Dasotsava – Bakthi Sanchaya

A cultural and welfare-oriented organization, Kuwait Kannada Koota, one of the prominent and oldest associations of expatriates in Kuwait, organizes and celebrates several events every year. The activities of Koota are aimed at nurturing the hidden talents in its members, specially the kids, which show-case rich cultural heritage of mother India, Karnataka in particular. The first of its annual activities start with a cultural event that seeks the blessings of the Almighty for the welfare of the people of their mother land and of the people of the host country, Kuwait. The program usually called as “Dasotsava” is tag-lined each year with a thematic head-line. The event of this year was named “Bhaktisanchaya” meaning the Treasure of Devotion. The program was held on 22^nd Feb, between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm at Carmel School auditorium, Khaitan.

The public relations (PR) committee headed by Smt. Jayalakshmi Karkal gave a rollicking beginning to the event through a video invitation and on the morning of the event presented the audience with a Gala-Welcome. The divinity and sanctity of the ambience was worth witnessing. The cultural committee (CC) headed by Smt. Sangeetha Mangalgi supported by Smt. Alaka Jithendra and the team chalked out and presented the event. The executive committee (EC) headed by the president Dr. Shashikiran G Prabhu, vice-president Shri. Prabhu Achar, general secretary CA Ravikiran Prabhakar and the treasurer Shri. Ramesh Nayak started the proceedings by lighting the lamp, observing one-minute silence to pay rich tributes to the martyred CRPF Jawans at Phulwama and initiating contribution to a welfare fund for handing over to the families of the Martyrs. The President gave an opening remark, welcomed the gathering and expressed his sincere gratitude to the sponsors. The vice-president Shri Prabhu Achar briefed the gathering about the welfare fund collection and appealed for generous contributions for the noble cause. Various competitions for kids were conducted which included dialogue delivery, portrayal of various historical and mythological characters. The kids also presented a group song. The cultural committee scripted, directed and presented a dance drama enacted by immensely talented Koota kids. The sponsors showed their keen interest in the Koota activities while explaining about their organization and its responsibilities and also invited gathering to take benefit from the services provided by them.

Ex-presidents of Koota and their spouses joined by the cultural committee members performed “Nagara Bhajane” a group dance-cum-devotional singing. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions. General secretary proposed the vote of thanks and paid special gratitude to the sponsors; M/s Al-Mulla Exchange, M/s Moashk Securities, M/s Byjus and Mr. Ramachandran and Mrs. Sujatha Ramachandran for sponsoring “Sathvik Bhojana” and the Management of Carmel School for providing the venue.