Media Release
Dubai, May 8: Members of the Bunts community residing in UAE celebrated their 46th year of togetherness vibrantly at The Bristol Hotel Hall on April 30.
The day-long fun-filled celebration was a delightful tinge of culture and tradition. The programme included a variety of dances, music, skits and other programmes that represented rich Tulu and extraordinary Bunt tradition. The programme witnessed a large crowd comprising enthusiastic members from the Bunts community who came together as one family from various parts of UAE.
The chief guest of the day was Dr M Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Educational Foundation, educationalist, sportsperson, dancer, doctor, industrialist and more importantly- a philanthropist along with CID fame celebrity guest Daya Shetty and Harish Vasu Shetty from Mumbai.
Renowned Sandalwood director and actor Shivadhwaj Shetty was also welcomed traditionally with “Poornakumbha Kalashas” along with the ‘Chende Vadana’.
Sarvotham Shetty, president of UAE Bunts and chief guest Dr M Mohan Alva inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp in the presence of executive committee members, guests, and dignitaries who had gathered at the venue.
Ashok Pakkala, noted businessmen,organiser and naster of ceremony was introduced by president Sarvotham Shetty.
The stage programme began with a prayer dance. There were a host of cultural events like Bharathanatyam, folk dances, Yakshagana, filmy dances, etc giving the event a traditional touch and flavour while also succeeding in keeping the audiences thoroughly entertained and happy.
Proud Bunts CID fame celebrity guest Daya Shetty, Harish Vasu Shetty and Shivadhwaj Shetty were felicitated by Dr Mohan Alva long with the executive members.
Dr.M Mohan Alva was honoured with 'Bunta Vibhooshana' award by president Sarvotham Shetty, vice-president Praveen Kumar Shetty along with other dignitaries for his remarkable service to tradition, cultural society and humanity.
Speaking to the audiences after receiving the honour, Alva expressed his acceptance over the felicitation. He said, “Our tradition of living in macro family with traditional farming methods that we used helped us get yield from crop that was enough feed to the whole village. Unfortunately after adopting modern micro family no option was left other than depending on grocery shop for daily needs and requirements. I request everyone to help to preserve and forward our tradition and culture for the happiness of the next generation.”
He wished all success to the Bunt community and the guests gathered for their future endeavours.
The sponsors (Presenter, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Patron), media and major supporters of the annual get-together were presented mementos in recognition of their support by president Sarvotham Shetty.
Further, young students who have excelled in the field of education and sports were honoured and encouraged with medals. It was very proud feeling moment for the proud parents and all the audiences to know about budding stars.
Senior creative artist B K Ganesh Rai was felicitated by Bunts UAE’s Core committee members for his contribution in displaying various attractive designs and for presenting the rich culture of Tulunadu which was continuously displayed on a large LCD screen adding more value to the event.
Bunts Family Dance Competition, another special attraction of the day was the contest between Bunt families, who presented their dancing skills on the stage, enthralled and were applauded by guests and audiences.
Finally, Niveditha and Ishanvi Hegde family emerged as the winner of Bunts Family Dance competition in which the second place secured by Akshata , Anvi and Ravi Shetty family while Samyak and Samarth Suresh Shetty were adjudged as third wining family of the dance competition.
A raffle draw was conducted by Land Traders and winners took home the prizes on the spot .
Ashok Pakkala compered the programme well which won him appreciaton for his command over Tulu language. He was felicitated on behalf of Bunts family UAE.
The whole event which was meticulously planned and organised by an organising committee under the able leadership of Sarvotham Shetty were applauded and the organising committee members were introduced to the audiences by the president.
Organising committee consists of Abhinandan and Sharadhi Shetty, Sunil and Harsha Shetty, Athma and Thripthi Rai, Gyanananda and Pramitha Shetty, Sumeet and Vineetha Shetty, Mahesh and Harshini Shetty, Shailesh and Sushma Shetty, Sandeep and Thripthi Rai who were introduced to the audiences.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks rendered by Sarvotham Shetty. He thanked all the sponsors, well-wishers and members of the community for their wholehearted support, guidance which contributed to the grand success of UAE Bunts Family Get-Together 2023.