Latest news with #RaniAbbakka
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MP urges Centre for Rani Abbakka Maritime University
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, on Tuesday, met the secretary of the ministry of ports and shipping, TK Ramachandran, and urged the establishment of a Maritime University in Mangaluru. He proposed that the university be named after Rani Abbakka as a tribute to the warrior queen who fought valiantly in safeguarding the coast of Bharat. "The Rani Abbakka Maritime University will both pay homage to an iconic national figure and create a future-ready workforce trained in marine engineering, maritime law, port and terminal management, and maritime informatics," said Captain Chowta. In a letter seeking the same, he highlighted that the establishment of the university aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision and the nation's strategic goal to emerge as a global maritime hub. Drawing attention to Mangaluru's geographic advantages, historical significance, and proximity to major ports and educational institutions, Captain Chowta said it would make it an ideal location for such an institution. Chowta also met Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi on Wednesday to formally request the establishment of a National Maritime University in Mangaluru and proposed to name it after Rani Abbakka. He proposed that the university offer a wide range of programmes, including BTech, BSc, BBA, MTech, MBA, MSc, and diplomas, catering to the skill development, research, and policy innovation needs of India's maritime advancement. The proposal also seeks the active participation of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), which is celebrating its golden jubilee this year, in commissioning a detailed project report (DPR). Some of the requests made to the ministry are the constitution of an expert committee to develop the university framework and the initiation of inter-ministerial consultations for stakeholder alignment.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
MP pitches national maritime university in Mangaluru
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta met Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Delhi on Wednesday and appealed to set up a national maritime university in Mangaluru and name it after Rani Abbakka, the legendary Tuluva queen who fought against foreign rule. The meeting follows detailed discussion Capt. Chowta had with the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways T.K. Ramachandran in Delhi on Tuesday during which the MP had strongly pitched for Mangaluru to house the university proposed by him. According to Capt. Chowta, the university proposed aims to serve as a world-class centre for maritime education, research, and innovation, while commemorating the legacy of Rani Abbakka, a naval warrior. In a letter submitted to the Minister the MP said that Mangaluru offers ideal conditions for hosting a national-level maritime university. The Western coast's importance in trade, national security and the blue economy further reinforces the strategic merit of the location, that is Mangaluru. '...I request to constitute an expert committee to explore and recommend a framework for the university, ask New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) to prepare a detailed project report and initiate an inter-Ministerial and stakeholder consultations as appropriate...,' the letter said. Capt. Chowta said: '...India's maritime sector is undergoing a transformational phase – transitioning towards cleaner fuels like LNG and methanol, integrating AI-based technologies for vessel and cargo management, and expanding deep draft and trans shipment port capacities. This dynamic environment requires a future-ready workforce trained in disciplines such as marine engineering, maritime law, port and terminal management and maritime informatics...' The MP said that if the university came up it will cater to the needs mentioned by him through a comprehensive academic portfolio including BBA, MBA, and diploma programmes. 'It will serve as a critical institutional anchor to nurture skilled professionals, foster innovation and research and support policy development for India's maritime advancement.' Capt. Chowta said that setting up the university will be timely now as 2025 marks the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abbakka and coincides with the golden jubilee of NMPA.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Union minister urged to introduce direct train from Mangaluru to Ayodhya
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has written to Union minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting a direct train from Mangaluru to Ayodhya. The MP reached out to the minister in response to the growing public demand from the people of the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka. The MP stated that a direct train between these two cities would not only serve the growing travel needs but also emerge as a symbolic cultural corridor, beautifully showcasing the ancient bonds between southern and northern India. Since there is no direct train at present connecting the two cities, passengers are forced to undertake long and inconvenient journeys via Bengaluru or other junctions, often spending over 40 hours in transit. A direct train would bring relief to the pilgrims and devotees and would be wholeheartedly welcomed by lakhs across the coastal and Malnad regions. A weekly or bi-weekly direct train between Mangaluru and Ayodhya via Hassan, Arsikere, and Ballari, or via the Konkan railway route that includes Madgaon, Kalyan, and Nagpur, will greatly promote spiritual tourism, cultural exchange, and ease of travel for citizens of coastal Karnataka, the MP said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Rename Kannur Express as Rani Abbakka Express Chowta also urged Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to rename the Kannur Express (train No. 16511/16512) as Rani Abakka Express in honour of one of India's earliest and fiercest freedom fighters, Rani Abbakka of Ullal. This year marks the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abbakka, and it presents a fitting moment to pay tribute to her indomitable courage and patriotism. As the queen of Ullal in the 16th century, Rani Abbakka led a valiant resistance against Portuguese colonial forces, defending the sovereignty of her land with unmatched bravery. Renaming the Kannur Express, which originates from KSR Bengaluru and terminates in Kannur, and passes through the coastal belt of Karnataka via Mangaluru, would be a symbolic tribute to her legacy as a national hero, whose contributions deserve broader recognition, the MP stated.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
MP seeks train from Mangaluru to Ayodhya
Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta has appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a direct train between Mangaluru and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, and rename Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur Express after late Rani Abbakka. In a letter to the Minister on July 18, Capt. Chowta said that demand for such a train from the people of coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka is growing. The Member of Parliament stated: 'Mangaluru and the wider region of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Sanatana traditions. The reverence for Bhagwan Sri Ram, reflected in local bhajans, temples, and age-old customs, binds this region to Ayodhya at a civilizational level. A direct train between these two cities would not only serve the growing travel needs, but also emerge as a symbolic cultural corridor, beautifully showcasing the ancient bonds between southern and northern India, as envisioned by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.' He said, in the absence of a direct train between the two cities, passengers are forced to undertake long and inconvenient journeys via Bengaluru, or other junctions, often spending over 40 hours on travel. '... A weekly or bi-weekly direct train between Mangaluru and Ayodhya, via Hassan, Arsikere, and Ballari, or via the Konkan Railway route — Madgaon, Kalyan, and Nagpur — will greatly promote spiritual tourism, cultural exchange, and ease travel for citizens from coastal Karnataka,' states the letter. Request to rename train In another letter to the Minister on the same day, the Member of Parliament requested Mr. Vaishnaw to rename Train Nos. 16511/16512 (Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur) as 'Rani Abakka Express', in honour of one of India's earliest and fiercest freedom-fighters Rani Abbakka of Ullal. 'Her legacy continues to inspire generations across coastal Karnataka and beyond,' the letter stated. Capt. Chowta stated: 'This year marks the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abakka, and it presents a fitting moment to pay tribute to her indomitable courage and patriotism. As the queen of Ullal in the 16th century, Rani Abakka led a valiant resistance against Portuguese colonial forces, and defended the sovereignty of her land with unmatched bravery. She is widely regarded as one of the first Indian women freedom-fighters to wage a war against foreign invaders.' The letter added: 'Rani Abakka's defiance against the Portuguese, her refusal to submit to colonial demands, and her strategic alliances with neighbouring rulers marked her as a visionary leader. Her resistance lasted for decades, and her story is a proud chapter in our nation's history, especially for the people of Mangaluru and the broader Tulu Nadu region, who revere her as a symbol of courage, independence, and cultural pride.' He said that renaming Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Kannur Express would be a meaningful and symbolic tribute to her legacy as a national hero, whose contributions deserve broader recognition.
