Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Feb 2: Describing institutions as a rare confluence of individuals with diverse ideas, Praveen Bhoja Shetty, president of Bunts Sangha Mumbai, said organisations that successfully transform ideas into structured plans for social good earn lasting respect.

“The Kannada Welfare Society has done exactly this and grown steadily over the years. Its service-oriented achievements are commendable and truly deserve appreciation,” he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the concluding ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee (Vajra Sampada Mahotsava) celebrations of the Kannada Welfare Society (Regd.), Ghatkopar, one of Greater Mumbai’s well-known social organisations with nearly six decades of dedicated service.

The day-long celebrations were held on Sunday at the Smt Radhabai Thimmappa Bhandary Auditorium, Bunts Bhavan, Chunabhatti, Kurla East, on the Smt Leelavati Shyam Shetty Memorial Stage (Madhyaguthu), under the chairmanship of Society president Naveen Shetty Innbalike.

During the programme, Shivachandra Shetty, executive president of the Udupi to Mumbai organisation, released the diamond jubilee souvenir. Distinguished guests included Harish G Avin, president of Billava Association Mumbai; Chandrahasa Shetty, executive director of Skytech Systems India Private Limited; Santosh G Shetty, corporator, Panvel; Bhaskar R Shetty, BMC corporator (Dharavi); N T Poojary, executive director, BCCI; and Dr Poornima S Shetty, editor of the Diamond Jubilee souvenir, all of whom conveyed their best wishes to the Society.

As part of the celebrations, Shivachandra Shetty, along with his wife Triveni Shetty, was honoured with the Diamond Jubilee Award. CA Vishwanath Shetty (with his wife Ramya Shetty and son Paathiv Shetty) and Narayana Shetty Nandalike (with his wife Shanta Shetty) were also felicitated.
Mahesh S Shetty, chairman of the Programme Committee, and Ravindranath M Bhandary, coordinator, were conferred with Diamond Jubilee honours in recognition of their contributions.

Earlier in the day, Mahesh S Shetty, honorary president of the Welfare Society and executive chairman of Baba’s Group of Institutions, formally inaugurated the celebrations by hoisting the Society flag, lighting the ceremonial lamp, performing the Kalpavriksha flower ritual and placing the ceremonial pot. This was followed by the inauguration of the Sankeerthana Satsanga by Ravindranath M Bhandary, executive chairman of Wellcome Packaging, and Ganesh Kanchan, president of the Mogaveera Management Board, marking a culturally vibrant beginning.

The afternoon Samrasya Sabha Sambhrama programme was inaugurated by Ratnakar Shetty Mundkur, executive director of Shreerath Financial Services, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Those present on the dais included CA Vishwanath Shetty, vice-president of the Bunts Sangha Mumbai Higher Education Committee; Shantaram B Shetty, former president of Mulund Bunts; Ravi S Devadiga, president of Devadiga Sangha Mumbai; CA Surendra K. Shetty, immediate past president of Bombay Bunts Association; and journalist Chandrashekar Palettadi, who extended their greetings.

Several office-bearers of the Welfare Society, including vice-president Radhakrishna Shetty, general secretary Thimma S Devadiga, treasurer Harish M Shetty, joint secretary Ramananda Shetty, Joint Treasurer Shankar Shetty, Women’s Wing president Sujala A Shetty, Youth Wing president Karthik P Shetty, former presidents, members, donors and well-wishers, including Dr G P Kusuma, were present and were honoured on behalf of the Society.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations featured a blend of religious, cultural and traditional programmes, including Sankeerthana Satsanga, devotional rituals, patriotic songs such as “Jaya He Karnataka Maate”, ritual dance performances, floral offerings and traditional ceremonies.

A documentary film highlighting the Society’s achievements over the years was screened.

Cultural highlights included a Narasimha dance ballet by Vidushi Manasi Sudheer Kodevoor and team, the play ‘Madmeda Kakaji’ written and directed by Narayana Shetty Nandalike, and the comedy skit ‘Kathena–Vyathena’, written by Ashok Pakkala and directed by Manohar Shetty Nandalike. The cultural programmes were compered by Karnur Mohan Rai.

The programme commenced with prayers by Mallika Shetty and Tara Rai. Naveen Shetty Innbalike welcomed the gathering and presented the introductory address. Thimma S Devadiga presented the Society’s activity report, Sujala A Shetty spoke on the Women’s Wing initiatives, while Ashok Pakkala introduced the guests, compered the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.