Pics: Sunil Abu Dhabi and Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Nov 23: Two-day Vishwas Tulu Sammelana was inaugurated in grand manner here on Friday, November 23.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade, Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, NRI Entrepreneur Dr B R Shetty, Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary diocese, ministers UT Khadar, Jayamala, NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco, MP Veerappa Moily and many other dignitaries from around the globe participated in historic two-day World Tulu Convention titled 'Vishwa Tulu Sammelana' inauguration at Al Nasr Leisure land Ice Rink.
Dr Veerendra Heggade, guest of honour addressing the gathering said, "Dubai is a land of gold. It is indeed due to blessings of mother of Tulunadu on Tuluvas who are rendering service in various fields in a country which is ruled by Kings. In order to know the rich culture of Tulunadu, one must live in a foreign land. The main purpose of this World Tulu convention will be fulfilled only when one realizes that the Tulunadu is the best land to live in. Hence, Tuluvas must have self-respect, and achieve in their respective fields.
Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan who was the chief guest said, "Tuluvas are known for patience and brotherhood. They are capable of bringing together everyone and live with unity. Such world conventions become reality since the relations between India and UAE are strong due to the efforts of Tuluvas working here," he also expressed his support by speaking in Tulu.
Rani Abbakka, Koti Chennaya, Reverend Kittel, Angolli Manjanna, Dr Kayyara Kinjanna Rai and Abbaga Daraga were remembered on the occasion.
Sarvotham Shetty Abu Dhabi welcomed and Bhasker Rai Kukkuvalli and Priya Harish Shetty compered. Dr B R Shetty welcomed the guests with memento. Shodhan Prasad rendered vote of thanks.
Chakrapani team of Suresh Attavar, Yakshamitraru Dubai Mandali, Girish Narayan's Pilinalike team, Prasanna Kaup and Umesh Mijar teams of Bale Telpale fame, Satish Shetty Patla and team, Pramod Kumar's team entertained the audience with Rasamanjari, Tulunada Gobbulu, Naatya Ayona, drama, Yakshagana, comedy skits on the occasion. Kadri Navneeth Shetty and Sahil Rai compered the cultural programme.
During the convention the guests were greeted traditionally and were served traditional food items prepared by Devesh Alva Dubai and team.
On the occasion Jubair Khan Mangaluru organized vibrant exhibition displaying the rich culture and tradition of Tulunadu.
The two-day festival includes loads of Tulu cultural events, to preserve and nurture the Tulunadu language and culture alive and is taking place under the dynamic leadership of well-known Tulu leader in UAE Sarvotham Shetty. Shodhan Prasad, another community leader and event organisers, AC Bhandary and Dharmapal Devadiga are shouldering the organising responsibility of 'Vishwa Tulu Sammelana' festival.
The valedictory events will commence at 2 pm on Saturday, November 24. Odiyoor seer Gurudevananda Swamiji, Puttige seer Sugunendra Theertha and Manila seer Mohandas Paramahamsa Swamiji will also participate during the valedictory ceremony.
Thousands of people from around the world are participating in the two-day first ever such convention outside Mangaluru.