Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 27: The Kudubi Folk Convention 2025, organised by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, was held on April 27 at the Annappa Auditorium, Mijar.
The event began with a grand cultural procession from Doomachadavu Main Road to the Annappa Auditorium, with over 1,500 participants from various cultural troupes.
The programme was inaugurated by Mohan Alva, president of Alva’s Education Foundation. Speaking on the occasion, he said he was delighted to inaugurate such a unique programme. "My family and I have always had a close bond with the Kudubi community and their hard work. As times change, the Kudubi community must also move forward and prioritise education. Our institution is ready to provide free admission to Kudubi children," he announced.
Industrialist Shripati Bhat, owner of Dhanalakshmi Cashew Industries, Moodbidri, wished the convention great success.
A book titled Thohi Thohi Gummat, authored by Shekhar Gowda, was released on the occasion.
Present on the dais were programme patrons and guides Monappa Gurikara (Kutharu), organising committee coordinator Sadashiva Mijar, Padmanabha of Astra Check Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, Karnataka State Kudubi Samaj Seva Sangha (R) general secretary Narayana Naik (Goliyangadi), and various presidents and office-bearers of the Kudubi community.
Academy members Srinivas Gowda (who also coordinated the event), Naveen Lobo, Ronald Crasta, and Dayanand Madkekar were present.
Following the inauguration, performances of traditional dances such as Gummate, Kolata, and folk dance drama were staged by over 30 Kudubi troupes.
The valedictory function was held in the evening. R K Prathviraj, a social worker from Edapadavu, spoke and praised the Kudubi community, stating that although they are fewer in number, they are progressing well in other fields. MLA Umanath Kotian of Mulki-Moodbidri constituency appreciated the Kudubi community for preserving their culture and traditions and wished them further growth.
Senior Kudubi leader Sundara Gowda was felicitated during the programme.
Also present were Sushila, headmistress of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Higher Primary School; Krishna Kompadavu, president of the Dakshina Kannada District Kudubi Samaj Seva Sangha (R); secretary Shekhar Gowda; academy members Srinivas Gowda and Naveen Lobo, among others.
The inaugural and valedictory sessions were presided over by Jokin Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, who welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory address.
Krishna Kompadavu proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Ranjitha from Siddakatte.
The convention also featured an exhibition of ancient artefacts and a bookstall set up by the Academy.
Following the valedictory, various entertainment programmes were presented. Throughout the day, around 5,000 people from the Kudubi community attended the event.