Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Nov 14: The spirit of Kannadigas in the Gulf shone brightly as the Karnataka Sangha Dubai celebrated Karnataka Rajyotsava 2025 with grandeur at New Dawn Private School last Friday, drawing a gathering of thousands.

Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader, who took part in the celebrations, extended Rajyotsava greetings to all Kannadigas in the UAE. He expressed hope that the unity and enthusiasm shown by expatriate Kannadigas would continue to grow, enabling all communities to jointly celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava in the days ahead.

The event also featured the annual presentation of awards recognising the contributions of non-resident Kannadigas in social service and various fields.

Karnataka MLC Dr Aarti Krishna, noted Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Kushal Gowda, businessmen Nilesh H P, Dr B R Shetty, Praveen Kumar Shetty Vakwady, Ibrahim Gadiyar, Sanjay Gowda, Jaleel, film personalities Jayamala, Sapthami Gowda, Dali Dhananjay, and Sunil Guru were present as guests. Karnataka Sangha Dubai patron Ronald Martis, advisory member Jayanth Shetty, president Shashidhar Nagarajappa, vice president Daya Kirodian, secretary Manohar Hegde, joint secretary Mallikarjun Gowda, and treasurer Nagaraj Rao were also on stage.

The Dubai Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2025 was conferred on entrepreneur Samad Chirali Uchila. The Sadhaka Ratna awards were presented to Alwyn Pinto for contributions to the arts, Irshad Moodbidri for service to literature and journalism, and Chidananda Poojary for his contribution to Yakshagana and theatre.

This year’s honourees also included NRI entrepreneur B Zakaria Jokatte (State Rajyotsava Award recipient), Joseph Mathias (District Rajyotsava Award recipient), Rachana Award recipients Pratap Mendonca and Shobha Mendonca, and achievers Amisha Anand, Vijayath Poojary, and Hirish Chitral.

Earlier in the day, Karnataka minister for animal husbandry and sericulture K Venkatesh unveiled the Global Business Forum and conveyed his greetings to the gathering. Dignitaries were led to the venue in a ceremonial procession.

Thousands of Kannadigas from across the UAE participated in the celebrations, which lasted from morning till night. The programme featured dance performances by UAE-based troupes, musical presentations by Kannada singers, a comedy show by the “Superm So” team, and a live concert by SPB and Nishanth’s troupe from Karnataka, offering the diaspora a memorable experience of the 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava.

Daya Kirodian delivered the welcome address, while Shashidhar Nagarajappa presented the introduction. Actress Ankita Amar, UAE host Arati Adiga, and Kavya Yuvaraj compered the event. Mallikarjun Gowda proposed the vote of thanks.