Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 13: Indian cricket team player Shivam Dube visited Mangaluru for the first time and offered prayers at the Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple. During his visit, the temple honoured him with a ceremonial shawl and prasad.

After his temple visit, Dube attended the Pili Nalike competition held in the city, where Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was also present.

Reflecting on his experience watching the Pili Nalike competition, Dube shared, "The kind of emotions that arise in the mind when in a temple were similarly felt while watching the Pili Nalike performance."

He was a guest at the ninth edition of the Pili Nalike competition held on Saturday, where he captivated the audience by greeting them in Tulu with, "Namaskara Kudla.. Encha Uller."

Actor-director Rishabh Shetty was also present and was honoured on the occasion.

The event, organised by the Pili Nalike Foundation in collaboration with Namma TV, took place at the Mangala Stadium, where it was inaugurated with a lighting ceremony.

Sanath Kumar Shetty, the managing trustee of the Kateel temple, expressed, "May the artistes of Pili Nalike be blessed with greater strength. May the blessings of the deity always be upon such events."

Gautam Shetty, CEO of Marsk, remarked, "In the past, only the strong became leaders, but today, those with intelligence are becoming leaders."

Stany Alvares, president of the Konkani Sahitya Parishad, stated, "Pili Nalike has fans both in the country and abroad, which is why our culture is flourishing internationally."

ACP Geeta Kulkarni added, "May Pili Nalike, led by Mithun Rai, surpass a hundred seasons and continue to thrive. Events like this from Tulu Nadu should be successful."

On stage were Praveen Chandra Alva, member of the Mangaluru City Corporation, Namma TV CEO Shivacharan Shetty, Mithun Rai, president of the Pili Nalike Foundation, Venkatesh Bhat Pavanje, K K Poojavar, Kishore Alva from the Adani Group, Dr Devadas Kapikad, Sharmila Kapikad, and other dignitaries.