Bahrain: Freedom 61 - Kannada Sangha Celebrates Independence Day
By Ronald D. F. D’Souza & Joe Andrade for Daijiworld Media Network
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Bahrain, Aug 17: Kannada Sangha, Bahrain, took off with its Indian Independence Day Celebrations, at first, on 8th August, 2008, with their Annual Blood donation drive, About 50 members took part in this noble blood donation drive. It has been customary for Kannada Sangha members to participate in this significant noble cause each year for the past 28 years.
On the morning of 15th August, the President of Kannada Sangha, Mr. Austin Santosh unfurled the Indian tricolour at the Club premises in the presence of Sangha’s Executive Committee and members, to the singing of the National Anthem at sharp 7.00 a.m. This was followed by the President addressing the gathering of members who had converged patriotically at the Club premises and reflecting on the significance of the celebrations this year. Many prominent members of the Club spoke on the occasion highlighting the need for members of various Indian communities to work together on a single platform. All those present were served with breakfast and refreshments, courtesy of Vittal Shetty of “Chef’s Corner” fame.
The grand gala Kannada Sangha Independence Day cultural celebrations aptly titled with a beautiful concept “Freedom 61” was held at the august Indian Club Auditorium where a large number of Club’s members and their families, well-wishers and friends gathered in their colourful best from 10.30 a.m. on August 15th. H.E. the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain , Balakrishna Shetty, was the Chief Guest on the occasion, accompanied by his wife, Vasundhara Shetty. The stage had been set with a befitting backdrop of the tricolours, not just the flag but also vivid tricolor balloons and curled tricolour silky drapings drooping from the ceiling to give it the right “Freedom 61” ambience and aura.
The program began at 11.00 a.m. with a patriotic Welcome Dance by Sangha member’s children choreographed by Mrs. Lolakshi Rajaram. The President Mr. Austin Santosh addressed the audience and invited the Indian Ambassador, HE Balakrishna Shetty to the podium. Patriotically borrowing a Gandhi cap from one of the members, perching it conspicuously on his head, he significantly remembered the freedom fighters who gave their all for the Indian Nation drawing a warm round of applause from the patriotic audience. The audience was moved further when he stated that our freedom and independence would have no meaning until every Indian treats another with due respect irrespective of status and refraining from complexes. He further emphasized that only when all citizens contribute their might, a Nation becomes great. The Indian Ambassador later led the large audience in singing to the tune of the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” with due respect to the tricolour.
To begin with the cultural programmes, Master Takshak Pai gave a patriotic rendition in poetry followed by a welcome song by Sangha by some members.
A group of Sangha members performed an Independence Day inspirational tableau depicting Gandhi, the Indian farmer, Mysore’s lion Tippoo Sultan, Sir M. Vishweshwarayya and the Indian soldier.
Through the courtesy and auspices of the Indian Embassy, two renowned artistes troupes from Orissa specially brought in for the Indian Independence Day celebrations gave patriotic performances on stage to the jubilation of the audience. Odissi classical dancer, Jyoti Srivatsav with her dance performance and her troupe comprising of musicians Subrata Dey, Krishna Kumar, Prasanna Kumar, Gopinath and Prasad Kumar gave a rendition of “Sare Jehann Se Acchha”, “Aswathi” and “Vandhe Mataram”.
Another famous troupe comprising of the Award winning Hindustani Classical Gazal singer Pandit Deenanath Mishra accompanied by Tabla maestro Pandit Kadhinath Mishra, Nagesh and Mangal Mishra gave a wonderful ghazal performance in a Sitar-harmonium-tabla combination, that enchanted the audience with rapturous applause.
The highlight of the event was a prominent Traditional Fashion Show with five charming couples depicting typical costumes from the Indian hinterland, young models wearing the Ghagra-churidar, models wearing different types of sarees all drawn from the Sangha members lot, walked the stage ramp show-casing their respective regional style and poise. The participants in the fashion show were boosted by the continuous applause and cheering from the audience.
The event concluded with a sumptuous luncheon buffet catered by Chef’s Corner.