News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Feb 1: Vokkaliga Sangha celebrated 'Vokkaliga Mahotsava 2016', a festival of religious and cultural programmes at Radhabai T Bhandary auditorium, Kurla east on Saturday January 30 evening.

In the programme chaired by Sangha president Rangappa C Gowda, former Indian prime minister H D Devegowda was the chief guest. Mandya district K R Pete MLA, Vokkaliga Sangha Maharashtra Mumbai founder president Dr Narayana R Gowda, Bunts Sangha Mumbai president Karnire Vishwanatha Shetty, Adichunchanagiri trust's Dr Sunil Mallesh were present as guests of honour. Vishwa Vokkaliga directory editor K T Chandru, customs assistant commissioner R C Chetan and honorary doctorate awardee Dr Shiva M Moodigere were honored on the occasion.

“Vokkaligas and Bunts belong to one community. Both have grown strong in Karnataka,” said Karnire Vishwanath.

Vice president Puttaswamy N Gowda, Mohankumar J Gowda, honorary treasurer Ravindra N Gowda, joint secretary Manjunath K Gowda, joint treasurer Manjunath C Gowda, administrative committee members D S
Muthe Gowda, Umesh R Gowda, leaders of different local committees, women's and youth wing office bearers and members were present.

The programme started with farmer's song by Dr Shamitha Malnad. Srinivas Bengaluru compered the programme and introduced the guests. Honorary chief secretary K Raje Gowda welcomed and gave a key note address. Rangappa C Gowda proposed the vote of thanks.

Well known film background singer Dr Shamitha Malnad, comedian Bank Janardan, Honnavalli Krishna, Cha Cha Biryani and group presented different entertainment programmes. Vokkaliga community children and
women presented Janapada and cultural programme.