Doha, Qatar: The Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) marked a historic milestone with the Karnataka Rajyotsava – Silver Jubilee Grand Finale held on 7 November 2025 at the Ideal Indian School Grounds, concluding a year-long celebration featuring 25 cultural, literary, sporting, and community-development events.
The venue transformed into a tribute to Karnataka’s glorious heritage with striking installations, including two life-sized elephants with ornate Ambaris and a grand recreation of the Hoysala Mahadwara. A curated gallery honoured eight Jnanapeeta awardees along with tributes to literary icons Padmashree Dr S. L. Bhairappa and Dr H. S. Venkatesh Murthy, reflecting Karnataka’s deep literary legacy.
Traditional welcome and cultural showcase
The evening began with a Poorna Kumbha welcome for Guests of Honour — Mr U. T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, and Dr Na Someshwar, renowned quiz master.
KSQ members presented a soulful rendition of “Hacchevu Kannadada Deepa” under the direction of Anil Bhasagi, followed by an introduction by Vice President Ramesha KS and hosts Anusha Lakkanna and Sujith Kumar.
Graceful Bharatanatyam performances and a lively “Namma Kannada Namma Hemme” dance sequence by KSQ children set a vibrant cultural tone.
Qatar Kannada Samman presented to Dr Na Someshwar
A major highlight was the conferral of the Qatar Kannada Samman on Dr Na Someshwar for his exceptional contribution to literature and knowledge dissemination.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to teachers and spoke of his mission to spread learning through his popular programme “Thattantha Heli.”
Performances, honours, and Silver Jubilee reflections
The evening featured performances depicting the valour of Mysore kings, followed by a high-impact finale by the KSQ Yakka Maar Team, choreographed by Ms Soumya K. T. and coordinated by Ms Bhuvana Suraj and Ms Bhavana Naveen. All performers received mementos of appreciation.
General Secretary Kumar Swamy presented a video montage of 24 Silver Jubilee events, while President Ravi Shetty, quoting poet Dr G. S. Shivarudrappa, highlighted the importance of service and community involvement.
The special Silver Jubilee edition of “Srigandha”, KSQ’s annual magazine, was released by Mr U. T. Khader, who applauded KSQ’s global cultural initiatives and encouraged parents to support children’s aspirations.
Sponsors of the Silver Carnival were honoured, and special recognition was given to chief editor Kishore and artist Harish Kodialbail, the creative mind behind the Hoysala installations.
Ms Soumya K. T. delivered the vote of thanks.
Dignitaries and musical finale
H.E. Mr Vipul, Ambassador of India to Qatar, graced the event, commending KSQ’s contribution to cultural unity and its support of Apex body initiatives. He received a commemorative memento.
The celebrations culminated in a mesmerising musical concert by acclaimed playback singer Vijay Prakash, joined by Ananya Prakash, Nishan Rai, and a team of musicians. Special artist Hema V Patil captivated the audience with her rapid-speed artwork.
Mr and Mrs Vijay Prakash were felicitated, and the singer was honoured with the title “Sangeetha Sourabha.”
The grand finale witnessed the presence of Indian Embassy officials, leaders of Kannada Sanghas from neighbouring countries, KSQ advisors led by Mr Mahesh Gowda, and representatives of apex bodies including ICC, ICBF, and ISC. The evening concluded with heartfelt tributes to volunteers — a fitting close to KSQ’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.
