Dinesh Kumar
Daijiworld Media Newtwork- Dubai
Dubai, May 14: Devadiga Sangha Dubai UAE organized its spectacular 20th anniversary on Friday, May 11 at the Deira Sheraton hotel, Dubai.
It turned out to be a magnificent and memorable event, with more than 400 people attending the programme. The ladies wing representatives Nalinakshi Sherigar and Rachana Ratnakar traditionally welcomed the guests at the entrance with Aarti and kum kum.
The general secretary, Dinesh Kumar then started the function by inviting the advisors, president and the distinguished guests on the stage and their spouses. They were presented with bouquets by Akshata, Prakriti, Deeksha and Shefali. Vijayalakshmi Devaraj, Suneetha Dinesh, Savithri Harischandra, Shobha Anand, Yashoda Mohandas, Mallika Narayan and Sharmila Harish inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Dilip Devadiga rendered the devotional prayer “Karedaga Baa Ganapa”.
Harish Sherigar, president, welcomed the gathering. He urged the members to stay united and attend in large numbers thus making the community grow. Anand Devadiga, advisor, spoke about the brief history of the Sangha. He talked about the elders who initiated the Koota as it was earlier called.
One minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to Late Sanjay Devadiga who had passed away nine years back in the month of May. Devraj K, director of SDM College of Business Management Mangalore, started his speech by invoking the blessings of lord Manjunatheshwara and conveyed the messages of Dharmastala Dharmadikari Veerendra Hegde.
He spoke about incidents in the life of of Abdul Kalam and his determination in achieving goals. He expressed his happiness to be present on the occasion. He highlighted the patronage of UAE Devadigas and their concern for social service. Dinesh Devadiga Kadri thanked the gathering for giving him a chance to be with us on such a joyous occasion and said that he will always be there for the community service.
Dinesh Kumar concluded the stage programme with the annual report and briefing about the community activities in the past year. He then welcomed comperes Deepak Maroli and Shikha Devadiga to kick start the fabulous entertainment programme.
Suresh Devadiga started with a solo Kannada song, "Karnatakada Ithisadali..” followed by a spectacular group dance by Vaani Bijoor and party, Naveen and party, Prateek, Deeksha and party. The soothing melodious duets and solo from Harish Sherigar and Akshata Rao were captivating. Akshata Sherigar also made her debut singing Waka waka and a hindi number. Her Arabic dance was worth observing. Yuvaraj, Sunil Devadiga, Santosh Devadiga, Pramod Kumar also chipped in with some flash back numbers. Comedy fillers were enacted in between by Jesh Bayar and team. A yakshagana prasanga “Kalluti Kalkuda”, enacted by Yaksha Mitraru was the high light for the lovers of Yakshagana.
There were many other entertainment programmes conducted on the occasion.
The mother’s day special, Sangeeta Navin’s sizzler’s group dance was enthralling. All the dancers, especially kids were colourfully dressed and the whole crowd appreciated the performance. All the kids were applauded for their participation. Choreographers Mary Miranda, Prasanna Kumar from Mudra Institute and Arun Alva of Prabhudeva Fame were felicitated. Singing princess, guest artist of the day Akshata Rao and renowned visiting Yakshagana artist Nellikatte Narayana Haasyagaara were also felicitated and mementos were presented by the president as a token of appreciation.
The award of felicitation and commemoration was conducted by Dinesh Kumar. The felicitations of Harischandra Devadiga and Savithri Devadiga were done on this great occasion for their service to the community right from the day of its inception in 1992.
The advisor, B G Mohandas spoke a few words explaining about his simplicity and commitment to service the society and community. The guests of honour, Devaraj accompanied his wife Vijayalakshmi, Dinesh Devadiga Kadri accompanied with Suneetha were conferred with appreciation awards by the advisors and the president of the Sangha. The sponsors were felicitated by the guests and management committee – Ramesh Devadiga, Laxmidas Rao, Umesh Karkal, Diliip Devadiga, Bharat Kumar, Pushparaj Devadiga and Sandeep Devadiga.