Report by Dr Jagadeesh Kumar
San Francisco USA: In yet another feather to its cap, AATA (All America Tulu Association a.k.a. Akhila America Tulvere Angana) successfully held the annual Uchchya 2023 program on 29 October , celebrating the rich culture of the Tulunadu region with brilliant performances from the local talents of coastal Karnataka region. The event was virtual and premiered online on YouTube with live viewing by hundreds of viewers across the globe.
This is the third year of the Uchchya program since AATA was founded a couple of years ago, with the objective of bringing the Tulunadu culture closer to all the Tulu speaking people in the North America and Canada regions and the rest of the world. The event was graced by esteemed guests of Tulunadu origin such as scholar Bannanje Babu Amin, Mangalore University Tulu Peeta coordinator Dr M.K Madhava, Former MLC Ivan D’Souza and Film actor Vinaya Prasad.
Captivating cultural performances by well known artists, Prakash Karkala (Saxophone), Kudla Kusal Team (Comedy Show), Dr Radhika Kalluraya (Bharatanatyam), Yemmekere Team (Pili Dance), Dr Gurudas (Harikathe) and Bailur Couple (Pardana), added color and grandeur to the event enthralling the viewers.
The program was organized into two parts with the first part dedicated to the words of esteemed guests and the second part for cultural performances.
The program started off with a yakshagana style theme song sung by well known Patla Satish Shetty. Master of ceremony Anasuya Poonja of Austin, Texas started off the event with praise for the beauty of Tulunadu and its culture.
AATA founder president Bhaskar Sherigar invited the esteemed guests, participants, AATA committee members, supporters and all the well-wishers. Sahana Kodimale of Tampa Florida rendered invocation with blissful Ganapathi Stuthi.
Esteemed guests of the event, Tulu scholar Bannanje Babu Amin, Actor Vinaya Prasad, MLC Ivan D’Souza and Dr M.K. Madhava were introduced by Santosh Shetty, Pooja Shetty, Frederick Fernandes and Dr Jagadeesh Kumar respectively.
In his address, Tulu Scholar Bannanje Babu Amin explained how historically Tulu families lived together in harmony under a matrilineal system. He released the newsletter “SiriSuddi”, featuring various events and articles of the Tulu speaking people in the Northern America/Canada region.
Esteemed guest actor Vinaya Prasad recalled how she liked being recognized as a Tuluva from Tulunadu and it is a matter of pride for all Tuluvas across the world. She mentioned her love for Tulu culture, food, art and songs by singing couplets. Former MLC of Karnataka, Ivan D’Souza in his guest address stated how Tulu has been the primary bond between all Tuluvas around the world and illustrated his love for Tulu with examples of his efforts to promote Tulu across the state and the country.
Esteemed guest Dr Madhava M.K. delivered an impactful speech highlighting Tulunadu’s rich culture, art, food, and appreciated the role played by AATA in promoting Tulu across the American Tulu diaspora. He released the book “AATA Tulu Lipi Gonchil Yegge -1” which is a collection of articles written in Tulu script by 23 students of the “Tulu Lipi Kalpuga” programme organized by AATA between Aug-Oct 2023. AATA Ambassador from Toronto, Reshma S described the details of the book.
AATA chairperson of the board of directors Dr Mohanchandra from California introduced the AATA president, Srivalli Rai Martell of Florida. In her address, she thanked all the patrons, well-wishers, members of AATA and outlined the goals and programs of AATA in promoting the Tulu language and culture across the northern American continent. AATA vice president Shirish Shetty of Atlanta explained the AATA newsletter. Dr Rathnakar Sherigar from Virginia provided information about the AATA Bee quiz contest to be held towards the end of the year.
The second part of the program was anchored by AATA youth ambassador Aryaman Shetty from California. Prakash Karkala and his team weaved their saxophone magic on the audience with melodious and devotional music compositions.
Dr Radhika Kalluraya’s team captured viewers’ attention with beautifully choreographed Bharatanatyam and Kolata dance sequences. Kudla Kusal team entertained the viewers with a heavy dose of laughter with their comedy show. Dr Gurudas S.P and his team took everyone to a pleasant and imaginary world of legendary King Baliyendra through the Harikathe narration in Tulu.
Following this was something new and unique, Jaggu Parava couple from Bailoor, Karkala showcased the Tulu culture and historical facts with beautifully sung pardana.
The final part of the cultural performance was the major highlight of the event, Pili Nalike by Yemmekere Team, left the audience spellbound with well coordinated acrobatic moves synchronizing with rhythmic beats of the drums.
Seattle Ambassador Pavithra Shetty introduced the Saxophone performance sequences and joint secretary Ranjani Asaigoli from North Carolina introduced Dr Radhika Kalluraya’s team.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ramadas Kulal of New York, thanking all the committee members, AATA members, supporters, well-wishers, donors, press-media, various organizations across the world promoting Tulu language and culture, and all the audience and viewers that helped in successful conduct of the AATA Uchchya 2023 event.
Report by:- Dr Jagadeesh Kumar San Francisco USA
Read more:
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