Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 14: Srinidhi Shetty, the Mangalurean beauty who was crowned 'Miss Supranational' in the Krynica Zdroj city of Poland on December 2 was felicitated by International Bunts Welfare Trust in a ceremony held at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Law College auditorium here on Wednesday, December 14.
She was honoured traditionally with a 'tilak', a saree, bangles and betelnut and leaves before being given a statue of Lord Krishna, a citation, a shawl, a garland, bowl of fruits and Bunts Welfare Trust Award.
Acknowledging the honour, spoke in Tulu and expressed her gratitude to the people of Mangaluru for their constant support and encouragement.
"It was due to the constant support of the people back home in Kudla (Mangaluru) that I rose to the top spot in the beauty pageant, and wore the glittering tiara," said Srinidhi, describing the win as the 'happiest moment' of her life, much to the applause of the gathering.
She also made a special mention of the sacrifices made by her father Ramesh Shetty, who was accompanying her along with his two other daughters (elder sisters of Srinidhi). Srinidhi described him as her pillar of strength, who gave wings to her dreams, showering motherly affection after the demise of her mother (Kushala Shetty).
"When I was running for the pageant, I would regularly browse on the net only to see the encouragement of Bunts Sangha, whose members were sharing every update. That indeed enhanced my confidence. I thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said.
Prior to the felicitation, secretary of the Trust Rajagopala Rai, explaining the motive behind starting the trust two years ago, said that the Trust was formed mainly to recognise achievers and help the needy belonging to the community.
President of the Trust Sadananda Shetty, DK in-charge minister Ramanatha Rai, Sandalwood music director Gurukiran, mayor of Mangaluru city corporation Harinath, Srinidhi's father Ramesh Shetty, Mithun Rai, Myna Shetty, Bengaluru Buntara Sangha president Chandrahasa Rai and others were present.
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