Pics: Preetham Menezes
Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SP)
Abu Dhabi, Nov 5: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, which was founded in 1981, celebrated 61st Kannada Rajyotsava in a meaningful way on Friday November 4.
The programme, organized at India Social Centre auditorium, impressed the people present because of richness of Kannada language, art and culture it presented and also the selection of eminent personality for Da Ra Bendre Award.
Dr B R Shetty couple, leading personalities from the Gulf and patrons of the Sangha, presided over the programme. On this occasion, Da Ra Bendre Award was conferred on B K Ganesh Rai, creative art director and writer, for his extraordinary contributions to Kannada language, literature, art, folk and social service. Rai had won Global Man Award 2015 last year at 12th Vishwa Kannada Samskruti Sammelan and 13th anniversary of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha.
Dr B R Shetty inaugurated the programme.
Addressing the gathering after receiving the honour, Ganesh Rai expressed his happiness on being chosen for this prestigious award. He also thanked Dr Shetty for his blessings and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha president Sarvottam Shetty for his guidance.
Children who excelled in academics and other fields at school and college levels were felicitated by Dr B R Shetty and Dr Chandrakumari B R Shetty.
Group singing, folk dance and humour-related competitions were presented. The programme had full attendance.
Nine groups of talented singers performed their singing talents at the UAE level open to all group singing competition which was arranged as a part of the celebration.
The performance of the singers received applause from audience.
As a part of the celebration, many Kannada folk dances, mythological theme based dance presentations, songs and performances were presented.
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha has been continuing with its three and half decade-old tradition of identifying and honouring talented personalities with valuable contributions across different fields.
The sponsors and the supporters of the programme were honoured by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha.
The event was compered by Avinash assisted by Sarvottam Shetty.