Media Release

Bangkok, Aug 14: In a vibrant celebration of Tulu and Kannada culture, Tulukoota Bangkok, in association with Thai Kannada Balaga, proudly felicitated two luminaries of the comedy world, Deepak Rai Panaje and Prakash K Thuminad. The prestigious "Tulukoota 2025" event, held on August 2nd, recognised their exceptional contributions to enhancing the rich cultural tapestry of both communities.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Vinay Rai, president of Tulukoota Bangkok, who articulated the organisation's overarching vision. He emphasised Tulukoota's primary objective: to serve as a pillar of support for the thriving Tulu-speaking community in Thailand, whether they are residents or visitors. Beyond providing assistance, Rai highlighted the group's dedication to showcasing and promoting Tulu culture, while simultaneously acknowledging individuals who have made significant strides across various fields.

The heartfelt ceremony saw both actors presented with certificates of honour, detailing their illustrious careers and profound impact.

The event garnered significant support from various sponsors, with Dharma Associates, Mangaluru, serving as one of the main benefactors. Other generous sponsors included Shafat,  Habib, Shiv Poojary, and Yasodhar Poojary.

Senior members of Tulukoota Bangkok, including Vincent, Habib, Mohammed, Ravindra Amin, and Sathish Shetty, were actively involved in felicitating the esteemed guests. Senior members of Thai Kannada Balaga present at the program included K V Patil, Mohandas, Ravi Mysore, Rashmi Ravi, Priya Shamanth,and Subramanya. The formal ceremony was followed by a highly anticipated comedy skit performed by both Deepak Rai Panaje and Prakash K Thuminad, which captivated and thoroughly entertained the audience.

The success of "Tulukoota 2025" was largely attributed to the meticulous efforts of the organising committee members. Sharikh Hussain, Michael, Rajath Raj, Akshatha Praveen, and Sanket Alva were actively involved in orchestrating various aspects of the program, and their contributions were highly regarded. Sharikh Hussain, the secretary, extended a vote of thanks to all involved, while Rajath Raj had the honour of reading the certificates of honour to the distinguished guests. The evening truly celebrated the vibrant cultural exchange and the enduring legacy of these two comedic giants.