Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Apr 30: Grand celebrations marked the 16th anniversary of Tulu Koota Qatar (TKQ), held recently at DPS Auditorium, Wakra.
Sunil Thapliyal, head of Chancery, Indian Embassy and coordinating office ICC graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr Ganesh Amin Sankamaar, head of the Kannada department, St Aloysius PU College and well known folk researcher and litterateur and also the former member of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Chief guest Sunil Thapliyal congratulated Tulu Koota on the successful event and also appreciated its efforts in participating in the environmental campaign held in Qatar and winning the first prize 'Ambassador Trophy'.
Guest of honour, Dr Ganesh Amin Sankamaar was felicitated and presented a memento on behalf of Tulu Koota Qatar. In his address, he spoke about the heritage of Tulu culture and praised Tulu Koota Qatar for its hard work in preserving and promoting the rich Tulu culture in this part of the world and also for imparting these values to the younger generation.
He further commended Tulu Koota and its members for being able to unite people from various religion and live together in peace and harmony with the spirit of mutual respect.
Saiheel Rai, popular anchor with Namma TV and Namma Kudla channel, compered the event.
All the guests were accorded a warm welcome in a procession by ladies in traditional attires holding Kalashas. The guests were escorted by the executive committee members and prominent members of the associations.
The anniversary celebrations began with opening remarks by the cultural secretary Dr Padmashree Shetty followed by lighting of the lamp by Dr Ganesh Amin Sankamaar, Prakash Payyar, president Ravi Shetty, along with MC present members and past presidents.
This was followed by felicitation of Tulu Koota ladies throwball team and Men’s Kabaddi team.
Welcome song was directed by Milan Arun and the track provided by Ajay Warrier. Children performed dances, choreographed and coordinated by Dhanlakshmi Anil Shetty and Divya Chethan. Skit depicting the reclamation of Tulunadu by Parashuram mesmerized the audience. This was performed by the in-house members including children and was directed and choreographed by cultural secretary Dr Padmashree Shetty.
Versatile and well-known Mangalurean singer Srikanth Kamath popularly known as 'Kishore Kumar of coastal Karnataka' and noted playback singer Supriya Lohit entertained the crowd with wonderful renditions of super hit numbers. The crowd was on their feet dancing to the power packed performance of the duo.
TKQ members presented comedy skits 'Police Station and Master Saloon' directed by the talented Vijay Rai Kumbra and Roopesh Kumar respectively.
The stage programme was anchored by Archana Shetty and Saiheel Rai. Tulu Koota president Ravi Shetty welcomed the gathering and stressed on the importance of preserving the native language. He also urged everyone to join and support Tulu Koota and their activities. The association has been known to promote the mother tongue and culture in foreign land.The president also urged the gathering to follow Mother Teresa's popular quote 'A life not lived for others is not a life’ and serve humanity.
On this occasion, the 16th anniversary special souvenir 'Nirel' was released by the chief guest.
General secretary Kiran Anand presented a brief report of all the activities and achievements of Tulu Koota Qatar in the past two years.
The book 'Uretha Kannda Siri’, authored by Prakash Payyar, president, Dvani Prathishtana was released on the occasion.
Prakashchandra Ajila Memorial award for the outstanding volunteer services for deserving volunteers from various Karnataka based organization was incepted this year in loving memory of founder member and past president Prakashchandra Ajila. This year it was awarded to Sridhar Nayak. He has served Tulu Koota in various capacities as an outstanding volunteer for the success of many cultural , sports , social events. He has also been serving as proactive volunteer for the benevolent activities of ICBF, ICC, Karnataka Sangha.
Della Albert Rego was also awarded, Prakashchandra Ajila Memorial award. She is an outstanding community worker with enormous social concern has always been in forefront for any volunteer service of most of Tulu Koota activities. The third person who got this award was Ismail Abubakar of KMCA. He has not only served KMCA event but also Tulu Koota, SKMWA and many other events.
Abdulla Monu and Dinesh Shetty of ATS were honoured for their selfless service and efforts in expediting the return of mortal remains of Prakash Chandra Ajila to India.
Asmath Ali who has been leading Tulu Koota cricket team in many tournaments in Qatar and being the driving force behind the sporting activities of Tulu Koota was also honoured during the event.
Academic achievers and children who have excelled in various sports were honoured. Singers, dance performers of the evening, skit participants and guests artistes were presented with mementos.
Talented cultural secretary Dr Padmashree Shetty who is instrumental in the success of many cultural events of Tulu Koota and who once again led and planned the cultural programme of the day proposed the vote of thanks.
One of the huge attractions of the event was matchless style of compering by Saiheel Rai in Tulu. Saiheel’s snippets and involving the audience with various on spot games for the gathering entertained the audience.
ICC president Gireesh Kumar, ICBF president Aravind Patil, ICC general secretary and TKQ past president Divakar Poojary, Karnataka Sangha president HK Madhu , KMCA president Niyaz Ahmed, Bunts Qatar president Navaneeth Shetty, SKMWA president Suhaib Ahmed and many other dignitaries, members of other Karnataka associations in Qatar graced the occasion.