Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SB)
Mumbai, Dec 26: Former union minister B Janardan Poojary inaugurated the Billavara Association organized Koti-Chennaiah Athletic Meet 2010, an annual event at the Goregaon Sports Club, Malad (West).
Billavara Association president Jaya C Suvarna presided. Bharat Co-operative Bank, Mumbai Ltd working president Vasudev R Kotian was the chief guest, while cardiologist Dr Sadanand Shetty, Dakshina Kannada district Congress general secretary Harikrishna Bantwal, entrepreneurs Surendra Poojary and Harish G Bangera were the honorary guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Poojary said that though his mother tongue was Tulu, he used Karnataka state language Kannada while giving speech for there are Billavas, who hail from Kundapur-Brahmavar who are not so conversant in tulu. He expressed his happiness for conducting such a huge sports event in the name of the duo, Koti-Chennaiah, the Tulu folk heroes. He said that if given right opportunity, rural talent such as Ashwini-Mamata are capable of making the coastal community and the whole nation proud.
He called on the people to show unity through sports in the future too.
Dr Sadanand urged people to maintain good health keeping aside an hour for healthy activities.
Suvarna expressed that sports was a medium for youth to showcase their talent. He added that it can gave immense pride when atletes like Mamata Poojary made the community's name proud.
Sportspersons, Ashwini Shetty and Mamata Poojary were felicitated by Sri Adichunchanagiri Seva Samiti president Narayan R Gowda.
Association honorary president Y Nagesh, honorary general secretary Jyoti K Suvarna, honorary chief treaurer S Salian, honorary joint secretaries Dharmesh S Salina, U Dhananjay Kumar, Mohandas B Poojary, Dhananjay S Kotian and honorary joint secretaries Ganesh M Billava, Dharmapal B Anchan, Rajesh J Bangera, women's section working president Jayanti V Ullal, youth development working president Premnah P Kotian, honorary secretary Ravindra A Amin and Sevadal chief Ganesh K Poojary were among the present.
Shiksha Poojary read the sports oath.
Sri Guru Narayana Yakshagana Mandali rendered the prayers. Vice-president Nityanand D Kotian and joint secretaries Dharmesh S Salian compered the programme. Honorary general secretary Jyoti K Suvarna delivered the vote of thanks.