Report: Dr Jagadeesh Kumar

San Francisco (USA), Nov 9: In yet another feather to its cap, AATA (All America Tulu Association also known as Akhila America Tulvere Angana) successfully held the annual Uchchya 2023 programme on October 29, celebrating the rich culture of the Tulunadu region with brilliant performances from the local talents of coastal Karnataka region.

The event was virtual and premiered online on Youtube with live viewing by hundreds of viewers across the globe.

This is the third year of the Uchchya programme since AATA was founded a couple of years ago, with the objective of bringing the Tulunadu culture closer to all the Tulu speaking people in the North America and Canada regions and the rest of the world.

The event was graced by esteemed guests of Tulunadu origin such as scholar Bannanje Babu Amin, Mangalore University Tulu Peeta coordinator Dr. M.K Madhava, former MLC Ivan D’Souza and film actor Vinaya Prasad.

Captivating cultural performances by well known artists, Prakash Karkala (Saxophone), Kudla Kusal Team (comedy show), Dr. Radhika Kalluraya (Bharatanatyam), Yemmekere Team (Pili dance), Dr. Gurudas (Harikathe) and Bailur Couple (Pardana), added colour and grandeur to the event enthralling the viewers.

The programme was organised into two parts with the first part dedicated to the words of esteemed guests and the second part for cultural performances.

The programme started off with a Yakshagana style theme song sung by well known Patla Satish Shetty. Master of ceremony Anasuya Poonja of Austin, Texas started off the event with praise for the beauty of Tulunadu and its culture.

AATA founder president Bhaskar Sherigar invited the esteemed guests, participants, AATA committee members, supporters and all the well-wishers. Sahana Kodimale of Tampa Florida rendered the invocation with blissful Ganapathi Stuthi.

Esteemed guests of the event, Tulu scholar Bannanje Babu Amin, actor Vinaya Prasad, MLC Ivan D’Souza and Dr. M.K. Madhava were introduced by  Santosh Shetty, Pooja Shetty, Frederick Fernandes and Dr. Jagadeesh Kumar respectively.

In his address, Tulu scholar Bannanje Babu Amin explained how historically tulu families lived together in harmony under a matrilineal system. He also released the newsletter “SiriSuddi”, featuring various events and articles of the Tulu speaking people in the Northern America/Canada region.

Another esteemed guest actor Vinaya Prasad recalled how she liked being recognised as a Tuluva from Tulunadu and it is a matter of pride for all Tuluvas across the world. She also mentioned her love for Tulu culture, food, art and songs by singing couplets.

Former MLC of Karnataka Ivan D’Souza in his guest address stated how Tulu has been the primary bond between all Tuluvas around the world and illustrated his love for Tulu with examples of his efforts to promote Tulu across the state and the country.

Another esteemed guest Dr. Madhava M K delivered an impactful speech highlighting Tulunadu’s rich culture, art, food, and appreciated the role played by AATA in promoting Tulu across the American Tulu diaspora. He also released the book “AATA Tulu Lipi Gonchil Yegge -1” which is a collection of articles written in Tulu script by 23 students of the “Tulu Lipi Kalpuga” programme organised by AATA between Aug-Oct 2023.

AATA Ambassador from Toronto, Reshma S described the details of the book.

AATA chairperson of the board of directors Dr Mohanchandra from California introduced the AATA president, Srivalli Rai Martell of Florida. In her address, she thanked all the patrons, well-wishers, members of AATA and outlined the goals and programmes of AATA in promoting the Tulu language and culture across the northern American continent.

AATA vice president Shirish Shetty of Atlanta explained about the AATA newsletter. Dr. Rathnakar Sherigar from Virginia provided information about the AATA Bee quiz contest to be held towards the end of the year.

The second part of the programme was nicely anchored by AATA youth ambassador Aryaman Shetty from California. Prakash Karkala and his team weaved their saxophone magic on the audience with melodious and devotional music compositions.

Dr Radhika Kalluraya’s team captured viewers' attention with beautifully choreographed Bharatanatyam and Kolata dance sequences. Kudla Kusal team entertained the viewers with a heavy dose of laughter with their comedy show.

Dr Gurudas S.P and his team took everyone to a pleasant and imaginary world of legendary king Baliyendra through the Harikathe narration in Tulu. Following this was something new and unique, Jaggu Parava couple from Bailoor, Karkala showcased the Tulu culture and historical facts with beautifully sung pardana.

The final part of the cultural performance was the major highlight of the event, Pili Nalike by Yemmekere Team, left the audience spellbound with well coordinated acrobatic moves synchronising with rhythmic beats of the drums.

Seattle ambassador Pavithra Shetty introduced the Saxophone performance sequences and joint secretary Ranjani Asaigoli from North Carolina introduced Dr Radhika Kalluraya’s team.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ramadas Kulal of New York, thanking all the committee members, AATA members, supporters, well-wishers, donors, press media, various organisations across the world promoting Tulu language and culture, and all the audience and viewers that helped in successful conduct of the AATA Uchchya 2023 event.