News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Feb 9: Juhu Andheri Varsova Veleparle Association of Bunts, 'Jawab' well known as the center of cultural activities of Bunts living in Andheri area celebrated their eighteenth annual friendship meet at the late Vasanth Shetty platform in Lokhandvala Complex Residency Association ground at Andheri east on Saturday, February 8.

The celebration looked more like a fair that proclaims culture. The office bearers welcomed the guests in the sounds of trumpet and other musical instruments. Jawab president Nagesh N Shetty said prayer to Vignanayaka deity as per Hindu customs, lit the traditional lamp and set the celebrations in motion.

Joint secretary Bhaskar Shetty Karnad, Joint treasurer Sathish Bhandary, past president Papilon Raghu L Shetty and other office bearers were present on the dais.

Bunts should come out of superstitions. Instead of washing the feet of pseudo monks, let us wipe tears of the distressed and be holy said Nagesh Shetty in his presidential address.

The president presented flower bouquets to the heads of associations and felicitated them. He honored Jawab Vice president B Shivarama Naik and Pratima Shivarama couple who have completed 45 years of their married life. He also honored Pandu S Shetty and Vanitha P Shetty, trustees.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai hospital chief executive officer Dr Santhosh Shetty was present as special guest also was felicitated. Dr Santhosh Shetty said that nobody should fall sick. However if anybody falls sick, I will be bound to provide medical service during day and night, he said.

Raghu Shetty, speaking on the occasion said that 18 years old Jawab society is a prestigious association to have provided uninterrupted service. Jawab operating from its own office is a step towards success, he said.

Manish Caterer's Vamana S Shetty, former office bearer of Jawab had prepared tasty local dishes. The modern generation ate them and said that those are far better than modern day Pizzas and Noodles.

The programme started after children's prayer dance. Divya K Shetty, Tara C Rai and Namitha S Rai led the prayer. Former president B Vivek Shetty introduced the guests and gave information of Swachata Abhiyana. Honorary Chief Secretary Prakash S Shetty read annual report. Kalthur Poornima V Shetty and Vallari Shetty conduced cultural
programme. C V Shetty compered the stage programme. Honorary treasurer Jayaprakash Shetty proposed vote of thanks.

Former president, advocate Anand P Shetty, Ramesh U Shetty, Vishwanath Hegde, Trustee members Jayaram N Shetty, Rathnakar Rai, B R Poonja, Mahesh S Shetty, Krishna Y Shetty, CA Ravindra A Shetty, Raghuram K Shetty, Manmohan R Shetty and others were present.

Jawab members, women and children danced to the tunes of melodious tunes. Women presented 'Navadurge' dance feature, members presented dance titled 'Premanatha Pass Ada' and young girls and boys held 'Fashion show' that proclaims our culture. Most of the guests came in
traditional attire and increased the gaiety of the celebrations.