Octogenarian, Senior Commandant (Rtd.) CRPF, BS Kallur has retired from active or formal service long back. But the way he is engaged himself makes even people in their teens ashamed. Despite an eventful career spanning a series of encounters, and threats on life apart from being on the hit list of many ultra outfits, initially, he appeared not interested in sharing his experiences with the pioneer police force. However, after continuous persuasion for several months, he agreed to speak out when requested that his reminisces could be a great source of inspiration and motivation to all those interested in the present generation. Excerpts from his prolonged interaction over a period of time over the cell phone and personal interactions: Q: Can you brief about your native place and upbringing? BS Kallur: I was born in Dharwad on 15 February 1942 at my great-grandfather Diwan Bahadur Menasinkai Nana’s house. I had my initial schooling there in the KE Board’s High School. Later I went to th
Dr Pratap Kumar Pani is a renowned Neuro Surgeon with 38 years of professional experience in the field and had been associated with the top hospitals in the country. However, he doesn’t seem to be content about his series of accolades so far as he is now dreaming of ensuring world-class health infrastructure at an affordable cost or if possible, at no cost in his home state Odisha. Charity begins from home: Dr Pratap Kumar Pani’s vision is not a sudden awakening due to formal retirement in the medical profession. On the other hand, his craving for serving society began way back when he was merely 17 years old. Then he was still studying in the Intermediate, known as ISc. He established a school in his native village. Thanks to his regular visits, once or twice a month, even after migrating to Bengaluru, the school has developed into a model institution over a period of time. He is extremely happy to recall the growth of the school and takes pride in informing -“The first student of th