Media Release
Kuwait, Jan 2: The Kuwait Kannada Koota (KKK), a non-profit socio cultural organization established in 1984 and a pioneer among Kannada associations in the city, held the 2017 Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations with great splendor at the auditorium of Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Doha road, here.
Kuwait and Republic of India National Anthems were played followed by the 'Nada Geethe' which marked the beginning of the programme. The chief guest on the occasion was Padmashree Dr Ullas Karanth, a conservation zoologist and a leading tiger expert, of global repute, from Karnataka. The chief guest and the executive committee of Kuwait Kannada Koota began the cultural event in traditional style of lighting the lamp. The Koota composed its own 'Koota Anthem' melodiously sung by Madhavi Kulkarni, Dr Surendra Nayak and the team. Dr Azad Saheb, vice-president of the Koota welcomed the chief guest, guests of honour, Vidushi Manasi Sudheer Rao and Vidwan Sudheer Rao Kodavoor from 'Nrityaniketana' Kodavoor, Udupi.
Dr Ullas Karanth spoke, at length, on the subject detailing his vast experience in the study of tigers followed by a video presentation. He stressed on the need for awareness and a feeling of pride for our own natural resources and animal wealth while, we appreciate and feel proud of our culture and heritage. Arun Kumar Bapu, president of the Koota addressed the gathering with a brief introduction of the chief guest and highlighting the concept and thematic conduct of the Rajyotsava event. His speach was supplemented through a profile presentation of the chief guest by Veena Giridhar.
The audience was enthralled with a cultural extravaganza themed 'Karunada Kanmanigalu', showcasing various talents related to the art, culture, science and heritage of Karnataka. The series of cultural events consisted of 'Tailada Siri', Savira Kiranava Chelli', 'Santasada Samaajakke', 'Guru Brahma', 'Geluve Geluve', 'Sharanam', “Nammamma Nammamma”, “Veera Bhoomi”, “Gandu Mettida Naadu”, “Oduva Seri Oduva”, “Lifenalli Gelloke”, “Dharitri”, “Rana Vikarama”, “Chennappa Channegawda”, “Chellidaru Malligeya', 'Kunjarada Gombe Kele', 'Sadhane Toride Nimagella', 'Huttidare Kannada Naadalli' and so on. Two special cultural dance dramas 'Maley Bantu Maley' and 'Hachchevu Kannadada Deepa', directed by Vidushi Manasa Sudhir and Vidwan Shri Sudhir Rao were among the stage thrills; directors of Nrithya Niketana, Udupi and special guests on the occasion travelled all the way from Udupi to be part of the programme.
The souvenir 'Marala Mallige', a creation of Marala Mallige team in co-ordination with the souvenir committee team was released on the occasion commemorating the Rajyostsava. This was followed by felicitation of the chief guest Dr Ullas Karanth, special guests Vidwan Shri Sudhir Rao and Vidushi Manasa Sudhir. The event sponsor Joy Alukkas and other sponsors were also felicitated during the occasion. The Koota, on this occasion expressed special gratitude to the 'stage logistic provider' Ajay Ghosh and his wife by felicitating them on the eve of their 25th year of continued co-operation with the Koota providing their services in all Koota activities.
The cultural committee convener Gayatri Bhat and co-convener Nagamani Ullas excellently directed the entire Rajyotsava programme. Jithendra Rao, secretary and Mahesh Shiramgond, treasurer of Koota proposed the vote of thanks.