Media Release
Kuwait, Dec 30: Kuwait Kannada Koota (KKK) a socio-cultural association for the people of Karnataka in Kuwait, celebrated state’s formation day, Rajyotsava, on November 20 through a virtual platform amid the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19 pandemic. The program was conducted by the executive committee with great enthusiasm and grandeur. In view of Rajyotsava, a variety of colourful programs was conducted entirely by the Koota members. Members displayed their talent and exhibited their love for their beloved state, Karnataka by enthusiastically participating in the celebration.
The evening began with a grand visual spectacle where the PR committee members led by Suparna Dambal welcomed the viewers. This was followed by the national anthem of Kuwait and India. The cultural convenor, while welcoming the distinguished guests, members and viewers, gave an introduction for the evening ahead. The program symbolically started with the lighting of the lamp by the executive committee comprising of president Rajesh Vittal, vice-president Sandeep Chabba, general secretary, Praveen Kumar Shetty and treasurer Pradeep Rao, all accompanied by their better halves. The program anchors, Preeti Shetty and Tarendra Shettigar introduced the eminent guests for the event. The chief guest of the event was Padmashri Dr Dodda Range Gowda, an eminent poet and lyricist worked in Kannada cinema. Other guests of honour were, hugely popular Sandalwood real star, Upendra Rao and former Miss India Super Talent and Kannada actress, Nimika Ratnakar. Koota’s Covid warriors, who helped co-countrymen during the pandemic lockdown, Suresh S Rao Neramballi, Vijay Kairangal, Dr Surendra Nayak Kapadi and Dr Diwakar Cheluvaiah were remembered and their efforts were highly appreciated. Video clippings of messages, congratulating and wishing Koota on the occasion, from state chief minister, Yediyurappa and Dr ArathiKrisha, former deputy chairperson, NRI Forum of Karnataka, were shown to the viewers.
President, while addressing the gathering, welcomed one and all. He stressed the importance of remembering the hard work put in by the people for the formation of the state. He also pointed at various association programs through the year and highlighted the tireless efforts made by the members to come with e-Rajyotasva, in-spite of challenges faced during Covid pandemic. He also spoke about how Koota contributed to Covid causes by arranging evacuation flights with the help of other associations and assisted Indian embassy-initiated relief activities like ICSG and PM Care Fund.
Chief guest released the e-Souvenir and e-Marala Mallige, Koota’s in-house magazine published on a quarterly basis consisting of informative articles from members and children. Souvenir committee headed by Uday Vernekar and Marala Mallige committee headed by Maribasappa Karchad, worked hard to get these e-magazines published on time. Guest of honour, Nimika Ratnakar, addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts made by Koota in organizing the program during the challenging times. Upendra expressed his happiness to be part of the program and wished the members on the occasion.
Chief guest, Dr Dodda Range Gowda spoke about how proud he felt to be part of the event. He highlighted the contribution made by the members in preserving and developing Kannada in the form of the e-magazine. Chief guest spoke in length about how ancient was Kannada language and how some words were used during ancient Greek and Egyptian times. Dr Gowda also highlighted various important milestones depicting the history of Kannada from the 2nd century. During his speech, he stressed on how Kannada could be used in all modes of life including higher education. Remembering various eminent Kannada poets and their contribution to the development of the language, he urged Koota members to build an environment where their children can learn the language.
Great playback singer, S P Balasubramanyam was remembered through a short video showcasing his growth, contribution and some of his hit numbers. One of his close associates, B V Shrinivas, spoke in detail about the great singer. He remembered his close association with the singer and highlighted how fond he was about Karnataka.
Rishika Sharma, who has worked predominantly in Kannada movies like Kempegowda 2 and Trunk, wished all Koota members on the occasion of Rajyotsava. She expressed her happiness on how, in the middle of the pandemic, Koota is celebrating the program with high energy and spirit.
Dashing star Nihal Rajput, who worked in Kannada movie Trunk, spoke and encouraged the members.
Cultural programs started with Cultural Committee convenor and co-convenor Spoorthy Kamath and Saurabh Vikram welcoming the viewers and declaring the opening of the colourful cultural programs. A series of programs which were performed and recorded individually and edited to give a look & feel of group performance followed displaying Koota members enthusiasm and talent. An exuberant prayer dance invoking the almighty, directed by Shanthala Sathish, set the trend for a wonderful evening. Cultural convenor introduced the cultural committee members who worked day and night to come up with a beautiful program in-spite of facing pandemic related challenges. The members of the cultural committee fed the audience with a colourful welcome dance. A group song, Kannada bashe, followed by highlighting the cultural richness of the state. Ably directed by Sandhya Arun Kumar, participants sang with great spirit and fervour.
Next in-line was Alka Jitendra directed dance on how to come out of depression during the difficult times of pandemic. A mesmerizing short drama on a Kannada class was enacted brilliantly by association children and elder members. The drama was well directed by Satish Acharya. A colourful & highly energetic retro dance, directed by Rajeshwari Chetan followed and it was one of the highlights of the evening. The audience was treated to an exuberant fashion show, twinning fashion, ably directed by Nayana Girish Shenoy and Bhargavi Bharma.
Garima Uppoor choreographed Marathi folk dance followed which exhibited Marathi dance with Kannada song showing 'unity in diversity'. Jodi Hakkigalu dance, directed by Sourabha Vikram followed which showcased some of the top Sandalwood onscreen pairs dancing to the yesteryear tunes.
Folk dances from different part of the state followed showing the diverse cultural richness of the state. The cultural programs ended with this grand finale which was directed by Spoorthi Kamath.
The program ended with a vote of thanks presented by the Koota secretary, Praveen Kumar Shetty who thanked the distinguished chief guest, other eminent guests, sponsors, committees and all who contributed to the success of the program.
The program was sponsored by Kuwait India Exchange Company, Max Life Insurance, Land Trades builders and developers Mangaluru, Max Bupa Health Insurance, Bapu Family Bengaluru and Karnataka Bank.