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| Karnataka Sangha president V S Mannangi and Indian Cultural Centre president K M Varghese light the traditional lamp to formally open the Rajyotsava celebrations, as Indian embassy official Anil Nautiyal (second from left) and others look on |
For the first time, the KSQ provided a common platform for other forums of people hailing from Karnataka in Qatar to hold collective programmes of their culturally rich southern state. Besides the Sangha, those belonging to Tulu Koota Qatar, Bunts Qatar and Mangalore Cricket Club also joined the celebrations to exhibit their talents.
At the function, which was rich in art and cultural events, a troupe of television artistes (from Udaya and Zee channels) regaled the audience with some of the best folk songs in Kannada. They were backed by talented singers Seema Raikar and Shivanna
After a welcome dance by KSQ artistes, Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) staged a fashion show depicting the culture and variety of coastal Karnataka. Bunts Qatar and ATS artistes held Chitramanjari, a medley of Kannada film songs.
Rendition of choice songs and a matching stage performance by artistes mesmerised the gathering. Tulu Koota artistes presented Tulunada Bollilu (Stars of Tulunadu), a tribute to the legends from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. It recalled the huge contributions these legends made to the society.
The hosts later gave a praiseworthy performance which included a traditional cultural show ‘Karnataka Darshana’ depicting the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the state. In total, 33 children took part in Pata Kunita, Bhoota Kunita, Kolata, Janapada Koravanji dance, Kamsale, dollu kunita and Mysore-style Bharatanatyam.
Chief guest and second secretary (labour) at the Indian embassy Anil Nautiyal, guests of honour, president of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) K M Varghese and ‘Haasya Chakravarti’ Prof M Krishne Gowda, were also present. KSQ officials, president V S Mannangi, vice president Dr Sanjay Kudari and general secretary Deepak Shetty welcomed the guests to the dais.
At the function, the Sangha felicitated Professor Krishne Gowda for his contribution to Kannada literature. In his speech, the professor spoke at length on the Kannada language, its richness and history while exhorting the gathering to teach their children Kannada and contribute in promoting their mother tongue.
General secretary Deepak Shetty presented the forum’s annual report and the KSQ souvenir Sreegandha was -released by the guests.
Later, the members of the editorial committee of Sreegandha, KSQ executive committee members and Sreegandha editor Lakshmi addressed the gathering. N Manjunath proposed the vote of thanks.
Earlier, KSQ secretary C R Manjunath welcomed the gathering and introduced the anchor of the day G N Swamy of Udaya and Zee television channels.
Dr Benni, Prof Krishna Gowda and Narsimha Joshi later entertained the gathering with their rib-tickling anecdotes and mimicry. The orchestra troupe, too, enthralled with the rendering of superhit Kannada playback songs.
