Dubai: The “Vishwa Samskruti Utsava – World Culture Festival” was held at the Credence Auditorium, Al Quoz in Dubai on October 11.
Kannadigas in Dubai witnessed a score of cultural programmes and cheered the variety of dances presented by more than 70 artistes from Karnataka. Kamsale, Kathak, Folk, Contemporary and Special Yoga Dance forms were beautifully presented by Davangere’s Chirantana team, Guru Shridhar Jain’s Mysuru team, Guru Krupa Phadake’s team, Guru Kamakshi’s team from Bengaluru, Srujana Art Academy and Dr. Lata Shekar’s team.
On the occasion, the International Excellence Award was presented to the men and women who served in various fields. Harish Sherigar was honoured for his pro-Kannada organization and music, Revathi Kamat was honoured for reviving Somahalli Lake by planting two lakh saplings, Dr. Lata Shekar was honoured for her services in the field of Bharatanatyam, Srinivasa Murthy was awarded for providing employment to Indians in the UAE, Guru Sridhar Jain was honoured for his services in the field of dance and social service. The Heads of Pro-Kannada organizations, UAE were also honoured during the event.
Addressing the gathering, founder and chairman of Abu Dhabi-based NMC Healthcare and chairman of UAE Exchange Dr. B R Shetty appreciated the efforts made by Chirantana and said that “Vishwa Samskruti Utsava – World Culture Festival” is one of the most magnificent programmes he has witnessed in Dubai in the recent past.
Dances to Vande Mataram, Lokada Kannige, Chellidaru Malligeya and Rangeelo Maro fascinated the audience. The Nrutya Siri team performed the Kamsale Dance, the Nrutya Degula performed the Dasahavataara and Yoga Dance and the Chirantana team performed the Deepavu Ninnade and Barisu Kannada Dimdimava.
Prior to the Dance show, little Samhita S Muthalik sang Kannada folk songs and entertained the audience. Inspired by the show, Harish Sherigar also performed a song by Dr. Rajkumar, the matinee idol of Kannada cinema.
Various Kannada organizations in the UAE contributed to the success of the show. Karnataka Sangha, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Al Ain Kannada Sangha and Kanndigaru Dubai joined hands with Chirantna to make sure that over 1200 spectators witnessed the spectacular, colourful and youthful event. Through this show, Chirantana provided a platform for top artistes and literary elites to perform and showcase their talents.
The “Vishwa Samskruti Utsava – World Culture Festival” was led and directed by Deepa N Rao, founder of Chirantana, aided by Madhava Padaki and Alakanada. The show was coordinated by Dubai’s M S Arun, Noel Almeda, Prashanth, Sadandas and Sundaresh S.
Dr. Sheela Sridhar, Yeshwant Sareshpande (representing India), Harish Shergarh, Muhammad Mustaffa, Zafrullah Khan, Yusuf Al Blushi and Mallikarjuna Gowda (repesenting Dubai) were also present.
