Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Feb 18: Karnataka Sangha, Mumbai and the department of Kannada and culture in the government of Karnataka jointly held their Karnataka festival at Dr Vishweshwaraya hall at Matunga west on Saturday, February 15.
The festival held with the theme, 'one state several cultures' was presided over by Prakash G Burde, president of Karnataka Sangha.
Popular director of the film industry Yogaraj Bhat lighted the lamp and inaugurated the festival.
Yogaraj said that Kannadigas living in Mumbai are true devotees and patrons of Kannada motherland. Kanndigas in Mumbai are the lovers of their language. The service of the Kannadigas to realize the value of the language and nurturing the tradition is praiseworthy, he said.
Manohar Thonse of Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi had arrived as Chief Guest and businessman Manohar Nayak was the guest of honor.
"Even though I am living in Abu Dhabi due to my work, I get myself acquainted with Tulu and Kannada programs in the internet and feel proud of them. Kannadigas here love their language and have the like mindedness to retain it. The future of the language grows only with it", opined Manohar Thonse.
Manohar Nayak said that Mumbai Kannadigas have a lot of interest of their home town, language and culture and have developed the language along with culture. He added that he is proud to share the dais of the festival.
Honorary treasurer of the association, N M Gudi was present on the dais. Honorary secretary Omdas Kannangar welcomed and gave an introductory speech. Vice president Dr Bharatkumar Polipu introduced the guests and compered the programme.
Film singer Kasturi Shanker and woman music director and singer Indu Vishwanath groups presented jam session of Kannada songs titled 'Banda Chaitrada Hadi Thappide'.
The festival set to last for eight days will consist of several cultural programmes such as Kannada songs, Janapada songs, film songs etc. Omdas Kannangar has urged lovers of Kannada to participate in the programmes in large numbers and cooperate in the success of the festival.