Media Release
Doha, Nov 10: Karnataka Sangha Qatar celebrated its 67th Statehood day known as 'Kannada Rajyotsava' worldwide in a grand celebration at full-house auditorium of DPS School, Doha Qatar. Event started with a welcome song 'Barisu Kannada Dindimava' from Management and advisory committee members followed with a welcome speech by president Mahesh Gowda and concluded with vibrant cultural performances depicting rulers of Karnataka, patriotism, fishermen of Coastal Karnataka and tribute to Puneeth RajKumar from Karnataka based associations Tulukoota Qatar, Bunts Qatar, Mangalore cultural association, Billawas Qatar, Mangalore cricket club.
In his welcome speech Mahesh Gowda expressed happiness to have been hosting the events in presence of live audience in Post COVID era and at time State of Qatar is hosting the FIFA world cup.
Chief guest for the event was president of Kannada Development Authority T S Naagabharana, guest of honour was chief editor of famous Kannada Daily Kannada Prabha and media in-charge of south India’s famous media network Suvarna News 24*7 Ravi Hegde. Famous director, actor Anoop Bhandari and upcoming Mimicry artist Yogi Gowda, chief guest of event was Angelina Premalatha, counsellor (Political and Commerce), Indian Embassy Qatar and vice president of Indian Cultural Center Subramanya Hebbagelu.
For the first time in Middle East, guests were given a traditional welcome known as 'Dollu Kunitha' choreographed by Suma Gowda. This event was well received and applauded not only by audience but also by chief guest of honour T S Nagabharana.
The representative of the Indian Embassy, Angeline Premalatha thanked the management committee of Karnataka Sangha Qatar for organizing cultural and educational programmes and expressed full support for embassy for the upcoming programs. T S Nagabharana addressed the gathering and praised the Weekend Kannada classes organized by KSQ and briefed the audience about the campaigns being organized by the Kannada Development Authority to promote Kannada language in children. Ravi Hegde in his speech expressed full support to the work of the association by his media and explained how language development can be done with the use of technology. Yogi Gowda's mimicry of film actors, political figures and media luminaries was appreciated by the audience. As part of its annual tradition, Karnataka Sangha Qatar honors renowned artists, directors, drama artists, achievers in field of Kannada literature with 'Qatar Kannada Samman' award to recognize their contribution towards kannada language development. This year the award was presented to the chief guest of honour T S Nagabharana during the event.
Members of the KSQ performed dances to songs by Anoop Bhandari and T S Nagabharana. Children of KSQ performed a skit with subject as 'Save kannada Language'. The Varaha Rupam dance from Kannada film Kantara, which is a worldwide success, composed by the association's Ladies and children coordinator Sanjana Jeevan, was widely appreciated by the audience in auditorium and across social media platforms. Cultural secretary of the association Susheela Sunil graced the vote of Thanks for the event.