Report and Photos: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Dec 29: The Karnataka Rajyotsava, celebrated with great enthusiasm in Karnataka, has become a unifying occasion for Kannadigas across India. Speaking on the occasion, Dr RK Shetty, honorary general secretary of Bantara Sangha Mumbai and president of the Karnataka Janapada Parishat Maharashtra Unit, highlighted the importance of the festival, stating, "The Karnataka Rajyotsava holds immense significance as it reflects our love for our state and the trust in our birthplace. Celebrating this festival in Mumbai today is meaningful as it showcases our culture and educates future generations about Karnataka, uniting Kannadigas and nurturing our cultural heritage in the city."
The event, organized to commemorate Kanakadasa and Kuvempu Jayanti, as well as Karnataka Rajyotsava, was hosted at the Radha Bai Thimmappa Bhandari Auditorium, Bantara Bhavana, Chunabhatti, Kurla East, on Sunday afternoon. It was supported by various organizations, including the Okkaliga Sangha Maharashtra, Kempegowda Association Mumbai, Kurubara Sangha Maharashtra, and Gowdara Unnathi Kendra Navi Mumbai, along with Kala Saurabh Mumbai.
Dr RK Shetty inaugurated the festivities, titled Karunada Dindima 2024, and praised the efforts of the organizing bodies. The inauguration was presided over by K Rajegowda, president of Okkaliga Sangha Maharashtra.
Eminent poet and writer Dr Sunitha M Shetty was the chief guest. Distinguished guests included Shyam N Shetty, former president of Bombay Bunts Association; Suresh R Kanchan, honorary president of Mogaveera Mahajana Seva Sangha, Mumbai; Suresh Kumar Kadri, vice president of Billava Association Mumbai; Madhusudhan TR, president of Kannada Kala Kendra Mumbai; Yogesh Gowda, president of Kurubara Sangha Maharashtra; Jitendra Gowda, former president of Okkaliga Sangha Maharashtra; Mohan Kumar J Gowda, president of Gowdara Unnathi Kendra Mumbai; Vikas Kumar Gowda, president of Kempegowda Association Mumbai; and Padmanabha Sasihitlu, president of Kala Saurabh Mumbai.
During the event, organizations such as Okkaliga Sangha Maharashtra, Kempegowda Association, Kurubara Sangha, and Gowdara Unnathi Kendra were felicitated for their contributions.
The program featured a variety of cultural and spiritual performances. Women’s wings from the organizing bodies presented Haladi Kumkuma and Chinnara Bimba group performances. Other highlights included:
- Bhajanamrutha by Veena Babu Gowda and team
- Kanakadasa Stuti Nritya Roopaka by Vidwan Kolar Ramesh Bengaluru group
- Folk group dance commemorating Kuvempu
- Youth segments from Okkaliga Sangha, Kurubara Sangha, and Gowdara Unnathi Kendra performing a series of diverse dances
- Classical and folk dance performances by Amitha Kala Mandira Mira Road team under Kala Saurabh Mumbai
- Bharatanatyam and stick dance by Diksha Devadiga and team, and Saujanya Billava and team
- Yakshagana fusion performance by Ankita Naik and group
- The Kannada play Bisilu Beladingalu, written by Narayana Shetty Nandalike and directed by Manohar Shetty Nandalike, presented under the guidance of Prof Chetan Gowda.
The program was hosted by Daya Sagar Chouta, Nalina Prasad, Balakrishna Shetty Adyapadi, Ravi P Gowda, and Padmanabha Sasihitlu. Gangadhar N Gowda, honorary general secretary of Okkaliga Sangha Maharashtra, proposed the vote of thanks.