Media Release
Manama (Bahrain), Oct 14: The Kannada Sangha Bahrain and its members experienced a double celebration, marking the grand opening of the new Dr Ronald Colaco Lounge On Friday, October 6, within the recently constructed Kannada Bhavana. Simultaneously, the Sangha inaugurated its new executive committee, ushering in a new era of leadership and community engagement.
The morning ceremony commenced with the esteemed presence of Karnataka's Honorable Home Minister, Dr G Parmeshwara, who officially inaugurated the opulent Dr Ronald Colaco Lounge. This Lounge, graciously furnished and generously donated by the renowned NRI businessman and philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco, is exclusively dedicated to the comfort and use of Sangha members.
Prominent figures, including Dr Arathi Krishna, AICC secretary, and former Karnataka NRI Forum vice-chairman; Dr Ronald Colaco; Ravikumar Gowda, MLA from Mandya; and Mithun Rai, KPCC general secretary, graced the lounge's inauguration ceremony. The event unfolded in the grandeur of the Kannada Bhavana's Hall, and esteemed guests had the opportunity to explore the Sangha's various activities, applauding the Kannadigas for their unwavering dedication to preserving the state's rich culture.
In the evening, the Kannada Sangha Bahrain held an official induction ceremony for its new committee, under the leadership of Amarnath Rai as president. The prestigious Movenpick Hotel served as the backdrop for this event, with the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, Vinod K Jacob, serving as the chief guest. Home Minister Dr Parameshwara graced the occasion as the guest of honour, accompanied by distinguished guests such as Dr Arathi Krishna, Ravikumar Gowda, Mithun Rai, and Haji Abdul Razak, president of Dakshina Kannada Sunni Muslim Association, Bahrain.
The new committee members were formally inducted and bestowed with badges by Dr Parameshwara, signifying their new roles during their tenure.
In his address, HE Ambassador Jacob commended the achievements of Karnataka and emphasized the state's appeal as a significant investment destination for local and NRI investors from Bahrain. He highlighted the growing interest in India and Karnataka and acknowledged the Sangha's four-decade-long commitment to serving the community and its remarkable efforts in building the new Kannada Bhavana.
Dr Parameshwara echoed Ambassador Jacob's sentiments, shedding light on Karnataka's economic progress and its dedication to poverty alleviation and societal well-being. He encouraged NRIs and Bahraini investors to seize the unique investment opportunities presented by the state and praised the tireless efforts and accomplishments of the Sangha.
The new Kannada Bhavana, with its impressive facilities, garnered further praise from Dr Parameshwara, who expressed his pride in touring the Bhavana.
President Amarnath Rai expressed his gratitude to all distinguished guests, acknowledging the Sangha's history and the efforts made by its members and committees to establish the first Kannada Bhavana outside of India. He also lauded the outgoing president, Pradeep Shetty, and general secretary, Kiran Upadhyaya, and their team for their seven years of dedicated work in realizing the Bhavana's construction. Rai thanked the Karnataka government for their unwavering support.
President Amar Rai submitted a memorandum to Dr Parameshwara, requesting further government assistance to complete pending works and settle payments related to the Bhavana with the Contractor.
Home minister Dr G Parameshwara announced a generous donation of Rs 1 crore from his family foundation for the Bhavana and pledged to recommend an additional Rs 2 crore donation from the government to the Sangha.
The event also featured the unveiling of a book chronicling the life and journey of Dr Ronald Colaco, a globally recognized figure for his charitable works, who emphasized the importance of supporting worthy causes and the less fortunate.
In a traditional Karnataka-style ceremony, KSB honored Ambassador Vinos K Jacob, Home minister Dr Parameshwara, Dr Arathi Krishna, Dr Ronald Colaco, Ravikumar Gowda, Mithun Rai, outgoing president Pradeep Shetty, senior Sangha member Haji Abdul Razak, and community leader Anand Lobo for their invaluable contributions.
Sangha members who contributed to the realization of the Dream Project Kannada Bhavana were felicitated, and the cultural and sports teams were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions. The cultural secretary, Jagadish, and the assistant cultural secretary, along with their executive colleagues, played a vital role in organizing the event.
During the event, the audience was entertained with various dance performances by Vidwan Sujay J.Shanbhag and his troupe from Hubballi, Karnataka, as well as talented artistes from the sangha. A special dinner was organized for approximately 650 attendees.
The program, meticulously coordinated by general secretary Ramprasad Ammenadka, was masterfully hosted by Sandhya Pai and Shivananda Patil. A traditional Indian welcome, 'Poornakumbha swagatha,' set the tone for a memorable and joyous occasion that celebrated not only the Sangha's accomplishments but also the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.