Uttara Karnataka Balaga celebrates first anniversary with pomp and show

Doha: Uttara Karnataka Balaga, a new socio-cultural group affiliated to the ICBF, completed its first year in December this year. To celebrate its first anniversary, the UKB conducted a gala event on Dec 13 at the DPS Monarch International School auditorium in Wukair.

The evening began with a welcome dance performance from Vidushi Sanjana. Local talents, singers Santosh and Divya entertained the audience with a Kannada duet “Tamnam Tamnam” from the movie “Eradu Kanasu”.  Later, Santosh came on stage with Sandalwood actor “Real Star” Upendra and performed ‘Helakollak Onduru’, a song from the film ‘A’, making the audience ask for an encore. Another talented singer, Anil Bhasagi blew the audience away with his melodious voice when he sang ‘Karnatakada Ithihasadalli’ and other songs.

Cultural programmes continued with dance performances by children and members of the UKB. A folk dance choreographed by Manju Karigar, was performed based on the theme ‘Anna Datha Raitha and Mahadayi facts’ which was well received by the audience.

Actor-director Yashwanth Sardeshpande, who was one of the guests of honour, performed one of his most popular plays ‘Rashi Chakra’, which blew the audience away with its humour.

A small stage programme was also conducted on the occasion. UKB president Shashidhar Hebbal and vice president Amzad Khan escorted the chief guest Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambara and guests of honour “Real Star” Upendra and Yashwanth Sardeshpande to the stage. Indian Embassy ‘Labour and Community Welfare’ ASO Dhiraj Kumar was the main guest of the evening. UKB general secretary Nilesh Ranadevi and treasurer Vinayaka Naika escorted ICBF joint secretary Subramanya Hebbagilu and ICBF coordinator Mahesh Gowda to the stage.

On the occasion, Dr. Chandrashekar Kambara, Upendra and Yashwanth Sardeshpande were felicitated with a shawl, Belgaum Peta and mementos. Guest artistes, renowned singer Nagachandrika Bhat was also felicitated with a shawl and Belgaum Peta, while Dhiraj Kumar, Subramanya Hebbagilu and Mahesh Gowda were honoured with mementos.

Meanwhile, Kannada movie directors Lokanath and Rajaram, artistes Pradeep Mudhol and Anil Bhasagi were also honoured with mementos.

UKB’s annual sovereign “Bandhvya” was unveiled by the chief guest and the editorial lead, Bheemappa Khot briefed about the articles and cover page, highlighting UKB’s aim of developing the sangha’s missions.

Addressing the gathering, Upendra spoke about his political party “Uttama Prajakiya Party”. Upendra then entertained the audience with his versatile movie dialogues and danced with the kids.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chandrashekar Kambara thanked the UKB for bestowing them with honours and spoke to the audience about the rich heritage of the Uttara Karnataka Culture. Kambara also highlighted the importance of democracy and the polling system to choose the right candidates.

Dhiraj Kumar lauded the UKB for their social work over the past year including medical camps, blood donation camps, environment day celebration etc.

The event sponsors were also honored with mementos on the occasion.

A cultural programme soon began with the guest compere from Karnataka, Yogesh Mirzana. The UKB members and children once again entertained the audience with a marvelous ‘Uppi Medley’ dance choreographed by Soumya and Ramya.

Famous singer Nagachandrika Bhat entertained the audience with classical, folk and movie songs.  Rajkumar’s hit song ‘Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Hutta Beku’ was sung by Nagachandrika Bhat and Anil Bhasagi.

UKB president Shashidhar Hebbal welcomed the gathering and thanked the sponsors. Treasurer Vinayaka Naika delivered the vote of thanks.

MBR Technologies was the main sponsor and Mirrikh Contracting was the silver sponsor of the event. Vital Trading, Marhaba Tourisms, Al Raida Engineering, Almana Exchange, Wellcare Pharmacy, Gulf Kannada Movies Association and Abeer Medical Centre were the associate sponsors of the event.