Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai (RBI), Nov 17: The Namimumbai Tulu-Kannada Mitra Vrinda hosted an elaborate Deepavali friendship gathering last Saturday at the Bunts Centre auditorium in Juinagar.

The event was inaugurated by special guests, including Satish Nikam, head of Maharashtra BJP IT Cell; Karnataka BJP MLA and West Maharashtra election in-charge C T Ravi; Mangaluru MP Capt Brijesh Chowta; Beltangady MLA Harish Poonja; senior BJP leader from Bengaluru Umesh Shetty; and Vashi-based businessman Shyam N Shetty, who together lit the ceremonial lamp.

The cultural program featured performances such as a Ganesh invocation and Bharat Mata praise by Krithi Chadaga, Saraswati Vandana by Ritika, and Bharatanatyam by Manisha Shetty and her team, who also presented the state anthem Bakyard Kandoodu. Artists from the Gokula Cultural Centre showcased performances like Kudugolu Krishna of Udupi and Chennakeshava, while Ritika and her team delivered the dance piece Lallati Bhandaara, choreographed by Vidushi Smt. Sahana Bharadwaj.

Speeches were given by Capt Brijesh Chowta, Satish Nikam, C T Ravi, and Harish Poonja, who conveyed their greetings and good wishes.

Anita Shetty spoke on the challenges faced by Sanatan Dharma in current times, emphasizing that only a BJP-led government can safeguard the nation from these difficulties.

Prominent attendees included Sampath Shetty, Jagadish Shetty, Sunil Shetty, Bhoj Devadiga, Ramesh Devadiga, Anita Acharya, Poornima Devadiga, and Harin Amin.

K Rajaram Acharya welcomed the gathering with an introductory address urging people to protect Sanatan Dharma. Sujith Kumar Poojary compered the event, while Harish Poojary delivered the vote of thanks.