Doha-Qatar: Karnataka Sangha Qatar, a prominent NRI Kannadigas socio cultural group aegis under ICC, known for its quality programs in Qatar, held its Rajyotsava celebration on Friday, November 25 at Ballroom, La-Cigale Hotel.
Sandalwood actor Dr Shivaraj Kumar, famous among in his fans as ‘Shivanna’ and Kannada famous poet, lyricist Dr. Doddarange Gowda grace the event as Guests of Honour. Shivanna’s wife and former actress Geetha Shivarajkumar, Dr.KP Putturaya and Kannada actor Gurudatt were among the few more dignitaries who also join to grace the occasion. Indian Ambassador for Qatar HE P Kumaran graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the day.
Namma Radio RJ Roopa Gururaj compered the gala event where every Kannadiga residing in Qatar gathered to celebrate Rajyotsava. The program started at 3pm with safety precautions from cultural secretary Sunil Kamalaksha. The cultural program begun with the lighting of lamp from guests, KSQ Advisory board and committee members followed by welcome dance ‘Habbabanthu Habba’ from KSQ artists which mesmerized the audience and lighted up the spirit for their mother land. The welcome song was choreographed by Deeksha Rao and performed by Preethi, Shruthi, Bhoomika, Ramya, Asha, Savitha, Deeksha, Kiran and kumari MuskanPai. Renowned singer Rajesh Krishnan and Manasa Holla lent their voices and Ashwin P Kumar composed the song. The song was written by KSQ president HK Madhu.
Ace Kannada stand-up comedian Dr.KP Putturaya tickled the funny bones of the gathering where he shares his tremendous knowledge of Kannada Language. Thereafter, one by one, KSQ brotherhood communities like Tulu Koota, Mangalore Cricket Club and Bunts Qatar show cased their medley with talented local artists which enthralled the audience. Tulu Koota Qatar artists showed their talented medley dance program which was a complete blend of North Karnataka fairs. Bunts Qatar showed a medley on song ‘Ashwamedha’, whereas MCC boys entertained with Shivanna’s Kannada number ‘Tuvvi Tuvvi’. Mishal Lobo choreographed the dance. MCA artists Sandeep Noronha, Aloysius, Marlin and Jyothi D’Souza acted in a drama which highlighted human morals.
KSQ artists once again performed one more medley on songs from Shivanna’s Kannada movies ‘Jogi, Bajrangi, Janumada Jodi. KSQ versatile artists Della Rego and Kiran acted on a scene from Jogi kept the audience in splits. Akshaya Shetty choreographed the whole KSQ part medley.
A grand formal stage program was conducted. KSQ president HK Madhu, Senior Vice President Venkat Rao, Vice President Subramanya Hebbagilu, Advisory Board Chairman Deepak Shetty, General Secretary Sandesh Anand, Cultural Secretary Sunil Kamalaksha escorted the Chief guest P Kumaran, Guest of honour Shivanna, Dr. Dodderange Gowda and event sponsor Satish from QDC to the stage. HK Madhu addressed the welcome keynote and Sandesh Anand read out the Sangha’s annual activity report.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador P Kumaran recollected his moments in Karnataka during his previous job posting and conveyed his wishes to all Kannadigas for the 61stRajyotsava celebration.
The stage program followed with the honoring of Dr Dodda Range Gowda with the prestigious “Qatar Kannada Samman Award”. He was presented with a shawl, Mysuru Peta and Memento. Manjunath Rao read out the achievements of the poet. Meanwhile, Dr Shivaraj Kumar was also felicitated by KSQ with Shawl and Mysuru Peta for his great contribution to Kannada cinema. Vanita Subramanya read out the introduction note about Shivanna.
Dodda Range Gowda captured the mind of audience with Bhavagithe and poetic speech. Shivanna addressed the audience and requested every Kannadiga to celebrate Rajyotsava in a traditional manner.
Meanwhile KSQ felicitated Dr. Putturaya, Chi.Gurudatt with plagues, shawls and Mysuru Peta. The felicitation program continued to prominent KSQ members and community leaders who have achievements in various field. The honorees were KMCA president Niyaz Ahmed, ICC president Milan Arun, Former ICBF president Arvind Patil, ICBF board member Mahesh Gowda and KSQ Advisory Board chairman Deepak Shetty. Renowned music composer and resident of Qatar P. Ashwin Kumar was honoured with ‘Raga Rathnakara’ award.
KSQ’s annual magazine Srigandha was also released on the occasion by the guests. The magazine was edited and narrated by Roopa Pramod, Mahesh Gowda, Yogesh Pai and Kishore. Venkat Rao proposed the vote of thanks.
During stage program, online radio channel ‘Nam Radio’ was launched by Dr.Shivaraj Kumar. CEO of Nam Radio Avanidhar Havaldar was present during the occasion and highlighted the features of ‘Nam Radio’ on the occasion.
A special song “Kannadada Kanda” dedicating to Shivanna composed by Ashwin and written by HK madhu was performed by KSQ’s talented dancers. The vocal was given by renowned singer Ajay Warrior and choreographed by Kruthika Ashwin. The dancers were Zain, Kruthika, Tufailmateen, Poornimaravi, Pankaj, Stephan, Savious and Preem. Meanwhile, Shivanna put some steps with the dancers which made the audience to ask for more.
Later Shivanna joined the band Sushravya and team for singing Kannada numbers from his great movies and enthralled the audience with his melodious voice. Sushravya led by noted musician Suchetan Rangaswamy who was also seen mentoring SaReGaMaPa Kannada contestants presented some spectacular songs enchanting the audience. Along with Suchetan, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa season 11 winner Channappa and finalist Aishwarya Rangarajan belted some of the most memorable numbers that thoroughly entertained the gathering.
Global Developers, Bengaluru was the main sponsor of the KSQ 61stRajyotsava celebration event.
