Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Apr 7: Mumbai-based cultural organisation Kala Jagattu marked its 47th anniversary on Saturday with a grand celebration at the Bunts Bhavan auditorium, Chunnabhatti, Kurla East, featuring an array of cultural programmes and entertainment.
Under the visionary guidance of senior multi-talented artiste Tonse Vijaykumar Shetty — a Limca Book national record holder and Karnataka State Award recipient — alongside senior award-winning writer Dr Sunita M Shetty and eminent Mumbai cardiologist Dr Sadananda R Shetty (originally from Mulki, Atikaaribettu Deppaniguttu), the organisation inaugurated its women’s wing, ‘Kala Jagattu Vasundhara.’
Praveen Bhoj Shetty, president of Bunts Sangha Mumbai, inaugurated the wing by lighting the ceremonial lamp. “Vasundhara symbolises Mother Earth, the nurturer of life. By launching the Vasundhara wing, we have watered our cultural Kalpavriksha. Kala Jagattu teaches the meaning of life through art. Felicitation and the release of Dr Sadananda R Shetty’s commemorative volume make this event truly meaningful,” he said.
The celebration drew a host of dignitaries, including Aikal Harish Shetty, president of the Global Bunts Sangha Federation; Dr R K Shetty, honorary general secretary of Bunts Sangha Mumbai; Dr Satyaprakash Shetty, president of the Association of Bunts Doctors, Mumbai; Sudhir V Shetty of Charisma Builders Ltd; Ravi S Shetty of Sai Palace Group; acclaimed musical luminary Sukhvinder Singh; Dr M S Alva, Dr S Padke, advocate K P Prakash L Shetty, vaastu expert Ashok Purohit, and several other distinguished guests, doctors, and art patrons.
During the event, the life-based commemorative volume ‘Sada Sadananda’, chronicling the achievements of Dr Sadananda R Shetty, was released. Dr Shetty, accompanied by his wife Geeta S Shetty, was felicitated and honoured. Responding to the tribute, he said: “Though I have received numerous awards throughout my life, this one feels different and unforgettable. It brings immense joy to my heart. I am grateful to everyone.”
A documentary tracing Dr Shetty’s life journey was screened before the felicitation, offering attendees insight into his remarkable contributions.
Kala Jagattu, which began over five decades ago, has continuously entertained art lovers with various theatrical productions. Its initiative ‘Chinnara Bimba’ has successfully nurtured artistic talent and discipline among thousands of children.
With the launch of ‘Vasundhara’, the organisation has taken a significant step by establishing a dedicated women’s wing. “Honouring Dr Sadananda Shetty’s extraordinary service in Mumbai is both meaningful and well-deserved. The encouragement of art lovers has been our inspiration throughout Kala Jagattu’s long journey,” said Tonse Vijaykumar Shetty.
Executive committee members including Leelesh Ramanna Shetty, Ashok Shetty Pangal, Jagadish V Rao, Shyamsundar R Salian, Hemant S Shetty, N Prithviraj Mundkur, Suresh Krishna Shetty, Shobha Shetty, Juliet C Pereira, Kushal Shetty, Kusum Ameen, Ashok Shetty Mundkur, Lawrence D’Souza, Veena Suvarna Sarpadi, Sujata J Kotian, Pratima Bangera, Baburao Srinivas Pai, and others, along with directors of the Vasundhara women’s wing Lata Santosh Shetty Muddamane (co-secretary), Dr G P Kusuma, Sahani V Shetty, Shobha J Shetty (Thane), and Leela Ganesh Karkala, Tonse Pushkal Kumar, and several dignitaries, artistes, doctors, and supporters attended the event.
The programme began with prayers led by Vijay Shetty Moodubelle and was compered by Baba Prasad Arasa. Tonse Vijaykumar Shetty introduced and felicitated the awardees, while Dr Surendrakumar Hegde welcomed the guests and presented the introductory remarks.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, performances included ‘Sugama Sangeeta’ by Kshiti K Rai Dharmasthala, Vijay Shetty Moodubelle, and Bhagyalakshmi Uppuru, and a Kannada musical drama ‘Santa Chokha Mela’, adapted from the Pandharpur region by Dr G P Kusuma, which was staged to a delighted audience.