By Sujay Bendur - Daijiworld News Network Dubai
Dubai, Sep 17: The colorful Dandiya & Garba Raas organized by Gulf Billawas Dubai at Al Nasr Leisureland was a great success. More than 450 people attended the event and enjoyed every moment till the end.
The program started with prayer conducted by Shri Tantri and then the first steps of Garba were played by Smt. Indra Babu Poojary and Smt Ratna Amin to the melodious tunes from DJ Wendyl. They were later joined by others on the floor to non stop Garba & Dandiya Raas that went on till 1:00AM.
The event was made even more colorful by the presence of some of the distinguished guest who graced the occasion. The guest present for the event were Vinay Kumar Sorake former Member of Lok Sabha & Member AICC and his wife Daksha Sorake, Naveenchandra D Suvarna – President Akila Bharat Billawa Union, Smt Sumalatha N Suvarna – President Billawa Mahila Sangha, Dr B R Shetty –Managing Director & CEO NMC Group, Sarvotham Shetty- President Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi, CR Shetty- President Karnataka Sangha Dubai & Tulu Koota Dubai, Ganesh Rai– President Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Diwakar Poojary– President Tulu Koota Qatar, KT Suvarna– President Billawa Yuva Vedike Ullal, Loknath– Treasure Akila Bharat Billawa Union, Roshan Bolar- President Thiya Samaj Dubai., John Montero- General Secretary Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Prabhakar Ambeltare- Vice President Karnataka Sangha Sharjah & Girish Shetty Executive Member Karnataka Sangha Dubai.
Gulf Billawas Dubai today retained their old name Billawa Balaga Dubai to work for the welfare of Billawas in Dubai and Gulf Billawas Dubai shall be a united forum for the Billawas of entire Gulf. The Dandiya & Garba Raas was organized as part of the Navratri festival and to celebrate the completion of 9 years of Billawa Balaga Dubai. The distinguished guests lighted the lamp from 9 corners signifying the completion of 9 years of the Balaga. This was highlighted by Ganesh Rai in his speech.
Vinay Kumar Sorake & Dr B R Shetty launched the Billawa Balaga Dubai website www.billawabalagadubai.com by clicking the button. This website is dedicated to the benefit of all Billawas living in Dubai and world over and is one of the most comprehensive website the Billawa world has ever seen. This website has been designed by Sudhir Sanil and Suchit Kumar on behalf of Billawa Balaga Dubai.
Billawa Rishta a program designed to build the image of single Billawa’s living in UAE for perfect partnering was released by Naveenchadra D Suvarna and the concept was beautifully designed by Mohan Halengadi.
Vinay Kumar Sorake & Naveenchandra D Suvarna spoke in great length appreciating the efforts of Billawa Balaga Dubai members. Special words of praise were given to Sudhakar Thumbay & Daya Kirodian for their efforts in uniting the Billawas of Dubai under the banner of Billawa Balaga Dubai since 1997. The Conveynors of Billawa Balaga Dubai Chandrashekar M, Raghuram Suvarna & Harish Amin were also praised for hosting the colorful Dandiya & Garba Raas event and upholding the preaching’s of Shri Nayaran Guru of one god, one caste and one religion by bringing together members of all community. Special mention was also made to the banner that was put on stage which reflected the true picture and culture of Billawas.
Dr B R Shetty in his usual graceful style congratulated the members of Billawa Balaga Dubai for having hosted such a wonderful event. He even highlighted that this was for the first time a Karnataka based community had organized such an event and with such great success. On this occasion Dr B R Shetty also announced the confirmation of direct flight to Mangalore from 3 october and the crowd was excited to hear this news. He wished all members of Billawas good luck and success.
Sarvotham Shetty, C R Shetty & Ganesh Rai also spoke and praised the efforts of Billawas in organizing events and said that it is very important that there has to be inter community understanding between all members of Karnataka.
Vinay Kumar Sorake with his wife & Naveenchandra D Suvarna with his wife were felicitated by Dr B R Shetty. Ashok Anchan read the biography of Vinay Kumar Sorake and Sarita Kirodian read the Biography of Naveenchandra D Suvarna
Welcome speech was given by Suchit Kumar and Vote of thanks by Sudhakar Thumbay.
The event closed at 1:00 AM leaving behind memory of a never ever done event by Billawas of Dubai that was appreciated by each and everyone. More than 25 gifts for various participants were distributed.
The best female dancer was baged by Sarita Kirodian, male dancer was Sachin, best costume was given to Rachan Anchan who came in a typical Rajasthani traditional dress, and best female costume was baged by Aparna pushparaj bolar.