Media Release

Bengaluru, Aug 25: After a year of successful socio-cultural and sports events in Qatar to mark its silver jubilee, Karnataka Sangha Qatar brought the celebrations to its roots. On August 10, at the Karnataka Engineer’s Academy, Basaveshwaranagar, Bengaluru, KSQ organised a memorable programme — “Tribute to the Founders & Pioneers who Led KSQ to its Glorious Silver Jubilee” — honouring both social workers and the association’s founding leaders & pioneers.

General secretary Kumar Swamy opened the event quoting famous lines of DVG’s Kagga “Hullagu Bettadadi Manege Makligeyagu”, setting the tone for gratitude and remembrance.

Former president H K Madhu, as master of ceremony, credited the milestone celebration to president Ravi Shetty’s leadership and his dedicated Team and quoted D V G’s Kagga — “Hosa Chiguru Hale Beru Koodiral Mara Sobagu” — symbolising tradition and new energy working together.

Inauguration: The ceremonial lamp was lit by chief guest Padma Shri Dr K S. Rajanna, president Ravi Shetty, advisory chairman Mahesh Gowda, former presidents, and MC members. Ravi Shetty, in his welcome speech, emphasised that when experienced minds and young talents work selflessly, the association leaves a lasting impact. He thanked all contributors across KSQ’s 25-year journey.

Phase 1 – Felicitation of Social Workers: Conducted by KSQ Treasurer Pradeep Dileep, the following individuals were honoured with a Silver Jubilee Special Shawl, a titled memento, and an honorarium funded by members and well-wishers: Sincere thanks to all of them.

• Padma Shri Dr K S Rajanna (Mandya) – Adamya Divya Chethana - Despite severe disability in all limbs, Rajanna won Gold & Silver Medals in Paralympics and has tirelessly supported the disabled community. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2024.
• Nagarathna (Belagavi) – Spoorthiya Chilume - Diagnosed with AIDS 25 years ago and widowed, she now established and runs Ashraya Foundation for AIDS patients.
• Geetha R. Shetty (Mangaluru) – Seva Sampada - Runs an old age Sevashrama at Derlakatte.
• Prakash Shettigar (Beluvai) – Spoorthi Prakash - Disabled along with his son, he founded Spoorti school for special children in Beluvai.
• Harish Pergade (Meremajal) – Ashrayadata - Civil Engineer who runs Matha Lakshani old age home in memory of his late mother.
• Ashwin Angadi (Ballari) – Belakinangadi - Visually impaired, founder of Belaku Academy for the blind & deaf with around 150 inmates in Bangalore.
• Ranjith (Bengaluru) – Hradayavanta - Founded Araike Trust in Kengeri, caring about 80 destitutes residents.
• Tarula Tarun (Theerthahalli) – Anathara Hosabelaku - Compassionate founder of Hosa Belaku Ashrama in Bailur in Udupi district sheltering 180 destitutes with severe challenges.
• ?Herald Moras (Vamanjoor) – Seva Rathna - Retired banker, fully involved with CEDSO, aiding hundreds of children battling cancer.
• Vasanth Master (Mangaluru) – Vikalara Chethana - He has been providing yeomen service at Sanidhya Special school. He along with his school special kids were invited by KMCA to perform in Qatar few years back.
• Annappa (Kodagu) – Anatha Bandu - Founder of Prajnashrama, serving mentally challenged individuals in Puttur.
• Jayaram (Kundapura) – Manobalada Jayaveera - Bedridden for 34 years yet displaying exemplary willpower in facing life challenges.

In addition, patients from across Karnataka of all communities suffering from kidney ailments, cancer, and other serious illnesses received aid under the initiative “25 Years – 25 Grateful Faces with Joy”, which has already helped many though initiated for 25.

List from all over Karnataka includes- Karunakar Poojary(Bantwal), Eqbal Aboobakkar (Chikkamagaluru), Nikhil Rai( Kasaragod), Sathish Poojary (Puttur) , Mirza Mayiza (Bengaluru), Robert & Remmi D’ Souza, Rekha Shetty( (Vamanjoor), Ramya (Bengaluru), Vijay (Bengaluru), Nagaraj (Yellapura), Bhimakka (Hubballi), Subba Rao( Ballari), Stalin(Bengaluru), Mohammed (Vijayapura), Kiran Nayak (Udupi), Mallappa (Belagavi),Mallikarjun (Haveri), Yamuna (Raichur), Neelakanth (Sakaleshpura), Mammunni (Kasaragod).

The first phase concluded with Sangeetha Ragasudhe, featuring State Award-winning singer Rameshchandra, Dr Susheela, and Prakash Pavanje.

Phase 2 – Tribute to Founders & Pioneers: Emcee H K Madhu called it a “golden chapter in KSQ’s history” — a rare reunion to thank its founding leaders. President Ravi Shetty quoted Rastra Kavi G S Shivarudrappa & Kuvempu, and another DVG’s Kagga’s “Iruva Kelasava Madu Kiridenade Manavittu”, dedicating it to the selfless service of KSQ’s founding and past leaders.

Felicitations included: Founder vice president Dr V C Moorthy, former presidents Prakash Babu, Prabhakar, Aravind Patil, Venkat Rao and Anuradha Nagesh Rao founder president Sathish Deshpande and Bhuvana Nagaraj were honoured at their residences.

Former MC members honoured: Sooryanarayana, R Ravi, Shyam N Swami, Veena Santhosh Kulkarni, Rajendra Jyothi, Shalini Sharan Alur, Roopa Pramod, Arun Kumar M K, Subramanya E, Manjula Manjunath Rao, Ashok Unakal, C R Manjunath, Lakkappa Gowda, Savitha Arun, Niyaz Ahmed, Hema Lakkappa, Asha Nanjappa, and Sanjana Jeevan. Some of the past MC members could not attend the event as they are at far off places.

Special recognition was also given to KSQ 1st Kannada Teacher Sudha Prabhakar, International Aryabhata Awardees Suma Mahesh and Ashwin P Kumar, and silver jubilee supporters Arun Kumar and Sanjay Chapolkar. Senior members Chandrashekar Manakwad, Jaya Shetty, Prakash Rao, Puttanna, and poet Shantaram Shetty were honoured with silver jubilee shawls.

Past presidents & senior leaders of KSQ congratulated and presented a flower bouquet to Ravi Shetty for his vision and making this historic event possible. On behalf of past leaders, Dr V C Moorthy lauded the event and fondly recalled KSQ’s formative years. Kannada development secretary Bheemappa Khot delivered the vote of thanks.

The celebration concluded on a high note with more Sangeetha Ragasudhe, heartfelt reunions, and a traditional lunch. The event radiated pride, gratitude, and the collective spirit that has sustained Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) over the past 25 years.

The Abhivandana event was a resounding success, made possible by the dedication of the president, management committee, committed volunteers, and the invaluable support of former president Prabhakar, ably assisted by Venkat Rao.

For a Kannada association based abroad to organise such a meaningful event in its home state not only strengthened community ties but also further elevated the reputation and recognition of KSQ in Karnataka and beyond.