Media Release

Massachusetts (USA), Apr 27: “Let the knowledge come from all the directions and the noble thoughts of Tulu spread to the world,” said Dr Sayeegeeta, head of the Tulu Studies Nitte University. She was delivering her talk after inaugurating the ‘Rani Abbakka Genada Chavadi’, an online Tulu library during the Tulu new year celebration ‘Bisu Parba 2023’ organized by All America Tulu Association (AATA) of North America.

The annual celebration of Bisu Parba, the virtual cultural event took place on April 16. It has been a tradition of AATA since 2021 to invite Tulu scholars from across the globe as ‘Maanadigeda Binner’.

Dr Sayeegeetha’s passionate talk about Bisu Parba, realized the importance and meaning behind the Bisu celebration. Tech entrepreneur, founder and president of MResult Connecticut USA, Sekhar Naik’s interview gave an insight into how hard work and determination are the driving forces to success. Dr Rajendra Kedalaya’s words of encouragement to continue to spread culture and make sure the future generation appreciates them was very relevant. His initiative to teach Yakshagana in English shows his commitment to nurture Tulunadu culture. Raghuram Shetty, who had created a space for himself in Hollywood, emphasized the importance of continuing to encourage and support artists is one of the many ways to make sure our language and culture will be recognized on a national and international level.

President of the event, outgoing AATA president Bhaskar Sherigar outlined the activities of AATA over the last two years and concluded his term by thanking all the members and committee members for all the support and hard work. Tulu speaking classes for kids and adults, Tulu lipi classes, decoding of Tulu palm leaf manuscripts, ‘Tulu Uchhaya’, Tulu online library and youth enrichment programmes were the highlights of the activities. New president Srivalli Rai, promised to grow AATA, introduce new programmes, keep all the members engaged as a big family and keep up the good work.

The cultural programme part of this event was beautifully planned and performed by all the hardworking AATA members of North America. The programme started with the invocation by Shalini K P Shetty from Boston. Kuchipudi dance by Apsara Shetty from Connecticut, dance drama ‘Daiva Aradhane’ by Shweta Shetty and team of Agastya Shetty, Ansh Shetty, Aptha Shetty, Arush Kirani, Deepa Kadri, Rishaan Shetty, Rivka Shetty, Ryan Shetty, Sharanya Shetty, Shaina Shetty, Shobitha Rai, Shweta Shetty, Suprita Shetty, Sweta Shetty from Atlanta and Bharatanatyam dance performances by Boston girls team of Ansika Sherigar, Anya Jain, Aanya Bhandari, Rhea Bhandari, Drith Prasanna Boston, Ankitha Rao from Montreal Canada, Anusuya Poonja from Texas enthralled the audience. ‘Tulu Appe Barpina Porlu’ dance choreographed by Shilpa Sherigar and team of Shambhavi Pujari, Ramya Rao, Priya Srinivasa, and Divya Chatra from Seattle and ‘Bakyar Kandodu’ dance by Jagadeesh Kumar, Ravikala Jagadeesh, Samhitha Upadhya, Shilpa Alva, Megha Shetty from Tulsi Tulukoota California reflected the true Tuluva spirit. Next generation kids Sanvi Asaigoli from North Carolina and Hrudan Gautham from Boston with Yakshagana bhagavathike and flawless tulu singing showed the love for tulunad culture. A skit by Mast Drama Works Boston directed by Bhaskar Sherigar with local talents Bhavana Jain, Kalpana Shetty, Sathish Movvar, Frederick Fernandes, Sharath Amin, Prasanna Lakshman, Dheeraj Devadiga and Gautham Pojary concluded the event with a note of fun and entertainment.

The event was kicked off with a great note on tulunad by master of ceremonies, AATA ambassador from Boston Prasanna Lakshman and Lavanya Prasanna. Chairperson of the board of directors Dr Shridhar Alva welcomed the guests and all. Vice president Shirish Shetty, joint secretary Puja Shetty, director Prashanth Kumar, and ambassador Santosh Shetty introduced the guests. California ambassador Anitha Naik gave an overview of the library and thanked Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy on behalf of AATA for the support and authorizing the titles to include in the online library. The contribution of the authors and beautiful website design by Subhashchandra Shetty were also remembered on this occasion. General secretary Prakash Udupa in his note, thanked all the guests, audience, participants, advisory council, executive committee, board of directors, ambassadors, grand patrons, patrons, members, tech crew, cultural committee, media, newspaper, team Ilesa and all who were involved for their whole hearted support. The programme was concluded by the master of the ceremony for the entertainment part of the programme Sushma Jayachandra from Pennsylvania.

Akhila Americoda Tuluvere Angana (AATA in Tulu) is a non-profit organization, registered in the state of Massachusetts and recognized by the IRS - federal government of the United States of America. As per the bylaws, a new president, few directors need to be elected and a new team needs to be formed. Active, enthusiastic ambassador from Florida Shreevalli Rai was elected unanimously. As per the tradition, a new committee took office on the auspicious day of Bisu, April 15, in a virtual event which was attended by all the AATA leadership members and their families. The members welcomed the Tulu new year and the new committee leadership by lighting the lamp. The new committee consists of people from across North America with various professional backgrounds. The newly elected members took oath to uphold the AATA mission and treasure Tulu heritage.