Rajyothsava – Sumadhura Payana

The theme of Rajyotsava Program was the Musical Journey of Kannada Cinema over the past seven decades, aptly named ‘Sumadhura Payana’. The melodious journey of film music by the changes that it went through in its lyrics and style was portrayed from the ‘50s to the current decade. Group dances by Koota children of all age groups mesmerized the audience. The grand finale was the portrayal of the life cycle of a girl child culminating with the evolution of the modern girl child from her traditional role, into that of a leader, in every walk of life.

The Chief Guest of the evening was Padma Shri Sudha Murthy, Chairperson Infosys foundation, a pioneer in women empowerment and member of Gates foundation.

Mrs. Sudha Murthy’s address to the gathering was the high light of

the evening. She spoke at length about the role of every NRI as the ambassador of India, How the image of India has been transformed by the diaspora and IT revolution over the decades. She also highlighted the continued influence of Kannadigas and their Culture and language spread all over India from the time of Vijayanagara Empire in the Fourteenth Century. Copies of her famous book ‘Wise and Otherwise’ was presented to all Koota Members to commemorate her visit to Kuwait.