Kamalaksha Amin
Bahrain, Feb 9: Kannada Sangha Bahrain celebrated its 48th anniversary with great splendor at the Smt Asha Prakash Shetty Hall in Kannada Bhavana on Friday, January 30. The event was attended by members, their families, and several dignitaries.
A special farewell and felicitation ceremony was organized for senior member Rajendra Hegde. Jayashankar Vishwanathan, COO of Uneeco Bahrain, Haji Abdul Razak Hejamadi of Metalco Group, and Prakash Shetty, owner of Central Cafe, graced the occasion as chief guests. Former presidents Pradeep Kumar Shetty and Amarnath Rai, along with former president of Bahrain Billawas Harish Poojary, were also present. Sangha president Ajith Bangera presided over the function, accompanied by vice-president Nitin Shetty and other executive committee members.
During the presidential address, Ajith Bangera shared his vision for the association. Amarnath Rai, Pradeep Kumar Shetty, and Jayashankar Vishwanathan also addressed the gathering. A significant highlight of the evening was the felicitation of members who participated in creating a map of Bahrain using rice, which earned a place in the Golden Book of World Records. They were presented with appreciation certificates and T-shirt kits.
The association also launched its new web news channel "Hongirana" and the youth wing "Chiguru" during the event. General secretary Ram Prasad Ammenadka welcomed the guests and conducted the formal stage program.
The cultural segment, compered by Rupesh S Salyan, featured a welcome dance by Disha Mangalpadi, songs by students of the Kannada classes, and Yakshagana dance performances by Yaksha Shikshana students. Singers from the association entertained the audience with popular film songs.
Trophies and prizes were distributed to the winners of the annual indoor and outdoor sports competitions. Poornima Jagadish and Bhaskar Acharya managed the sports awards presentation.
Sports secretary Nitesh Shetty, cultural secretary Harini Shetty, and assistant cultural secretary Harish Gowda, along with volunteers, ensured the smooth conduct of the anniversary celebrations. The event, which saw the participation of around 350 members and guests, concluded with a sumptuous dinner.