Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Jan 28: BSKB Association, Gokul Sion celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India with great enthusiasm and a variety of cultural programmes on January 26.
In the morning, association president Dr Suresh S Rao Kateel hoisted the national flag and paid tribute along with office-bearers and members, followed by the National Anthem.
A formal programme was held at the Saraswathi Sabhagruha at Gokul. Association president Dr Suresh S Rao, vice presidents Mohanraj and Chitra Melmane, honorary secretary A P K Pothi, treasurer Ganesh Bhat and joint secretary Vinodini Rao were present. On the occasion, the president and office-bearers honoured meritorious students who had secured outstanding marks in SSLC, HSC, degree and postgraduate examinations in the previous academic year by presenting them with Pratibha Puraskara. Members who had achieved excellence in various fields were also felicitated. Vidya Rao and Ramamurthy Bhat announced the list of achievers.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Suresh Rao said that Gokul had celebrated its centenary with great joy and success due to the wholehearted cooperation of all members. He expressed hope that the same enthusiasm and support would continue in the future and extended Republic Day greetings to all.
As part of the afternoon cultural programmes, members of the youth and women’s wings presented a colourful display showcasing the rich traditional attire and ornaments of various states from north, south, east, west and central India, which entertained the audience. Under the direction of Geetha Herala and team, children presented a short skit titled ‘Netradana Mahadana’, patriotic songs and dances.
Kannada learning centres of various zones of the association presented humorous skits, including ‘Ati Aase’ by the Andheri zone, ‘Mallige, Sampige, Sevanthige’ by the Mira Road zone, and ‘Kudure Motte’ by the Navi Mumbai and Sion zones, drawing laughter from the audience. Members from different zones of Gokul also presented a patriotic song programme compered by Tanvi Rao.
Shailini Rao compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. The celebrations concluded with the National Anthem.