Daijiworld Media Network – Doha
Doha, Nov 7: Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA), a united forum of representing and uniting all Karnataka-based Muslims working and living in Qatar, celebrated 60th Kannada Rajyotsava with patriotic fervour and pomp here on Friday November 6. The grand celebrations were held at the Al Maha Academy for Boys Ain Khalid near here.
It was a unique programme with intelligent and judicious blend of art, magic, poetry with the icing on the cake being a meaningful and eloquent message delivered by the chief guest of the evening.
The programme began with the short welcome by the comperes of the evening Mudassir Ahmed and Noor-Ul-Huda. It was followed by prayer by KMCA children Ayesha Ibriaz Following this, KMCA president Niyah Ahmed, vice-president Saquib Raza Khan escorted the chief guest of the evening H R Ranganath, the CEO of Public TV, popular Kannada news channel and Raj Kumar Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission,(Labour & Community Welfare, Consular & Head of Chancery) Indian Embassy Qatar. The chief guest as well as visiting artists of the evening were then welcomed by presenting date fruits. It was followed by a welcome address by president Niyaz Ahmed.
Rich tributes were paid to the departed soul of great Kannada litterateur, research fellow Dr M M Kalburgi who was shot dead couple of months ago by the miscreants. The gathering observed a silence of a minute paying tribute to his soul.
KMCA Ladies Wing then distributed the prizes to the winners of Explore Karnataka quiz competition held recently as precursor to the Rajyotsava celebration. RuksanaMuneerSheikha compered the segment. Quiz Masters Arun Kumar and Milan presented the prizes to the winners in the junior and senior category.
Neha Shetty, who has recently won inter-GCC badminton tourney and has climbed up to the top position in the GCC rankings was honoured on the occasion by KMCA.
Continuing the tradition of honoring achievers, KMCA felicitated Sanjay Kudri, one of the senior expats from Karnataka who has been the pillar of strength of almost all the Karnataka-based associations in Qatar for long.
KMCA souvenir 'Pragati' was released on the occasion.
Stage was then set for the address by chief guest of the evening H R Ranganath, the firebrand and popular media man from Karnataka who is also the CEO of Public TV. He addressed the gathering in his unique style and passed on a beautiful message hailing the efforts of expats in keeping alive the language and traditions of Karnataka even in the far off desert land. His message was received with thunderous applause by the gathering.
Following this stage was thrown open for cultural programme wherein noted artistes flown in from Karnataka entertained the audience. Multi-talented Omganesh who has performed in more than 40 countries led the troupe. Omganesh is known for his magic tricks and shadow plays. He entertained the audience with his magic and superb oratory skills. He also displayed his unique skills in shadow play.
Asadullah Baig, a banker by profession and poet by vocation was at his witty best with his Kanandashayaris and poems. He has a special talent to capture the attention of the audience with his catchy poems and Kannada shayaris. His mastery over the language coupled with oratory skills were on full display as he dished out a delicious literary fest to the gathering for over 20 minutes’ non-stop performance.
Sathish Hemmady, the ‘Milk Can Escapist’ is a young magician who had carved out a niche for himself even at the international level. His ‘umbrella’ unwind act is a rarity and has brought him great name and fame at various quarters. His performance was one the highlights of the day.
But the icing on the cake was the art of young Vilas Nayak, proud son of Mangaluru. The speed painting artist who attained great success and name through his performances at popular reality shows such as showed ‘Asia's Got Talent’ and ‘India's Got Talent’ has had the privilege of performing in more than 20 years within a short span. His admirers included the lateDr A P J Abul Kalam, football legend Pele, Master BlasterSachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actors Sharukh and Salman Khan etc. He is for sure a rare and unique talent. Despite attaining great success, he is so very simple in his approach that everyone watching him gets inspired. He drew 3 paintings on the occasion, each one of them giving inspiring message. He was given a full-house standing ovation by astonished gathering who had watched something unique and rare in a long time.
The formal programme of the evening was conducted in chaste Kannada Mudassir Ahmed and Noor-Ul-Huda. And Vote of Thanks delivered by Dana Asif.
About KMCA
KMCA is one of the oldest Indian Community Organizations affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre under the aegis of the Embassy of India, Qatar. It was started under the inspiring leadership of Nazeer Ahmed in 1990-91. The objective of KMCA is to bring all the community members under one platform and enhance the communication between the community members in Qatar.
It is being ably led by dynamic Niyaz Ahmed currently. Niyaz who hails from Chikkamagaluru was a Raita Sangha leader and social worker back home in his native and had acquired great name across Chikkamagaluru. After his relocation to Qatar, he has continued with his social activities through various community organizations and initiatives. His philanthropic initiatives have brought smiles to hundreds of deserving and needy.