Bahrain: World Kannada Convention Draws to a Spectacular End
Report: Ronald D F D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain
Bahrain, Oct 3: The 8th World Kannada Culture Convention 2011 Bahrain hosted at Al Raja School Auditorium by Kannada Sangha Bahrain and Hrudhayavahini Mangalore on September 29 and 30 recreated the splendour of Kannada culture.
The two-day art and culture extravaganza kicked off at Al Raja School with the arrival of Indian Ambassador Mohan Kumar and other dignitaries accompanied with Poorna Kumba and Dollu Kunitha Dance Indian School band which played lovely music during the opening ceremony.
Dr Dodrange Gowda, convention president, addressing more than 1000 Kannadigas in Bahrain and more 100 other leading personalities specially flown into Bahrain, outlined the perils of giving undue importance to English and other Indian Languages in general. The present generation neither has any patience nor passion for their mother tongue, he said.
Chairman of Kannada development authority Mukya Mantri Chandru made a similar plea to promote Kannada and its richness and glorious culture.
Ambassor Mohan Kumar praised Kannada Sangha for its cultural activities and said it was one of the best clubs in Bahrain.
Kannada film super star Puneet Rajkumar was star attraction of the event. He thrilled his fans by singing a few Kannada film songs. The younger Rajkumar recalled his last visit to Bahrain with his father, the late Dr Rajkumar in the early 1990s.
The two day cultural extravaganza showcased the rich and diverse features of Kannada art, culture, literature and other folk forms from different parts of Karnataka.
Rajkumar, Sangha president in his speech thanked all the dignitaries, Ambassador, deputy chairman of NRI forum in Karnataka Captain Ganesh Karnik and all the sponsors.
Cinestar Aparna compered programme for two days in pure Kannada style which was well-appreciated by the audience. Ramesh Ramachandran gave the vote of thanks.