Rons Bantwal
Ahmedabad, Nov 3: "Affection towards one’s own community is the foundation of the Bunt community’s strength. Therefore, developing mutual understanding and relationships within our society is very essential. This enhances community unity and harmony. Sangha’s and organizations play a vital role in easing people’s worries and emotional burdens. Progress of any association is possible only under capable leadership. The upliftment of a community is achieved through such collective organizations. Though the Bunts are fewer in numbers, they have preserved and nurtured their rich culture and traditions and earned global recognition," said Pravin Bhoja Shetty, president of Bunts Sangha Mumbai.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 32nd Annual Celebration of the Bunts Sangha Ahmedabad (Gujarat) by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium, Gujarat University, Smart City, Ahmedabad, on Sunday evening.
The event was presided over by BSA president Nitesh S Shetty Shirvakodu. The distinguished guests included Dr R K Shetty, general secretary, Bunts Sangha Mumbai, Radhakrishna T Shetty, president of Karnataka Samaj Surat and managing director of Radhakrishna Group of Hotels, Shankar Shetty, president of Tulu Sangha Ankleshwar; Naveen Shetty Heruru, president of Tulunad Aisiri, BSA vice president Shakuntala I Shetty, secretary Kiran Shetty, treasurer Prashanth Naik were on Dias.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr R K Shetty said, "Preserving our customs, values, and heritage is possible only through such organizations. Associations form the backbone of unity and active participation in them is essential for achievement. True service of associations is realized only when we strive for the welfare of the less privileged members of the society. Let us all work together so that there will be no poor among the Bunts."
Delivering his presidential address, Nitesh Shetty said, "This association has strengthened the bond of unity among the Bunts, and the organization has moved forward collectively. Our aim is to unite the younger generation. As times change, we are committed to handing over this institution to the next generation as a symbol of continuity and progress, serving as guardians of the community’s future.”
Among those present were Balakrishna S Shetty (Vapi), Ajit Shetty (Ankleshwar), Nilesh Shetty Kalyan, Anil Shetty, Ganesh Shetty, Pushparaj Shetty (Vapi), joint secretary Santosh Shetty, joint treasurer Deviprasad D Shetty, coordinator Praveen Shetty, former presidents Ajekaru Sanjeev Shetty, Devadatta Shetty, Appu P Shetty, executive committee members Suresh N Shetty, Vasanthkumar Shetty, Appu A Shetty, Sudarshan D Shetty, Prashanth S Shetty, Ashok L Shetty, Prakash B Shetty, Dinesh Shetty, Suresh Shetty, Vivek Shetty, Manoj Shetty, Ravindra Shetty, and special invitees Purushottam Shetty, Ashish Shetty, Harish Shetty, Disha Nitesh Shetty and many others. Outstanding achievers such as Amitha Shetty (Yoga) and others were honoured with the Pratibha Puraskar (Talent Award). Praveen S Shetty and Vikram R Shetty were presented with the Buntara Chaitanya Puraskar in recognition of their service.
The Sangha’s children, women, performed cultural programmes and executive members bhajana kunita. Renowned playback singer and award-winning youth icon Nishan Rai presented a mesmerizing musical concert.
The event began with a prayer by Mamatha D Shetty. Nitesh S Shetty delivered the welcome and introduction. Office bearers honoured the guests with floral bouquets and mementos. Naveen Kumar Shetty Edmemar of Namma TV hosted the programme and introduced the guests and awardees. Sudarshan Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.