News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (CLP)
Mumbai, Aug 13: The 15th anniversary of Shree Gurudev Seva Balaga was celebrated in a grand manner at Radhabhai Timmappa Bhandary Bunts Hall in Kurla (East) recently.
Sri Guru Devanand Swamiji of Shree Dattaguru Viranjaneya Swami Kshetra Odeyar inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel was the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "Odeyarsri is a visible gods and also a defender of the society. Its a proud moment for me to be with swamiji on the occassion of Rakshabandhan. Through literacy he is trying to irradicate the darkness from the society. From the past five years, through his blessings I have grown higher as an MP."
Sri Guru Devanand Swamiji said, "We have lack of Commitment in the nation, without commitment, the country cannot be secure." He appreciated the devotees from Maharastra who have contributed immensely for the growth of Odeyar Kshetra. "To lead a happy life we need to keep purity and give and take," he added. Swamiji expressed his wish to see the mother tongue Tulu grow in the nation and worldwide.
On behalf of all the devotees of Maharastra, Sudhakar S Hegde and Ranjini S Hegde, in the presence of Sadwi Sri Mathanandamayi paid homage to Shri paada. Sri Gurudeva rural development general manager Tharanatha Kottari briefed about the 25 years achievements of Sri Kshetra Odeyar.
MLA Jagannath K Shetty, Bantara Sangha president Shankar B Shetty, Bants Association Mumbai president Shyama N Shetty. Shailaja Madhusudhan of Dance College Bandup, Bantara Sangha women's division president Lata Prabakar Shetty, Mathraboomi credit society director Uma Krishna Shetty. vice-president of the Balaga Bolnaduguttu Chandrahasa Rai, Vajramatha Women's Development centre Maharastra Unit president Revati Vamaya Shetty, Seva Balaga Pune branch president Sadananda Shetty. Women's Development Pune branch president Kishori Shetty, Women's Development Odeyar president Sarvani Shetty and Jayanth Kotian were present on stage during the ceremony.
The president of Guruseva Balaga Maharastra branch Kadandale Parari Prakash L Shetty addressed the gathering, "We are lucky to come together along with swamiji on the special day of Rakshabandan. People who stay away from saints are just living a fake life. We need to denounce atheism and embrase devotion."
The famous Chitramitra artist Prasanth Shetty presented a special art to swamiji. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and Prasanth Shetty were honoured by swamiji. Gifts were offered to Tulu rank students of last accademic year irrespective of religion. Journalist Prakash Hegde Kuntani read the names of the students.
Members of Fine Arts Navi Mumbai presented 'Sathya Harishchandra,' a Tulu drama. Food was served to for the people gathered.
Suresh Rai Mangalore, H K Purushotham, Venugopal Marla, Udayakumar Udupi, Swetha C Rai, Asmitha C Rai, Sourab C rai and others were present.
Sri Gurudev Seva Balaga Kajanji Boja Shetty, secretary Divakar Shetty, Damodar Shetty, treasurer Ravindra Shetty, Women's Development secretary Chitra R Shetty, Kushala Shetty and others gave floral thanks to the guests.
Secretary Petemane Prakash Shetty was the master of ceremony.