Report by: Prasanna Lakshman, Boston USA
Media release
Boston (USA), May 3: “Pass on the great Tulu heritage to the next generation, keep it alive, let all of us support the commendable work undertaken by All America Tulu Association (AATA)”, said Sri Sri Gurudevanada Swamiji of Sri Kshetra Odiyur.
Swamiji was delivering a discourse ashirvachanam after inaugurating the 'AATA Bisu Parba 2024' by the All America Tulu Association (AATA), established with the aim of "preserving and disseminating Tulu Language and its culture worldwide" commemorating the annual virtual event, Bisu Parba 2024, on Sunday, April 21. Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and performing the Pooja.
The distinguished chief guest for this event Shantarama V Shetty, a renowned Tulu and Kannada scholar and one of the founder members of iLesa the Voice of Ocean, delivered an exemplary speech elucidating the significance of Bisu Parba and delving into its celebrations in detail.
One of the highlights of the event was the inauguration of the AATA matrimonial site “Madmaye-Madmal”. Talking after inaugurating the site, Shantaram Shetty stressed the need for such service, it is true that marriages are made in heaven but need a means to identify them. AATA’s much awaited matrimonial service will help the younger generation to find a Tuluva life partner.
Dr. Sudhakara Rao, a prominent figure in the Tulu community and the founder of NETK (New England Tulu Koota) and Kalatarangini was the other chief guest at the event. In his address, he shared insightful reflections on the significance of Bisu Parba. Furthermore, he emphasised the inclusion of a mirror in the “Bisu Kani”, suggesting its potential role in facilitating self-realisation.
President Shreevalli Rai Martel in her presidential address discussed AATA's past, present, and future activities. She elaborated about the AATA’s focus on the activities targeted for the kids like ‘Bale Tulu Lipi kalpuga’, AATA Bee International youth quiz, ‘Bale Tulu Paterga’ classes etc. Online Tulu Library “Rani Abbakka Genade Chavadi '' is adding more and more books.
She also shared her happiness over starting AATA matrimony site ‘madmaye-madmal’. Rai announced the first ever in person Tulu conference of USA - Canada, a two-day event during United States independence day weekend of July 4, 2025 and requested all the people of tulu roots in USA and Canada to become a member of AATA and support.
Samuel Dragomire, an American but having a heart of Tuluva addressed the event. He is a student studying in Boston, shared his experience of ‘Bale Tulu Kalpuga’ class and spoke fluently in Tulu.
The programme was kicked off with a title song bisu festival penned by AATA director from Michigan Prashanta Kumar. The song was composed by Vid. Rajarajeshwari Bhat and beautifully sung by Vid. Kruthi Bhat from Texas. AATA director from Boston Prasanna Lakshman had composed a captivating video for the kick-off.
AATA director from Kentucky Dr. Roshan Pais extended a warm welcome to the esteemed chief guests as well as all the Tuluva audiences from across the globe. The event started with divine invocation by Keerthana Bhat from Austin Texas.
Prabhakara Bhat, AATA member from Boston, AATA directors from California Dr Shridhar Alva, Prasanna Lakshman from Boston and Prithi Shetty from Atlanta Georgia introduced the guests to the audiences. Master of the ceremonies of the ‘sabha karyakrama’ Sudeep Hebbar, joint treasurer from Atlanta Georgia kicked off the event with a wonderful opening statement.
The cultural programmes from Tuluvas of USA and Canada commenced with a beautiful Tulu song presented by the students and teachers of ‘Bale Tulu Paatherga class of 2024’. Triangle Tuluvere Chavadi members Sowmya Shetty, Priyanka Shetty, Dinesh Anchan, Suresh Shetty, Ranjani Asaigoli, Asha Sathish, Nirmala D'sa, Nandini Murthy, Vidya Rao, Shahali Anwar and Trisha Shetty from North Carolina presented the beautiful Tulu song ‘Tulu nadug bisu raaye bathe’.
Bharatanatyam performances by Nikitha Anchan from Toronto Canada and mother-daughter duo from Boston Maanya-Prathibha Shettigar mesmerised the audiences. A tabla performance composed for tiger dance by Rajesh Pai from Boston and tabla performance by AATA’s next generation kids Prahlad Rao - Adhesh Polali were the highlights of the event.
An amazing violin duet by Shrinivas Vadhiraj and Dhruv Vadhiraj, as well as marvellous piano performance by Akshaj Chidananda were very impressive.
Amita Anuj captivated the audiences with her rendition of the beautiful Ilesa Tulu song "Porluda Tulunaada siri gaddigade". Tulu duet by Gayathri Rao-Raghavendra Rao from Texas, Tulu version of the famous song ‘srivalli’ by Dr.Bhagyajyothi Arun from Boston,’pakklu mooji’ song by Sandhya Chidananda from Indiana were the special treats.
Pili dance was another great attraction of the event. Pili Nalike troupe from Atlanta Tuluver consisting of AATA vice-president Shirish Shetty, treasurer Santosh Shetty, joint treasurer Sudeep Hebbar, Harish Hebbar, and Venugopal Shetty, enthralled the audiences.
The folk dance from talented kids and adults of Austin texas by Sunay Shastri, Sohana Shastri, Ankita Puranik, Vibha Innanji, Vristi Innanji, Nikita Rao, Supritha Puranik, Shreedevi Jayaraj and Bhavya Bhat showcased Tulunadu culture.
Another memorable Tulu folk dance performance was from Rashmi Maladi, Deepa Shetty, Bindu Samatha, Nishmitha Rai from Tulsi Tulu koota North California.
Yeksha Hejje showcased a unique version of Yakshagana titled "Yaksha Taala Nritya" featuring the Prasanga "Lava Kusha”. Team ‘Yakshahejja’s yaksha-nrithya was led by Dr. Rajendra Kedilaya and participants were Dr Anuradha Adiga, Prahalad Rao and Dr Rajendra Upadhaya.
Yaksha-Vaachana was performed by AATA director Prashanta Kumar Mattu, Rajendra Upadhaya, Umashankar Kadambar and Mohan Hebbar. Prasanna Bhat Balkal and team provided the background music.
The cultural event was coordinated by cultural lead and ambassador Anusuya Poonja from Austin Texas. It was flawlessly executed by the emcees, California ambassador Dr Jagadish Kumar, AATA director from Virginia Dr Rathnakara Sherigar, AATA ambassador from Seattle Pavitra Shetty, youth Ambassador from California Aryaman Shetty, AATA member from Toronto Canada Reshma Chettiar, vice-president Shirish Shetty, treasurer Santosh Shetty from Atlanta and chairperson of board of directors Dr K P Mohanchandra from California.
The programme came to a close with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by AATA joint secretary, Ranjini Asaigoli. AATA technical team led by Prashanth Kumar, Arun Somayaji, Subhaschandra Shetty, Prasanna Lakshman and Roshan Puttur played a key role. AATA president Shreevalli Rai Martel, director and founder president Bhaskar Sherigar, whose leadership and relentless dedication played a pivotal role in making the event a grand success.
The success of the event was also indebted to the unwavering support of various teams including the content provider team, social media team, publication team, event moderators, executive committee, advisors, directors, ambassadors and the volunteers.
A special thanks went out to Gopala Patte, Surendra Kumar Marnad, team iLesa for all their support.