2007: World Kannada Cultural Convention 2007

The World Kannada Cultural Convention was inaugurated in Kuwait under the president ship of Rashtrakavi Shri G. S. Shivarudrappa on 30th Nov 2007 at Dr. Kamel Al-Rayees Auditorium of American International School, Kuwait, with lot of pomp and show and got concluded on 1st December 2007. The event was hosted by Kuwait Kannada Koota (KKK) under the president ship of Sudhakar Shetty in association with Hridayavahini from Karnataka.

The mega event started with the invocation dance “Ganesh Puspanjali, patriotic Kannada song and welcome address by KKK President Mr. Sudhakar Shetty. Convention President Rashtrakavi Dr. G.S Shivarudrappa inaugurated the historical cultural festival by lighting the lamp. HE Mr. M. Ganapathy, the ambassador of India to Kuwait was the chief guest. Other dignitaries like Mr. C.T Ravi, MLA from Chikkamagaluru, HE Mr. Essa Al-Essa, Ex-ambassador to India from Kuwait, Mr. B R Shetty industrialist from Abu Dhabi, Dr. K. A. Ashok Pai renowned Social Worker, Mr. Mahesh Joshi Director of Door darshan had graced the occasion. Sports Day Kannada Rajyotsava Sports Day Kannada Rajyotsava K.P. Manjunath Sagar- President Cultural committee delivered the introductory speech. Prominent personalities of Karnataka were honored in recognition of their achievements in various fields, with traditional shawl, memento and flower bouquet. Mrs. Sandhya Pai, Manipal (Media); Mr. H. Rangayya, Bangalore (Social service); Mr. Srinivas Bellur, Kenya (Service to Kannada); Mr. C.R. Simha, Bangalore (Acting); Mr. Kumar Kuntikana Matt, London, (Service to Kannada); Mr. Prakash Payyar, Dubai (Service to Kannada); Miss. Manasi Prasad,Bangalore(Music); Mrs. Rangashree, Kuwait (Dance); Kannadave Sathya Mr. Prabhakar, Bangalore, (Service to Kannada); Mr. Kolar Ramesh, Kolar (Bharatanatya); Smt Sahana Bhat, Sirsi (Bharatanatya); Mrs. Chudamani Ramachandra, Sagar (Dollukunita) were among the honored. B. Ganesh Rao Bangalore delivered vote of thanks.

This was followed by various cultural programs. Cute tiny tots to lovely kids of Kuwait Kannada Koota along with numerous artists from Karnataka and as well as other parts of the world took part in the great cultural show. Nearly 250 participants entertained the audience running in thousands, continuously for two days. Various Nrutya Rupakas were presented by Miss. Manasi Prasad of Bengaluru, Mrs. Rangashree of Kinkini, Bangalore – Kuwait chapter, Sirsi’s Natyanjali Kala Kendra, Mr. D.Keshava of Switzerland, Jaya Natya kala Academy of Kolar and Kadri Nrutya Vidyalaya of Mangaluru. Young girl Kavya performed the exquisite lamp dance while Miss. Manjusree & Miss. Meghana of Sirsi, performed mohiniattam. People were enthralled by the portrayal of Dr. Kuvempu by none other than Mr. C.R.Simha the veteran of the Cine world. Bharata Darshanawas presented by Kuwait Tulu Koota that showcased different Indian state cultures which was enchanting. Elderly ladies from Sneha Sagar Women’s League of Sagara, enthralled the audience with Dollu Kunita. Doddata was added attraction.

There were discussions on various Forums like Poetry presided by Mr.Manu Baligar, Media presided by Mr. E.V. Satyanaraya, Health presided by Dr. Padmini Prakash, Industry presided by Sri. M.B. Jayaram and Humour presided by Dr. Putturaya Puttur. The grand world Kannada Cultural Convention continued on 1st December 2007 with invocation song by Manasi Prasad, followed by NRI Kannadiga forum (Presented by B.V.Nagaraj, Sarvottama Shetty and Arvind Patil) and poetry forum by various poets. Sarvottam Shetty presented all the NRI’s problems most effectively and was appreciated by the crowd widely. Globalman Award-2007, was presented to the eminent Kannadigas in different fields such as: Mr. M. Krishnamurthy, America (for Philanthropy); Mr. D. Keshava, Switzerland (for Dance); Mr. B.V.Nagaraj, Canada (for Media); Mr. Rajkumar, Bahrain (for Service to Kannada); Mr. Sarvothama Shetty, Abu Dhabhi (for Social service);Dr. Tarakanath, Kuwait (for service to Kannada); Mr.S.S. Alur, Qatar (for Civil Engineering); Mrs. Bhuvaneshwari Nagaraj,Qatar (for Music); Mr. A. Sadananda Shetty, Mangalore (for Education); Dr. Mahesh Joshi, Bangalore (for Media); Mr. R.P. Ravishankar, Bangalore(for Co-operation); Mr. S.G. Umarani, Bangalore (for Social service,); Mr. Narendra Rai M.B., Haryana (for Banking); Mrs. Kamaleshwari Ramesh, Bangalore (for Social service); Mr. Mahadeva P. Varsha, Bangalore (for Personality Development); Mrs. Nandini Shirahatti, Kadur (for Education).

The cultural program of the second day consisted of Kuchupudi (Manjushri & Meghana- Sirsi), Dance by Kalaniketana bharatanatya school- malur, Musical Dance by Manasi Prasad, dances by Kinkini Group Bangalore & Natyanjali Kala Kshetra-Sirsi, Yakshagana by kids, and Srinivasa Kalyana Skit by KKK members. The highlight of the event was Yakshagana performed by the Koota Kids The tiny tots mesmerized the whole audience through their enactment and colorful costumes. The screen came down on the second day of the event through the Magnum Opus skit “Sri Srinivasa Kalyana” that was presented by the Koota members through their dazzling costumes. Mr. Virendra Babu, General Secretary delivered a vote of thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of the event. The historical colorful two days program came to an end with grand delectable dinner.