Pics: Broadway Events
News: Shodhan Prasad
Dubai, Apr 18: Namma Kundapra Kannada Balaga (NKKB), formed last year to unite Kannadigas of Kundapura under one umbrella, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, proved successful while they hosted their first anniversary on April 13, with a day-long event at Crowne Plaza, Deira.
President Sadan Das welcomed the full crowded invitees at the banquet hall comprising of businessmen, executives, bachelors, families and children all under one roof traditionally dressed up and enthusiastically enjoying the day with full of vigor.
Invitees included guest of honor philanthropist scholar Appanna Hegde who is also a seasoned politician from Basrur, Ajith Kumar Shetty from Shanadya who is a bureaucrat in Karnataka government, Manu Handadi, a teacher and a standup comedian and Sudhakar Arate, a renowned lawyer from Chembur. All of them inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with honorary presidents of NKKB Varadaraj Shetty, MD, Ramee Group of Hotels and PraveenKumar Shetty, MD, Fortune Group of Hotels, vice-president Dinesh Devadiga, MD of Elegant Group of Companies, president Sadan Das, Sheena Devadiga of Bombay Udupi Restaurant, Prakash Naik of Mogaveers Muscat and other dignitaries. Initially the guests were welcomed with traditional ‘Poorna Kamba Kalasha’ from the entrance to the stage by the women volunteers of NKKB.
Vice-president Dinesh Devadiga, rendered the welcome speech while president Sadan Das gave an introductory speech on the agenda of NKKB. He briefed on the works NKKB has been doing so far as per their agenda and that any members can share their grievances with NKKB for any assistance in this part of the world.
Businessman Varadaraj Shetty was bestowed with ‘Udyog Ratna’ award and felicitated while scholar Appanna Hegde was conferred with ‘Seva Ratna’ award. Both were felicitated with flower bouquet, Mysore Peta, felicitation certificate, fruit basket, memento and award by all the guests on the stage.
Other guests honoured during the event were Sudhakar Arate, Ajith Kumar Hegde, Praveen Kumar Shetty, Meera Saheb, Yahya, Prakash Naik, Sheena Devadiga, Manu Handadi, RJ Nayana, Marattur Shetty and Shodhan Prasad for social service. All were honoured with shawl, flower and appreciation letter.
All the guests of honour spoke on the event and shared their views. In common, all of them mentioned that it is essential to have an association like this to take care of our own people in this part of the world.
Different forms of dances were beautifully presented on the stage by the children of the members and various dance institutes of Dubai which mesmerized the audience who cheered and applauded. All the participants were honoured for their participation.
The event which took the audience into laughter world was when well-known standup comedian Manu Handady came to the stage with his typical Kundapura Kannada dialect. His two sessions made the crowd enjoy and tumble out of the chairs with laughter.
There were some cinematic songs sung by some of the members who rendered melodious numbers which were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. They were all honoured after the event for their participation.
Well-known RJ Nayana of Red FM Mangaluru compered the programme smoothly with her easy flowing Kundapura Kannada smilingly throughout. She came from Mangaluru especially for this programme. Ronald Olivera and Arathi Adiga of Dubai also hosted part of the show in their own unique styles.
The sponsors of the event were promoted on the digital screen throughout the programme and were called on to the stage and honoured.
Wide spread sumptuous buffet lunch was served in the afternoon during the break which was well savored by the audience.
Sudhakar Poojary rendered the vote of thanks.
On the whole, this was a gathering of Kundapoorians from all over UAE who thronged to witness the show and made it a unique one.