Daijiworld News Network - Abu Dhabi
Pics by Ramcy Fernandes and Sujay Bendur [Daijiworld News Network Dubai & Sharjah)
Abu Dhabi, Jun 9: Friday, June 9, 2006 will remain a milestone in the long saga of Karnataka Sangha, Abu Dhabi.
For any organization, for that matter, celebration of its silver jubilee is a feather its cap. That too celebration of such an event by an organization in the faraway Gulf region is certainly an extraordinary event.
No doubt, the man behind this achievement is Bavaguttu Raghuram Shetty, all South Kanarites' 'Anna' (Elder Brother), well supported by the back-up team led by Sarvotham Shetty. He and all the dedicated members of the association deserve a big salute for their teamwork and sacrifice which contributed to the success of Friday's programme.
The very presence of a personality of the status of Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy at the celebration was a big moment for the Sangha. Along with the members of the high-level delegation, Mangalore airport director M R Vasudeva's joining the event was another happy moment for all the people present.
The Jubilee celebration was held in the UAE Armed Forces Officers' Club. The event started around 11-00 am, with a large number of Kannadigas hailing from all corners of the state and currently based in the UAE were present to be the part of the Jubilee.
The event started with a one-minute tribute in silence to Kannada legend Dr Rajukumar who had passed away recently
The traditional lighting the camp was held with minister of higher education of Abu Dhabi Mubarrak Al Nayhan, chief minister Kumaraswamy, medical education and animal husbandry minister of Karnataka state Dr V S Acharya, NMC chairman and Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi grand patron B R Shetty, Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi president Sarvotham Shetty, President of Karnataka Sangha Dubai president C R Shetty, entrepreneur Zafarullah Khan, Indian Ambassador to the UAE C M Bhandari and other dignitaries present on the dias.
Al Nayhan's Praise for Kannadigas:
In a touching speech, Al Nayhan praised the Kannadigas' efforts in Abu Dhabi and congratulated them on their contribution on this glorious occasion. He assured full support from Abu Dhabi authorities for the development of Kannadigas in Abu Dhabi
Sarvotham Shetty welcomed the gathering and introduced the distinguished guests to the audience.
Earlier a prayer song, Bharata Natyam and other traditional dances from various associations provided a meaningful start to the event.
25 years in Abu Dhabi – Honour for prominent Kannadigas:
As a traditional honouring programme, Karnataka Sangha this year honoured 5 prominent members and their families for successfully completing 25 years in Abu Dhabi and their notable contribution to the society.
The prominent community members are:
S M Rao, Middle East Traders
Leena Goveas - Leen's Kindergarten
Dr Vicar Azim - Medical service
Shekhar Shetty - Arab Udupi Hotels
Sylvia Pais and Peter Pais - Principal ILA
Leo and Lavina Rodrigues, Al Mazrui Auto, Abu Dhabi
Sandalwood Star's Interaction with Audience
Ramesh Arvind, popular Sandalwood star, entertained the crowd with his dance and popular hits. He interacted with the audience in antakshari style. He received an enthusiastic response from the audience, which motivated him to dance and sing with additional vigour.
The hero of Mangalore Airport felicitated:
The man behind the early upgradation of the Mangalore airport on way of becoming an international airport - its director M R Vasudeva - was felicitated with a special honour. UAE Exchange Company general manager Sudhir Shetty felicitated Vasudeva and thanked him on behalf of Kannadigas for his achievement as a Kannadiga himself in developing the Mangalore airport and raising it to international standards.
It was a moment of pride not only for himself but all the coastal Kannadigas when Vasudeva declared : "We are ready at Bajpe to receive you...you can come at any time..", which elicited a resounding applause from everyone in the audience.