Media Release

Bangkok, Jun 9: As the warmth of spring envelops the earth and flowers bloom, the arrival of UGADI heralds a time of joy, reflection, and renewal. UGADI, derived from the Sanskrit words "Yuga" meaning era and "Adi" meaning beginning, symbolizes the dawn of a new era. Thai Kannada Balaga (TKB), an association of Kannadigas living in Thailand, wanted to welcome the dawn of new Era as every year celebrating 2024 Ugadi festival at Indo Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok on May 19. The event had an overwhelming response from the members with over 120 members attending the event.

The program began with standing adoration for Thai and Indian National anthem, followed with Karnataka national song “Jaya bharat Jananiya Tanu Jaate” a beautiful rendition by Dr D R Bendre. Followed by prayer by Vihaan Raj and Inauguration through lighting the lamp of the event by Parents of TKB members.

TKB president Rashmi Ravi addressed everyone with inaugural speech highlighting significance of camaraderie and feeling of belongingness that TKB and many other Indian associations demonstrate to express solidarity in a foreign land and ushered the feeling that it will thrive for “YugaYugaadi” which means eternity. The event was hosted by Arjun Bhat as “master of ceremony” who enchanted the whole event with his soothing Kannada and explaining every act to enhance its significance. Arjun is referred as the most eligible Indian bachelor in Thailand.

The event started with Ganesh Vandana a dance tribute by Advika and followed Traditional Bharatnatyam performance which gripped everyone into trance by Student of Soundarya Natya Kalalaya and the TKB ladies Nayana, Anu ,Pushpa , Sindhu and Nutan. The performance was personally witnessed by their Guru Aarti Jhutani”.

To promote unity among Indian associations, even representative from Telegu Association Thailand “TAT” were invited where a flute Performance from Tanush of TAT left people spellbound for Swagatam Krishna and Gajavadana rendition. As usual TKB always offers a platform for upcoming Talent and one gesture was from Kathak maestro Dr Vibha Bhat She mesmerized the crowd with splendid Kathak performance . She is MD pursuant yet with an Indian artform in her heart.

Nisha, Smitha and Margarita filled the day with lot of fun games which not only engaged the kids but also indulged the kids in adults making flex themselves and burst into laughter .

The event had rising star like Vihaan and Advika who performed heavy metal track creating an ambience of concert. There were more enthralling performance by Dakshata Rao for Ram bhajan, Kathak performance by Veena and Uma, Bharatnatyam by Bhuvi ; Bollywood beat by Cianna ; Vihan Sunil’s Solo singing ; and high energy Bharatnatyam by Prisha and Gehna. There were impromptu performances for most loved kannada song Shamanth and Shilpa which made crowd reminisce the golden era of Kannada songs.

One of the biggest highlights of the event was its Sumptous traditional food themed Ugadi , every TKB member and participant indulged into the finger licking awesome food. A special thanks to Vijeth hegde for getting “Kai Holige” from India which was heart filling desert enjoyed by the attendees.

Yashodhara Poojary from Vrindavan who always goes extramile to make TKB event memorable with sumptuous food was felicitated in the event. The event closed with lot of prizes for the participant and impromptu gifts for special actions/ responses for fun questions.

A special thanks for John Wilson Pinto who never misses to capture all the beautiful moments and memories through his Photography and videos.

The Event concluded with introduction of new members who were thrilled to be part of the event and an vote of thanks by Naveen to all people who made the event successful .

A big thanks to all the TKB committee members , President Rashmi Ravi for leading the Committee and this event, Ranjeetha Rao for Decoration and Gifts, Praveen Rao for Treasury and Planning, Sandeep Shanbhag and Guruprasad bhat for event planning and management , Naveen Palkar co-hosting and event coordination; finally The event leader Dr Nayana Bhat who also is secretary for TKB committee.

As we say close the da slogan 'Sirigannadam gelge, Sirigannadam baalge '(The richness of Kannada will triumph, and richness of Kannada will live on).