Rons Bantwal for Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (RD/AF)

Mumbai, Jun 18: The educational committee and social welfare committee of Bunts Association organised a programme to distribute scholarships to students at at Radhabai T Bhandary auditorium, Kurla (east) here recently.

Maharastra excise, environment and Thane district-in-charge minister Ganesh Naik was the chief guest who also inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. He distributed monthly pensions to widows of Bunts community, financial assistance to the mentally and the physically challenged and distributed scholarships to economically backward students.  He also felicitated president of Bunts Association Dr Padmanabha Shetty, who has been elected as secretary of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCC).

Dr Padmanabha V Shetty while presiding over the programme said that Association has been striving for the cause of higher education. 

Bangalore Gold Tech Hotels president K Prakash Shetty and Mumbai Bunts Association former president Sudhakar S Hegde, Sahana Builders managing director Padumane Sudhakar M Shetty were the guest of honour.

Navi Mumbai municipality child and women welfare committee president Birajdar, Association vice-president Ikala Harish Shetty, women organising president Sujaya R Shetty were the specially invitees present on the dias.

Variety entertainment programmes were held under the leadership of 'Bantaravani',  bulletin organising president Vishwanath Hegde.  Internationallhy acclaimed Tulu play, 'Bojja' directed by popular dramatist, Narayan Shetty Nandalike was also staged.

Suresh Shetty Panvel rendered prayers.  Educational committee organising president, Karnire Vishwanath Shetty, welcomed and delivered the introductory speach.  President Dr Padmanabha Shetty honoured all the donors by presenting them bouquets.  Social welfare committee organising president Harish Vasu Shetty read the report and provided information on the project.  Joint secretary, Jaya A.Shetty, introduced the guests.  Honourary chief secretary K D Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.

The Bunts Association has provided monthly pension to 19 widows, financial assistance to 43 mentally and physically challenged people, sponsored 197 students, distributed scholarships to 1579 students, said education committee organising president Karnire Vishwanath Shetty.