Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 28: The second-day religious meet of the public Ganeshotsava celebrations organised by Shri Siddhivinayaka Pratishtana Public Ganeshotsava Committee under the aegis of Bunts’ Hostel Bunts’ Yane Nadar Mata Sangha was inaugurated by Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan H V with the lighting of the lamp at Omkar Nagar, Bunts’ Hostel, on August 27.
Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said, “This is my first visit here. I am happy to see Ganeshotsava being celebrated so grandly. May this Ganesh Chaturthi bring good to the entire world. The programme conducted by Bunts’ Yane Nadar Mata Sangha has become a model for society. May Lord Ganesha’s blessings always remain on us.”
Retired IAS officer T Shyam Bhat said, “The world is guided by the supreme power. The Ganeshotsava started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak is truly a festival of the entire society. It is heartening that people of all communities participate. The Bunts community has played an important role in the district’s development across several fields. May the festival continue with even greater enthusiasm in the years to come.”
Vakwadi Praveen Kumar Shetty, MD of Fortune Group of Hotels, Dubai, said, “This religious programme, being held for the past 19 years, is outstanding. Coconut is considered most dear to Lord Ganesha, and the Narikela Yaga holds special importance. This event introduces our religion and traditions to the younger generation. The Bunts’ organisation has been imparting Tulu Nadu’s culture, traditions and faith to children, which is truly commendable. This year Ganeshotsava is being celebrated in Dubai as well, with permission from the local administration. It is a proud moment for Indian culture.”
On the occasion, former MLA Shakuntala Shetty, Haji U K Monu of Kanachur Medical College, journalist, founder of Daijiworld Group Walter Nandalike and writer Cherkady Satchidananda Shetty were felicitated for their achievements in various fields.
Among those present were CA Srinivas Kamath, Bank of Baroda general manager Rajesh Khanna, former MLA Shakuntala Shetty, Surathkal Bunts’ Sangha president Jagannath Shetty Bala, Gurupura Bunts’ Mata Sangha president Santosh Shetty Moodushedde, Kankanady zone Bunts’ Sangha president Kamalaksha Shetty, Bijai Bunts’ Sangha president Krishnamurthy Rai, and Bunts’ Yane Nadar Mata Sangha treasurer CA Manmohan Rai.
The programme was presided over by Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi, president of Bunts’ Mata Sangha and managing trustee of Siddhivinayaka Pratishtana.
Dr Manjula Shetty and Prakash Melant compered the event, while Krishnaprasad Rai Bellippadi proposed the vote of thanks.