Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Pics: Kevin Aranha
Doha, Apr 30: Bunts Qatar celebrated its fourth anniversary with a grand event at the Al Maha Boys Academy recently. Bunts Qatar is still in its initial years but its activities have gained spectacular momentum, which was evident from the representation from the heads of all the Karnataka-based associations who graced the occasion. They were also accompanied by a few of the committee members.
It was a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere as Bunts gathered to celebrate the bond and magic between them.
The evening began with a Poorna Kumbha welcome of the chief guest Dr Naresh Shetty with the Kombu Vadya, amidst loud beats of the drums and beautiful ladies in traditional attire with Kalashas. Dr Naresh Shetty, Bunts Sangha president, Bengaluru and a veteran medico professional is also the president of the prestigious M S Ramaiah Hospital, Bengaluru. Prakash Chandra Ajila, president, Bunts Qatar, founder president Ravi Shetty and all the senior members of the Bunts Sangha along with committee members escorted the chief guest to the auditorium.
The celebration which began at 5.30 pm had a delightful surge of culture and tradition. Cultural secretary Akshata Hegde introduced the MC of the event Chaitali Suhas Shetty. Chaitali after her opening remark invited the chief guests and elders for lighting the lamp with the philosophy of 'Tamosoma Jyothirgamay' followed by Tulasi Puja by the elderly ladies in the nicely and traditionally built Tulasikatte placed on the right side of the stage with the beautifully designed backdrop depicting the typical Bunt family home.
The evening was packed with a perfect blend of dazzling cultural extravaganza combined with performances by in-house artistes and well-known singers from Bengaluru and Dubai.
The programme began with melodious songs by guest artistes from UAE Pramod Kumar and renowned Sandalwood playback singer Supriya Lohith from Bengaluru.
Multi-talented Shristi, daughter of Ramachandra Shetty and Shobha Shetty sang a beautiful number leaving the crowd spellbound with her melodious voice.
Next was a spectacular welcome dance by Bunts Qatar members' children. The dance was choreographed by Dimple and supported by Akshata Hegde and Chaitali Uday Shetty. The children rocked the stage and presented various dance forms from around the world.
Aravind Patil, president of ICBF and ICC general secretary Divakar Poojary were the guests of honor. Chief guest Dr Naresh Shetty, guests of honour and founder president Ravi Shetty were escorted to the dais by president Prakash Chandra Ajila, vice-president Navneet Shetty, general secretary Uday Shetty and cultural secretary Akshatha Hegde.
Prakash Chandra Ajila welcomed the audience. The annual report was presented by Uday Shetty.
Chief guest Dr Naresh Shetty and president Prakash Chandra Ajila honoured and presented mementos to the following individuals in the presence of all the committee members:
• Pranav, son of Naresh and Vijaya Shetty for his brilliant performance in swimming and other sports.
• Founder president Ravi Shetty was honored for his dedicated and consistent service towards Bunts Qatar since its birth.
• Deepak Shetty for his leadership as the president of Karnataka Sangha in winning the first prize in the environment campaign conducted by ICC/Embassy of India and the ministry of environment.
• Ravi Shetty for his leadership as the president of Tulu Koota Qatar in winning the Ambassador's Rolling Trophy in the environment campaign conducted by ICC/Embassy of India and the ministry of environment.
• Ramchandra Shetty, past president of Tulu Koota Qatar for his continued support for all Bunts Qatar events including this one, wherein special contribution was made in setting up the beautiful stage.
• Chandrashekar Shetty and the ATS team members for continued support for all Bunts Qatar events including this one, wherein special contribution was made in setting up the beautiful stage and the welcome procession.
• Alexis Castelino, director of Daijiworld, Savios Crasta of Karnataka news, Nitesh D and Kevin of V4 news for their continued excellent media coverage service of all the events.
Seva Sampada Award to Vivian D'Souza
Bunts Qatar ever since its inception has been recognizing and honouring social workers from Karnataka-based associations. Every year it has honored an individual who has made significant contribution to society.
This time, Qatar’s expatriate, Good Samaritan Vivian D'Souza was conferred with the prestigious 'Seva Sampada' Award. He was draped with shawl and garlanded before being presented the award. Navneeth Shetty read out the profile of Vivian D’Souza.
Vivian D’Souza hails from Bondel area of Mangaluru and has been a resident of Qatar from the last 35 years. He is working with Almana Group, and is well-known in Qatar for his social activities. He has served associations such as MCC and Tulu Koota on numerous occasions as committee member, selfless volunteer as well as president of MCC. He also served the Karnataka Sports Club in Bengaluru as the general secretary more than three decades ago.
Addressing the gathering, Vivian D'Souza thanked Bunts Qatar for honouring him and emphasized the importance of serving the society. "Whatever we are today is because of the society and it is our responsibility to give something back to it," he said.
It was then time to felicitate the chief guest Dr Naresh Shetty. Ravi Shetty presented his profile, his achievements and his credentials. He mentioned that Bunts Qatar was lucky to have him as the chief guest since he is not only a proficient doctor, but also an able administrator and a great community leader.
Dr Naresh Shetty was escorted to the felicitation chair under the ceremonial umbrella and honoured. President Prakash Chandra Ajila and founder president presented him a memento in the presence of all the committee members. Later, as per the good old tradition, other Karnataka Based organizations - Tulu Koota, KSQ, KMCA, MCC, SKMWA and Billavas - jointly presented him a memento in recognition of his service to the medical field.
Dr Naresh Shetty congratulated the Bunts Qatar on its 4th anniversary and thanked them for inviting him. He conveyed his message of dedication, integrity and devotion with meaningful stories and shared his rich experiences.
He appealed to the audience to never forget their responsibilities towards their parents and to keep smiling as that is like a 'first aid' in relationships and helps to develop a strong bond. His speech was filled with humour which delighted the audience.
Bunts Qatar president thanked and presented a memento to MC Chaitali Suhas for carrying out the role of MC efficiently. Cultural secretary Akshatha Hegde proposed the vote of thanks.
A skit performed by the Bunts ladies Akshatha Hegde, Chaitali Uday Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, Padmashree Shetty, Supriya Shetty, Sowmya Shetty, Maina Shetty, Sudha Shetty, Prarthana Shetty and Shobha Shetty was the main attraction of the event. The skit made the audience roll in laughter.
Saketh Shetty performed a mimicry act and the cultural programme continued with singers performing various numbers.
Deepak Shetty, president of KSQ, Niyaz Ahmed, president of KMCA,Abdul Majeed, president of SKMWA, Norbert Corda, president of MCC, Prakash Rao, vice-president of Tulu Koota Qatar, Seetharm Shetty, past president of Tulu Koota Qatar, V S Mannangi, past president of KSQ, Asmath Ali, president of Kundapur Association and many committee members graced the function.
Bunts Qatar president, committee members and all the volunteers worked hard for the success of the event.
The programme concluded with a grand dinner and members enjoying and dancing to tune of various songs performed by singers.