Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)
Mumbai, Apr 24: Prashant Kumar Poojary and Deeksha Kotian were crowned Mr and Miss Billawa in a sparkling pagent organized by Rudra Entertainment led by young journalist and fashion choreographer, Sanidh Poojary, in association with Billawar Association, Mumbai at Sri Narayanaguru auditorium of Billawar Bhavan located at Santacruz (east) here on Sunday April 23.
A native of Bajpe, Mangaluru, Deeksha is the daughter of Chandrahas and Padma Kotian and works at TCS. Prashant, son of Kumar Aithal and Shakunthala Poojary, is a trainer at a fitness studio and has acted in a movie that is yet to release.
Presiding over the formal programme, president of Rashtreeya Billawa Maha Mandala Mulki, and working president of Bharath Bank, Jaya C Suvarna, noted that several current movie actors and artistes belong to Billawa community, and that among them, currently, Rajashekhar Kotian has emerged as a shining example.
"All of them are inspiring our youths of the future. Our people should represent our community in all fields including cinema and bring laurels to the community. All this is possible because of the young people. I hope and wish that this competition, which is attractive, will reflect our culture," he wished.
Mayor of Thane city corporation, Meenakshi (R Shindhe) Poojary, inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp. Mayor of Ullasnagar city corporation, Meena Ahilani, president of Billawar Assoocition Mumbai, Nityanand D Kotian, former president, LV Ameen, president of youth welfare committee of the association, Nilesh Poojary Palimaru, president of Kannadiga Journalists Association Maharashtra, Chandrashekhar Palettady, social worker, Mangala Chaddha, well-known choreorapher and guest artiste, Sandeep Soparkar, Nisha Poojary of Rudra Entertainment, Rajesh Poojary, and Kalpta Poojary were present at the dais. Sponsors of the programme and judges of the competition, Reena M Poojary, Deepti D Suvarna, Prema Kotian and major contributor, Ashalata Kotian, Laxmi N Kotian, Baby S Kuckian, Prabhakar Beluvai and others were presented with mementos and bouquets.
Sandeep Soparkar, in his address, said that Billawar Bhavana is like his own family home. He said that when he mingles with people from Tulu Nadu, he gets the taste of eating Kori Rotti. He noted that the people of the community are beautiful and wished that the competitions like these which hold people like him spellbound, will inspire youngsters.
Meenkshi Poojary said that this day is marked as literary day, and noted that beauty pageant on this occasion has enriched it. She wanted organizations of the community to extend support for such beautiful contests. She felt that youngsters in the community can be brought under an organization only if the leaders of the society inspire them.
L V Ameen felt that the competitions like these provide stage for talents in the community. He praised Sanidh Poojary for conceptualizing such a programme, and wished that more such programmes will be staged in the coming days.
Chandrashekhar Palettady noted that the metro is rich with variety of cultures and it represents the culture of unity amid plenty. He felt that this metro is ideal for supporting cultural field and showcasing them. Noting that fashion shows are the programmes which need lot of preparations, he hailed Sanidh for organizing this programme beautifully in such a short period. He praised Sanidh for being a successful organizer who has brought youngsters together and enriched their personalities.
Meena Ahilani, in her address, wished all the contestants every success.
Nityananda Kotian said that Billawar Association has been supporting talents from the community. Noting that all this has become possible because of hard work of the ancestors, he wanted the young people to at least take part in such programmes and lead organizations and the society as a whole forward.
At the beginning, Sandeep Soparkar garlanded the statue of Brahmasri Narayana Guru installed at the puja roomof the hall. He also performed puja, signifying inaugural of the programmes. Vidhita Poojary rendered prayer. Assistant editor of 'Akshaya' monthly, delivered introductory address. Deepak Shetty presented the programme. Main organizer of the programme and director of Rudra Etertainment, Sanidh Poojary, welcomed and proposed vote of thanks.
In the final round of the contest, a total of 30 contestants took part in both the sections.