Padmashali UAE Celebrates First Anniversary with Glittering Ceremony
Media Release
Pics: Ashok Belman (Gulfkannadiga)
Dubai, Jun 19: Padmashali UAE celebrated their first anniversary in Sindhi Ceremonial Hall, Bur Dubai on Friday June 17.
It was in June 2010 that they had their first programme under the able leadership of unanimously-elected Ravi Shettigar Karkala, with Satyanarayana Puja followed by a community picnic during UAE National Day, and this June 2011 saw the successful blood donation campaign, thus recording three events in their first year of existence which itself is a great achievement according to the managing committee who disclosed this during their annual celebration briefings.
With their good intention of bringing together all the members of the community throughout UAE under one umbrella, they proved that which could be seen during the first anniversary celebration wherein members from different parts of UAE enthusiastically arrived and also took active part in the celebration with whole family.
The programme began at around 3 pm with a welcome speech by vice-president Ashok Padmashali who invited the chief guests on to stage. Ex-president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Ganesh Rai inaugurated the programme with lighting the lamp followed by Mayura award-winner, social worker and the man with the golden voice Shodhan Prasad who was the chief guest along with another social worker of Amchigele Samaj and well-known personality, Giridhar Nayak of Swadisth Restaurant. Muralidhar Krishna, one of the working committee members, described these three personalities as ‘living manual’ whom Padmashali refers to and gets support every time they need guidance. Also, president Ravi Shettigar in his inaugural speech referred these people as ‘Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva’ who always help them and guide them in their activities.
With an ambience of pure devotion, Siddhart Ashwin, Anusha, Prajna and Kshitija recited the Shloka ‘Vakrathunda Mahakaya’ and the programme was under way with the blessings of the Lord. While the guests lighted the lamp one could hear the song ‘Asatoma Sadgamaya, Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya’ playing in the background.
On the video screen the unforgettable memories of the previous year was presented summarizing the achievements of the Sangha since its inception.
Muralidhar Krishna, in his opening speech briefed and enlightened the community members about Padmashali’s history, the importance of their religion in Hinduism, the place where they stand and also corrected the members on the cultural and devotional activities they need to follow while they do their devotional performances in daily life. He also enlightened the members that they need to give much importance on the ultimate devotion and worship which helps every people to come out with purified soul for a healthy living.
Jagadish Padmashali read out the annual report in a new style - paperless, electronically with the help of his mobile data. Raghuram updated the gathering on the accounts part of the Sangha.
The achievements of the Padmashali UAE included providing scholarships for deserving students back home, supporting the weaker member of the society with timely help in education, providing a helping hand to the needy in medical assistance and helping members in finding better jobs in the Gulf. Their unexpected achievements in just a year’s time itself is a record and very well applauded. As briefed by the president it was possible only with the total co-operation of the members leading in achieving positive result.
Chief guest, Shodhan Prasad praised Padmashali organization for being so systematic in their approach and having being achieved so much in a small span of time which no other organization ever dared to achieve. While wishing them all success he did mention about two points, one to work on binding and bringing together the different classes of people within the community and secondly to work on social welfare programmes for the people of their community which will help them in unforeseen emergencies.
Chief inaugurator Ganesh Rai, in his speech mentioned about the community’s attachment towards ‘Yakshagana’ which is considered one of the main cultural identities in the world of Carnatic art. He also mentioned the names of those Padmashali personalities who lent their support in participating with active roles in the ‘Shambavi Vijaya’ Yakshagana recently.
Giridhar Naik, also a pioneer in Yakshagana, in his brief speech wished good luck to Padmashali UAE for their future endeavours.
All the guests spoke highly of Padmashali’s achievements and assured of guidance for the future activities too. The Yakshagana artistes from the community who performed in the recent programme were appreciated for their talents and felicitated. Kishore Gatty, Sandeep Bharke, Subramanya, Shekar Shettigar, Balakrishna Shettigar, Harish Shettigar and Saumya Dhananjaya were the Yakshagana artistes who were felicitated.
President Ravi Karkala then announced the commencement of the day’s cultural events which began with a splendid Bharatanatyam performance by Saumya Dhananjaya followed by the little kids who performed for different songs lightly and applauded continuously for the melodious numbers played and presented.
Dr Padmanabha took charge of the latter part of the cultural programme in his superb incomparable style, citing notations in between and keeping connected with the audience.
Shubhakar Shettigar enthralled the audience with his voice as he sang the popular song ‘Anisutide yako indu’ from the movie 'Mungaru Male'. There were various skits presented by the members including those of ‘don’t believe in the blind faith of mantravadi’ well presented by Sandeep and his team.
The school children were given certificates and prizes in recognition of their academic achievements. Spot games were also organized, led by Dr Padmanabha who caught the crowd’s attention and enthusiasm as he announced the prizes.
The other active members who presented themselves were Shristi, Ananya with devotional songs, while Harshit and group with a cinematic performance, Ashwin, Sandesh, Arun gave another remarkable performance. Anusha and group, Arundati and group, Chandramohan, Raj and group, Apoorva and group and Sahil and group who performed beyond expectations and were applauded by the audience.
The memorable highlight of the event was the final one, a fashion show by the ladies showcasing the hand woven saris with intricate designs presented by the community members back home. As is widely known, Padmashali is the community that provides hand woven fabrics to the world and is known as ‘Thaliyer’s’ or those involved in weaving of fabrics.
Guests and media personnels were presented with mementoes by the committee members.
The vote of thanks was presented by Varadaraj Shettigar, marking the closure of the day’s events, followed by a sumptuous dinner.