Media release

Bangkok, Jun 4: Tulukoota Bangkok, an association of Tulu speaking people living in Bangkok, organised a colourful event called ‘Tuluvere Minadana’, a get-together function to honour famous artistes from Tulunadu. The guest list included famous magician Kudroli Ganesh, Kusaldarase Naveen D Padil, Sakala Kala Vallabaha, Chotu, Umesh Mijar, Kusalda Birse Sundeep Shetty Manibettu. 

The programme began with a brief introduction to the event which highlighted that despite differences in faith, religion, food habits, dressing sense, culture, language, thinking and socio-economic status, the force ‘Tulu’ brings everyone under one roof. The programme also highlighted that Tulu people who live in Bangkok are still connected to their roots.

This was followed by welcome address by ‘Gurikara’ Naveen Roshan Pinto who spoke on the motive behind forming Tulukoota in Bangkok and explained the roadmap that lies ahead for the organisation. He warmly welcomed all the guest artistes and the members of the Tulukoota family.

The guests were then escorted to the stage by the members of the Tulukoota. As a tradition, the event started with a prayer, rendered by Akshata Praveen and Pramitha Anand and lighting of lamp by honourable guest artistes and dignitaries Vinay Rai, Vincent Daniel Pinto, Naveen Roshan Pinto, Satheesh Shetty, Habeebullah Kattappadi, Satheesha Shetty and Naiem Mohammed.

The main part of the event was dedicated to felicitate the renowned guests. Kudroli Ganesh was felicitated by Raveendra Amin, Michael Veigas and Shiv Poojary. Umesh Mijar was felicitated by Guru Prasad, Nitin Prabhu and Vinol D’Souza. Larson, Sharik Hussein and Jeevan Lobo felicitated Sundeep Shetty Manibettu with a memento, shawl and bouquet. The details of achievements, awards and titles of all the guest artistes were made known to the entire audience. Kusaldarase Naveen D Padil could not make it to the event due to illness but in a video message promised to be with Tulukoota Bangkok for the next event. Jeevan Lobo extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support in organising this event and wished for further expansion of the activities of Tulukoota, Bangkok.

A moment of silence was observed in honour of member Rupert Kiran Baretto who died due to cardiac failure. All those who extended support during this hard time were thanked. The spirit of oneness demonstrated not only in good times but also in sad times by Tuluvas was appreciated.

The highlight of the programme was cultural fusion by the great trios of Tulunadu. The rare combination of Jaadu (Illusion) and comedy by Kudroli Ganesh, Umesh Mijar and Sundeep Shetty not only mesmerized the audience but also kept them on their toes until the end of the event. All members of the Koota were appreciated for the great work they have done.

The traditional ‘Pili dance competition’ was another highlight and saw participation from highly energetic members in predetermined teams. Delora Pinto, Suprabha Shetty and Margaret were judges of the event. All members cheered for their favourite teams and congratulated the winning team of professional Pili Dancers Sharik and Nitin Prabhu.

Delora Pinto and Vinol D’Souza organized interesting games for children that were part of the event. The entire programme culminated with a group dance by all members to the tunes of famous Tulu songs. Yashodhara of Vrindavana restaurant prepared delicious Tulunadu style food for all members.

Tulukoota Bangkok is active on Facebook and upcoming activities and events will be posted.

The entire event well organized by Praveen Kumar Dolthatta, Puttur. Wilson Pinto, Shamboor (Pinto Creations) took charge of photography and video of the event. Naveen Roshan Pinto, the chief organiser of the event thanked the members and guests.