October 10, 2021, was a historic day for the All America Tulu Association (AATA). On the auspicious occasion of Navaratri, the people of Tulunad origin, residing in the United States and Canada came together to celebrate the official grand inauguration of AATA (Akhila Americoda Tuluvere Angana). The virtual event of “AATA Udipane” was broadcasted as YouTube Premier and watched by Tuluvas all over the world.
The program started with the theme song of AATA “Amerikodu onji tulu koota udhithund” beautifully sung in Yakshagana style by Sri Yakshadruva Patla Satish Shetty. Award-winning playback singer Sri Rameshchandra’s beautiful rendition of the Tulu prayer “Nambudu ninnane dumbu sugipuve” gave a blessed start to the program.
The event was inaugurated by Dharmadhikari of Srikshetra Dharmastala, Rajarshi Padma Vibhushana Shri Dr Veerendra Heggade. His blessing and inspiring words were revered by all the viewers. Shri Shri Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puthige Matt Udupi graced the occasion with his Subhashirvachana, which resonated Tuluva pride in all of us.
Reverend Father Dr Cyril Fernandes of Indiana, USA, blessed the event, stating how the Tulu language has brought us all together as a family. The president of Karnataka Tulu Sahithya Academy ‘maanadigeda binner’ Shri Dayanand Kattalsar’s words were pleasing and thought-provoking. One of the greatest Tulu scholars, organizer Shri Sarvothama Shetty from Abu Dhabi also presided over the function as ‘maanadigeda binner’ and showered his blessing and best wishes to AATA. Shri Bhaskar Sherigar presided over the inaugural event and stressed the need for AATA and its ambitions in his presidential address.
The cultural program had a grand start with the famous singer Vidhushi Nandini Rao who captured our hearts with melodious Tulu songs. Yaksha Nritya by renowned Yakshagana artist Sri Patla Satish Shetty, acclaimed Kavyashree Ajeru and the group was mesmerizing.
The comedy team Prashamsha brought laughter to the audience. The highlight of the show was the concert by celebrated film music director and singer Gurukiran and the popular Emcee Roopesh Shetty. They brought the live concert feeling to this virtual event. Local enthusiasts showcased their talents by singing, dancing and skit, which witnessed the rich heritage and culture of Tulunadu, thriving in the faraway land of America.
The successful start of the AATA inaugural event was emceed by Shreevalli Rai Martell with great fluency, the grace of the Tulu language and captured the viewers’ attention. This would not have happened without the wishes and support of many Tuluva people and organizations from all over the world.
Shri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji from Moodabidri Jain Matt, Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLAs Umanath Kotian, Vedavyas Kamath, Harish Poonja, Abdul Kadar, Bollywood Movie Stars Suniel Shetty and Pooja Hegde, Dr. Madhava M.K from Mangalore University, Dr Sayeegeetha from Nitte University, Dr Jagadish Shetty from Manipal University, president of Akhila Bharatha Tulu Okkuta Dharmapala Devadiga, Shri Rameshchandra and Shri Shantharam Shetty and team of Ilesa, Dr Rajesh Alva of Tulu World, Tulu Sahithya Academy member Nitte Shashidhar Shetty sent their blessings for the AATA.
Chetak Poojary, President of Delhi Tulu Koota Shri Vasanth Shetty Bellare, President of Tulu Koota foundation Mumbai Shashidhar Shetty Innanje, Shreekala Bollaje from Tulu Koota Japan, Dr Ravi Shetty Moodambail from Tulu Koota Qatar, President of Tulu Koota Kuwait Sri Sanath Shetty, Ramesh Kidiyoor, President of Oman Tuluver Sri Ramananda Shetty, Archana Shetty from Tulu Koota England, Suresh Poonja from Tulu Koota Sydney Australia, Narayana Shetty from Italy Tulu Koota, Sharath Shetty from Nigeria Tulu Koota and other well-known dignitaries sent their blessings virtually for the success of AATA.
The executive committee members of AATA consisting of President Bhaskar Sherigar, Vice- President Shirish Shetty, General Secretary Prakash Udupa, Joint Secretary Puja Shetty, Treasurer Subhaschandra Shetty, Joint Treasurer Fredrick Fernandes, Chairperson of Board of Directors Dr Shridhar Alva, Board of Directors, Ambassadors and Advisory council members thanked the hardworking team, all the participants and all involved for making this event a grand success and memorable. The inaugural event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by General Secretary of AATA Sri Prakash Udupa.
It surely was a successful event and all are eagerly looking forward to the next big venture of AATA.
Report by:- Reshma Sherigar, Virginia USA
Pix by:- Bhaskar Sherigar, President, AATA
