Bahrain: 'Kudlotsava -2009' Showcases Cultural Richness, Brings out Hidden Talents

Media release by Joe Andrade
Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain (SP)

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Bahrain, Jun 9: The much–awaited Grand Gala Finale Kudlotsava - 2009 cultural programme took-off in the open air stage specially erected at the Delmon Hotel Poolside, with a traditional Kudla backdrop depicting Kudla culture with mounted ‘Ratha’ umbrellas.  

The visiting dignitaries and chief guests were offered the traditional Kudla ‘Kalasha’ welcome, to the beats of the drummers heralding their arrival at the entrance to the poolside stage of the Delmon International Hotel. They were led to the VIP seats in a procession to the accompaniment of the unique drum-beats, to their VIP seats at 9.00 pm.

Anand Lobo welcomed the packed out-door gathering and commenced the programme with Vijaya rendering  a divine melodious prayer song from the film, ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’.     

Naveen Mendonca, general secretary of Mangalore Cultural and Charitable Association, organizers of ‘Kudlotsava – 2009,’ then led all the special invitees who arrived from Mangalore earlier in the day, including Krishna Palemar,  Karnataka minister and Mangalore MLA U T Khader onto the stage.   Dr Mohan Alva, Alva’s Education Foundation Moodbidri chairman, was unable to make it to Bahrain due to his commitments with his syndicate at Bangalore.

The other guests who arrived from Mangalore and were led to the dais were Rakesh Malli, president of INTUC, Gerardin D’Souza and  Ravindranath Rai, a leading lawyer from Mangalore.  Zachariah, a Kudlotsava supporter and benefactor from Saudi Arabia, was also present. 

There was also a distinct, distinguished Bahraini touch and presence on the dais, by way of the good friends of the Kudlotsava programme, who have been associated with it since its inception three years ago, viz. Capt Mahmood Al-Mahmood, Capt Jassim Al Bucheeri and Dr (Mrs) Fakhriya Diari, who never miss an opportunity to be there and support the programme.

Besides, on the dais were all the presidents and representatives of various Bahrain-based Kudla organizations, who were part and parcel of the month-long ‘Kudlotsava’ month-long programme in one way or the other. General manager of Ramee Group of Hotels (Prudential Marketing Co) Sudhakar Shetty was also present.

Mementoes as token of gratitude were presented to the visiting Mangalorean dignitaries and the Bahraini VVIPs. Their presence at the grand finale Kudlotsava 2009 day was acknowledged and appreciated through the applause of the audience.

Krishna Palemar, who also holds environment ministry in Karnataka,  in his address to the audience, said he thought it noteworthy to be present amid the Kudlotsavans on a day (05 June) dedicated to the environment by the United Nations.  He addressed the gathering in Tulu, expressing delight at the unity and vibrancy with which the Kudlotsav programs have taken place.   He was delighted at the fact that such an Utsav was organized in a distant land and appreciated the efforts of all those who were involved and also the motivation from Lobo.  He mentioned about the coming together of diverse personalities in this kind of social environment.   He compared it to the rather sad invasion of mobile communication technology, where the personal touch is long lost and all communications are achieved only through the wireless!

U T Khader, MLA, addressed the gathering. He said, he was delighted at the thought of sporting and entertaining Kudlotsava programmes and thoughtfully put in a plea with Palemar that people involved with such programmes all over the world be appreciated and honored for their cultural efforts in places that are far away from their homeland.

Capt Mahmood Al-Mahmood and Dr Fakhriya also spoke on the occasion, expressing their delight to be in the midst of the Indian community with such vibrant and colourful programmes of the Kudlotsava and how they enjoyed every moment of it.

Most of the volunteers who were in one way or the other, involved with the success of ‘Kudlotsava’ events and major sponsors were also honoured by way of presentation of plaques presented by the dignitaries on behalf of the Association and Kudlotsava enthusiasts.  

Royston Prabhu, Norman D’Costa,  Jerardin D’Souza, Dr Narendra Shetty apart from  Chethan Shetty were also honoured for their presence, support and adding glamour to the occasion.

Jerardin D’Souza is a chartered engineer from Mangalore is a close confidant of Palemar.  His visit to Bahrain after a gap of about 15 years brought back nostalgic memories of the past and he was delighted to note the developments and transformation in Bahrain since he left.    D’Souza is a social worker involved in charitable works in Mangalore as well as in other parts of Karnataka. His visit to Bahrain also fulfilled a happy reunion with his best friend Anand Lobo besided lending unstinted support for the Kudlotsava 2009 programmes.

It was then time for the winners and runners-up of the ladies throw-ball and ladies cricket tournaments to take their winning trophies on stage from the visiting dignitaries.

Kuwait Friends Team from Kuwait walked away with the Baptist Lobo Memorial Ladies Throwball Trophy and Winning Cup awards from the visiting dignitaries at the Grand Finale Kudlotsava 2009 stage.    The runners-up trophy and runners-up cups were presented to the Tulu Koota team from Qatar.   Both the teams were given an applauding ovation as they marched on the stage to take their trophies.

It was then the turn of the seven-a-side ladies softball cricket tournament winners Kannada Sangha team to collect their Kudlotsava Winners Trophy after their earlier exciting finals finish at the Indian Club grounds and the Bunts Bahrain team who were presented with the runners-up trophy by the visiting dignitaries.

The VVIPs and dignitaries were then led off the stage to their respective seats for the commencement of the grand finale cultural programme of dance and music.    

Anand Lobo was the main compere of the finale programme, who steered through the felicitation programme with ease, encouraging the audience to appreciate and encourage the performers through applause.

The nearly two-hour long cultural programme saw local artistes, dancers and singers giving their very best and included the winners of the Boogie-Woogie programme.  It was thrilling and fascinating to watch them again on the colourful stage and dancing once again at their very best. The audience, though tired after the felicitation ceremony, sat glued to their seats watching in amazement at the performance of the children.

Amarnath Rai sang ‘Mokeda Singaree’ and  K B Shetty, ‘Shankarabarana’ to give a Kudla musical conclusion. To conclude there were a few Hindi songs sung by a local singer Rakesh.

Anand Lobo then thanked the audience for their support,  appreciation and applause. With so much of ‘happenings’ in the Kudlotsava 2009,  by popular demand, are we to wait too long for the next masala of Kudlotsava 2010?     Anand Lobo…..are you listening?

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