Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 14: The Mumbai Bunts' Sangha celebrated Bunts' Day, Bisu Parba, and the annual gathering of the Shri Mahavishnu Kripa Bunta Yakshagana Kala Vedike with great splendor at the Smt Radhabai Timmapa Bhandari Hall, Bantara Bhavana, Chunabhatti, Kurla East, on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, president Praveen Bhoja Shetty said, "The Bunts who have migrated from the eternally auspicious land of Tulunadu to Mumbai have always excelled in every field. That is why the aspirations of the Bunts are also of the highest order. Life will always have its share of worries, but if we prioritize God's love, friendships, and family bonds, and live in harmony, divine blessings will surely follow."

Former MP Gopal C Shetty inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp. Ravi Sundar Shetty, managing director of Sai Palace Hotels; Shivachandra Shetty, managing director of Udupi to Mumbai group of hotels; Ravindranath G Shetty, senior vice president of ITD Cementation India Ltd; Sudhakar S Hegde, executive president of Tunga Hotels; former women's wing president Ranjani Sudhakar Hegde; vice president Mahesh S Shetty; honorary general secretary Dr RK Shetty; honorary treasurer CA Ramesh B Shetty; joint secretary Girish R Shetty; women's wing president Chitra R Shetty; and literary and cultural committee chairman Naveen Shetty Innabailke were present on the dais.

Former MP Gopal C Shetty appreciated the dedication of the Bunts' community, highlighting that the progress achieved by the community was a result of hard work, devotion, and perseverance. He urged the younger generation to take inspiration from the Bunts' rich legacy.

On the occasion, the sangha honored prominent members including Vasudeva Shetty (Dharmadarshi of Kapu Hosa Marigudi), Ravindra D Shetty Kotrappadi Guttu and his wife R Vanita Shetty, and Dr Tripti Shivaram Shetty along with her mother Yashoda S Shetty for their contributions to the community.

Annual awards were also presented. Yakshagana artiste Vasu Shetty Marnad received the Kananjaru Anand Shetty Memorial Award, and Geeta Bhaskar Shetty from Pune was honored with the Smt Prema Narayan Rai Award, sponsored by Jyoti RN Shetty.

The programme began with traditional prayers at the sangha's Shri Mahavishnu Temple (Jnana Mandira), with priest Nagendra Bhat performing pooja and distributing prasadam. Led by women's wing president Chitra R Shetty, members offered "Bisukani" (a traditional offering of fruits, flowers, and vegetables) to the deity.

Praveen Bhoja Shetty then ceremoniously hoisted the Bunt flag, marking the official start of the celebrations.

Various dignitaries, former presidents, trustees, heads of the women's and youth wings, and members of regional committees participated in the event. The Jnana Mandira committee chairman Suresh Shetty Shibaroor and Bantara Bhavana manager Praveen Shetty Warang provided logistical support.

The cultural segment featured vibrant performances by talented artistes from the sangha's regional committees and the women's wing. The highlight was a Yakshagana presentation of "Nala Damayanti" by the artistes of Shri Mahavishnu Kripa Bunta Yakshagana Kala Vedike, directed by Ajekaru Balakrishna Shetty.

The event was anchored by Ashok Pakala and Karnuru Mohan Rai, while Naveen Shetty Innabailke delivered the welcome address. CA Ramesh B Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.