Abu Dhabi: World Kannada Cultural Convention Commences on Colourful Note
Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 16: The Vishwa Kannada Cultural Convention 2012 organized by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha and Hridayavahini Monthy, Mangalore, commenced on Friday December 14 at Indian High School, Sheikh Zayed Auditorium, Dubai.
The two-day event, organized under the presidentship of litterateur Mallepuram G Venkatesh, was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Indian ambassador to the UAE, M K Lokesh.
Patron of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha Dr B R Shetty presided over the inaugural function. Pradeep Kumar Bangalore, UAE Exchange COO Sudhir Shetty, Arab Udupi Hotels MD Shekar B Shetty and association office-bearers were the chief guests present on the dais.
"Karnataka is one of the largest states in India, and is rich in its heritage and culture. Harmonious living and unity is a speciality of Kannadigas. Let your humbleness be a role model to everyone," said M K Lokesh.
In his presidential address, Dr B R Shetty said that there is no other place better than Abu Dhabi. "All the transactions here are very transparent. We are all grateful to the kings of this country as they widely support us. Their support has been an encouragement to us and hence all the Indians over here receive good service from all the associations," he said.
“God has showered his grace and blessings on us. This sort of work of introducing mother Kannadamba to the world is commendable," he added.
The ‘Vishwa Kannada Sammelana Prashasthi’ was awarded to people who had rendered their service in different fields. Lancy Mascarenhas, Ramesh Shet, Narayan Suvarna Mumbai, Hala Swamy K T, Kalarathna Ramareddy Bangalore, Rudrani Bangalore, Veeresh Nilanoor Davangere and Yakoob Khader Gulvady received the award.
Abu Dhabi Kannada Sangha president Sarvottham Shetty welcomed the gathering Vishwa Kannada Samskruthi Sammelana founder president and reporter K P Manjunath delivered the key-note address.
Manohar Thonse, Abu Dhabi, Mangala Prakash Shetty and Diana Naveen compered the programme.
Musical play by Nupur Kalasamsthe Darwad and classical songs by Chaitanya Arts Bangalore was also performed. Many other well-known teams performed various other classical, traditional and cultural events and won the hearts of the gathered crowd.
During the press meet held on behalf of this programme, V Sathyanarayan, Bangalore Press Club president, Gulfkannadiga.com editor, B G Mohandas, Dr G D Joshi, Karnataka Sangha Mumbai president, Rons Bantwal, Hon chief secretary, Kannadiga Journalists Association Maharashtra, Manohar Thonse and Dr K S Raju, Bangalore were also present.