by B.G. Mohandas
Pics by Sujay Bendur

Dubai, April 3: It was indeed a very exceptional and unforgettable function where two of the most respected & admired personalities not only shared the dais but also shared fond memories of their younger years much to the appreciation of the distinguished audience.

This memorable event took place on 1st April 2006 at Foodlands Dubai in a unique forum of Kannadigas invited specially by host Sadiq Hussain, Managing Director of Eurobase.

Who is who of Karnataka cultural milieu of the Emirates were present to witness the felicitation to one of the eminent & well known Kannadiga of the Gulf – M.A.Lathif..

Though decorated many times, Janab Lathif credits this year’s ‘Paryaya Prashasti’ as the most satisfying. He was honoured at revered Paryaya Festivity by the new Paryaya seer, Sri Vidyasagara Theertha of Krishnapur Mutt at the majestic Rajangana at Udupi.

Dr.B.R.Shetty paid rich tribute to this outstanding celebrity while doing the honours in a traditional ambiance in a true Karnataka style.

Dr.Shetty was in a most relaxed & jovial mood and he was at his best when he narrated & enacted the mannerism of youth full Lathif while the audience admired every moment of this sudden show of his hidden talent .

Janab Lathif in his thanks giving address narrated how honored he is to be felicitated by his younger brother in front of the august audience. He too shared many of his memories including an emotional scene where in Dr.Shetty’s most loved mother Koosamma Shambu Shetty would lovingly prepare mouth watering dishes whenever Lathif visits the Bhava Gutthu House.

Earlier, President of Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi Sarvotham Shetty applauded the humane & loving facet of Lathiif’s versatile personality in his inimitable style to the applause of the admirers. Later President of Dubai Karnataka Sangha C.R.Shetty joined chorus and lauded two ANNA’s of Karnataka community.

The most significant part of the programme was the presentation of the ‘Sanmana Patra’ specially & aptly written, decorated and read by Ganesh Rai, President of Karnataka Sangha, Sharjah.

Sadiq Hussain undoubtedly emerged as a new icon as an ice breaker and magnificent host. His humility, sincerity and openness won many hearts. If only we have more Sadiqs, we are sure the Kannadiga Forum of the Gulf will reach greater heights of glory and will emerge as a united front.

This once in a life time event took off to a devotional start with the invocation by Monish Rai. Prathibha gave a perfect start by introducing the honoree and honored.

Hema charmed the audience in her chaste Kannada presentation and anchored the programme to success.

VP of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Zeenat Shamsuddin greeted the Chief Guest with flower bouquet.

Prabhakar Ambalthere a man with pure Kannada heart made his presence felt and Patron of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha Mark Dennis D’Souza and Shekar Shetty of Arab Udupi were among the dignitaries present.

Felicitation ceremony came to end with the luxurious dinner and left a new hope in the minds of the people who gathered to witness this event…..Is it a beginning of a new chapter in the cultural milieu of Kannadigas of the Emirates?.

Profile :

M.A Latif born on the New Year’s Day of 1941 hails from aristocrat family of Khan Bahadur Haji Abdulla Saheb who was highly esteemed for generosity. For generations his ancestors have been contributing to the welfare of the people of Udupi. Known as the ‘Makers of Modern Udupi’, they have been credited with building and donating two hospitals, the Silver Jubilee Club, few schools and a guest house. They were also the commercial founders of the now nationalized Corporation Bank and the Union co-operative Bank which was started to serve the poor and the needy. True to his line of descent, Latif has carried on the tradition of contributing to the welfare of society.

Wife Zubeida Latif is well known in community circles for being a courteous and good host and has inspired and chaired many welfare events. Son Dr.Tanveer is now an Orthopedic Surgeon based in London.

Mr.Lathif was bestowed with a prestigious State award ‘Rajyotsava Prashasti’ by the Govt of Karnataka and honoured by all the Community organizations of the Emirates.

He is at present the Advisor of the Karnataka Sangha Dubai after serving as its Patron for many years.