Report & Pics: Wilson and Priya Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network – Kuwait (SP)
Kuwait, Nov 13: The annual event of Kannada Koota Kuwait (KKK), a premier cultural organization, which is in its 27th year of existence, was organized in the form of, ‘Karnataka Rajyotsava- 2010’ on Friday November 12, under the presidentship of Harsha Rao. The venue of the celebrations was American International School Auditorium (Dr Kamal Al Rayes Auditorium), Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.
The event was graced by the Indian ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Ajay Malhotra, who participated as the chief guest. Capt Ganesh Karnik, deputy chairman of NRI forum of the government of Karnataka, was the guest of honour.
The programme began with an invocation directed by Madhavi Kulkarni and Sandhya Arun Kumar. This was followed by lighting of the lamp by Ajay Malhotra, Ila Malhotra, KKK president, Harsha Rao, and Karuna Rao. Harsha Rao welcomed the gathering. Ajay Malhotra and Capt Ganesh Karnik too spoke a few words of appreciation for KKK. A souvenir was released on this occasion by the Indian ambassador to Kuwait. Ajay Malhotra, Capt Ganesh Karnik, sponsors of the events, guest artistes, Uday Jadugar and Arun Kumar Dutt, were honoured by presenting of mementoes. On behalf of all the past presidents, Vasuki spoke a few words about the charity programmes of the organization and donated a sum of Rs. 10,39,791 to Aruna Chethana school on behalf of KKK.
The 500th anniversary of the coronation of the great king Krishnadevaraya, who ruled the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire, a part of which is now in Karnataka, was celebrated in Karnataka with lot of pomp and splendour. The rule of Krishnadevaraya is being hailed as the Golden Era of prosperity and glory. As a tribute to the great ruler, KKK recreated the glory of the Vijayanagara’s emperor in a unique and colourful manner. Over a hundred KKK children participated alongside seniors in a cultural bonanza that enthralled and mesmerized the audience by taking them back to the era of Krishnadevaraya and the rich culture, social and economical eminence of the Vijayanagara empire, through a performance that was interspersed with dance and drama. The melodious dance narration consisted of shadow play, Sharanu Virupaksha, Janapada Kreedegalu, Thenali Rama, Kandena Govindana, Soldier dance, Qawwali, Tribal Dance, Habba Habba dance, Portugal Dance, folk Dance, Dolothsava and finally the Pattabhisheka (coronation) of Krishnadevaraya. The concept and direction was provided by Kavana Rao, while the script was written by Suguna Mahesh and Dr Azad. The voices for the narration were lent by Dr Vivek Wani and Geetha Vasuki. The whole concept that extended to 90 minutes, held the audience spellbound, and made them look at the scenes which unfolded in front of their eyes, with awe and amazement.
The other attraction of the evening was a performance by the world-renowned entertainer, master ventriloquist, versatile actor, ace photographer and author of several books on conjuring, jokes, Sudoku and personality development, Uday Jadugar. He proved that he is a gifted and multifaceted personality of the highest calibre. He was assisted in his performances, by his co-artiste, Arun Kumar Dutt. The audience was treated to a visual feast of his wonderful magic show, shadow play and the Talking Monkey of Uday.
The programme came to an end with the proposing of vote of thanks by Anil Prabhu. A raffle draw was conducted by Uday Jadugar, N D Vasuki and Rachna Nayak. A delicious vegetarian dinner was served at the end. The whole event was well-compered by Rachna Nayak. The entire programme was well-arranged and was one of the best Indian programmes to have been witnessed in Kuwait in the year 2010, with professional stage setting, perfect timings, unique projector display, quality performances and the best artistes.