Yashodhara Bangera
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Additional Pics by Shreegowri Joshi and Manasa Digitals, Moodbidri
Mangaluru, Dec 27: Cultural extravaganza 'Alva's Virasat' came to a grand close at Moodbidri on Sunday December 27 with the presentation of the 'Varna Virasat Award' to senior artist Padma Shri Dr Manu Parekh from Delhi.
Alva's Virasat over the last four days
Dr Parekh was honoured with a shawl, a citation and Rs 25,000 cash prize, in the presence of his wife Madhavi Parekh, Alva's Education Foundation chairman Dr Mohan Alva, former minister Amarnath Shetty, secretary of Ujire SDM Institutions Dr B Yashovarma, Nitte University chancellor Dr S Ramananda Shetty and other dignitaries.
Earlier, Bunts Association Mumbai president Vishwanath Shetty Karnire and Moodbidri-based businessman Deviprasad Shetty inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the lamp.
The final day of Alva's Virasat saw high quality musical entertainment where renowned singers mesmerized the audience. It began with Karthik from Chennai singing a devotional song, followed by Tamil and Bollywood hits. Singer Vijay Prakash then took over the stage, belting out a Tulu number and following it up with popular Kannada songs and some soulful numbers. Arun Kumar on drums, Giridhar Udupa on Ghatam, Keith Peter on base guitar, Vijay Joseph on lead guitar, Pradumya and Navaneet Sunder on tabla and Harsha on keyboard perfectly complemented the singers.
Over the four days, the crowd was treated to excellent entertainment, with spectacular performances by eminent names like Dr S P Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), Kadri Gopalnath, Pravin Godkhindi and music maestro Sivamani. A day after receiving 'Alva's Virasat' award for his achievements, SPB rendered songs in different languages like Kannada, Tulu, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam with aplomb. He rendered 'Shankaraa Nada Shareera' from 'Shankarabharana' on the special request of Dr Mohan Alva and won over the hearts of the gathering. The Tulu songs he sang came in for special appreciation from the crowd which comprised of Tuluvas.
Around 600 accomplished artistes entertained the crowds over the last four days with enchanting music, beautiful dances, and lots more. All in all, it was yet another successful cultural festival by Alva's Foundation.