Sharjah: Kannada Activists Criticise State Govt on NRK Policies
by Sujay Bendur - Daijiworld Media Network Sharjah
Sharjah, Apr 7: 'Dhwani Pratishtana,' a literary platform of Kannadigas has been presenting quality Kannada literary and stage programmes since 1985.
Though the Pratishtana has been engaged in many events for the last few years, its presentation of successful Girish Karnad’s Drama ‘Naga Mandala’ last year catapulted them as one of the leading forums in UAE propagating the rich cultural heritage and literatures of Karnataka.
Recently ‘Dhwani’ organized a cultural mix by presenting a three-in-one event comprising drama muhurta, felicitation and a group discussion ‘Vichara Gosti’ at Indian Association Auditorium, Sharjah.
A lively interactive session took place wherein several issues facing Gulf Kannadiga were discussed and the audience were unanimous in criticizing the Karnataka govt’s negligent attitudes toward Non – Resident Kannadigas compared to other state govts which are offering well-planned assistance.
Higher Technical Education for Gulf educated children wherein the students are be allowed to take up CET entrance exams was one of the main issue discussed and the forum requested all Sanghas to take up the issue with the Govt of Karnataka in one voice.
Earlier a programme took off with Kannada songs by Iranna Moolimane and group, followed by another Kannada rendition by Sharanu Hoogar.
President Prakash Rao Payyar welcomed the dignitaries and the audience.
Sarvotham, Shetty, president of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Shekar B Shetty, managing director of Arab Udupi Group of Restaurants and Dr Karibasava Nagur, president of All India Federation of Private Ayurvedic Colleges were the guests of honour.
As a mark of respect to the departed souls of Vyasaraya Ballal and D K Mendon who inspired Dhwani Pratishtana in yesteryears, a one minute silence was observed.
After the hugely successful ‘Naga Mandala’, Pratishtana has plans to stage another much-acclaimed social drama of Girish Karnad ‘HITTINA HUNJA” in the near future.
As a starter, auspicious ‘Muhurta’ was performed by lighting the lamp by president and chief guests along with drama artistes Donald Correa, Asha Correa, Gopika Mayya, Ganesh Rai, Manohar Tonse among others.
Shekar Babu Shetty who is the recipient of Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2007 and his wife Kushala S. Shetty were honoured in traditional manner by Sarvotham Shetty, Dr Nagur and Payyar. Ganesh Rai read out the Sanmana Patra .
In the Vichara Gosti Jayarama Somayaji spoke on Higher Education, B G Mohandas on Kannada Media, Ganesh Rai on Social Issues, Manohar Tonse on Cultural Activities and Prakash Rao Payyar on Literature.
In his presidential address Sarvotham Shetty opined that lack of unity among the Karnataka forums is the root cause behind the lack of government support and that a united fight against the issue is the best way to wake up the government.
The event was compered by Rajani Bhat and Arthur Pereira.
Thimmappa Poojary proposed the vote of thanks.