Doha, Qatar: Karnataka Sangha Qatar marked a historic milestone by hosting the Silver Jubilee special “Karnataka Rajyothsava – Rajatha Sambhrama” on Friday, 15th November 2024, at the DPS Auditorium, Al Wakrah. The event celebrated the 69th Karnataka Rajyotsava, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Karnataka Sangha Qatar’s formation. The celebration paid tribute to the cultural and linguistic pride of Karnataka, with distinguished celebrities, dignitaries, and an enthusiastic audience gracing the occasion.
The grand event commenced with a vibrant Rajatha procession, showcasing Karnataka’s rich folk arts and traditions, including Yakshagana, Veeragase, Dollu Kunitha, Tiger Dance, Keelu Kudure, and the iconic Kallai Bulls of Tamil Nadu, symbolizing India’s unity in diversity. Dignitaries, including Chief Guest H.E. Mr. Vipul, Ambassador of India to Qatar, and Special Guests Dr. Gururaj Karajagi, Dr. Ramesh Aravind, and Kargil War Hero Captain Naveen Nagappa, were escorted to the stage and lit the ceremonial lamp. Vice President Mr. Ramesh, after delivering the opening remarks, invited MC RJ Prasanna to continue the proceedings.
The program featured the release of the Rajatha Geethe, an anthem penned by former President Mr. H.K. Madhu and composed by Mr. Ashwin Kumar, followed by the launch of the documentary Rajatha Pathada Hejje Guruthugalu, which chronicled the Sangha’s 25-year journey. Former Presidents Mr. Arun Kumar, Mr. V.S. Mannangi, Mr. Deepak Shetty, Mr. H.K. Madhu, Dr. Sanjay Kudari, and Mr. Mahesh Gowda( Advisory Chairman), along with former managing committee members, were honored with mementos and the specially designed Silver Jubilee Shawl for their invaluable contributions to the Sangha’s growth and success. Those who have now settled in India were fondly remembered and missed. Mrs. Milan Arun, Former President of ICC, and Mr. Subramanya Hebbagelu, Vice President of ICC, were also honored.
The entertainment segment featured a dance medley dedicated to Dr. Ramesh Aravind and Nudinamana, a tribute to Kannada cinema choreographed by Cultural Secretary Mrs. Soumya KT, ably supported by Mrs. Bhuvana Suraj and Mrs. Bhavana Naveen.
Popular Kannada cine actor, director, and presenter Dr. Ramesh Aravind was the center of attraction and was honored along with his wife. In his poetic address, Dr. Aravind highlighted the uniqueness of Kannada and praised the Sangha for promoting Karnataka’s culture abroad. He joined the performers of the medley on stage, celebrating their efforts with immense appreciation.
Dr. Gururaj Karajagi was honored with the Qatar Kannada Samman Award for his exceptional contributions to education and literature. In his keynote speech, he shared anecdotes from Karnataka’s literary and cultural heritage and emphasized the importance of selfless volunteer service, quoting the example of Hanuman from Indian mythology. Dr. Karajagi also reflected on how interacting with inspiring individuals, like spending time with sandalwood, enriches and positively transforms one’s life.
A heartfelt tribute to the bravery of Indian soldiers followed through a moving Kargil skit by MCC choreographed by Ms Carol. The skit, a reenactment of the heroic sacrifices made during the Kargil War, left the audience deeply emotional and inspired. Captain Naveen Nagappa, a Kargil War hero, was felicitated after the skit. His gripping speech transported the audience to the frontlines of the war as he narrated his experiences and the sacrifices of his comrades, including the late Captains Sham Singh and Vikram Batra. Recalling Capt. Batra’s legendary courage, he said, “When I was severely injured, Capt. Batra came to me and said, ‘Anna, daro mat, main aagaya.’ Later, he made the supreme sacrifice while ensuring our flag flew high on the peaks of Kargil.”
In his welcome address during the public function, President Mr. Ravi Shetty expressed gratitude to the Almighty for providing the necessary resources for meaningful celebrations of the Silver Jubilee. He quoted Kuvempu to emphasize the importance of the Sangha’s founders and appealed to all members to serve the Sangha selflessly and continue building it with mutual love and harmony, in line with Dr. B.R. Lakshman Rao’s poetic lines. General Secretary Mr. Kumar Swamy presented the annual report with his usual engaging and captivating delivery.
His Excellency Mr. Vipul was felicitated during the event. Following the release of the Silver Jubilee special edition of the annual souvenir, “SRIGANDHA,” he addressed the audience, praising Karnataka Sangha Qatar for its dedication to preserving and promoting Karnataka’s cultural heritage in Qatar. He also extended his warm congratulations to the sangha on the occasion of their grand Silver Jubilee celebration, acknowledging their hard work and commitment to the community.
Silver Carnival Sponsors Mr. Mohandas of Land Trades, Mr. Roshan Shetty of ATS, and Event Sponsor Mr. Satish B.R. of QDC were also felicitated. Other Silver Carnival sponsors, including Alma Aluminium and Mr. Ronald Colaco, who could not attend the event, were acknowledged. All the sponsors were honored with memento of gratitude.
Community leaders and long-time supporters of the Sangha were also honored for their dedication and contributions. Dignitaries who joined from neighboring nations including Mr. Sarvottham Shetty, President of Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi, Mr. Prasad, President of Muscat Kannada Sangha, and Mr. Benki Basanna, representing Navika Kannada Koota were also honored. District Rajyotsava awardee Mr. Abdulla Monu and Aryabhata award recipient Mr. Anil Bhasagi were felicitated. MC Member Mr. Pradeep skillfully managed the public program, while Mr. Shashidhara H.B. proposed the vote of thanks.
Kudroli Ganesh, a finalist of India’s Got Talent, enthralled the audience with his magic show, adding a unique charm to the entertainment segment. Performances by Dr. Radha Sridhar’s dance troupe from Bengaluru and Tulukoota Qatar’s mesmerizing Veeragase dance, choreographed by Ms. Divya, brought vibrancy and artistic brilliance to the program.
The milestone celebration was efficiently anchored by RJ Prasanna, whose eloquent voice modulations and rich Kannada phrases captivated the audience. Visiting artists, MC members, participants, and volunteers were all honored with mementos in appreciation of their efforts.
Months of meticulous planning and hard work by the Managing Committee, Advisors, members, and volunteers, supported by sponsors, culminated in the grand success of the event.
The 69th Karnataka Rajyotsava and Silver Jubilee celebration united the Karnataka diaspora in Qatar, celebrating their cultural roots and heritage with pride and grandeur.
