Report : Alphone Mendonca - Bellevision

Pics : Sonu Bantwal - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Nov 10 : UAE Kannadigas witnessed the most mesmerizing janapada folk dances performed by visiting teams St. Ann’s School, Venkat International School and Venus International School, Bangalore and UAE teams during the grand Karnataka Rajyostava Celebration 2014 held on Friday the 7th November 2014 at the India Social and Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi

In a glittering ceremony, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha a premier association of all Kannadigas residing in UAE celebrated the "Karnataka Rajyotsava" with traditional gaiety and splendor. The grand celebration was held at India Social & Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi on Friday 7th November presided by Chief Guest His Excelency T P Seetharaam Ambassador of India to UAE amidst presence of Padmashree Dr. B.R.Shetty (Patron of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha). On the auspicious occasion a special award "Da-Ra BendrePrashasthi" was conferred on Mr.Prakash Rao Payyar, President of Dhwani Prathistana, UAEfor his contribution towards Kannada Nadu and Nudi during the Rajyotsava celebration

The prominent dignitaries were accorded a grand welcome by the audience. Sarvotham Shetty, President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha welcomed the chief guest Ambassador T P Seetharam, (Mrs.) & Dr. B.R. Shetty, Sudheer Kumar Shetty (COO Global UAE Exchange) and many other prominent dignitaries and sponsors and requested the audience to participate fully in the day long Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebrations.

Mangala Shetty, a vibrant multi-talented host introduced the dignitaries and highlighted the glory and achievement of Karnataka, its vibrant culture, traditions, great poets, writers and people excelled and who have worked hard for the success of Karnataka in many fields and her all out development.

The celebrations began with a welcome song and inauguration with lighting of the traditional lamp led HE T P Seetharam accompanied by all the dignitaries on the stage. The inauguration was followed by a brief introduction of ambassador of India to UAE T P Seetharaam was presided by Dr. B.R. Shetty. Sudheer Kumar Shetty (COO Global UAE Exchange Centre) gave a brief introduction of Mr. T P Seetharam and highlighted his various achievements and within a very short span of time he became one of the best ambassador to U.A.E, HE TP Sitaram and his Wife were honoured by Dr. B.R.Shetty. with Mysore Peta, Tradiitional Shaw and a memento. In response Mr. Ambassador thanked UAE Kannadigas for their love and affection bestowed upon him.

Loads of entertainment programs and dances were staged during the celebrations. Dances that mesmerized the audience were from Bangalore based educational institutions namely,St. Ann’s School, Venkat International School and Venus International School, Bangalore and wonderfully choreographed by Ms. Nagalaxmi Rao that won the hearts of UAE Kannadigas. Also UAE Kannada GroupDances and songs, by Mangala Shetty and Team mesmerized the audience.

The main event of the day was honoring of Da Ra Bendre Award to Mr. Prakash Rao Payyar, President of DhwaniPrathistana, UAE – Mr. Prakash Rao Payyar is instrumental in developing Kannada language through staging various Kannnada dramas in U.A.E. last several years. Some of the most difficult dramas of Girish Karnad has been staged in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and also recently “ ItiNinnaAmruta “ written by Girish Kaikini was also staged successfully in Dubai.

Previously, he has been awarded the prestigious Karnataka State Nataka Academy Award for the year 2009-2010. The Karnataka Nataka Academy has conferred this award in recognition of his contributions to Kannada Theatre activities on foreign soil.

He was honoured with Mysore Peta by Dr. B.R. Shetty and traditional shawl by HE TP SitraramAmbassador of India, Flower Bouquette by Ms.(Dr) C.R. Shetty, Citation by Mr. Shekar Shetty and Memento by Sudhir Kumar Shetty.

Also honoured on the auspcioon occasion was Manohar Prasad, Kannada daily Udayawani Mangalore bureau-chief senior journalist.. He is a great orator and recipient of coveted “ KarkiVenkataramanaShastrySoori Award – 2014 “ initiated by the Mumbai-based Havyaka Welfare Trust ® one among the most reputed social welfare organization. Manohar Prasad is well known in journalism sphere. He has over four-decade experience in journalism in undivided Dakshina Kannada district. He has bagged Karnataka Rajyotsav Award in 2005 and has been felicitated by over 500 social welfare and voluntary organizations so far. The Shastry Award presented to him as memorial to his great contributions to Kannada literature in the late nineteenth century nine years ago.

The main attraction of the day was a mesmerizing dance performances titled:“ PunyaKoti “ based on a poem written by great Kannada Poet PanjeMangesh Raoof a cow and tiger depicting love, trust attachment respect humbleness and sacrifice for a promise.

Many Kannadiga students (UAE level) who excelled academically were honoured the during the celebration, that included Students of 10th and 12th Grade who have scored 90% or above in the Board Examination of 2014, Students who have excelled in Sports activities and represented their school in India or Abroad and earned Gold/Silver/Bronze Medals and Students who have excelled in extra Curricular activities (literary, Arts & Quiz) and earned recognition from the prominent authorities in India or Abroad and also the Students who have earned HH Shaikh Hamdan Award, Dubai or Sharjah Award.

Compering throughout the day was conducted by Sarvotham Shetty, Manohar Tonse, MangalaShetty ,Rajani Bhatt &VeenaMalya filled with wit and humor.

The memorable event blessed with Prayer by Divya Sharma & Group by Veena Mallya, Ganesha Stuti- Eka Dantaaya by Nagalakshmi Rao. Group songs by Adbs & Divya Sharma,

The memorable dance performances by Bangalore teams were: Shravana Bantu, Vijayabhat, Jakkanaka Ello Jinuguva, Dheenta Dharadani, Krishna, Thandani Taano, En Chandane, Choreographed by Nagalaxmi Rao & introduced by Manohar Prasad, were very much appreciated and received a huge applause by audience.

In the Musical Programme section a few melogius songs were sung by UAE based well known singers namely: Raj Tantri, Sangeeta Shetty and Harish Sherigar

The other janapada attractions were: Suggi Kunita and Koravanju by Rohini Ananath & Mangala shetty, Nrutya Rupaka Folk dance by Mangala Shetty and a beautiful folk Dance by Ajay & Sunil. It was full pack jam programme which is enjoyed by all.

Adding to the extravaganza was a short Yakshagana titled: Bhima & Ambe was presented by a well known throw ball player from Dubai Bunts Ms. Shashi Shetty and Vikram It was indeed a most memorable yakshagana item which received a huge and thunderous applause from the audience.

Sarvottah Shetty Thanked All the Sponsors especially the main sponsors Vivamnsa and Mangalore Hills and support sponsors namely: Ravi Rai NMC and Jairam Rai Bin Fardan Group for their continues support towards Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
All the artists were honored on the occasion All the media representatives too were honored. Programme concluded with vote of thanks by Sarvotham Shetty he wished each and every body for making this event successful.