UAE: Karnataka Sangha Dubai, one of the oldest Kannada pro-organizations in the Gulf region, has been promoting the rich culture and traditions of Karnataka since 1985. They vibrantly concluded a mega celebration of the 68th Karnataka Rajyotsava-2023 on November 26, 2023, at Al Nasr Leisure Land Ice Rink, Dubai, in the presence of a huge gathering of Kannada lovers.
The grand celebration was officially inaugurated with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Sumalatha Ambarish, MP of Mandya, a noted actress in South India, along with Karnataka Sangha Dubai’s President Mr. Shashidhar Nagarajappa, vice president Mr Daya Kirodian, General Secretary Manohar Hegde, Joint Secretary Mallikarjun Gowda, treasurer Nagaraj Rao and other dignitaries, guests, sponsors, community and organization leaders, and KSD’s core committee members.
This event was one of its kind in the past 3 decades to unite all associations and communities, which was welcomed by generous support of community leaders and sponsors like Frank Fernandes, Ibrahim Gadiyar, Nagaraj Rau Udupi, Martin J Aranha, B K Yusuf, Praveen Kumar Shetty, James Mathais, Ramakrishna Hegde, Michel D’Souza, Zafrullah Khan Mandya, Gunasheela Shetty, Harish Sherigar, Hariprasad, Dr Moideen Thumbay, James Mendonca, Dinesh Devadiga, Ishwaridas Shetty, Santosh Poojary, Vasudeva Bhat and many others
Chirantana Dance Academy, Bengaluru, a noted dance troupe consisting of more than 60 artists, beautifully performed, which was one of the highlights of the event. Team “Shivapriya” delivered a stunning performance of the unique theme dance “Karnataka Darshana,” well appreciated by the large gathering.
Noted TV and Sandalwood artists Majatalkies fame Naveen D Padil along with coastal yakshagana and evergreen comedians Deepak Rai, Dinesh Kodapadavu, and Dinesh Kadaba, enthralled the audience with rib-tickling comedy numbers with heart-touching messages. Also, the Gichhi Gili Gili fame team consisting of Chiller Manju, Chandraprabha, Karthik, and Raghavendra showcased their entertaining skills.
Sangeetha Rasamanjari was brilliantly presented by Kannada Kogile fame Sandesh Neermarga, Nadeera Banu, along with noted local singer Naved Magundi. The event also witnessed the grand “Dubai Karnataka Rajyotsava Award -2023” felicitation ceremony of Balakrishna Salian Yermal, presented for his selfless community contributions, initiatives, and dedication in promoting blood donation and its importance in the UAE.
On behalf of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, its Patrons Mr. Harish Bangera, Mr. Ronald Martis & Advisor Jayanth Shetty felicitated Chief guest Sumalatha Ambarish. Further, local artists and teams performed Karnataka Folk dances and various cultural performances, including women’s and men’s famous Mangalorean Tiger dances. The grand procession of different theme-based performances presented by different communities of the UAE added more attraction for spectators.
Noted Sandalwood actress and anchor Ankitha Amar systematically compered the program, much to the appreciation of the audience. President Shashidhar Nagarajappa and the Executive Committee of Karnataka Sangha Dubai extended their sincere gratitude to the main sponsor Navanaami Group, all other sponsors, media, and supporters for the grand success of Karnataka Rajyotsava 2023 grand celebration.
Event was well co ordinated with the efforts of Karnataka Sangha Dubai Executive committee members Mr. Lawrence Nazreth, Peter Joyson, Mamatha Senthil, Marina Menezes, Harish Kodi, Siddalingesh B R , Yuvaraj Devadiga, Sunil Gavaskar, Vinutha, Brunda Ashwath.
All major medias were present to cover the event were recognized with a mometo and words of appreciation. Every visitor was given a free dinner box was the most appreciated kind act of the organizers.
