Srinivas.

Conclusion

Udupi’s vibrant cultural scene continues to thrive, with events like Rangabhoomi Rangotsava reaffirming the city’s status as a beacon of art and tradition. Witnessing the event in person was a truly inspiring experience that highlighted the region's deep commitment to nurturing dramatic arts. This dedication not only preserves the rich cultural heritage of the region but also inspires future generations of artists. The efforts of Tallur Shivarama Shetty are highly appreciable. 

 

A Delightful Wedding and a Walk Down Memory Lane

On January 2, 2025, amidst my busy research schedule, my wife requested that I accompany her to Amrutha Garden Convention Centre in Ambagilu for the wedding of her former student, Mr. Nithin. She had taught Nithin during his postgraduate studies at Manipal. His father Mr. Nithyananda Nayak was also known to me when he was working at Manipal.

We left home around 11:30 AM and reached the venue by 11:50 AM. The event turned out to be a delightful reunion as I had the chance to reconnect with several old friends, including Dr. R. P. Pai, Mr. Kamath, Mr. Prakash Rao, and the Physical Director of Vaikunta Baliga College of Law, Udupi, among others.

At 12:15 PM, we sat down for lunch, enjoyed the festive atmosphere, and extended our best wishes to the newlyweds. By 1:30 PM, we bid farewell to the venue and returned home, cherishing the warm memories of the day.

A Scenic Journey, Family Bonds, and Factory Wonders: Our Eventful Trip to Bangalore

 As per our original plan, my wife and I had booked tickets on an Air India flight to attend my sister Hema's son Vadiraj's wedding. Unfortunately, the flight was cancelled about a month ago. After discussing alternatives, we decided to book seats on the Vistadome train for a more scenic experience. We reserved seats on train number 16576, the MAJN-YPR Express, which operates from Mangalore Junction (MAJN) to Bangalore Yesvantpur Junction (YPR) on Mondays,Wednesdays, and Fridays. The train departs from Mangalore Junction at 11:30 AM and arrives at Yesvantpur Junction by 8:45 PM, covering the distance in approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes. It passes through 15 major stations along the way, offering a comfortable and picturesque journey through the Western Ghats before reaching Bangalore.

This alternative allowed us to enjoy a unique travel experience, with the added bonus of scenic views along the way. We booked tickets in the Vistadome compartments, specially designed train coaches to enhance the travel experience. These coaches come equipped with large windows, a glass-domed ceiling, and comfortable seating, offering passengers a 180-degree view of the surrounding scenery. The Vistadome provides a unique and immersive journey, allowing travellers to connect with nature and enjoy the natural beauty along the route.

Here are some key features of the Vistadome:

• Expansive Windows: The large panoramic windows offer unobstructed views of the breathtaking landscapes outside, ensuring passengers don't miss any scenic vistas.
• Glass Rooftop: The glass-domed ceiling allows natural sunlight to pour in during the day, creating an open and airy atmosphere, and offers passengers the chance to stargaze during nighttime journeys.
• LCD Screens: The Vistadome coaches are equipped with LCD screens, although they primarily display welcome messages in English and Hindi rather than entertainment programs.
• Printed Ceiling Wallpaper: The ceiling is adorned with printed wallpaper that features advertisements, adding a touch of personalization to the interior design.

These thoughtful additions make travelling in the Vistadome a much more engaging and scenic experience than traditional train compartments.

To enjoy the lush green landscapes along the Mangalore to Sakaleshpur route, we purposely planned our journey during September, a month known for its vibrant greenery thanks to the monsoon rains. This time of year transforms the Western Ghats into a stunning visual experience, making it the perfect season for our trip.

As is our routine before any travel, we inform our car driver, Mr. Vitala Nayak, a day in advance to ensure smooth transportation to the railway station. On this occasion, my wife Shreemathi called Mr. Nayak, who drives for "Sarathi," and arranged for him to pick us up at 9:30 a.m. on the 4th of September, 2024.

Preparations for our departure to Bengaluru began well in advance, with everything being set up the day before. Shreemathi took charge, ensuring that all the details were handled, including an important task: informing our son, Arun, to take care of our dog, Timon, during our absence. The name Timon was inspired by the loyal and witty character from Disney's The Lion King, and it felt like a fitting choice, given its positive connotations. Initially, our children came up with the idea, and I thought it was perfect, too. However, Shreemathi decided to change the name to Thimma, giving it a more traditional touch. Thimma seems to suit him better, and he has grown fond of the name.

With all the arrangements in place, we looked forward to our scenic train ride, knowing everything at home would be well taken care of.

As expected, the Sarathi car arrived promptly with Mr. Vital Nayak, our seasoned and ever-reliable driver. During the journey, we engaged in an interesting conversation about various issues surrounding the Manipal Group. We reminisced about its rich history and the key figures who contributed to making Manipal what it is today. Like us, Mr. Nayak, who has a deep respect for the people responsible for the Manipal experiment, shared his admiration and insights.

In just under an hour, we reached Kankanadi Junction. With about thirty minutes to spare, we decided to grab some snacks for the journey ahead. Right on schedule, the train departed at 11:30 AM. The Vistadome, as anticipated, had two bogies, and surprisingly, it wasn't fully occupied. While the service on the train wasn't quite up to the Vande Bharat Express standards, they offered coffee and lunch for purchase. However, the real highlight of the Vistadome was the breathtaking scenic beauty, which is simply unmatched.

Although the intermittent rain somewhat hampered our view and made photography challenging, the allure of the Western Ghats was still captivating. Shreemathi enjoyed the dry grapes she had thoughtfully packed from home, while I couldn't resist buying a couple of Maddur Vadas from Sakaleshpur railway station. These iconic snacks, originating from the town of Maddur in Mandya, about 80 kilometres from Bangalore, are quite different from the usual vadas. Unlike the typical doughnut-shaped vadas, Maddur Vadas are large, circular, and made with flour, onions, semolina, and spices, fried to crispy perfection on the outside while staying soft inside. Once I start munching on them, I find it hard to stop!

After we passed Sakaleshpur, the excitement waned a bit, and the journey felt long as it takes almost the entire day to reach Bangalore. Finally, we arrived at Yeshwantpur Station at 8:30 PM, concluding a scenic, memorable, albeit lengthy, trip.

Instead of searching for accommodation near Yeshwantpur, I booked an AC retiring  room at the railway station. Upon arrival, Mr. Kemparaja, the manager, warmly greeted us, who promptly handed us the key to Room A2. The room was spacious, with two clean beds, fresh linens, and a comfortable rug. The attached bathroom was equally large, with an excellent hot water facility, courtesy of the geyser. The air conditioning was in perfect working order, ensuring a comfortable stay.

After settling in, we had a meal in the room. Later, I took a short trip to the nearby DMart to pick up some daily essentials. Although the station announcements and other ambient sounds disturbed our sleep slightly, we managed to wake up early at 4:30 AM.

We left the waiting room by 5:15 AM to head to the Nandgokula Convention Hall in Girinagar, Bangalore. After negotiating with an elderly auto driver, we agreed on a fare of ₹350 for the 10 km journey. True to his word, the driver dropped us off at the venue precisely at 5:45 AM, making the early morning ride smooth and hassle-free.

At the venue, I met our relative Babuli, who kindly guided us to the room assigned to him so we could store our bags. We waited for the rest of our relatives to arrive, and by around 6:45 AM, they all gathered. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the hall, including Moode, Biscuit Ambade, various sweets, Dosa, coffee, tea, and milk. It was a pleasant meal that everyone appreciated.

Following the priest's guidance, I performed my traditional role of preventing the groom from going to Kashi, a ritual symbolic of keeping him tied to his responsibilities. The silk dhoti I had brought came in handy to maintain the cultural decorum during this part of the ceremony.

I was glad to catch up with many of my relatives, including my Mava (uncle), Bava (Shoka's husband), Somanath Bava (Kasturi's husband), Niskala (my eldest sister Vedavathi's daughter), her children Medha and her sister, Prathik (Shreekala's son), Shridevi and her husband, Raghavendra and his wife, Santhosh and his wife, Prashanth (Shuka's son), Shreemathi, Babuli's wife, their children, and many more. It was a joyful reunion and a great opportunity to reconnect with everyone.

Nikshala kindly invited us to visit her house after lunch, so we finished our meal a bit early and accompanied her by auto to her residence. On the way, she pointed out the spot where Renukaswami's body was found on the day of the tragic incident. Upon arriving, we were warmly welcomed by Nishkala's in-laws, including Venkatramana and her mother-in-law. Medha, Nishkala's younger daughter, had efficiently arranged all the logistics for our visit.

Nishkala took pride in showing us her beautifully renovated home, and I was particularly impressed by the thoughtful engineering work and the well-organized kitchen setup. It was a marvel of both design and practicality, reflecting her attention to detail. She graciously served us a special Kashaya (herbal drink), and to my delight, it tasted like my mother used to make. When I mentioned this, she revealed that my mother had indeed taught her how to prepare it that way—a heartwarming connection to family traditions.

What struck me most about Nishkala was her ability to see only the positive in people. She had a remarkable quality of never speaking negatively about anyone, which is truly something to be admired. Her strong relationships with all our relatives are a testament to this approach. During our conversation, she even floated the idea of organizing monthly gatherings for all our relatives who are settled in Bangalore, a thoughtful way to maintain family bonds and stay connected.

Later, Nishkala insisted that we visit their factory, and we gladly agreed. She immediately arranged an auto to take us to MN Industries, where her husband Mahesh is a partner. Upon arrival, we were introduced to Mahesh and Nagaraj, both partners in the company. Established in 2012, MN Industries has built a solid reputation in the field of Electrical Motors, catering to the needs of ABB Industries and several other firms.

Mahesh gave us a detailed explanation of the operations at MN Industries, and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that some of their products are used in the manufacturing of helicopters. The quality and precision of their work have earned them significant recognition and respect in the industry. During our visit, we also had the chance to speak with Nagaraj, who is a charming and dedicated partner in the business. Mahesh and Nagaraj appeared hardworking and passionate about their operations, making it clear why the business is thriving.

As the time for our return journey approached, we had to leave to catch the Panchaganga Express, which was scheduled to depart from Bangalore Railway Station at 6:50 PM. Nishkala quickly arranged for an auto to take us back to her house, where she graciously served us tea and snacks. We left her home at 5:15 PM and reached Majestic Railway Station by 5:45 PM. After rushing through the station, we waited until the train's departure at 6:50 PM.

The journey back to Udupi was quite comfortable. My alarm woke me up at 4:20 AM when the train reached Mulki, and shortly after, we arrived in Udupi at 4:30 AM. From there, we took an auto and reached home by 4:45 AM, concluding a memorable trip.